The indicator (hidden wiring tester) is intended primarily for searching the voltage circuit. Moreover, he is able to detect various electromagnetic radiation. The power of the perceived signal depends on the indicator model. As a rule, the device is capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation with a power of up to 0.4 mW.
Another function of testers is the search for metal objects. At the same time, it is possible to detect them only at a certain distance from the device. Typically, this maximum distance can be 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 carried out 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, on the side of the device there is a button for turning 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. In the lower part of the device next to the product marking is a contact plate.
Testing the device and performing calibration
Checking the performance of the indicator is quite simple. First of all, you must configure the device switch. As a rule, he is able to occupy 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 you press the contact electrode on the side of the device. If the wiring tester is working properly and the voltage from the batteries is coming in, the display will instantly flash. Additionally, in many models, an intermittent signal sounds.
To calibrate the indicator, the switch is set to the first position. After that, the plate moves away, and the probe is installed at an angle of 180 degrees. Next, set the sensitivity control. To this end, the wheel must be turned up to the very end. After that, the display system in the device is triggered. For calibration, you should start turning the wheel in the opposite direction and wait until the light goes out. In this case, the sound signal should stop.
In conclusion, you need to leave the sensitivity control and take any metal wire. The indicator of the hidden wiring to it must be brought at a distance of at least 30 mm. If the LED lights up again, the device has successfully passed calibration.
Indicator usage
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 of the device. In this case, the movable sensor must be in the assembled state. The exact location of the chain should be determined from the outlet. During operation, it is important to hold the tester against the wall with the front.
If you deploy the device, you need to change the sensitivity settings. This can be done using a special controller. To search for electromagnetic radiation in a circuit, a second mode is used. In this case, the movable probe should also remain assembled behind the plate. First of all, the signal is checked at the outlet. Next, the device should be removed from it and monitor the indicator. If there is no sound signal during operation, then there is no circuit in this place. It is additionally important to consider that the device will display a signal with a capacity of not more than 0.4 mW.
The principle of operation of the device
When the cable tester is in close proximity to the wiring, a resistor trips. It connects in the device with a static electricity chip. To transmit the 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 models, an 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 charging from the battery.
Bosch 120 indicator
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 in the “DD1” class, and the LED is of the “H1” type. In total, the device has three channel transistors. In general, the current transfer coefficient is quite high.
A clear 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 to repair wiring. The standard set of the device includes one 9 V battery, two markers, as well as a protective case. There is a model "Bosch 120" in the market of 5000 rubles.
Contactless indicator "Fluke LVD2"
Hidden wiring with this indicator of American production 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 double, the level of safety is quite high. Moreover, 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 amperage. Use of the indicator at sub-zero temperatures is permitted. AAA batteries are included in the standard device kit. The microcircuit in this model is “DD1” class with a contactless probe. In this case, the LEDs are installed in the "P1" series. In total, the case has three inverters with an amplifier. Additionally, quality transistors should be noted. The length of the antenna in the device is 20 mm. The Fluk LVD2 tester will cost the buyer 6,000 rubles.
Testboy Ice Model
This model differs in usability, and also durability. In this case, the search for wiring in the wall does not take much time. Indication in this device is provided visual, and the choice of a range of measurements occurs in the automatic mode. The 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. Illumination of the workplace occurs using a white LED. The extra-low voltage of the display system is easily detected, and this is undoubtedly an advantage. In addition to light and sound signals, the device can be configured to vibrate during operation. Testing "Testboy Ice" is quite simple, and a single-pole phase check is possible.
The indication from the tester can work even at a voltage of 100 V. The transistors in this model are set to a bipolar type. There is practically no risk of short circuit in the device. In addition, very high-quality capacitors in the indicator should be noted. They are made entirely of aluminum and have good conductivity. There is an indicator for the detection of hidden wiring "Testboy Ice" in the market of about 4000 rubles.
Parameters of the Testboy Profi indicator
There is no visual indication in this model. The voltage indicator in the device has a bipolar. At the same time, it is equipped with a convenient display with signs. Also, a light indication is installed on it. The case in this model is completely made of plastic. Moreover, he is not afraid of dust and moisture. The indicator can be operated at full charge for quite some time. RCD verification is carried out using only two buttons. The protection class in the tester is "IP65".
