Wall Scanners

A wall scanner is a handheld detector that is moved across a wall or ceiling surface to detect metal pipe and rebar, wooden joists and live cable behind it, and signals their location with light and sound. It is used before drilling, chasing and anchor installation to avoid hitting pipes, rebar or energized cables, and to locate a joist or profile in a partition wall. This category includes Unit UT387 series models; the product data states detection depths such as 80 mm and 100 mm for ferrous metal, 80 mm for non-ferrous metal, 20 mm and 38 mm for wood, and 40 mm and 50 mm for live AC cable. Compare the models by the material types they detect, the detection depth given for each material, the alert type, and battery or rechargeable power. The stated depths are maximum values; the wall material, its moisture and the size of the object can reduce the actual detection depth. A wall scanner should not be confused with a cable tracer that follows the signal of a transmitter connected to the cable; the scanner detects only the object immediately behind the surface it scans.

Electrical and Electronic Testers Selection Guide: Technical Criteria and Engineering Practice