10 best wiring detectors

Concealed wiring or metal scanners are specialized devices. They think about purchasing them when there is a need to make repairs, move sockets, fix hinged furniture, equipment. The choice of a wiring detector is not easy, manufacturers often promise much more than the device actually can. In order not to miscalculate and take a really good scanner, check out the rating of the best detectors for detecting hidden wiring and metal structures, which was prepared by our editorial staff. The TOP includes devices of various price categories, which are different from each other in characteristics, functions and purpose.

How to choose a hidden wiring detector

Before making a purchase and replenishing a set of tools, it is worthwhile to delve deeper into the criteria for choosing a good detector:

• Device type... In a broad sense, all types of detectors can be divided into two large groups: testers and pinpointers. The former are designed to detect live cables only, as well as to search for ferrous metal. The latter have great capabilities and in addition to recognizing the type of metal black / colored, they perfectly find wooden and plastic elements hidden under concrete, brick, tiles.
• Scan depth... The indicator differs depending on the class and type of device. Testers rarely "hit" more than 3-4 cm, pinpointers are capable of more - determine the wiring at a depth of 10 cm and indicate the exact distance to it.
• Detection spectrum... The choice is determined by the tasks that users face. Depending on the model, the scanner looks for network wires, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, wooden structures.
• Accuracy... The error is inherent in many modifications, but when carrying out precise work, it is important to find the location of the desired element without errors, especially when it comes to pipes and electrical wiring.
• Functionality and information content... It is convenient when the device is equipped with additional features, and the maximum data is displayed on the display - depth, distance to the desired element, its type.

TOP 10 best wiring detectors

Choosing the best detector modification is a choice of accuracy and reliability. Devices of this class have no room for error, because it can cost the user dearly. TOP-10 includes devices of different classes, and will help you choose a model suitable for everyone, depending on the upcoming work. Our experts took into account real customer reviews, technical parameters and the specifics of using devices in a particular area of ​​repair.

Ease of use has become equally important. There are versions of scanners on the market that are more difficult to use than a drilled pipe. Such products have a right to exist, but did not make it to the list of the best.

1. Mastech MS6818

The ergonomic and compact device is able not only to detect hidden wiring in walls, but also to find sewer pipes in the ground at a depth of up to 2 m, sockets and junction boxes covered with plaster. As noted by users, the main advantage of the detector is the accuracy of finding wires and even breaks. Moreover, the device is able not only to determine the type of material and the depth of its occurrence, but also its dimensions.

However, many functions entailed difficulties in mastering the device, therefore it is recommended to carefully read the instructions in order to explore all the possibilities. From numerous positive reviews it follows that this detector is one of the leaders in this price category. The multitasking and flawlessly accurate MS6818 locator is significantly more expensive than competitors, but superior in quality and capabilities.

Advantages:

• multifunctionality;
• convenient informative display;
• high build quality;
• search with millimeter precision.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

2. Bosch GMS 120 Professional

The "Boshevsky" device GMS 120 Professional is not just a wiring detector, but a real multitasking multitool that combines several devices. It can indicate the presence of wood or metal in the wall, determine the depth of wires up to 5 cm, plastic pipes. There is also a metal detector function that allows you to recognize the type of metal - non-ferrous or black. The detector control and transitions between modes are carried out using six buttons, and the received data is displayed on the LCD monitor. Additionally, for more informational content, the tool is equipped with sound and light signals, a hole for marking.

In addition to functionality, the manufacturer paid great attention to the quality of manufacture and reliability of the equipment. The body of the device is made of impact-resistant plastic with rubber inserts, the battery compartment is rubberized along the contour, which will not allow moisture to penetrate even if it falls into water.

Advantages:

• good sensitivity when searching for magnetic and non-magnetic metal elements;
• convenient marking;
• reliability and practicality;
• intuitive control;
• manual shutdown of the sound signal.

Disadvantages:

• no depth indicator;
• too simple and flimsy case included.

3. ADA instruments Wall Scanner 80

The products of the ADA brand have won the respect of users for their reasonable cost and excellent quality, which is not inferior to European-made devices. The good and inexpensive Wall Scanner 80 is extremely user-friendly. Its compact size allows scanning in narrow, confined spaces. The scanner finds with high accuracy magnetic and non-magnetic metals, wood. Unfortunately, the device cannot distinguish between the exact type of metal, but such functions are rarely required in everyday life.

