How to Use AC Scan Detection on Your Stud Finder/Multifunction Wall Scanner

“Hi this is Eric with the Zircon Tip Minute.

Today we’re going to talk about how to find live wires using a multi-function stud sensor like this MultiScanner i520.

The MultiScanner i520 will help you locate wires up to 2 inches deep behind the wall as long as they aren’t shielded by metal. The sensitivity of the tool depends on how closely it calibrates to a live AC wire.

Here’s an example of how you can use interactive calibration to locate a wire:

Switch The i520 to AC scan mode. Place it on the wall. Then press and hold the power button begin scanning on the wall.  As you approach a wire the bars on the display will come together. Mark where you first get the strongest reading. Keep going until the bars drop off. Reverse direction and mark where the tool shows the strongest reading again.

Since the wire was close to the wall you get a wide zone at first. If the wire had been further back the zone would have been smaller.  

To narrow the results, turn the tool on, over one of the marks and scan again. Mark the points where you get the strong signal, just like last time. You’ll get a smaller zone with a target still in the middle. You can do this repeatedly to further refine the search results.

Just remember to always use extreme caution when working near electrical wiring.”

Eric, aka the Zircon Tip Guy and host of Zircon Tip Minutes on YouTube, shares essential tips about construction, general DIY, and your favorite Zircon tools that you can use in your DIY and home improvement projects. Drop him a line or post a comment on his YouTube page.