Detection
The types of hidden objects and materials that the detector responds to and the maximum depth at which it is able to detect these objects and materials.
The detection depth is a rather conditional parameter, and in fact there are often deviations from the claimed values both in one direction and in the other (depending on the material inside which hidden objects are searched for). As for the detection itself, modern detectors, usually, are able to find not only electrical wiring, but also other metal objects of various compositions ( ferrous
metal and
non-ferrous metal), as well as
wooden structures and
plastic pipes. However, the specific capabilities of the device in each case still do not hurt to clarify separately.
Location depth measurements
The ability
to determine the depth of the object detected by the detector.
Devices with this function allow you to localize the position of the “find” as accurately as possible: not only to find out under what part of the surface the object is located, but also to determine how deep it is located. However the accuracy of determining the depth is usually far from one hundred percent; however, an error of a couple of centimeters in most cases is not critical.
Flashlight
The presence of a
built-in flashlight in the device. This feature will be useful when working in low light conditions, including hard-to-reach places where outside light does not reach well. Of course, if necessary, a flashlight can also be used during “off-hours”, if there were no other light sources at hand.
Display
Features of the
display provided in the device. Not all detectors have such equipment; there are
models without a screen.
—
Without illumination. Displays with no backlight. Such screens are as simple and inexpensive as possible, however, in low light conditions, a flashlight or other external source of illumination is required to read the readings.
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With backlight. Screens equipped with their own backlight. Such a backlight can work continuously while the device is turned on, or turn on by pressing a special button. Anyway, it allows you to see the display readings even in low light conditions — up to complete darkness; at the same time, lighting is inexpensive. Therefore, this option is the most popular in modern wiring detectors.
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Touch. Displays with a built-in sensor — like those used in modern smartphones. This is the most advanced option: firstly, touch screens are usually made in colour, and secondly, they provide more options than buttons and other traditional controls. On the other hand, such displays are not cheap, and the aforementioned abundance of features in wire detectors is not required so often. Therefore, this option has not received much distribution.
Measurement accuracy
Measurement accuracy provided by the detector. It is indicated by the error that the device gives; accordingly, the lower the number in this paragraph, the more accurate this model, the smaller the error it gives during measurements. For models that have different accuracy with different materials, the smallest error value is indicated.
In the most advanced instruments, the measurement deviation is only 3 – 4 mm; in the least accurate — up to 13 – 14 mm. Note that high accuracy accordingly affects the price; so when choosing according to this indicator, you should not pursue
maximum accuracy, but soberly assess what error will be permissible during the planned work. Detailed recommendations on the required accuracy for various specific tasks can be found in special sources.
Power source
The power source used by the detector.
Wire detectors are cordless devices and use the appropriate power source — from batteries (
AA,
AAA, etc.) or
rechargeable batteries. In this case, the number of batteries may be different. Specific options might be:
—
PP3. Batteries with a nominal voltage of 9 V, that have a specific rectangular shape, with two contacts on one of the ends. For a number of reasons — in particular, due to the combination of compact size with fairly high voltage — they are very popular in modern wire detectors. They are available as rechargeable batteries.
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AA. Replaceable cells, known as "finger-type batteries" (however, they are available not only in the form of batteries, but also in the form of rechargeable batteries). In general, they are widespread, but in wire detectors they are used extremely rarely.
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AAA. Batteries, known as "mini finger" or "little finger" batteries. Similar to the AA described above and differ from them only in smaller sizes.
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LR44 / SR44. Batteries — "tablets" with a diameter of 11.6 mm and a thickness of 5.4 mm. They are extremely rare, mainly used in the smallest detectors.
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Branded battery. Powered by a branded battery of the original size, in some cases — non-remova
...ble. The advantage of this option over other options is that the battery is initially supplied in the kit, and when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to put it on charge. Thus, the user does not need to spend money on buying batteries. On the other hand, it takes time to charge the battery, while discharged batteries can be quickly replaced with fresh ones. Because of this, this option has not received much distribution.
— AA / branded battery. Models that can operate on both standard AA batteries and a branded battery. To do this, the battery is made removable and has such a shape that a set of batteries can be installed in the same compartment instead. This allows the user to choose which power source to use. Note that some models with this feature are designed for universal batteries used in other equipment of the same manufacturer (screwdrivers, distance meter, etc.); such devices may not be equipped with a branded battery at all — in is assumed that the user, if necessary, can purchase it separately.Battery included
A
power supply is included with the device. In this case, a battery can mean both a disposable cell and a rechargeable battery; this point in each case should be clarified separately. Anyway, such a complete set eliminates the need to purchase a battery separately and makes it possible to use the device "out of the box" immediately after purchase.
Case (bag)
The presence of a case or cover in the delivery set of the device.
Soft cases provide mainly protection from dust and dirt, hard cases also protect against shocks and other contacts with foreign objects. What type of
case is included in the kit should be specified separately. However, anyway, the "native" case is better suited for the device than impromptu packaging.
