background image

Featuring Revolutionary Target Control

 (TC

Technology

TC

 technology is tuned to find wood studs while filtering out 

(rejecting) metallic or low signal false positive objects such as 

plumbing, conduit, straps, brackets, or plastic water pipes.  

With TC

 mode, users can utilize 

Trust but Verify

 technique to 

help identify “safe-to-drill” zones between adjacent  

drywall screws, nails, and protector plates.

Five scanning modes:

• 

Target Control

 (TC

)

 locates center, edges, and direction 

of wood studs (while ignoring metal) up to 

3

4

" (19 mm) deep. 

LCD will be backlit with a pale blue light.

 In TC

 mode, 

LoLevel

 Indicator indicates low (weak) signal objects, such as 

plastic water pipes, plastic sewer drains, or studs deeper than 

3

4

" (19 mm). When compared to stud signals, the LoLevel

 

Indicator may help differentiate studs from false positives.

• 

StudScan

 locates center, edges, and direction of both wood 

and metal studs up to 

3

4

" (19 mm) deep. 

LCD will not be 

backlit in this mode.

 In StudScan mode, the Signal Strength 

Indicator uses the same icon as the LoLevel

 Indicator. 

When TC

 is off, a strong signal is indicated by full signal 

strength bars.

• 

DeepScan

®

 locates center, edges, and direction of studs 

(wood and metal) up to 1

1

2

" (38 mm) deep. 

LCD will be 

backlit with a green light.

• 

Metal Scan

 locates ferrous (magnetic) metal, such as steel, 

up to 3" (75 mm) deep, and non-ferrous (non-magnetic) 

metal, such as copper, up to 1

1

2

" (38 mm) deep. 

LCD will be 

backlit with a dark blue light.

• 

AC Scan

 locates live, unshielded AC wires behind drywall up 

to 2" (50 mm) deep. 

LCD will be backlit with a red light.

NOTE:

 TC

 and StudScan use the same switch setting but 

function differently. StudScan detects both wood and metal 

studs during scanning, while TC

 detects only wood studs and 

ignores metal. You can distinguish between the two modes 

by the pale blue backlight on LCD in TC

 mode. StudScan is 

not backlit. 

MetalliWarning

 Indicator

 will display when 

metal is detected or dangerously close in TC

, StudScan, 

and DeepScan

®

 modes.

WIREWARNING

®

 DETECTION

The Zircon

®

 

WireWarning

®

 Detection

 continuously detects 

and alerts for live, unshielded AC (alternating current) wires in 

any mode. When live AC voltage is detected, warning indicator 

appears and screen starts flashing red until scanner is moved 

sufficiently away from the live wire. When calibration begins 

over an AC wire in any mode, AC icon will flash. 

Use extreme 

caution under these circumstances or whenever live AC 

wiring is present.

WARNING

Scanner may not detect AC activity if wires 

are more than 2" (50 mm) behind 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.

NOTE: 

When scanning on thicker surfaces, device may not find 

edges on surfaces thicker than 

3

4

" (19 mm).

SCAN FOR METAL

Use Metal Scan mode to locate and narrow metal behind walls.

1. 

Set mode to Metal Scan.

2. 

Hold scanner flat against wall, then press and hold 

Power Button. In 1–2 seconds, device will calibrate. A short beep 

confirms that calibration is complete.

NOTE:

 For maximum sensitivity, hold scanner away from 

surface, press and hold Power Button until a short beep confirms 

calibration is complete, then place against surface to be scanned.

3. 

While continuing to hold 

Power Button, slide scanner slowly 

against wall. With a strong read, 

SpotLite

®

 illuminates and a short 

beep sounds. Mark spot where largest 

number of Target Indicator Bars show. 

(

Figure D

)

4. 

Continue sliding in same 

direction until bars reduce, 

then reverse direction. Mark spot 

where Target Indicator Bars peak.  

