Indicator (hidden wiring tester) is designed primarily to search for a voltage circuit. At the same time, it is able to detect various electromagnetic radiation. The strength of the perceived signal depends on the indicator model. Typically, the device is able to detect electromagnetic radiation up to 0.4 mW.
Another function of testers is to search for metal objects. At the same time, it is possible to detect them only at a certain distance from the device. Typically, this distance can be a maximum of 55 mm. In this regard, conventional metal detectors are more powerful. Checking the integrity of the network can be carried out with a resistance of not more than 50 ohms. Some models are available with the ability to determine the polarity in the wires. This can only be done with direct current.
Detector panel
On the front panel of the indicator there is an operating mode switch, as well as a regulator. It is designed to search for metal objects. Additionally, a button is installed on the side of the device to turn on the flashlight, which will help to work in a dark room. On the other side of the indicator there is a contact probe and a movable sensor, which is assembled. At the bottom of the device, next to the product label, there is a contact plate.
Checking the device and performing calibration
Checking the performance of the indicator is quite simple. The first step is to configure the device switch. As a rule, it is capable of occupying three positions. In this case, it must be set in the middle. The second step is to adjust the probe. To do this, use the contact plate, which is located at the bottom of the indicator. Next, the probe is placed at an angle of exactly 90 degrees. Only then can the contact electrode on the side panel of the device be pressed. If the wiring tester is working properly and there is voltage from the batteries, the indication will go on immediately. Additionally, in many models, an intermittent signal sounds.
To calibrate the indicator, the switch is set to the first position. After that, the plate is moved away, and the probe is set at an angle of 180 degrees. Next, set the sensitivity control. For this purpose, the wheel must be turned up to the very end. After that, the display system is activated in the device. To calibrate, start turning the wheel in the opposite direction and wait until the light goes out. In this case, the sound signal will have to stop.
In the end, you need to leave the regulatorsensitivity and take any metal wire. The hidden wiring indicator must be brought to it at a distance of at least 30 mm. If the LED lights up again, the device has been successfully calibrated.
Using the indicator
How to check the wiring in the apartment? To search for an alternating current circuit, the first mode on the device is used. You can set it using the switch on the side panel of the device. In this case, the movable sensor must be in the assembled state. The exact location of the circuit should be determined from the outlet. During operation, it is important to keep the front of the tester against the wall.
If you rotate the device, you need to change the sensitivity settings. This can be done using a special regulator. To search for electromagnetic radiation in the circuit, the second mode is used. In this case, the movable probe must also remain assembled behind the plate. First of all, the signal is checked at the outlet. Further, the device should be moved away from it and monitor the indicator readings. If there is no sound signal during operation, then there is no circuit in this place. Additionally, it is important to consider that the device will show a signal with a power of no more than 0.4 mW.
How the device works
When the cable tester is in close proximity to the wiring, the resistor is triggered. It is connected in a device with a static electricity chip. To transmit a signal to the unit, there is a special antenna, which is presented in the form of a copper wire. Ultimately, the signal reaches the emitter. In some modelsan additional sound indication is installed. In this case, the resistance of the resistor is perceived only up to 50 ohms. The coils in the device are charged by the battery.
Indicator "Bosch 120"
Hidden wiring in the wall with this indicator is detected very quickly. The detection depth is 30 mm. The microcircuit in this model is installed of the "DD1" class, and the LED is of the "H1" type. In total, the device has three channel transistors. In general, the current transfer ratio is quite high.
The obvious disadvantage of the indicator is excessive sensitivity. At the same time, it is sometimes very difficult to adjust the regulator. Inverter type power supply. In general, the model turned out to be compact and convenient and well suited for wiring repairs. The standard set of the device includes one 9 V battery, two markers, and a protective case. The Bosch 120 model costs 5,000 rubles on the market
Proximity indicator "Fluk LVD2"
Hidden wiring with this American-made indicator is detected quickly. The design of the device has a pencil type. A distinctive feature of this model is a powerful flashlight. The induction in the device is provided double, the level of safety is quite high. At the same time, the performance of the device as a whole is high. The voltage is recognized by the device in the range from 100 to 500 V.
Open wiring can be checked for current. It is allowed to use the indicator at sub-zero temperatures. In standardAAA batteries are included with the device. The microcircuit in this model is of class "DD1" with a non-contact probe. In this case, the LEDs are installed in the "P1" series. In total, there are three inverters with an amplifier in the case. Additionally, high-quality transistors should be noted. The length of the antenna in the device is 20 mm. The Fluke LVD2 tester will cost the buyer 6,000 rubles.
Model "Testboy Ice"
This model is easy to use and durable. At the same time, searching for wiring in the wall will not take much time. The indication in this device is visual, and the selection of the measurement range occurs in automatic mode. The control probe adapter is installed quite high quality. It is made entirely of copper and has a thickness of 4 mm.
The protection class in this model is "IP65", and the device is turned off automatically. The work area is illuminated with a white LED. Extra-low voltage is easily detected by the display system, and this is undoubtedly an advantage. In addition to light and sound signals, the device can be set to vibrate during operation. "Testboy Ice" testing is quite simple and single pole phase testing is possible.
Indication from the tester is able to work even at a voltage of 100 V. Transistors in this model are installed bipolar type. There is practically no risk of a short circuit in the device. Additionally, very high quality capacitors in the indicator should be noted. They are made entirely of aluminum and have a goodconductivity. The indicator for detecting hidden wiring "Testboy Ice" costs about 4000 rubles on the market
Parameters of the "Testboy Profi" indicator
There is no visual indication in this model. The voltage indicator in the device has a two-pole. At the same time, it is equipped with a convenient scoreboard with symbols. It also has a light indicator. The case in this model is completely made of plastic. At the same time, it is not afraid of dust and moisture. The indicator can be operated on a full battery charge for quite a long time. Checking the RCD is carried out using only two buttons. The protection class in the tester is "IP65".
