Zircon StudSensor L40 User Manual Download

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Always turn off the power when working near

electrical wires.

WORKING WITH DIFFERENT MATERIALS

StudSensor

™

40 is for use on dry interior walls only.

Note: Sensing depth and accuracy can vary due

to moisture, content of materials, wall texture,

and paint.

StudSensor

™

40 can scan effectively through most

sheet materials, including:
• Bare wood flooring (in DEEPSCAN

mode)

• Linoleum on wood base
• Gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing
• Wallpapered walls (if dry)
• Textured ceilings if uniform thickness (place a thin

piece of cardboard on ceiling and scan over it to

avoid damage to texturing)

StudSensor

™

40 is not designed to scan materials

such as:
• Ceramic floor tile
• Carpeting and padding
• Wallpaper with metallic fibers
• Freshly painted walls that are still damp (may take

one week or longer to dry after application)

• Lath and plaster walls
• Foil covered insulation board
• Glass or any other dense material

3. SELECTING THE MODE

Move selector switch to the desired mode:

STUD SCAN for finding wood or metal studs or

DEEPSCAN

for finding studs behind walls more

than

⁄

in. (19 mm) thick.

Unit will remain off if Power button is not pressed.

4. FINDING A STUD

Always scan for studs with the scanner placed flat

against the wall. Move the mode switch to STUD

SCAN, place the tool flat against the wall, then press

and hold the Power button. Do not move the unit until

calibration is complete. When calibration is complete,

the green READY light will illuminate.

Always turn off the power when working near

electrical wires.

WORKING WITH DIFFERENT MATERIALS

StudSensor

™

40 is for use on dry interior walls only.

Note: Sensing depth and accuracy can vary due

to moisture, content of materials, wall texture,

and paint.

StudSensor

™

40 can scan effectively through most

sheet materials, including:
• Bare wood flooring (in DEEPSCAN

mode)

• Linoleum on wood base
• Gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing
• Wallpapered walls (if dry)
• Textured ceilings if uniform thickness (place a thin

piece of cardboard on ceiling and scan over it to

avoid damage to texturing)

StudSensor

™

40 is not designed to scan materials

such as:
• Ceramic floor tile
• Carpeting and padding
• Wallpaper with metallic fibers
• Freshly painted walls that are still damp (may take

one week or longer to dry after application)

• Lath and plaster walls
• Foil covered insulation board
• Glass or any other dense material

3. SELECTING THE MODE

Move selector switch to the desired mode:

STUD SCAN for finding wood or metal studs or

DEEPSCAN

for finding studs behind walls more

than

⁄

in. (19 mm) thick.

Unit will remain off if Power button is not pressed.

4. FINDING A STUD

Always scan for studs with the scanner placed flat

against the wall. Move the mode switch to STUD

SCAN, place the tool flat against the wall, then press

and hold the Power button. Do not move the unit until

calibration is complete. When calibration is complete,

the green READY light will illuminate.

1. INSTALLING THE BATTERY

Push in the battery door

tab at the bottom of the

tool and open the door.

Insert a

new

9 V battery,

matching the positive (+)

and negative (-) terminals

to the icons printed on the

back. Snap the battery into

place and replace the door.

2. OPERATING TIPS

For optimum scanning results:
• Hold the tool straight up and down, parallel to the

studs, and do not rotate the tool.

• Keep tool flat against the wall and do not rock, tilt,

or press hard 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.

• 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.

• To avoid surprises, remember that studs or joists

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

and are 1

⁄

in. (38 mm) in width.

Anything closer

together or a different width may not be a stud,

joist, or firebreak.

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 tool’s sensors.

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

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.

1. INSTALLING THE BATTERY

Push in the battery door

tab at the bottom of the

tool and open the door.

Insert a

new

9 V battery,

matching the positive (+)

and negative (-) terminals

to the icons printed on the

back. Snap the battery into place

and replace the door.

2. OPERATING TIPS

For optimum scanning results:
• Hold the tool straight up and down, parallel to the

studs, and do not rotate the tool.

• Keep tool flat against the wall and do not rock, tilt,

or press hard 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.

• 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.

• To avoid surprises, remember that studs or joists

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

and are 1

⁄

in. (38 mm) in width.

Anything closer

together or a different width may not be a

stud, joist, or firebreak.

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 tool’s sensors.

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

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.

Continue to hold the Power

button, then slowly slide

unit horizontally across the

wall, left or right. As you

begin to approach a stud,

the arrow segments will

begin to turn on.

When the top red EDGE

light is lit, the SpotLite

pointer shines, and a

steady tone sounds, you

have located the edge of

the stud. Mark this spot.

