– 3 –
5. The response of the indicators determines the object detected:
−
Constant LED and tone: A metal object has been detected.
−
Intermittent LED and tone: A current-carrying conductor has
been detected.
Important: If the indicators do not function normally once the device
is switched on, the device must be adjusted; see
6.4 Unit Adjustment.
2
Fig.
Notes on Use
Important: ALWAYS test the device on a known voltage source before
attempting to detect unfamiliar sources.
• This device cannot detect shielded current conductors, such as those
in a metal conduit.
− In this instance, only the presence of metal will be indicated.
• Some walls and surfaces may contain metallic fibres for fireproofing,
such as foil-backed plasterboard, which may expand the area in
which voltage is detected.
• Avoid touching the wall while it is being tested:
− Sustained contact during the test may cancel out any detection
by the device.
− Rubbing or banging on the surface may generate static
electricity and cause a false reading.
Important: The device is highly sensitive and may be triggered by very
low currents, which may cause false readings to occur in some
circumstances. For example, a conductor with poor insulation that is in
contact with a damp wall may cause the device to indicate a voltage in
the wall. When this occurs, the device is indicating a potential hazard that
should be investigated by suitably qualified personnel before any
additional work is carried out.
6.2 Wood Frame Detection
3
Fig.
To locate vertical battens or wall studs:
1. Hold the device so that the stud detection face (1) is flush with the
wall.
2. Rotate the stud sensitivity dial (5) fully downwards.
3. Move the selector switch (6) to the
Stud Detector position.
4. Turn the sensitivity dial until the red stud indicator (3) illuminates and
the audible tone is heard.
5. Gently reverse the dial until the green stud indicator illuminates and
the audible tone stops.
Important: If the indicators do not function normally once the device
is switched on, the device must be adjusted; see
6.4 Unit Adjustment.
6. Move the unit horizontally across the wall, ensuring that the stud
detection face remains flush with the surface.
Important: If the device loses contact with the wall, the green
indicator will go out and the procedure must be repeated from the
beginning.
7. The red stud indicator will illuminate and the audible tone will start
when the edge of a batten or wall stud is detected.
8. Resume the movement of the device and mark the position where the
green stud indicator illuminates and the audible tone stops.
The marked positions indicate the edges of the batten or wall stud. The
midpoint between the two marks represents the centre of the detected
object.
4
Fig.
Notes on Use
Important: While the device may be used to detect battens and wall studs
within wallpapered walls, some foiled-backed or metallic fabric surfaces
may cause incorrect readings.
• The device can be used to detect horizontal studs when held in a
horizontal position and moved vertically along the wall face (Fig. 4).
• If the unit is placed against a stud or wall batten during configuration,
readings may be inaccurate.
• Nails and other objects in a batten or wall stud may cause anomalous
readings and change the apparent width of the detected object.
− Take several readings along the length of a detected batten or
wall stud to increase the reliability of the output.
• Draper Tools recommends recalibrating the device frequently during
testing to increase the reliability of the output.
• Draper Tools recommends that metal/voltage detection is also carried
out on any detected battens and wall studs to ensure that they are not
pipes or cables.
Important: This process may detect small screws and nails. Consider
all results in context.
• Where multiple studs are positioned adjacently, the device may
appear to function incorrectly.
(5)
