background image

• To avoid surprises, remember that studs or joists are 

normally spaced 16 or 24 in. (41 or 61 cm) apart 

and are 1½ in. (38 mm) in width. 

Anything closer 

together or a different width may not be a 

stud, joist, or firebreak.

Always turn off power when working near 

electrical wires.
SCANNING DIFFERENT SURFACES
Freshly painted walls:

 May take one week or 

longer to dry after application.

Wallpaper:

 The StudSensor

 70 functions normally 

on walls covered with wallpaper or fabric, unless the 

materials are metallic foil, contain metallic fibers, or 

are still wet after application. Wallpaper may need to 

dry for several weeks after application.

Extremely 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. Calibrate, 

with cardboard in place, 

in High Sensitivity mode.

Wood flooring, 

subflooring, or 

gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing: 

Use 

the High Sensitivity mode and move the tool slowly.

Lath & plaster:

 Due to irregularities in plaster 

thickness, this tool is not recommended for use on 

lath & plaster.
StudSensor

 70 cannot scan for wood studs  

and joists through concrete, carpeting and pad.  

In Stud Scan mode, the StudSensor

 70 will NOT  

be able to scan through dense materials such as 

glass, ceramic tile, and foil.

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.

8. CHANGING MARKER TIPS

Removal:

 Pull and 

hold the MARK 

button to fully 

extend the marker 

tip. Grasp the 

marker and pull it 

off the marker post.

Replace:

 Pull and hold the MARK button to fully 

extend the marker post. Push the new marker onto 

the marker post.

Note: Two spare markers are stored in the battery 

compartment. Additional marker tips can be 

ordered from Zircon Customer Service at 

1-800-245-9265.

Electrical field locators may 

not detect live AC wires 

if wires are more than 2 in. (51 mm) 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.

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 

Note: Sensing depth and accuracy can vary due  

to moisture, content of materials, wall texture, 

and paint. Indoor use only.

Do not rely exclusively 

on the detector to locate 

items behind the scanned surface. Use other 

information sources to help locate items before 

penetrating the surface. Such additional sources 

include construction plans, visible points of 

entry of pipes and wiring into walls, such as in a 

basement, and in standard 16 and 24 in. (41 and 

61 cm) stud spacing practices.

3. TURNING ON/CALIBRATING THE TOOL

Place StudSensor

 70 flat against the wall, then 

press and hold the Power button. Upon completion of 

calibration, the SpotLite

®

 Pointing System and buzzer 

will momentarily activate and the tool will begin 

continuous measurements.

Note: It is important to wait for calibration to 

complete (1–2 seconds) before moving the scanner. 
ACT

 (Auto Correcting Technology):

  

During scanning, the tool will provisionally 

recalibrate itself when needed. This recalibration is 

usually transparent and no indication is made.

MARK

    

The Zircon StudSensor

 70 detects both the center 

and edges of wood and metal studs and joists in 

walls, floors, and ceilings in one step. It features a 

durable high-impact case and patented SpotLite

®

 

Pointing System.
WireWarning

®

 detection automatically detects and 

alerts of live AC wires. When AC voltage is detected, 

the WireWarning

®

 icon will illuminate.

Note: This product is intended only 

for use with an optimum voltage 

range of 110–127 V.

SpotLite

®

 Pointing System

Center Indication

Deep Target Indication

Battery (back of unit)

Extra Marker Tips 

(behind battery)

Edge Indication

Erasable Marker

Ready 

Indication

WireWarning

®

 

Detection Indication

Running Board

Power Button

LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY

Zircon Corporation, (“Zircon”) warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from 

the date of purchase. Any in-warranty defective product returned to Zircon*, freight prepaid with proof of purchase date and 

$5.00 to cover postage and handling, will be repaired or replaced at Zircon’s option. This warranty is limited to the electronic 

circuitry and original case of the product and specifically excludes damage caused by abuse, unreasonable use or neglect. 

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, and no other representations or claims of any nature shall 

bind or obligate Zircon. Any implied warranties applicable to this product are limited to the one year period following its 

purchase. IN NO EVENT WILL ZIRCON BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING 

FROM POSSESSION, USE OR MALFUNCTION OF THIS PRODUCT.
In accordance with government regulations, you are advised that: (i) some states do not allow limitations on how long an 

implied warranty lasts and/or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations 

and/or exclusions may not apply to you, and further (ii) this warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have 

other rights which vary from state to state.

