Rating of the best detectors of hidden wiring, plastic pipes and metal for 2024

Construction, repair, home improvement is one of the priority activities of a modern person. Well, when it comes to cosmetic repairs or simple rearrangements. But such a trifle as drilling a wall can bring many problems if simple safety standards are not followed.
The reason lies in hidden wiring, pipes, fittings, laid in brick and panel arrays, under floor coverings.

How to identify the place where the electrical wire is located. The accidental drilling method is not suitable because a short circuit or powerful electric shock may result.

A special device - the detector not only detects electrical wiring and other inclusions in wall panels, but also determines the location of the break in the telephone, Internet cable.

How the detector works

A special scanner generates signals. Radiation penetrates into the investigated medium, then there is a return reflected signal, which has either original vibrations or changed, in accordance with the composition of the underlying object.
The device moves in the plane in four possible directions, which makes it possible to determine the length, density, and possible breakage of the built-in system.

To obtain the result, sound and color indicators are used, the display gives detailed parameters.
The modern consumer is offered mainly devices made in digital format.

What are the search devices for hidden objects

All modern devices designed to assist in the implementation of construction work can be divided into three types:

1. detectors of hidden wiring;
2. route finding devices;
3. identifiers of electromagnetic fields.

Search instrument models are distinguished by several parameters.

Indication

When wires and structures are identified, notifications are made in various ways.

• Light indication

The system operates on LEDs. For materials of different compositions, certain color indicators are triggered.

• Sound alert

The period of duration of the sound signal and a certain tonality informs about the characteristics of the internal object.

The liquid crystal display gives the most complete information about the internal structure.
Some models have all types of indication, such devices are expensive.

How to choose the right detection detector: selection criteria

There is a wide range of domestic and foreign devices, with features and an individual range of functionality.

The quality and usability depend on the basic parameters of the technical device.

Detection depth

The technical data sheets of the devices indicate the maximum scanning depth for various types of material. In the case of active voltage in the wires to be detected, the standard is at the 5 cm mark.

Accuracy

The classic error is measured in the size of 5 mm, a non-professional meter can give an error of up to 10 mm.

The more expensive the device, the more accurate the depth of occurrence and the characteristics of the breaks it is able to determine.
Manufacturers do not guarantee the final result in full, since it is difficult for a layman to take into account many related factors when measuring.

The main risk factors for reduced accuracy are:

• induced electric, magnetic fields of high values;
• many included in the array of transactions;
• material and composition of the wall, its moisture resistance, conductivity;
• the presence of metal hooks, loops and other items in the array.

Experts recommend insuring yourself during work by additional familiarization with the design and construction documentation.

Internal object material

A good device can distinguish between a number of identified materials:

• wiring;
• non-ferrous metals;
• black metals;
• fittings;
• plastic pipes;
• wooden structures.

Autocalibration

The device independently grades the materials of both the occurrence and the studied massif.

Disabling "Automatic"

The detectors are characterized by high power consumption, therefore, it is important to turn off the device at a given period of inactive phase, which saves batteries.

Backlight

The use of detection scanners involves their operation in darkened rooms, in areas with no power supply, which determines the high value of having a backlight for convenient and accurate work.

Price

The budget option for a price does not go beyond the boundaries of 1,500 rubles.
The average price level is from 2,000 to 6,000 rubles.
All scanners from 7000 and up come with specifications suitable for professional use.

Where to buy a detector

There are options for purchasing equipment on order from specialized online stores, from AliExpress and, directly, in shopping centers of the city. It is not difficult to place an online order with a choice of payment options and delivery methods.

Selection errors

What to look for when choosing a detector.

Electromagnetic device

The most inexpensive type of cable finder for locating a live cable. The peculiarity of such a device is that it will react to the wiring only if it is under load. By turning on, for example, a multicooker, which does not belong to low-power devices, you can get a positive detection result. Connecting a consumer with a weak impulse to the network will not allow the electromagnetic detector to be triggered.

In new buildings, empty buildings, premises subject to redevelopment, such devices are unacceptable for operation.

Repair and replacement

You should not count on the possibility of eliminating the malfunction that has arisen by repairing or replacing the device under warranty. In such cases, the manufacturer stipulates the purchase of a new detector in advance.

Rating of high-quality detectors of hidden wiring, pipes and metal structures

Bosch GMS 120 Professional

The detector from the world-renowned German manufacturer, which occupies a leading position in the production of high-quality electrical equipment, has a wide functionality.

The detector detects wiring, wooden internal structures, metal, including colored wire systems.

Bosch GMS 120 Professional
Weight, gram	270
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous work, hour	5
Protection, class	P54
Non-ferrous metals, detection spectrum, cm	8
Ferrous metals, detection spectrum, cm	12
Wiring, detection, penetration, cm	5
Wooden structures. Detection. Penetration rate, cm	3,8
Battery type	Crown

• in the absence of detection of built-in structures, a green LED indication is triggered;
• red indication informs about the presence of internal structures;
• the possibility of using various modes to clarify the coordinates of objects - metal, plasterboard, cable conductor;
• the presence of a hole through which the marking is drawn to mark the drilling point;
• Convenient cover and mounted hand loop;
• with an acoustic warning signal of object detection, with the ability to turn off;
• with high precision;
• Ease of controls.

• developed in Germany, manufactured in Malaysia.

Bosch PMD 7

A device with high sensitivity and accuracy for detecting fittings.

