Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Mastech MS8902B | Best quality |
2 | Zubr Master 59710 | Simple control |
3 | STAYER Master Top Electro | Deep scan |
4 | ADA Wall Scanner 50 | Most popular portable scanner |
5 | Sparta 938225 | Best price |
1 | Bosch GMS 120 Professional | The best choice |
2 | Mastech MS6818 | Maximum information content |
3 | Multi Stud Finder | A simple device without unnecessary options |
4 | Elitech D 80 | The best ratio of price and quality |
5 | Zubr Master 45265 | The simplest indication |
1 | Bosch GMS 120 Professional | The most reliable tool |
2 | KRAFTOOL GMS 120 | Best scan depth |
3 | Resanta DM-2 61/10/521 | High autonomy |
4 | Elitech D 100 | Color display |
5 | Zubr Professional DX-750 | Impact-resistant housing |
A hidden wire detector is a tool that can find wires and other elements in the wall. There are two types of detectors: tester, that is, responsive to the presence of a phase in the network at a distance, and pinpointers, that is, metal detectors that determine the presence of wires, regardless of whether there is voltage on them or not.
Detectors from the second category are, in fact, metal detectors, but with a limited range. They show the location of metal elements, and are also able to determine their type. Some tools can also detect wood. Unlike full-fledged metal detectors, detectors have a small search depth. Most often, it is limited to five centimeters, but they are able to determine the location of the wire with an accuracy of up to a centimeter.
Tester indicators have the same characteristics as conventional indicators, with the only difference being that they find their phase at depth. They cannot determine the location of the wire with accuracy, but they are much cheaper than pinpointers. Also, testers do not distinguish between the type of metal, and if voltage is not applied to the wire, then it will not be detected at all. When choosing a wire detector, you should pay attention first of all to the search depth and positioning accuracy. But often manufacturers overestimate this parameter. To find the really best device at the most attractive price, you need to carefully study our rating, which included 15 of the most interesting options.
The best hidden wire tester detectors
Tester detectors determine the hidden wiring in the wall by the presence of a current phase in it. If the wire goes to ground, the indicator will not detect it, as in the case of no current. This tool is used more often not to search for wires in the wall, but to determine the location of wiring damage. If the current starts to be lost, the signal of the tool will become weaker and completely disappears in the absence of a phase. Thanks to this device, you do not have to completely pull the wiring out of the wall in search of a fault.
5 Sparta 938225
Country: China
Average price: 630 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
A hidden wiring detector can be useful not only for a professional electrician, but also for an ordinary home master. In this case, there is no need to buy an expensive, sophisticated device with many functions. Spend serious money on it and then use it every few years. Quite enough is such a simple tool, which costs a little more than 500 rubles.
This is a pinpointer capable of searching not only phase, but also ferrous metals in the wall. True, it is impossible to set up ignoring some objects, and the determination of what the instrument reacts to occurs by a light signal. Yes, this is not the best choice in terms of convenience and functionality, and it is unlikely to suit the professional handyman, but it will be a great addition to the toolbox, and if one day you need to just drive in a nail and not damage the wiring, then the detector will do the job perfectly.
4 ADA Wall Scanner 50
Country: Hong Kong (made in China)
Average price: 990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
ADA is one of the most popular detectors on the market. It is famous for the high quality of its products and reasonable prices. For example, now we have a scanner that can search for live wiring, as well as ferrous and non-ferrous metals. That is, if you need to find a wire in the wall that is not supplied with current, this will not be a problem for the tool.
Judging by the reviews, the device is distinguished not only by high build quality, but also by very accurate positioning. The error of operation is minimal and there are no moments when the sting ignores something at a depth.The actuation depth is 50 millimeters, and yes, this is not the highest result in this segment, but it is quite acceptable, since in real conditions there are rarely places where higher values are needed. In general, the quality and the adequate price are perfectly combined here. A rare occurrence, which was the reason for getting into our rating.
3 STAYER Master Top Electro
Country: China
Average price: 850 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
It is unlikely that there is a tool in the world that this manufacturer does not produce. A popular Chinese brand also manufactures hidden wire detectors, and in some respects they are far ahead of their competitors. For example, the depth of the scan. Here it is five centimeters, and this is the best result among similar devices. A large magnet is used as a search element, which allows you to scan large areas at once, which is very convenient. Especially if you don’t even know the approximate location of the wiring.
Another advantage is the ability to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Unlike most testers, it reacts not only to the presence of a phase in the wire, but is also able to search for metals in the wall. Ferrous metals are detected by a different sound signal, and thanks to this feature, you will not confuse the wires with a regular nail or mortgage inside the wall. And most importantly - all this at the most attractive price. Less than 500 rubles for a full-fledged detector.
2 Zubr Master 59710
Country: Russia
Average price: 1 300 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
If you are not a professional electrician and searching for hidden wiring is a one-time action for you, then this device will be an excellent solution. It is very easy to learn.All the inscriptions here are in Russian, and there is only one switch that performs several options at the same time, including turning on the flashlight and changing the search function, which will ignore unnecessary modules found.