Return product freight prepaid with proof of purchase date (dated sales receipt) and $5.00 to cover postage and handling, to:
Zircon Corporation 

*Attn: Returns Department 

1580 Dell Avenue 

Campbell, CA 95008-6992 USA
Be sure to include your name and return address. Out of warranty service and repair, where proof of purchase is not   

provided, shall be returned with repairs charged C.O.D. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
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]
© 2015 Zircon Corporation • P/N 67390 • Rev A 10/15

1. INSTALLING THE BATTERY

Press battery door 

release in with your 

finger or a coin and 

lift up to remove 

door. 

Place a brand 

new 9V alkaline 

battery into the 

compartment and 

press into place.

Replace battery 

door and snap shut.

2. OPERATING TIPS

For optimum scanning results, it is important to 

properly hold StudSensor

 70 and move slowly 

when scanning. The following tips will provide more 

accurate scanning results:

• Keep the tool flat against the wall and do not 

rock or tilt the tool when slowly sliding across the 

surface being scanned.

• Avoid placing your other hand, or any other part of 

your body, on the surface being scanned. This will 

interfere with the tool’s performance.

• If you're receiving erratic scanning results, it may be 

a result of humidity, moisture within the wall cavity 

or drywall, or recently applied paint or wallpaper that 

hasn't fully dried. While the moisture may not always 

be visible, it will interfere with the tool's sensors. 

Please allow a few days for the wall to dry out.

• 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.

MARK

MARK

MARK

Visit www.zircon.com/support for the most current instructions.

ACT, CenterVision, SpotLite, StudSensor, WireWarning, and Zircon are registered trademarks or trademarks of Zircon Corporation.

Lights start blinking 

and unit beeps 

repeatedly.

Detects other objects 

besides studs. 

You suspect 

electrical wires, but 

do not detect any. 

Area of voltage 

detection is too large.

• Tool not flat against wall.
• Tool tilted or lifted during scan. (All these factors affect 

proper calibration.)

• Scanning surface is too dense or too wet for unit to operate.

• Electrical wiring and metal or plastic pipes may be near or 

touching back surface of wall.

• Wires are shielded by metal conduit, a braided wire layer, behind 

metallic wall coverings, plywood shear wall, or other dense material.

• Wires may not be live.
• Wires deeper than 2 in. (51 mm) from surface might not  

be detected.

• Voltage detection can spread on drywall as much as 12 in. (30 cm) 

from each side of an actual electrical wire.

• When scanning an uneven surface, place thin cardboard on the surface to be scanned and scan over 

the cardboard in High Sensitivity mode.

• Grasp the handle with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other side, not touching the 

surface being scanned or the scanning head of the tool.

• Hold the tool straight up and down, parallel to the studs, and do not rotate the tool.
• If you are using tool on a recently taped, painted, or wallpapered wall, allow time to dry and try again.
• While tool is still on, quickly release and re-press the Power button to enter High Sensitivity mode.

• Check for other studs equally spaced to either side 12, 16, or 24 in. (30, 41, or 61 cm) apart or check for 

the same stud at several places directly above or below the first finding. Studs will run straight up and 

down from floor to ceiling while pipes may change direction. 

• A stud reading would measure approximately 

 in. (38 mm) apart from each edge; anything larger or 

smaller is most likely not a stud if not near a door or window.    

• Use extra caution if the area has plywood, thick wood backing behind drywall, or thicker than normal walls. 
• If a switch controls an outlet, make sure it is ON for detection, but turned off when working near 

electrical wires.

Use CAUTION when nailing, sawing, or drilling into walls, floors, and ceilings where these items 

may exist.

• To narrow detection, turn tool off and on again at the edge of where wire was detected and scan again.

9. HELPFUL HINTS

 

(See also number 2, Operating Tips)

 

Situation

Probable Cause

Solution

FCC Part 15 Class B Registration Warning

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.  

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, 

and (2) this device must accept any interference 

received, including interference that may cause 

undesired operation.

7. WIREWARNING

®

 DETECTION

Zircon’s WireWarning

®

 detection works continuously. 

When live AC voltage is detected, the WireWarning

®

 

LED will illuminate.
If scanning begins over a live AC wire, the 

WireWarning

®

 LED will flash continuously.  

Use extreme caution in these circumstances or 

whenever live AC is present.

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

4. FINDING A STUD

Always start with the scanner placed flat against the 

wall, then press the Power button. Wait for beep to 

confirm calibration has completed before moving tool.

Slowly slide tool across 

surface. EDGE LED will 

illuminate, indicating 

location of the stud edge.

Continue sliding 

tool. When the 

center of the stud is 

located, the buzzer 

will sound, and both 

the CENTER LED  

and the SpotLite

®

 

will illuminate.