The midpoint between the two marks  

is the location of metal object.

NOTE:

 If device indicates a large area  

of metal, refine scan to narrow area.

REFINE METAL SCAN

1. 

Release Power Button, 

then place scanner over one of the 

previous marks. (

Figure E

)

2. 

Press and hold Power Button, 

then repeat steps 3 and 4 under  

SCAN FOR METAL. This resets metal 

calibration to a lower sensitivity and 

narrows scan area.

3. 

Repeat as needed. (

Figure F

)

NOTE:

 If any bars display, 

metal is present.

SCAN FOR AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT)

Use AC Scan mode to find live, unshielded electrical wiring. 

ALWAYS TURN OFF POWER WHEN WORKING NEAR 

ELECTRICAL WIRES (EXCEPT WHEN SCANNING).
1. 

Set mode to AC Scan.

2. 

Hold scanner flat against wall, then press and hold 

Power Button. A short beep confirms that calibration is complete. 

DO NOT MOVE SCANNER DURING CALIBRATION.
3. 

While holding Power Button, slide scanner slowly against wall. 

Mark spot where the most Target Indicator Bars show. With a 

strong read, scanner will light up and a steady beep will sound.

4. 

Continue in same direction until bars reduce, 

then reverse direction. Mark spot where Target Indicator 

Bars peak. The midpoint between the two marks is the location 

of the live, unshielded AC wiring. If device indicates live electricity 

over a large area, reduce sensitivity of scanner to refine scanning 

area and more accurately locate the live AC wiring.

INSTALL 9-VOLT BATTERY

Always use a new 9V alkaline battery with an extended 

expiration date at least 3 years beyond current date. 

Match battery direction to image inside battery cavity.

WARNING

Do not rely exclusively on scanner 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: 

TC

 / StudScan, DeepScan

®

, Metal Scan, or AC Scan. 

To activate scanner, press and hold Power Button. Device shuts 

off 1–2 seconds after Power Button is released.

FIND A CLEAN WOOD STUD IN TARGET 

CONTROL

 (TC

) MODE

TC

 is designed to detect wood studs during scanning.

 

For best results, hold scanner as shown and move slowly when 

scanning. 

Do not touch surface during calibration or scan.

1. 

Set mode to TC

 / StudScan switch.

2. 

Hold scanner flat against wall, then press and hold 

Power Button. Device will calibrate in 1–2 seconds. 

Proper calibration is confirmed by a short beep, a flicker of 

SpotLite

®

 Pointer, and a flash of icons. If a calibration error 

occurs, all icons will flash continuously. 

NOTE:

 

Screen will have a pale 

blue backlight in TC

 mode.

 

DO NOT MOVE SCANNER 

DURING CALIBRATION.
3. 

While holding down Power Button, 

slide scanner slowly along wall. 

When scanner finds edge of a stud, 

Edge Indicator shows. (

Figure A

)

4. 

Continue sliding. When scanner 

finds center of a stud, Crosshairs show 

and SpotLite

®

 illuminates. (

Figure B

Mark spot where stud was found.

5. 

Scanner automatically recalibrates 

when in use. If the two ACT

 arrows 

appear on LCD, scanner was calibrated 

over a stud, then moved away. This is 

ACT

 (Auto Correcting Technology) 

in action. (

Figure C

NOTE:

 LoLevel

 Indicator will display 

rapidly cascading bars when device 

senses a sustained weak signal, indicating 

a false positive object may be present.

6. 

Use the

 Trust but Verify

 

technique for finding drywall screws 

or nails up and down stud to confirm 

that you have located a wood stud. 

Other objects, such as plastic 

plumbing pipes, do not contain nails 

or drywall screws. (See important note 

under BEFORE YOU BEGIN

 

for more 

information on this procedure.)

FIND A STUD IN STUDSCAN MODE (TC

 OFF)

1. 

Set mode to TC

 / StudScan switch.

