Q: What is the difference between WireWarning® detection and AC Scan?

WireWarning ® detection is a feature to alert the user to the presence of live, unshielded electrical AC wires while scanning for studs and metal. The WireWarning ® detection is always on in StudScan, DeepScan ® , or Metal Scan modes. (An LED light will flash, or a lightning bolt icon will appear on the LCD display when live AC voltage is present, depending on the model.) AC Scan is a dedicated Scan mode on certain MultiScanner ™ tools that enables the user to narrow the location of live AC (using the interactive calibration technique). With AC Scan, the display changes to indicate when the tool is moving towards or away from the live electricity. This interface enables the user to adjust the tool’s sensitivity to live AC. This procedure can be repeated multiple times, as needed. Caution: Electrical field locators may not detect live AC wires if wires are more than 2 inches from the scanned surface, in concrete, encased in conduit, present behind a plywood shear wall or metallic wall covering, or if moisture is present in the environment or scanned surface. CAUTION: DO NOT ASSUME THERE ARE NO LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE WALL. DO NOT TAKE ACTIONS THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF THE WALL CONTAINS A LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRE. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER, GAS, AND WATER SUPPLIES BEFORE PENETRATING A SURFACE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE, AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Always turn off power when working near electrical wires.

Question 1

What is the latest software version for the Leak Alert™ WiFi water detector?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Please click on the link below to view the latest software version and revision history. PDF Instructions of Software Update More info - Leak Alert™ WiFi Software Revisions

Question 2

Where can I get help with my stud finder?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Zircon Customer Service and Technical Support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time: 1-800-245-9265
Closed 2022: 12/23-12/26
Closed 2023: 1/2, 2/20, 5/29, 7/4, 9/4, 11/23-11/24, 12/22-12/25

You may also access our ZirconTV YouTube channel for the latest How-to videos and our online Interactive Support Center.

Question 3

Why am I getting a low battery alert notification when I just bought this Leak Alert WiFi water detector?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Important Message: Zircon Leak Alert “Low Battery Alert” Notification

During the initial configuration of your Leak Alert™ WiFi, you may receive a “Low Battery Alert” notification to your configured email address(es) as a result of a temporary dip in the battery voltage during the configuration process. This is not uncommon. The battery will quickly recover its voltage once the configuration process is complete and the detector enters sleep mode.

However, if you continue to receive Low Battery Alert notifications via email, or the detector continually “chirps” at regular intervals between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, please contact Zircon Technical Support by calling 800-245-9265 during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Time or send an email to techsupport@zircon.com.

Question 4

Can I find studs behind a tiled wall?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

No two tile walls are alike. We do not recommend the use of basic StudSensor^™ models with only Stud Scan or DeepScan^® modes to locate studs behind tiled walls.

MultiScanner^™ models with Metal Scan mode may help to identify the pattern of nails or screws attaching the lath or sheetrock to the wall beneath the tile.

Zircon Tip Minute 16 - Why is it difficult Finding Studs Behind Tile

Note: Bathrooms and kitchen walls consist of many pipes, as well as duct work. The stud finder may detect these objects if they are within scanning range. Please properly map out studs before drilling or nailing.

Question 5

I suspect electrical wires in a certain area when I scan, but why am I not detecting any?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Electrical field locators may not detect live AC wires if the wires are more than 2 inches from the scanned surface, in concrete, encased in conduit, present behind a plywood shear wall or metallic wall covering, or if moisture is present in the environment or scanned surface.

If your tool has Metal Scan mode, use this mode to see if you can locate the metal, wire, or metal conduit.

CAUTION: DO NOT ASSUME THERE ARE NO LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE WALL. DO NOT TAKE ACTIONS THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF THE WALL CONTAINS A LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRE. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER, GAS, AND WATER SUPPLIES BEFORE PENETRATING A SURFACE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE, AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Always turn off power when working near electrical wires.

Question 6

Why does my StudSensor™ stud finder start flashing, or blinking, when I press the Power button?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

9 volt battery

The flashing, or blinking, is most likely caused by a low battery condition. Please replace your battery with a brand new 9V alkaline battery with an extended expiration date at least 3 years out from the current date.

Zircon stud finders require a robust, fully charged 9V alkaline battery to properly operate. This is especially important with models with backlit LCD screens.

The Wood Stud SuperScan® requires two AA batteries and the MultiScanner™ x85 requires three AAA (LR03) batteries.

Question 7

What is the difference between WireWarning​® detection and AC Scan?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

WireWarning^® detection is a feature to alert the user to the presence of live, unshielded electrical AC wires while scanning for studs and metal. The WireWarning ^® detection is always on in StudScan, DeepScan ^®, or Metal Scan modes. (An LED light will flash, or a lightning bolt icon will appear on the LCD display when live AC voltage is present, depending on the model.)

AC Scan is a dedicated Scan mode on certain MultiScanner ^™ tools that enables the user to narrow the location of live AC (using the interactive calibration technique). With AC Scan, the display changes to indicate when the tool is moving towards or away from the live electricity. This interface enables the user to adjust the tool’s sensitivity to live AC. This procedure can be repeated multiple times, as needed.

Caution: Electrical field locators may not detect live AC wires if wires are more than 2 inches from the scanned surface, in concrete, encased in conduit, present behind a plywood shear wall or metallic wall covering, or if moisture is present in the environment or scanned surface.

CAUTION: DO NOT ASSUME THERE ARE NO LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE WALL. DO NOT TAKE ACTIONS THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF THE WALL CONTAINS A LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRE. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER, GAS, AND WATER SUPPLIES BEFORE PENETRATING A SURFACE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE, AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Always turn off power when working near electrical wires.