Bosch PMD 7
Weight, gram	150
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous work, hour	5
Indication	sound
Non-ferrous metals, search range, mm	60
Ferrous metals, depth of search, mm	70
Wiring, deepening when searching, mm	50
Battery type / quantity	AAA / 3

• low probability of device errors;
• work on wooden devices is permissible;
• works in an atmosphere with high humidity;
• threshold frequency level 95 Hz;
• compactness;
• the presence of a fuse in 9A.

• high energy consumption reduces battery life to 2 hours;
• lower temperature limit -15 ° С.

Bosch D-Tect 150 SV

An electronic measuring detector detects hidden structures in building blocks of varying complexity at a professional level with the exception of errors.

Bosch D-Tect 150 SV
Indication	sound
Weight, gram	650
Object depth parameters	+
Wooden stand, detection, depth, cm	4
Wiring, identification, depth, cm	6
Ferrous metals, identification, depth, cm	15
Plastic, revealing, depth, mm	80
Type of food, quantity	AA / 4

• scanning depth - more than 15 cm;
• high-precision scanner;
• the presence in the development of special functions for detecting panel heating, wet concrete, plasterboard materials;
• the radar signal viewing function allows, excluding pre-scanning, to detect, for example, a reinforced mesh;
• display in a centimeter scale the exact location of the object;
• flawlessly determines the location of heating pipes both in the sienna and in the floor;
• a special alarm mode will promptly notify the detection of an object;
• when creating the device, a progressive method of radar scanning was used;
• the uniqueness of the scanner in its broadband and high-precision definition of the embedded object.

• high price.

Laserliner MultiFinder Plus 080.965 A

Universal scanner for home and professional use.

Laserliner MultiFinder Plus
Weight, gram	230
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous work, hour	5
Indication	sound
Non-ferrous metals, search deepening, cm	5
Ferrous metals, depth of detection, cm	10
Wiring, search deepening, depth, cm	4
Timber structures, search with valid scan, see	4
Battery type	crown

• liquid crystal screen;
• switching modes with one key;
• availability of automatic power off;
• activation of light and sound indication;
• long warranty period of 4 years.

• with prolonged work there is a danger of discharge of the only battery.

ADA instruments Wall Scanner

The popular and compact scanner is characterized by quality performance and ease of use.

ADA instruments Wall Scanner
Weight, gram	240
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous work, hour	6
Indication	sound, color
Non-ferrous metals, deepening of the search, see	8
Ferrous metals, deepening of search, see	10
Wiring, search, depth, cm	5
Wooden structures, search, sensitivity range, cm	2
Battery type	Crown

• two types of indication;
• acceptable price;
• long duration of work in continuous mode up to 5 hours;
• convenient location of the control keys;
• the robust body is equipped with protector pads, which makes the device invulnerable when dropped or hit.

• users notice a fuzzy definition of a wire break.

Stayer master topelectro

Stayer brand - The company, which is stylized as Germany, but produces a mass share of the goods in China, offers the buyer a wide range of hand tools, measuring instruments, protective equipment for safe construction work, as well as all kinds of devices from burning to glue guns.

The manufacturer positions the scanner as a multifunctional metal detector capable of:

1. discover metal structures hidden in walls and floors;
2. identify the location of the live wire.

Stayer master topelectro
Weight, gram	90
Indication	sound
DC source, polarity, detection range, V	6-36
Circuit integrity, definition, range, mΩ	0-50
Wiring, search, depth, mm	50
Food type	LR 44X4

• suitable for testing electrical appliances;
• the function of adjusting the sensitivity level is available;
• the presence of light, sound indication;
• operational reliability;
• belongs to the budget class of devices;
• the body is made of plastic and has dielectric properties;
• the comfort of carrying and storage is provided by a clip;
• small dimensions 140 * 30 * 20 mm;
• good search accuracy.

• only sound indication;
• without detection of wooden structures and non-ferrous metal objects;
• there is no indication of the exact parameters for the depth of the location of the found object.

Mastech MS 6906

The Three-in-One scanner is capable of detecting metal pipes, metal and wood structures, and live electrical wiring.

Mastech MS 6906
Weight, gram	150
Indication	sound
Disconnection	machine
DC source, polarity, detection range, V	6-36
Wooden rack, depth of search, cm	3
Wiring, sensitivity thickness, cm	7.5
Ferrous metals, sensitivity range, cm	5
Food type	Crown

• the presence of a display;
• the device is equipped with a backlight;
• batteries are included;
• determination of the depth parameters of the object lying in the array;
• exact search for edges of wood and metal posts;
• detection of single-phase and three-phase AC voltage wiring;
• guarantee of determination of the laying of metal pipes.

• does not detect moisture-saturated wooden structures;
• does not signal the presence of combined materials in the array.

Bison Master DX 350

The detector from a domestic manufacturer belongs to the budget class, equipped with automatic calibration of surface types.

Bison Master DX 350
Indication	sound
Object depth parameters	+
Wooden stand, search thickness, cm	1.9
Wiring, detection range, cm	5
Ferrous metals, scanning range, cm	3.8
Food type	Crown

• the presence of sound indication;
• has an ergonomic structure;
• data on voltage in the cable during the search mode is displayed on the display screen in percentage terms;
• indicators have several colors;
• convenience and ease of use.

• users note the low audibility of the warning signal;
• the viewing angle on the display is small.

Conclusion

The use of detectors for detecting embedded objects in the first design stage guarantees cost savings by eliminating erroneous actions and damage from eliminating the consequences of technical miscalculations. In addition to the economic component, scanners will save the builders' nerves and, most precious, time.