The detector is extremely simple and easy to use, it works equally well on any surface - plaster and decorative finish, tile and porcelain stoneware, wall paneling, PVC panels. The wide display shows the depth of the desired material, upon detection of which the scanner emits sound and light signals. There is a backlight and automatic calibration. According to customer reviews, the pipe and wiring detector is more accurate and cheaper than professional counterparts. However, it has its drawbacks - the device is quite sensitive, and when searching for deep-seated materials, they have to move along the plane two or three times.

Advantages:

• highly accurate when searching for metal and wood;
• informative display;
• good equipment;
• very affordable price.

Disadvantages:

• overly sensitive when detecting wiring;
• does not distinguish between non-ferrous / ferrous metals.

4. Bosch Truvo

The detector model from the German manufacturer differs from analogs by its elementary ease of use and the absence of unnecessary functions. When scanning, the device signals the approach to metal or wiring with a soft sound signal and a red backlit indicator light.

Reviews of the masters speak of the effectiveness of the device - it is accurate and fully corresponds to the declared technical parameters: detection of ferrous metal at a depth of 8 cm, non-ferrous metal - up to 6 cm, cables - up to 5 cm.However, the device is designed to search for household wiring with alternating voltage up to 240 IN.

Despite the ease of use, you need to get used to Truvo and study the instructions before use.The detector initially detects metals, and secondarily, electrical wires. This creates some difficulty when the wiring is protected by metal pipes. However, the scanner shows corrugated wires, fittings, profiles with minimal errors. Another plus is that it is powered by finger batteries as opposed to the crown, from three AAA cells the device works up to 5 hours.

Advantages:

• manual and automatic calibration;
• shockproof housing;
• light weight and compactness;
• combination of price and opportunity;
• acceptable accuracy and sensitivity;
• extremely easy to learn and use.

disadvantages:

• does not inform about the exact depth of occurrence;
• complex search for elements protected by metal.

5. Mastech MS6906

The 3-in-1 model works as a metal detector, live wire scanner, and also finds metal profiles, nails, screws or wooden beams. Its search depth parameters are slightly less than those of analogues, but fully correspond to those stated.

The detector is quite cheap, but it copes with its tasks with a minimum error, +/- no more than 3-3.5 cm. MS6906 is indispensable for repairs, useful in carpentry when working with old wood, where fasteners or their remains may be. Reviews fully confirm the accuracy, durability and quality. However, some experts note the low efficiency of the device when scanning gypsum boards.

Advantages:

• minimum error for a household model;
• effective in finding all declared materials;
• ergonomics;
• visual indication;
• works fully automatically;
• ease of use;
• affordable.

Disadvantages:

• inaccuracy when scanning gypsum slabs.

6. Bosch UniversalDetect

New for 2020 from Bosch, the UniversalDetect touchscreen wiring detector features a unique new design with a narrow, double handle. There is a notch hole at the top, which is more convenient than the regular grooves around the edges of the case.

High functionality - search for non-ferrous and ferrous metals, wood, electrical wires. Moreover, a modern device allows you to combine the search for two types of materials at once and displays the scan results on an informative display. Also, a user manual with step-by-step descriptions is built into the memory - it will always be at hand if you have any questions during operation.

In terms of characteristics, the detector surpassed the capabilities of competitors: metal detection at a depth of 10 cm, wiring - up to 5 cm. Powered by four AA batteries that are included in the kit. Of the minuses - only the relatively high cost, which is fully justified by the outstanding performance and chiseled ergonomics.

Advantages:

• touchscreen;
• modern design;
• the presence of sound indication;
• gorgeous functionality;
• the presence of a marker;
• search and recognition of two types of materials at the same time.

Disadvantages:

• only the price.

7. ELITECH D 80

The Elitech detector is very similar to that of ADA Instrument, but with more outstanding performance. According to reviews, the device perfectly finds metal and wiring at a depth of 10 cm, as well as wooden beams, wires, including corrugated ones, accurately determines the location of the profiles under the drywall. From the analysis of reviews, the error rarely exceeds 5 mm, however, for maximum accuracy, the masters recommend scanning one area several times.