2. 

Hold scanner flat against wall, 

press Power Button, 

release it, then press it again,

 holding it down the 

second time. Device will calibrate in 1–2 seconds. A short beep 

confirms that calibration is complete. If a calibration error occurs, 

all icons will flash continuously. 

NOTE:

 

Scanner is in StudScan mode (TC

 off) when LCD 

backlight is off.

 When TC

 mode is off, metal objects may 

be indicated as a stud and Signal Strength Indicator will have 

steady strength bars. 

DO NOT MOVE SCANNER DURING CALIBRATION.
3. 

While holding down Power Button, slide scanner slowly along 

wall. When scanner finds edge of a stud, Edge Indicator shows.

4. 

Continue sliding. When scanner finds center of a stud, 

Crosshairs turn on, SpotLite

®

 illuminates, and a beep sounds. 

Mark spot where stud was found.

5. 

Scanner automatically recalibrates when in use. If the two 

ACT

 arrows appear on LCD, scanner was calibrated too close 

to a stud, then moved away. This is ACT

 (Auto Correcting 

Technology) in action. 

To return to TC

 mode, release and press Power Button again. 

When the display is backlit pale blue, you are back in TC

 mode.

SCAN IN DEEPSCAN

®

 MODE

DeepScan

®

 mode is used to scan for deeper studs or for use 

with thicker walls. It can detect studs up to 1

1

2

" (38 mm) deep.

1. 

Set mode to DeepScan

®

.

2. 

Repeat steps 2–4 under STUDSCAN MODE section. 

NOTE:

 AC Scan only detects live (hot) unshielded AC wiring. 

Refer to the WARNING statement under WIREWARNING

®

 

DETECTION for important details and warnings 

about AC detection.

REFINE AC SCAN

1. 

Release Power Button, then position scanner over one of 

the previous marks. This will reset to a lower sensitivity and 

narrow the scan area.

2. 

Press and hold Power Button, then repeat steps 3 and 4 

under SCAN FOR AC.

3. 

Repeat as needed for increased accuracy.

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.

WORKING WITH DIFFERENT MATERIALS

Wallpaper

 Scanner 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.

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 any stud-scanning mode. 

Switch mode to Metal Scan 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.

Wood flooring, subflooring, or gypsum drywall over 

plywood sheathing

 Use DeepScan

®

 mode and move the 

scanner slowly. This scanner cannot scan for wood studs and 

joists through carpet and padding.

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, 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 

Studs are normally spaced 16" or 24" (40 cm or 60 cm) 

apart on center and are 1

1

2

" (38 mm) wide. Anything closer 

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

Figure A

Figure B

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 THAT 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 the 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, wiring into walls such as in a basement, 

and standard stud-spacing practices.
- Always start your scan in Target Control

 (TC

) mode, which scans through standard single layer drywall up to 

3

4

" (19 mm) deep.

- 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, as a stud would.
- Studs normally run from floor to ceiling, except above and below windows and above doors.
- Readings should always be consistent and repeatable.
- Zircon

®

 wall scanners are recommended for interior use only.

- Other objects commonly contained in walls, floors, or ceilings are water pipes (plastic and metal), 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.
- Depending on the proximity of electrical wiring or pipes to the wall surface, 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 could contain 

these items. Use extreme caution under these circumstances or whenever live AC wiring is present.

- Studs are normally spaced 16" or 24" (40 cm or 60 cm) apart on center, are normally 1

1

2

" (38 mm) wide, and may be 

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

IMPORTANT:

 

Trust but Verify

 is a technique that can help indicate “safe-to-drill” zones to minimize hitting existing metals 

on a stud, such as nails, screws, and protector plates. When the Crosshairs show in TC

 mode, run scanner vertically up and 

down the stud. The stud indicators (Crosshairs, Edge Indicators, Target Indicator Bars, Target Spotlight, and SpotLite

®

 Pointer) will all 

turn off over screws and other metal, then turn on again when the stud is free from metal. The "safe-to-drill" zones are typically 

between adjacent drywall screws, nails, or protector plates, assuming the builder properly installed me tal protector plates on 

the stud, and over plumbing and electrical. If stud indicators do not disappear when running vertically up and down the object in 

TC

 mode, the absence of drywall screws, nails, and protector plates indicates this could be a non-metallic object such as plastic 

plumbing or PEX tubing, and should not be mistaken for a stud.