In cases of deeper studs (thicker walls) when the 

center of the stud is 

located only the three 

middle and CENTER 

LEDs will illuminate.  

If you still can’t locate  

a stud, try the next step.

Note: The tool may detect other objects behind 

the wall such as pipes and conduit. See Section 2: 

Operating Tips for ways to confirm that you found 

a stud.

5. DIFFICULTY LOCATING A STUD? 
    TRY HIGH SENSITIVITY MODE

If you have difficulty locating a stud after following 

Step 4, it could be that the stud is deep (the walls  

are thick). With the tool still placed flat against the 

wall and turned on, quickly (within one second) 

release and re-press the Power Button. The scanner 

will enter the 

High 

Sensitivity Mode

 and 

the DEEP LED will flash 

continuously. Center of 

a very deep stud will be 

indicated by the three 

middle LEDs illuminating.

6. MARKING THE CENTER OF THE STUD

Once an object is 

located, mark the 

location by gently 

pulling down the 

MARK button with 

your fingertip. A 

pencil point will 

extend from the front 

of the handle, placing 

a short, erasable line 

on the wall.

9V

9V

• Grasp the handle with your thumb on one side 

and your fingers on the other side. Make sure your 

fingertips are resting on or above the running board 

and not touching the surface being scanned or the 

scanning head of the tool.

• Hold the tool straight up and down, parallel to the 

studs, and do not rotate the tool.

EN

No indications.

• No studs in that area.

• No, or low, battery in tool.

• Move tool several inches (12–13 cm), to the left or right and start again.
• Replace with brand new 9V alkaline battery.

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   StudSensor

 

70

Center-Finding Stud Finder

Summary of Contents for StudSensor 70

Page 1: ...ndication Deep Target Indication Battery back of unit Extra Marker Tips behind battery Edge Indication Erasable Marker Ready Indication WireWarning Detection Indication Running Board Power Button EN StudSensor 70 Center Finding Stud Finder ...

Page 2: ...ing icon will illuminate Note This product is intended only for use with an optimum voltage range of 110 127 V 1 INSTALLING THE BATTERY Press battery door release in with your finger or a coin and lift up to remove door Place a brand new 9V alkaline battery into the compartment and press into place Replace battery door and snap shut 2 OPERATING TIPS For optimum scanning results it is important to ...

Page 3: ... be visible it will interfere with the tool s sensors Please allow a few days for the wall to dry out 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 MARK MARK MARK Grasp the handle with your th...

Page 4: ...pplication Wallpaper may need to dry for several weeks after application Extremely 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 Calibrate with cardboard in place in High Sensitivity mode Wood flooring subflooring or gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing Use the High Sensitivi...

Page 5: ...ement and in standard 16 and 24 in 41 and 61 cm stud spacing practices 3 TURNING ON CALIBRATING THE TOOL Place StudSensor 70 flat against the wall then press and hold the Power button Upon completion of calibration the SpotLite Pointing System and buzzer will momentarily activate and the tool will begin continuous measurements Note It is important to wait for calibration to complete 1 2 seconds be...

Page 6: ...ntinue sliding tool When the center of the stud is located the buzzer will sound and both the CENTER LED and the SpotLite will illuminate In cases of deeper studs thicker walls when the center of the stud is located only the three middle and CENTER LEDs will illuminate If you still can t locate a stud try the next step Note The tool may detect other objects behind the wall such as pipes and condui...

Page 7: ...e second release and re press the Power Button The scanner will enter the High Sensitivity Mode and the DEEP LED will flash continuously Center of a very deep stud will be indicated by the three middle LEDs illuminating 6 MARKING THE CENTER OF THE STUD Once an object is located mark the location by gently pulling down the MARK button with your fingertip A pencil point will extend from the front of...

Page 8: ...ES 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 7 WIREWARNING DETECTION Zircon s WireWarning detection works continuously When live AC voltage is detected the WireWarning LED will illuminate If scanning begins over a live AC wire the WireWarning...

Page 9: ... button to fully extend the marker post Push the new marker onto the marker post Note Two spare markers are stored in the battery compartment Additional marker tips can be ordered from Zircon Customer Service at 1 800 245 9265 FCC Part 15 Class B Registration Warning This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules Operation is subject to the following two conditions 1 this device may not cause harm...

Page 10: ...wires but do not detect any Area of voltage detection is too large Tool not flat against wall Tool tilted or lifted during scan All these factors affect proper calibration Scanning surface is too dense or too wet for unit to operate Electrical wiring and metal or plastic pipes may be near or touching back surface of wall Wires are shielded by metal conduit a braided wire layer behind metallic wall...

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