background image

DeepScan

®

Metal Scan

StudScan

SpotLite

®

 Pointer

Mode Selector 

Switch

Battery  

Door Tab

ACT

 (Auto 

Correcting 

Technology) 

Indicator

Signal  

Strength 

Indicator

Ergonomic Rubber Grip

Power Button

StudScan  

Mode 

Indicator

Stud EDGE / CENTER Indicators

Metal Scan  

Mode Indicator

Target  

Indicator Bars

Low 

Battery  

Indicator

DeepScan

®

  

Mode 

Indicator

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

ZIRCON

®

 STUD FINDERS WORK BY SENSING DENSITY CHANGES BEHIND THE WALL. OTHER OBJECTS CAN BE DETECTED 

ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE WALL. 

DO NOT ASSUME EVERYTHING DETECTED IS A STUD.

- Always use a new 9V alkaline battery with an extended expiration date at least 3 years beyond the current date.   

Match battery direction to image inside of battery cavity.
- Do not rely exclusively on the scanner to locate items behind a surface. Use other information to help locate such items 

before penetrating the surface, including construction plans, visible points of entry of pipes and wiring into walls such as 

in a basement, and standard stud-spacing practices.
- Always start your scan in StudScan Mode which scans through surfaces up to 19 mm deep. Scanning in DeepScan

®

 

Mode may detect an object further behind the wall that may or may not be a stud.
- Always scan for studs at several different heights on the wall and mark the location of every target indicated by  

the stud finder. This is called “mapping the wall.” Pipes and other objects will likely not give consistent readings from 

floor to ceiling, like a stud would.
- Readings should always be consistent and repeatable.
- Zircon stud finders are recommended for interior use only.
- Studs normally run from floor to ceiling, except above and below windows, and above doors.
- Other objects commonly contained in walls, floors, or ceilings are water pipes, gas lines, firestops, and electrical wiring.
- Sensing depth and accuracy can vary depending on scanning environment conditions such as mineral content, moisture, 

texture and consistency of the wall materials.
- Always turn off power when working near electrical wires.
- Depending on the proximity of electrical wiring or pipes to the wall surface, the scanner may detect them in the same 

manner as studs. Caution should always be used when nailing, cutting, or drilling in walls, floors, and ceilings that may 

contain these items.
- Studs and joists are normally spaced 40 or 60 cm apart on centre, are normally 38 mm wide, and may be separated  

by firestops. Anything closer together, or of a different width, may not be a stud or joist.

MultiScanner

®

 

L350

Multifunction Wall Scanner

TROUBLESHOOTING & CONSTRUCTION TIPS

SITUATION

LIKELY CAUSE

SOLUTION

Scanner detects 

objects other than 

studs in StudScan 

Mode or finds more 

studs than should  

be there.

Electrical wiring  

and metal or plastic 

pipes may be near,  

or touching, the back  

of the wall surface.

• Scan the area in Metal Scan to determine if metal is present.
• Check for other studs equally spaced to either side at 30, 40, or 60 cm,  

or check for the same stud at spots directly above or below the first scan area.
• Standard studs measure approximately 38 mm between edges.  

Anything larger or smaller is likely not a stud (unless near door or window).

Difficulty detecting 

metal.

Scanner was calibrated 

over metal object, or 

metal object is too deep 

or too small.

• The scanner may have been calibrated over a metal object,  

reducing sensitivity. Try calibrating in another location.
• Scan in both horizontal and vertical directions. Metal sensitivity is increased 

when metal object is parallel to sensor (located under the Zircon Logo).

Metal object reading 

appears wider than 

actual size.

Metal has a greater 

density than wood.

To reduce sensitivity in Metal Mode, recalibrate scanner over either of first two 

marks (see steps under SCAN FOR METAL).

Constant readings of 

studs near windows 

and doors.

Multiple studs are 

in use.

Double and triple studs are sometimes used around doors and windows. 