The detector works at a depth of up to 50 mm and can detect not only live wires, but also ferrous metals. That is, it is a full-fledged pinpointer, albeit with a limited search radius. The gadget is powered by a 9-volt Krona battery, and it comes with a kit, which is quite rare on the modern market. Separately, we note the form factor of the device. It is foldable and allows you to work in difficult places by changing the angle of the sting. It also protects it from accidental breakage while being carried or stored in a toolbox.
1 Mastech MS8902B
Country: Hong Kong (made in China)
Average price: RUB 1,015
Rating (2022): 4.9
Before us is the best hidden wiring detector, which is universal. It works in two modes, and is able not only to find wires in the wall, but also to determine the material from which they are made. This is a full-fledged detector that works both with and without current in the wires. The sensitivity of the device is five centimeters, which is a lot and is the highest among similar instruments. In the first mode, he simply finds the voltage, and in the second he determines the structure of the metal, indicating it with various sound signals, since he does not have a display. The intensity of the sound allows you to determine the exact location of the wire.
Reviews about this device are mostly positive, and they praise it both for positioning accuracy and reliability. The tool serves for a very long time, and is equipped with an automatic shutdown function for prolonged non-use.This allows you to significantly save the resource of AAA batteries.
The best hidden wire detectors with positioning
Not always, the wiring that needs to be found in the wall is energized. A tester indicator is not suitable in this case, and only a positioning tool can cope with the task, which not only finds metals in the wall, but distinguishes them from each other. With such a device, it is impossible to confuse a nail and a cable, moreover, they often have a tree search function, which is very convenient if you need to find a bar under the finish to hammer any fasteners into it. Such devices are more expensive than testers, but there are also quite budget models, however, with limited functionality.
5 Zubr Master 45265
Country: Russia
Average price: 2 500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
If you are not a professional electrician and you do not need a tool with the most informative functions, be sure to pay attention to the Zubr Master 45265. Its main feature is the most simple operation and intuitive display of information. No icons or symbols. Only one scale and arrow. The deviation of the arrow in any direction shows the type of the found object and the distance from it. Very simple and does not require special knowledge.
The device can search for live wiring, ferrous metals, as well as wooden structures, though at a depth of only 19 millimeters. An excellent helper for a home craftsman when you need to drive a nail or screw a screw into a wall and need to find a wooden base. Or not get into the wires. The gadget is powered by a Krona battery, but it is not included in the kit, you will have to buy it separately. For added convenience, a flashlight and the ability to ignore some objects are provided.
4 Elitech D 80
Country: Russia (made in China)
Average price: 2 700 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Very often, positioning detectors are very expensive, and not every master can afford such a tool. Now we have a relatively cheap, but at the same time high-quality and informative device capable of finding ferrous metals at a depth of up to 80 millimeters. It also reacts to the phase, and at 20 millimeters it also finds a tree. Measurement accuracy and an error of up to 1 centimeter, which is quite a lot for such a tool, but given the price segment, it no longer seems significant.
The display of the gadget is informative, with several blocks each of which displays its own information. Also, the device is able to determine the approach to the object inside the wall. You can receive a signal using a light indication or sound. There are no complicated settings. The tool is ready to work right out of the box, and literally, since the Krona battery is already included.
3 Multi Stud Finder
Country: China
Average price: 1 400 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Manufacturers of hidden wiring detectors often try to fill their tools with the maximum number of options, but in everyday life most of them remain unclaimed, and you still have to pay for wide functionality. If your task is simply to find the wiring in the wall and accurately determine the location of the occasion, then this device is exactly what you need.
There are no sensors that distinguish metals by type. The device works in two modes, it can search for ferrous metals, that is, steel, or non-ferrous, that is, copper and aluminum.By switching modes, you exclude unnecessary materials from the search, and find exactly what you need. At the same time, very precise positioning is here. The tool finds wiring with a minimum error of a couple of millimeters, and the search depth is three centimeters. Not the highest figure, but in everyday life this is usually quite enough, since the wiring rarely lies deeper.
2 Mastech MS6818
Country: Hong Kong (made in China)
Average price: 16 000 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
This device cannot be called a hidden wire detector, since this function is one of many here. The tool not only looks for various metals and wood in the wall, but also determines their size. With its help, for example, it is very convenient to find pipes. The device calculates the size of the structure and its depth, accurately determining whether it is a nail, pipe or wire.
All information is displayed on the display, which is the most informative. Everything you need is noted here, from the type of metal found, to its size and depth, as well as the presence of current in the wiring. Using this indicator, you can also look for cable damage points, and with an accuracy of a couple of millimeters. This is by far the best detector for professional use, hence the rather high price tag, which, given the characteristics of the device, is the norm. It hardly makes sense to purchase such a tool for home use, of course, if you are not planning a major overhaul on your own.
1 Bosch GMS 120 Professional
Country: Germany (made in Malaysia)
Average price: 6 500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
If the German company Bosch takes on the production of any tool, you can be one hundred percent sure that they will release the best product with the highest performance, and its only drawback will be the price. The hidden wiring detector is no exception, and it will take a very long time to list all its advantages. The device is able not only to find various materials in the wall, but also to distinguish them from each other. It determines exactly where the steel nail is and where the copper wire is, and in addition it also detects wooden structures, all at maximum depth.