Without releasing the

Power button, continue

scanning beyond the

marked spot until the red

EDGE light turns off. Slide

unit in reverse direction to

locate other edge of stud.

Mark this second spot.

Middle of stud is centered

between the two marks.

5. WIREWARNING

DETECTION

WireWarning

detection works continuously in STUD

SCAN and DEEPSCAN

modes. When live AC voltage is

detected, the WireWarning

light comes on. If scanning

begins over a live AC wire, the WireWarning

indicator

will flash continuously. Use extreme caution in these

circumstances or whenever live AC is present.

Continue to hold the Power

button, then slowly slide

unit horizontally across the

wall, left or right. As you

begin to approach a stud,

the arrow segments will

begin to turn on.

When the top red EDGE

light is lit, the SpotLite

pointer shines, and a

steady tone sounds, you

have located the edge of

the stud. Mark this spot.

Without releasing the

Power button, continue

scanning beyond the

marked spot until the red

EDGE light turns off. Slide

unit in reverse direction to

locate other edge of stud.

Mark this second spot.

Middle of stud is centered

between the two marks.

5. WIREWARNING

DETECTION

WireWarning

detection works continuously in STUD

SCAN and DEEPSCAN

modes. When live AC voltage is

detected, the WireWarning

light comes on. If scanning

begins over a live AC wire, the WireWarning

indicator

will flash continuously. Use extreme caution in these

circumstances or whenever live AC is present.

You suspect electrical

wires, but do not

detect any.

You suspect electrical

wires, but do not

detect any.

Area of voltage

detection appears much

larger than actual wire

(AC only).

Area of voltage

detection appears much

larger than actual wire

(AC only).

• Wires may be shielded behind

metallic wall coverings, plywood

shearwall, or other dense material,

or in conduit.

• The wires may not be live.
• Wires deeper than 2 in. (51 mm)

from surface may not be detected.

• Wires may be shielded behind

metallic wall coverings, plywood

shearwall, or other dense material,

or in conduit.

• The wires may not be live.
• Wires deeper than 2 in. (51 mm)

from surface may not be detected.

• Voltage detection can spread on

drywall as much as 12 in. (30 cm)

from each side of an actual

electrical wire.

• Voltage detection can spread on

drywall as much as 12 in. (30 cm)

from each side of an actual

electrical wire.

Lights start blinking

and unit beeps

repeatedly.

Lights start blinking

and unit beeps

repeatedly.

• Scan began on dense part of wall or

over a stud.

• Unit not flat against wall.
• Unit tilted or lifted during scan.

(All these factors affect proper

calibration.)

• Scanning surface is too dense or too

wet for unit to operate.

• Scan began on dense part of wall or

over a stud.

• Unit not flat against wall.
• Unit tilted or lifted during scan.

(All these factors affect proper

calibration.)

• Scanning surface is too dense or too

wet for unit to operate.

• Turn unit off, move over a few inches (5–8 cm),

press Power button, and start again.

• On rough surfaces, place a thin piece of cardboard on

wall, scanning over it to help slide unit more smoothly.

• Keep hand at least 6 in. (15 cm) from unit while you

calibrate and scan. Hold unit with thumb and index

finger no higher than handgrips. Be careful not to

move your fingers after calibration.

• Always hold unit parallel to the stud and move it

perpendicular to the stud you’re trying to locate.

• If you are using unit on a recently taped, painted, or

wallpapered wall, allow time to dry and try again.

• Turn unit off, move over a few inches (5–8 cm),

press Power button, and start again.

• On rough surfaces, place a thin piece of cardboard on

wall, scanning over it to help slide unit more smoothly.

• Keep hand at least 6 in. (15 cm) from unit while you

calibrate and scan. Hold unit with thumb and index

finger no higher than handgrips. Be careful not to

move your fingers after calibration.

• Always hold unit parallel to the stud and move it

perpendicular to the stud you’re trying to locate.

• If you are using unit on a recently taped, painted, or

wallpapered wall, allow time to dry and try again.

Unable to detect studs

in STUD SCAN mode.
The top EDGE arrow

doesn’t turn on or flash

in STUD SCAN mode.

• Wall is particularly thick or dense.

• Switch to DEEPSCAN

mode to locate the stud.

• Interpret the highest arrow obtained as the stud edge.

Unable to detect studs

in STUD SCAN mode.
The top EDGE arrow

doesn’t turn on or flash

in STUD SCAN mode.

• Wall is particularly thick or dense.

• Switch to DEEPSCAN

mode to locate the stud.

• Interpret the highest arrow obtained as the stud edge.