Headers are used above them. Detect outer edges so you know where  

to begin.

Electrical wires 

suspected but  

not detected.

Wires are shielded  

by a metal conduit, 

braided wire or  

metallic wall covering.

Use Metal Scan Mode to scan for metal, wire, or metal conduit.

Wires deeper than  

50 mm from the surface 

might not be detected.

If there is an outlet switch, turn it to ON position while scanning, but turn  

OFF when working near the wires. 

Use extra caution if the area has 

plywood, thick wood backing behind drywall, or walls that are  

thicker than normal.

 

Wires may not be live.

Plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on to test whether wires are live.

Low Battery Indicator 

flashes and scanner 

does not operate.

Low battery.

Install a new 9V alkaline battery with an extended expiration date.

GB

WireWarning

®

 

Detection  

Indicator

Backlit LCD Display

3 scanning modes:
• StudScan

 locates centre and edges of stud (wood or 

metal) up to 19 mm deep

• DeepScan

 locates centre and edges of stud up to 

38 mm deep

• Metal Scan

 locates ferrous (magnetic) metal, such 

as steel, up to 75 mm deep, and non-ferrous (non-

magnetic) metal, such as copper, up to 38 mm deep

WireWarning

 

Detection

 automatically detects and  

alerts for live, unshielded AC (alternating current) wires up 

to 50 mm deep in all modes.

INSTALL 9-VOLT BATTERY 

Always use a new 9V alkaline

 

battery 

with an extended expiration date at 

least 3 years beyond the current date. 

Match battery direction to image 

inside of battery cavity.

 

WARNING

Do not rely exclusively on the tool  

to locate items behind a surface.  

Use other information to help locate items before 

penetrating the surface, including construction 

plans, visible points of entry of pipes and wiring 

into walls such as in a basement, and standard 

stud-spacing practices.

SELECT MODE / POWER UP

Move Mode Selector Switch to desired mode: 

StudScan, 

DeepScan, 

or

 Metal Scan.

To activate scanner, press and hold Power Button.  

If Power Button is not pressed & held, unit shuts off.

REFINE METAL SCAN

1. 

Release Power Button, 

then position the scanner 

over one of the previous 

marks. This will reset to a 

lower sensitivity and narrow 

the scan area. (

Figure G

)

2. 

Press and hold Power 

Button, then repeat 3 and 4 

under SCAN FOR METAL.

3. 

Repeat as needed  

for increased accuracy. 

(

Figure H

)

NOTE: If any bars   

display, metal is present. 

Small targets or targets 

deep below the surface 

may only show one or 

two bars, and the scanner may not  

be able to locate the centre of the metal.

WARNING

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, 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. 

WIREWARNING DETECTION

The Zircon

®

 WireWarning Detection feature works 

continuously in all modes. When live, unshielded AC 

voltage is detected, the WireWarning Detection Indicator 

shows. If scanning begins over a live AC wire, the Indicator 

will flash continuously.
Use extreme caution under these circumstances,  
or whenever live AC wiring is present.

WARNING

THE SCANNER MAY NOT DETECT  

LIVE CURRENT IF WIRES ARE MORE 

THAN 50 mm BELOW THE SCANNED SURFACE,  

IN CONCRETE, ENCASED IN CONDUIT, BEHIND A  

PLYWOOD SHEAR WALL OR METALLIC WALL 

COVERING, OR IF MOISTURE IS PRESENT IN THE 

ENVIRONMENT OR SCANNED SURFACE. 

FIND A STUD

For best results, hold the scanner as 

shown (

Figure A

) and move slowly 

when scanning. 

Do not touch 

the surface during calibration 

or scan.

1. 

Set mode to StudScan.

2. 

Hold scanner flat against wall, 

then press and hold Power Button.  

In 1 – 2 seconds, the unit will 

calibrate. A short beep confirms 

that calibration is complete.