The dimensions of the above device are as follows: height - 280 mm, width - 75 mm, and thickness is 20 mm. In general, the Testboy Profi model turned out to be compact and weighs very little. The power range is selected automatically. Open wiring can be checked for current. Sensitivity is adjusted using the regulator. This model has an LED bulb. The end adapter is installed with a thickness of 4 mm, and if necessary, it can be easily unscrewed. At least the device will see a voltage in the circuit of 35 V. In this case, the user will hear a characteristic sound signal. The price of the "Testboy Profi" model fluctuates around 5500 rubles.
What is the difference between the Testboy Plus indicator?
This device belongs to the class of two-pole. A distinctive feature of this model are good indicators and a clear scoreboard. Among other things, we can highlight the excellent quality of the device as a whole. Case "Testboy Plus" is made of plastic. Additionally, it has a rubber finish.
The tester detects DC and AC voltage in the range from 10 to 400 V. At the same time, it is possible to search for a phase in a protective conductor. In total, the manufacturer provides eight LEDs in the model. The dimensions of the hidden wiring indicator are as follows: height - 120 mm, width - 65 mm, and thickness - 25 mm. In general, the shape turned out to be quite interesting, and the tester is held firmly in the hand and does not slip. It costs about 3,300 rubles on the market.
Overview of the Wall Pro detector
Hidden wiring in the wall with the help of "Voll Pro" is revealed quickly. This indicator has a display, and with its help you can observe all the parameters. For ease of use, the device is equipped with a special toggle switch. With it, you can easily select operating modes. In addition to wiring in the wall, you can find various plastic and wooden objects. The energized network will be visible at a depth of no more than 35 mm. There is a bright light beam while working on the scanned area.
It is possible to make the identification of the center of the structure in the wall. At the same time, most other models are able to show only the border of the object. When a wire is detected, a clear beep sounds to the user. The protection system in this device is IP5 class. At the same time, he is absolutely not afraid of dust. It is not recommended to use Woll Pro on a wet surface. The height of this model is 189mm,80mm wide and 30mm thick. On a fully charged battery, the indicator can continuously work for five hours. In general, the manufacturer's model turned out to be successful, and is well suited for wiring repairs. The price for Wall Pro varies around 4500 rubles.
Wall Control indicator model
This model is capable of detecting wiring at a depth of up to 30 mm. The light beam is quite bright. In total, the model has two modes. Protection class - type "IP5", and at the same time the device is not afraid of dust and moisture. On a fully charged battery, the device will operate for approximately eight hours.
Features include good transistors and powerful capacitors. The length of this model is 170 mm, the width is 75 mm, and the thickness is 48 mm. In general, it turned out to be convenient and practical. The display in the device is backlit, and it is quite comfortable to use it in an unlit room. It should also be noted a good rubberized case. As a result, the device is securely held in the hand and does not slip thanks to the pads. Among domestic brands, one can definitely dwell on this model. Wol Control costs about 2200 rubles in the store
Review of the device "Stanley Pro 20"
This hidden wiring indicator is equipped with a fairly large liquid crystal display. A distinctive feature of this model is the rapid detection of the cable. Due to powerful transistors, the voltage in the network is shown in a matter of seconds. MoreIt should be noted the laser emitter of the device. It is built into a special removable block. Directly the beam can be formed at almost any angle, which is very convenient for the user. The body of the device is made of ABS plastic. Its distinguishing feature is increased strength.
Thus, the indicator is not afraid of mechanical damage and can last for many years. It can find "Stanley Pro 20" metal objects that are not energized. Additionally, you can search for wooden objects in the wall. The laser beam is very bright, so the markup is quite accurate. In this case, it is possible to do its alignment. Batteries are included in the standard set of the indicator. In general, they are of high quality and are able to last for a long time thanks to the auto-off function. Continuous conductor detection mode available.
Among other things, it should be noted a powerful sound signal, which, if necessary, can be turned off. The search for copper wiring can be carried out at a depth of more than 25 mm. There are special platforms on the body for fixing the device on the working surface. This unit is on the market in the region of 5500 rubles.
Voltage detector ADA ZC 1000
This hidden wiring indicator belongs to cheap non-contact type detectors. A distinctive feature of this model is the LED that glows in red. At the same time, there is no sound indication in ADA ZC 1000. The device can be used at temperatures from -10 to +40 degrees.
Maximumthe device is able to detect wiring with a voltage of 200 V. In this case, the average frequency should be at the level of 55 Hz. Surface humidity should be no more than 90%. As a result, this Chinese-made indicator is able to boast of its simplicity and low cost. ADA ZC 1000 will cost the buyer about 1000 rubles.
Review of the tester "Defort DMM-20"
The tester "Defort DMM-20" stands out for its compactness. There are no protruding parts on the case. At the same time, electrical wiring in the wall is detected very quickly. In general, this device is easy to use, and there is only one mode. With it, you can determine the voltage of the network at a shallow depth.
There are two LED indicators in this device. The first light comes on when the network is more than 20 mm away. In this case, the second indicator will work only in close proximity to the wiring. Sound alarm is installed in this model. The instrument is 200 mm long, 80 mm wide and 35 mm thick. The cable tester "Defort DMM-200" weighs 18 kg, and it will cost the buyer 1100 rubles.