The green READY light

turns on but, when

scanning, unit doesn’t

do anything else.

• Unit may not be flat against the wall.
• If it is in the DEEPSCAN

mode

(DEEPSCAN

is lit), you may have

calibrated over a stud.

• Hold unit so two Velcro

strips on the back make

contact with wall.

• Recalibrate unit in a different place and re-scan area.

The green READY light

turns on but, when

scanning, unit doesn’t

do anything else.

• Unit may not be flat against the wall.
• If it is in the DEEPSCAN

mode

(DEEPSCAN

is lit), you may have

calibrated over a stud.

• Hold unit so two Velcro

strips on the back make

contact with wall.

• Recalibrate unit in a different place and re-scan area.

Working in DEEPSCAN

mode and can’t detect

studs.

• You may have calibrated over a

stud. (The error condition is disabled

in DEEPSCAN

mode because it is

twice as sensitive as STUD SCAN.)

• You may be holding the unit like a

TV remote, aiming it at the wall.

• Move unit over a few inches (5–8 cm)

and recalibrate.

• Hold unit so two Velcro

strips on the back

make contact with wall.

Working in DEEPSCAN

mode and can’t detect

studs.

• You may have calibrated over a

stud. (The error condition is disabled

in DEEPSCAN

mode because it is

twice as sensitive as STUD SCAN.)

• You may be holding the unit like a

TV remote, aiming it at the wall.

• Move unit over a few inches (5–8 cm)

and recalibrate.

• Hold unit so two Velcro

strips on the back

make contact with wall.

Detects other objects

besides studs.

• Electrical wiring and metal or plastic

pipes may be near or touching back

surface of wall.

• Check for other studs equally spaced to either side

12, 16, or 24 in. (30, 40, or 60 cm) apart or for the

same stud at several places directly above and below

the first scan area.

Detects other objects

besides studs.

• Electrical wiring and metal or plastic

pipes may be near or touching back

surface of wall.

• Check for other studs equally spaced to either side

12, 16, or 24 in. (30, 40, or 60 cm) apart or for the

same stud at several places directly above and below

the first scan area.

• 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.

Always turn off power when cutting, nailing, or

drilling near electrical wires.

• 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.

Always turn off power when cutting, nailing, or

drilling near electrical wires.

• To narrow detection, turn unit off and on again at the

edge of where wire was detected and scan again.

Always turn off power when cutting, nailing, or

drilling near electrical wires.

• To narrow detection, turn unit off and on again at the

edge of where wire was detected and scan again.

Always turn off power when cutting, nailing, or

drilling near electrical wires.

Probable Causes

Solutions

Situation

Electrical field locators may

not detect live AC wires if

wires are more than 2 in. (51 mm) from the

scanned surface, 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

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN

ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE, AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY

OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Electrical field locators may

not detect live AC wires if

wires are more than 2 in. (51 mm) from the

scanned surface, 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

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN

ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE, AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY

OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

StudSensor

™

L40

Stud Finder

StudSensor

™

L40

Stud Finder

Stud Edge Groove

SpotLite

Pointer

SpotLite

Pointer

WireWarning

Detection Indicator

WireWarning

Detection Indicator

STUD SCAN

Mode

STUD SCAN

Mode

Power Button

Green

READY

Light

Green

READY

Light

Red EDGE Light

DEEPSCAN

Mode

DEEPSCAN

Mode

Mode Switch

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

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

6. HELPFUL HINTS

(See also number 2, Operating Tips)

6. HELPFUL HINTS

(See also number 2, Operating Tips)

The StudSensor

™

40 features two

scanning modes:
• STUD SCAN: Locates the edges of

wood and metal studs up to

⁄

in.

(19 mm) deep

• DEEPSCAN

: Locates the edges of

wood and metal studs up to 1

⁄

in.

(38 mm) deep

WireWarning

detection automatically

detects and alerts the user to live AC

wires in STUD SCAN and DEEPSCAN

modes. When AC voltage is detected,

the AC WireWarning

icon will illuminate.

The StudSensor

™

40 features two

scanning modes:
• STUD SCAN: Locates the edges of

wood and metal studs up to

⁄

in.

(19 mm) deep

• DEEPSCAN

: Locates the edges of

wood and metal studs up to 1

⁄

in.

(38 mm) deep

WireWarning

detection automatically

detects and alerts the user to live AC

wires in STUD SCAN and DEEPSCAN

modes. When AC voltage is detected,

the AC WireWarning

icon will illuminate.

LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY

Zircon Corporation, (“Zircon”) warrants this product to be free from defects

in materials and workmanship for one years 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.