What are Stud Scan and DeepScan® modes?
Stud Scan mode locates studs through one layer of drywall up to ¾ in. (19 mm) thick.
DeepScan® mode locates studs through two layers of drywall up to 1½ in. (38 mm) thick.
Why are two modes important?
It’s extremely important to not scan further than you need to get the job done. Drywall is fastened directly to studs, whereas plumbing and electrical wiring may be anywhere in the wall cavity. Zircon® Stud Scan mode scans just barely enough through one layer of drywall, plus an allowance for mud, tape, texture, and paint. A competitive model that is always deep scanning may find other items further behind the wall surface that may not be a stud. This is very unsafe, as it increases the risk of hammering or drilling through plumbing and electrical wiring. One should always start a scan in Stud Scan mode first, scanning no deeper behind the wall surface than is necessary or safe.
Does every stud finder brand have two scanning modes?
Unfortunately, some other brands offer models that are always deep scanning up to 1½ in. (38 mm). Scanning too deep multiplies the risk of detecting plumbing and electrical behind the wall. Other brands may promote constant deep scanning mode as a benefit, but now you know!
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.