DO NOT MOVE SCANNER  

DURING CALIBRATION.

3. 

While holding down the Power 

Button, slide the scanner slowly  

along the wall. When scanner finds 

the edge of a stud, EDGE displays.  

(

Figure B

)

4. 

Continue sliding. When scanner 

finds the centre of a stud, CENTER 

displays, light illuminates, 3 bars  

show signal strength, and a buzzer 

sounds. (

Figure C

)

NOTE: If only two signal bars 

show (Figure D), stud may be  

too deep. Select DeepScan Mode,  

and repeat scan.

Scanner automatically recalibrates 

when in use. If arrows appear on  

the display (

Figure E

), the scanner  

was calibrated too close to a stud,  

then moved away. This is 

ACT (Auto  

Correcting Technology)

.

SCAN IN DEEPSCAN MODE

DeepScan Mode can detect studs up to 38 mm deep.
To scan for deeper studs, or for use with thicker walls:

1. 

Set mode to DeepScan.

2. 

Repeat steps 2 – 4 under FIND A STUD.

SCAN FOR METAL

Use Metal Scan Mode to determine if the stud found is 

wood, or a metal stud or pipe. 

1. 

Set mode to Metal Scan.

2. 

For maximum sensitivity, press and hold Power Button.  

Hold the scanner away from the surface until a short beep 

confirms calibration is complete, then place against the 

surface to be scanned.

3. 

While continuing to 

hold Power Button, slide the 

scanner slowly against the 

wall. 

Mark the spot

 where 

the most middle bars display. 

For a strong read, the scanner 

will light up and a steady 

beep will sound. (

Figure F

)

4. 

Continue sliding in same direction until bars reduce, 

then reverse direction. 

Mark the spot

 where the display 

bars peak. The midpoint between the two marks is the 

location of the metal object.

NOTE: If the unit indicates a large area of metal, 

refine the scan to more accurately find the centre.

WORKING WITH DIFFERENT MATERIALS

Wallpaper 

 This scanner functions normally on walls 

covered with wallpaper or fabric, unless the materials  

are metallic foil, contain metallic fibres, or are still wet  

after application. Wallpaper may need to dry for several 

weeks after application.

Freshly painted walls

  It may take a week or longer 

to dry after application. If it is difficult to locate a stud in 

StudScan Mode on dry or freshly-dried paint, switch to 

Metal Scan Mode to locate the nails or drywall screws 

holding drywall to the studs.

Lath and plaster 

 Due to irregularities in plaster 

thickness, it is difficult for this scanner to locate studs in 

either stud-scanning mode. Switch mode to Metal Scan 

Mode to locate the nail heads holding wood lath to  

the studs. If the plaster has metal mesh reinforcement,  

the scanner will be unable to detect studs through  

that material.

Highly textured walls or acoustic ceilings 

  

When scanning a ceiling or wall with an uneven surface, 

place thin cardboard on the surface to be scanned and 

scan over the cardboard in DeepScan Mode. If irregular 

scanning results are received, switch to Metal Scan Mode 

to locate nails or drywall screws that line up vertically 

where a stud or joist is positioned. 

Wood flooring, subflooring, or gypsum drywall  

over plywood sheathing 

 Use DeepScan Mode and 

move the scanner slowly. The Signal Strength Indicator may 

only display one or two bars when the scanner locates a 

stud through a thick surface. 
This scanner cannot scan for wood studs and joists  

through carpet and padding. In problematic situations,  

try using Metal Scan Mode to locate nails or screws that 

may line up vertically or horizontally where a stud or joist 

is respectively positioned.

NOTE: Sensing depth and accuracy can vary 

depending on scanning environment conditions 

such as mineral content, moisture, texture,  

and consistency of the wall materials.

Electrical wiring and pipes

  Depending on the 

proximity of electrical wiring or pipes to the wall surface, 

the scanner may detect them in the same manner as studs. 