Verdict - the device easily detects the presence of hidden elements, is functional and requires only a battery and preliminary calibration for use. The detector is also distinguished by an affordable, even budgetary cost. The case is compact, very ergonomic. Of the minuses, it is difficult to explore walls where a metal reinforcing mesh is used. On the constructive side, there are practically no complaints.

Advantages:

• an excellent option for working with warm floors;
• auto power off in standby mode;
• easy to use;
• low error - up to 1 cm.

disadvantages:

• dim display;
• inconvenient to apply markings.

8. BISON Master DX-350 45265

Sometimes it becomes necessary to purchase a good, really working device for finding hidden wiring, keeping within the minimum budget. In this case, the best choice is the Master DX-350 from the domestic ZUBR brand.

Hidden in a compact dielectric housing is a reliable, well-assembled detector that detects wiring, metal and utility pipes. The scanning depth of the BISON is slightly less than that of similar models from Bosch or ADA, up to 5 cm, and it does not detect color. At the same time, it has auto-calibration, a small informative display, and emits a soft sound signal upon detection.

As experienced craftsmen claim, the DX-350 is fairly accurate. It is perfect for solving everyday tasks and performs well in professional conditions if the highest accuracy is not required.

Advantages:

• suitable for professional use;
• LCD display;
• automatic calibration;
• multi-colored indication.

Disadvantages:

• small viewing angle;
• weak sound signal volume.

9. STANLEY S100 STHT0-77403

Another model from the category of "very cheap, but high quality" - S100. A simple and high quality detector designed for home use. The developers have reduced the cost of the device, abandoning additional functionality, shockproof housing, sensitivity adjustment. The result is a reliable scanner that will find wiring, metal structures, fittings, wood at a depth of no more than 51 mm.

Efficiency affected the accuracy, in practice the device shows an error. However, this is also inherent in more expensive modifications of many brands. The design is as simple as possible, but the manufacturer has provided a recess for marking, in places of coverage - rubber pads. Stanley's “Home Craftsman” was included in the review because it became the best in its class, it is an ideal purchase option for a small amount of work.

Advantages:

• acceptable detection depth;
• low price.
• light and sound indication;

Disadvantages:

• mediocre ergonomics.

10. STAYER Master Topelectro

The Stayer device may seem like a toy, but real user reviews suggest otherwise. In the rating of the best detectors, this is the cheapest model, while the device helps to find wiring (up to 20 mm deep) or metal (up to 40 mm) in a concrete or brick base. The maximum declared scanning depth is slightly higher than it turns out in practice, but the error is insignificant.

A magnet serves as a scanning element here, which is useful when the location of the desired materials is not even approximately known. Topelectro is incredibly accurate for the class of testers, it is able not only to detect hidden elements, but also to determine the polarity in the range from 6 to 36 V. Also, the detector can distinguish between non-ferrous and ferrous metals, when the latter is detected, it emits a characteristic sound - the user will not confuse the electrical wiring with a regular nail or self-tapping screw. The compact and lightweight device fits in the pocket of a jacket or bag and perfectly complements the DIY tool kit.

Advantages:

• the best technical parameters in its price category;
• determination of polarity;
• the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal;
• large scan area.

Disadvantages:

• ergonomics is missing.

Which wiring detector is better to buy

In everyday life or during repair work, users face different tasks. Sometimes it is only necessary to determine the direction of the electrical wiring, in other cases it is important to precisely find both the place and the depth of the wire, pipe or wood. Therefore, before purchasing, it is necessary to establish which functions and capabilities may be required and which are secondary.

Based on the specifics of the work and our rating of the best models of detectors for finding hidden wiring, pipes, wood, non-ferrous or ferrous metal, it will become easier to make a choice. When a universal detector is required, a mid-range pinpointer is an excellent solution.He will be able to find cables even without tension, as well as determine the type of metal structures. Moreover, the cost of such a device can easily be met in 2000 - ... If you need accurate measurements, for example, when servicing large buildings, it is better to pay attention to professional devices with great functionality.