The search for wood is carried out at a depth of up to 40 millimeters, and for metals as much as 80. This is the best indicator, and it is difficult to compete with it. Positioning accuracy is also highlighted. The wire in the wall is detected with an error of just a couple of millimeters, and a special hole is provided for marking on the case. It is under it that the wiring will be located, and voltage is not needed to search for it. In fact, this is a metal detector, but with a limited range and shallow depth. A great option for professional electricians and repairmen.
The Best Deep Scan Hidden Wire Detectors
The market for modern finishing materials is very diverse, and some of them can be very thick. As a result of such repairs, hidden wiring remains at a fairly great depth and not every device can find it. This section of the rating includes pinpointers with the deepest scanning. We took 100 millimeters as a basis, but some models have much more capabilities.These are the most sensitive and accurate instruments, and therefore their functionality is extended. All models can search for wiring, metals, both non-ferrous and ferrous, as well as wooden structures. That is why the price tags are often very high.
5 Zubr Professional DX-750
Country: Russia
Average price: 3 600 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
A hidden wiring detector is a tool that can be adversely affected. For example, it is easy to drop it, and many gadgets, when dropped even on a wooden surface, simply fail. But not the Bison, which is equipped with a shockproof and waterproof case. You can safely drop it even on concrete and nothing will happen to it. This is the most secure pinpointer that you can even fill with water. An excellent solution for craftsmen who often work with this tool.
Pleased with the technical parameters. The search for ferrous metals is carried out at a depth of 100 mm. The Bison can also detect wood and non-ferrous metals, but with less depth, which is quite normal and is the norm for this class of tools. As for the filling, this is an analogue of the popular model from Bosch, but with a higher level of security and a convenient case included. Great option for your money. Not the cheapest, but the best in terms of durability.
4 Elitech D 100
Country: Russia (made in China)
Average price: 4 600 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
Elitech D 100 is a fairly simple device, assembled by analogy with a popular brand. There are many such tools on the market, and they differ little from each other. But specifically in this case there is an interesting advantage - a color display. At first glance, it may seem that this is not so important.In fact, the indication on such a scoreboard is much more convenient and easier to perceive. You don't need to disable any blocks, they just don't interfere with each other.
Other parameters, however, are also quite attractive. Scanning depth of ferrous metals is 10 cm. Two centimeters less in the search for copper and aluminum. Also, the device is able to find a tree, but only at a depth not exceeding 20 mm. Consider the benefits and the ability to fine-tune. There are 6 buttons here. Each is responsible for its own options and can turn them off at any time. For example, if you do not care how deep the wiring lies in the wall, this option can be turned off and removed from the scoreboard.
3 Resanta DM-2 61/10/521
Country: Latvia
Average price: 3 350 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Almost all hidden wiring detectors are powered by 9 volt Kron batteries. The energy consumption of devices is high, so the issue of autonomy, that is, the duration of work on a single charge, is very relevant for many craftsmen. Now we have a gadget that can work for 6 hours on one module, and this is the highest result among all participants in the rating. He himself knows how to save energy, turning off at the time of downtime.
As for other parameters, they are also encouraging. The device finds ferrous metals at a depth of up to 10 cm, and copper and aluminum at 80 mm. It is also possible to search for wooden structures, but only by 20 mm. It may seem that this is not so much, but this value is standard for such devices and it is very difficult to find a more powerful indicator, at least in the section of detectors, and not full-fledged pinpointers. A separate advantage can be considered the determination of the depth of the found object.
2 KRAFTOOL GMS 120
Country: Germany
Average price: 4 600 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Since this section of the rating concerns detectors with the deepest scanning, this device simply could not miss it. He is able to find objects at 120 millimeters and this is the best result possible. It concerns the search for ferrous metals, while copper and aluminum are found at 80. This is slightly less, but also very impressive. But the phase is found only at a depth of 50 millimeters, which is the standard for such gadgets.
Another important advantage is positioning accuracy. The declared parameter is 3 millimeters, and the indication on the scoreboard is so well done that you can make a mark on the wall exactly in the place where the object was found. There are no complicated settings here, and the display is not overloaded with unnecessary information. Each block is in its place and does not distract attention. If desired, the indication of some objects can be turned off so that the device does not react to them.
1 Bosch GMS 120 Professional
Country: Germany
Average price: 6 700 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
If you are looking for the best hidden wire detector in terms of equipment, and the most reliable in terms of durability, then this is right in front of you. Yes, there is a rather high price tag, but it should not scare you away, since this is a professional tool with a scanning depth of up to 120 millimeters. True, this is a parameter for searching for ferrous metals, and phase detection occurs only at a distance of 50 millimeters. But these are honest parameters, not embellished by the manufacturer.
There are a lot of reviews about the product on the net and most of them are positive.The tool is praised for its high-quality assembly and reliability. However, this is not surprising for Bosch, the brand has always been famous for the high quality and durability of its products. Positioning accuracy is also an advantage. The search error is only 5 millimeters, and this is the best result for any detector segment.