Dimensions The above device has the following: 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 choice of power range is automatic. Open wiring can be checked for amperage. The sensitivity is adjusted using the knob. LED bulb in this model is available. 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 the voltage in the circuit 35 V. At the same time, the user will hear a characteristic sound signal. The price of the Testboy Profi model is around 5500 rubles.
What is the difference between the Testboy Plus indicator?
This device belongs to the class of bipolar. A distinctive feature of this model are good indicators and a clear display. Among other things, you 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 direct and alternating voltage in the range from 10 to 400 V. In this case, a phase search in the protective conductor is possible. In total, the manufacturer provides eight LEDs in the model. Dimensions The hidden wiring indicator has the following: height - 120 mm, width - 65 mm, and thickness - 25 mm. On the whole, the form turned out to be quite interesting, and the tester holds firmly in its hand and does not slip. It costs about 3300 rubles in the market.
Wall Pro Detector Overview
Hidden wiring in the wall with the help of "Wall Pro" is detected quickly. This indicator has a display, and with it you can monitor 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 live network will be visible at a depth of not more than 35 mm. While working on the scanned area, there is a bright light beam.
You can make identification of the center of the structure in the wall. However, most other models are able to show only the border of the subject. When wiring is detected, a clear beep sounds for the user. The protection system in this device is IP5 class. Moreover, he is absolutely not afraid of dust. Using Wall Pro on a damp surface is not recommended by the manufacturer. The height of this model is 189 mm, the width is 80 mm, and the thickness is exactly 30 mm. When the batteries are fully charged, the indicator is able to work continuously for five hours. In general, the model from the manufacturers turned out to be successful, and is well suited to make wiring repairs. The price of "Wall Pro" varies in the region of 4,500 rubles.
Indicator model "Vol Control"
This model is able to detect 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 the device is not afraid of dust and moisture. When the battery is fully charged, the device will last about eight hours in working condition.
Of the features we can distinguish 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 holds firmly in your hand and does not slip thanks to the pads. Among domestic brands, you can definitely stay on this model. There is a "Vol Control" in the store about 2200 rubles.
Overview of the Stanley Pro 20 device
This hidden wiring indicator is equipped with a fairly large liquid crystal display. A distinctive feature of this model is the rapid detection of cable. Due to the powerful transistors, the voltage in the network is shown in a matter of seconds. It should also be noted the laser emitter of the device. It is built into a special removable unit. 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 hallmark is increased strength.
Thus, the indicator is not afraid of mechanical damage and is able to last for many years. Finding "Stanley Pro 20" metal objects can not live. Additionally, you can search the wall for wooden objects. The laser beam is very bright, so the markings are made quite accurately. In this case, it is possible to align it. Batteries are included in the standard indicator kit. In general, they are of high quality and can last for a long time thanks to the auto power off function. Continuous detection of conductors is 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 for mounting the device on a work surface on the housing. This unit is on the market in the region of 5500 rubles.
ADA ZC 1000 voltage detector
This hidden wiring indicator is a cheap non-contact type detector. A distinctive feature of this model is the LED, which glows in red. There is no sound indication in the ADA ZC 1000. The device can be used at temperatures from -10 to +40 degrees.
The maximum device is able to detect wiring with a voltage of 200 V. In this case, the average frequency should be at 55 Hz. Surface humidity must not exceed 90%. As a result, this indicator of Chinese production is able to boast of its simplicity and cheapness. ADA ZC 1000 will cost the buyer about 1000 rubles.
Review of the DMF-20 Defort tester
Tester "Defort DMM-20" stands out for its compactness. There are no protruding parts on the case. In this case, the 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 at a shallow depth.
There are two LED indicators in this device. The first lamp lights up when the network is at a distance of more than 20 mm. In this case, the second indicator will work only in the immediate vicinity of the wiring. Sound alarm in this model is installed. The length of the device is 200 mm, the width is 80 mm, and the thickness is 35 mm. The Defort DMM-200 cable tester weighs 18 kg, and it will cost the buyer 1100 rubles.