Caution should always be used when nailing, cutting,  

or drilling in walls, floors, and ceilings that may contain 

these items.

Studs and joists

 are normally spaced 40 or 60 cm apart 

on centre and are 38 mm wide. Anything closer together, 

or of a different width, may not be a stud or joist. 

DeepScan

®

Metal Scan

StudScan

Figure F

DeepScan

®

Metal Scan

StudScan

Figure G

DeepScan

®

Metal Scan

StudScan

Figure H

Figure B

Figure A

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Visit uk.zircon.com for the 

most current instructions.

ZirconCorporation

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LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY
Zircon Corporation (“Zircon”) warrants to the 

original purchaser (or original user by gift) that this 

product will be free from defects in materials and 

workmanship for two years from date of purchase. 

This warranty is limited to the electronic circuitry of 

the product, and specifically excludes consumable 

parts, including batteries, and software, even if 

packaged with the product. Defects caused by abuse, 

modification, handling contrary to these instructions, 

other unreasonable use, or neglect are not covered 

under this warranty. No liability is accepted for 

normal wear and tear and minor defects which do not 

detract from the function of the product. This Limited 

Warranty is in addition to the statutory rights to  

which purchaser is entitled and which are not limited 

by this warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER 

WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE 

IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND 

FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF ANY IMPLIED 

WARRANTIES ARE APPLICABLE, THEY ARE LIMITED TO 

THE TWO-YEAR PERIOD DEFINED ABOVE. IN NO EVENT 

WILL ZIRCON BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, 

INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING 

FROM POSSESSION, USE, OR MALFUNCTION OF THIS 

PRODUCT. NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR CLAIMS OF 

A SIMILAR NATURE WILL BIND OR OBLIGATE ZIRCON.
Any in-warranty defective product returned to the 

place of purchase with original proof of purchase  

will be replaced or purchase price refunded at 

retailer’s option. This Limited Warranty applies only 

to products purchased within the European Economic 

Area and United Kingdom. For warranties applicable to 

Zircon products purchased in other geographical areas,  

see www.zircon.com/warranty.
For questions about this warranty or  

Zircon products, contact:
Customer Service: 

+1-800-245-9265 or +1-408-963-4550 

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST 

www.zircon.com • [email protected]
©2019 Zircon Corporation • P/N 68682 • Rev 

C

 0

8

/19 

ACT, DeepScan, MultiScanner, SpotLite, WireWarning, 

and Zircon are registered trademarks or trademarks  

of Zircon Corporation.

Summary of Contents for MultiScanner L350

Page 1: ...inder This is called mapping the wall Pipes and other objects will likely not give consistent readings from floor to ceiling like a stud would Readings should always be consistent and repeatable Zirco...

Page 2: ...ic metal such as copper up to 38 mm deep WireWarning Detection automatically detects and alerts for live unshielded AC alternating current wires up to 50 mm deep in all modes INSTALL 9 VOLT BATTERY Al...

Page 3: ...CT Auto Correcting Technology SCAN IN DEEPSCAN MODE DeepScan Mode can detect studs up to 38 mm deep To scan for deeper studs or for use with thicker walls 1 Set mode to DeepScan 2 Repeat steps 2 4 und...

Page 4: ...F THE ELECTRICAL 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 WIREWARNING DETECTI...

Page 5: ...de If irregular scanning results are received switch to Metal Scan Mode to locate nails or drywall screws that line up vertically where a stud or joist is positioned Wood flooring subflooring or gypsu...

Page 6: ...r than actual size Metal has a greater density than wood To reduce sensitivity in Metal Mode recalibrate scanner over either of first two marks see steps under SCAN FOR METAL Constant readings of stud...

Page 7: ...CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE APPLICABLE THEY ARE LIMITED TO THE TWO YEAR PERIOD DEFINED ABOVE IN NO EVENT WILL ZIRCON BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL INDIR...

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