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.
Display
Features of the
display provided in the device. Not all detectors have such equipment; there are
models without a screen.
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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.
Auto power off
The auto-off time provided in the device.
Many modern wire detectors can automatically turn off after a certain period of inactivity. This saves battery life. The auto-off time is usually a few minutes — most often from 5 to 20.