Question 8

How can I differentiate between metal and wood studs?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

To verify whether the stud you located in Stud Scan or DeepScan^® mode is metal or wood, you would need a MultiScanner™ stud finder with Metal Scan mode (or a dedicated metal finder). Switch the mode to Metal Scan and scan the stud again. If you receive positive metal indications from floor to ceiling, the stud you located is metal. Intermittent metal indications from floor to ceiling are likely nails or screws. (This mode will only detect the presence of metal.)

Note: Tools with Metal Scan mode may not have the same scan depth or sensitivity as dedicated metal finders.

Note: The Metal Scan mode in Zircon MultiScanner™ tools are only designed for detecting metal close to wall surfaces, such as nail heads and joist brackets. It is not designed for locating pipes contained within walls or under floors. Please refer to the Zircon MetalliScanner® MT 6 metal locator for more information for those applications.

Question 9

The package states the tool will locate metal studs but the specifications state the tool does not have Metal Scan. Which statement is true?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

In StudScan and DeepScan® modes, the tool will indicate the presence of wood OR metal studs with a stud indication (but will not indicate whether the stud is wood or metal).

MultiScanner™ models with Metal Scan mode can be used to verify whether the stud located in Stud Scan or DeepScan® mode is metal.

Question 10

How do I calibrate my StudSensor™ or MultiScanner™ stud finder?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Zircon stud finders are designed to be as effortless as possible. Place the stud finder flat against the wall, press and hold the power button, and wait for 1-2 seconds. The tool automatically calibrates to the wall’s surface.

If there is a calibration error, or if you have started over a stud, the tool will intermittently beep and the lights may flash. Please release your finger from the Power button, move the tool over a few inches to the left or right and begin the calibration process again.

For more info, see Zircon Tip Minute 15: Why You Need to Calibrate a Stud Finder

https://youtu.be/Q3pQJIV7Xd4

Question 11

Can I use Zircon stud finders on the exterior of my home, through siding, or roof shingles?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

No, Zircon StudSensor™ stud finders and MultiScanner™ wall scanners are designed and recommended for interior use only.

Tip Minute with more info

More info - Read the Stuck on Stucco Blog

Question 12

How do I reassemble my StudSensor™ stud finder if I took the screw off of the back?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

With the screw still off, take the battery cover off and place the tool flat on a table. Carefully take the top case off to reveal the circuit board inside. Make sure everything is aligned correctly and looks square.

Check that the battery spacer (the plastic part with two holes) is sitting in front of the battery contacts. The smaller hole is the “+” terminal and the larger hole is the “-” terminal.

If everything is aligned, place the top case back on. The two tabs at the very top of the case need to be inserted first for the top to fit flush with the bottom case. Make sure all the seams are flushed before replacing the screw.

To check and test the tool’s functionality, insert a brand new 9V alkaline battery with an extended expiration date. Press and hold the Power button with the tool in the air. The green “TruCal” or “Ready” light should come on and nothing else.

Test the tool on your wall.

If you are unsure if you’ve reassembled the tool correctly, please call our product experts at 1-800-245-9265, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. We’re here to help.

Question 13

How do I change the battery in my stud finder?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Zircon stud finders do not require the removal of any screws to install batteries. Do not unscrew the tool. This will release the components inside and cause it to work improperly.

Tip Minute on How to Change Battery

For the appropriate battery installation steps for a specific model, please click here, give us a call:1-800-245-9265, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, or visit the Support Center.

Question 14

What is Zircon’s contact information?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Zircon Corporation is located in the Silicon Valley, California USA.

Zircon Corporation
1580 Dell Avenue
Campbell, California 95008, U.S.A.

Zircon Customer Service is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Closed 2022: 12/23-12/26
Closed 2023: 1/2, 2/20, 5/29, 7/4, 9/4, 11/23-11/24, 12/22-12/25

Main Phone Line & General Inquiries: 408-963-4550
Technical Support: 1-800-245-9265
Fax: 408-963-4597

General Info: info@zircon.com*
Technical Support: techsupport@zircon.com
Sales: sales@zircon.com
Media Support: marketing@zircon.com

* Please be advised Zircon Corporation does not send messages from info@zircon.com, only receives.
Messages from this address are not from Zircon Corporation and responding to a message, or clicking links, from such sender may cause serious damage to you or your computer/communication equipment.

Question 15

What is Zircon's product warranty?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Zircon Corporation (“Zircon”) warrants to the original purchaser (or original user by gift) that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for its useful life (not to exceed twenty years from date of purchase).

For more information, visit https://www.zircon.com/warranty-registration/ or call 1-800-245-9265 (Mon – Fri 8 AM – 5 PM PST, excluding holidays).

*NOTE: A BRAND NEW 9V ALKALINE BATTERY IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER OPERATION.*

Question 16

What kind of batteries do Zircon stud finders use?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

9 volt battery

Most Zircon StudSensor™ and MultiScanner™ stud finders require one brand new alkaline 9V battery (with an extended expiration date) for proper operation. Please be sure to refer to the instructions for the specific model you have.

Note: The Wood Stud SuperScan® requires two AA batteries and the MultiScanner™ x85 requires three AAA (LR03) batteries.

Question 17

What kind of batteries do Zircon Leak Alert™ water detectors use?

Piper (Davis Elen) · Accepted Answer

Zircon offers a complete line of Leak Alert™ water detectors for your needs.

The Leak Alert™ and Leak Alert™ LED! water detectors require one brand new 9V alkaline battery (with an extended expiration date).

The Leak Alert™ WiFi smart water detector requires one 3V (CR123A / CR17345) lithium battery (primary – not rechargeable).

leak alert battery

Please be sure to install the correct battery type for your particular detector and dispose of used batteries according to applicable law.

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