TROUBLESHOOTING & CONSTRUCTION TIPS

SITUATION

LIKELY CAUSE

SOLUTION

Scanner detects objects other 

than studs in StudScan mode 

or finds more objects that 

look like 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 16" or 24" 

(40 cm or 60 cm) and check for the same stud at spots directly above 

or below the first scan area.
• Standard studs measure approximately 1

1

2

" (38 mm) between 

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

or window).

Difficulty detecting metal.

Metal object is too 

deep or too small.

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

increased when metal object is parallel to the 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 Scan mode, recalibrate scanner over either 

of first two marks (see steps under REFINE METAL SCAN).

Studs are continuously 

detected 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 

none 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 

2" (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.

LCD screen flashes 

continuously when trying  

to find stud.

Scanner is 

experiencing 

oversaturation of 

exposure to metal.

Switch to TC

 or StudScan mode to lessen sensitivity to metal.

NOTE:

 Scanner may not beep over studs 1" (25 mm) or deeper when 

doing this.

Low Battery Indicator on.

Low battery.

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

Low Battery Indicator flashes 

and scanner does not operate. Dead battery.

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

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.

LIMITED LIFETIME 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 its useful life (not to 

exceed twenty 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 LIFETIME WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL 

OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE 

IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS 

FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. 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.
Some states do not allow limitations on certain implied warranties 

and/or the limitation on incidental or consequential damages,  

so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. 

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also 

have other rights which vary from state to state. This Limited 

Lifetime Warranty applies only to products purchased within 

the United States of America (USA) and Canada. For warranty 

applicable to products purchased in all other geographical 

areas, see www.zircon.com/warranty.

Any in-warranty defective product returned to Zircon, 

freight prepaid, along with dated purchase receipt and $10.00 

to cover shipping and handling, will be repaired or replaced, 

at Zircon’s option. If the returned product is no longer available, 

Zircon may replace the product with a similar product of 

similar function. This is your sole and exclusive remedy for 

breach of this Limited Lifetime Warranty. To return product, 

call the Zircon Customer Service number below to request an 

RMA number and return product with shipment tracking to:
Zircon Corporation 

Attn: Returns Department 

1580 Dell Avenue 

Campbell, CA 95008-6992 USA
Include your name, return address, RMA number, and package 

tracking number. Allow 4–6 weeks for delivery. 
If you do not agree to the terms of this Limited Lifetime Warranty, 

you may not use this product and must promptly return it  

to the retailer, along with a dated purchase receipt within  

30 days of purchase for a refund of the purchase price.
Customer Service: 1-800-245-9265 or 1-408-963-4550 

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

www.zircon.com • [email protected]
©2020 Zircon Corporation • P/N 71691 • Rev A 12/20
ACT, ColorTrip, DeepScan, LoLevel, MetalliWarning, SpotLite, 

SuperScan, Target Control, TC, WireWarning, and Zircon are 

trademarks or registered trademarks of Zircon Corporation.

Scan QR code for more information.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure C

SpotLite

®

 Pointer

Mode Settings:
TC

 / StudScan

  DeepScan

®

    Metal Scan
      AC Scan

Battery 

Door Tab

Power 

Button

ColorTrip

®

 

Display

Mode 

Selector 

Switch

Edge Indicators

Scan 

Mode 

Indicator

Crosshairs

LoLevel

™ 

/ Signal 

Strength Indicator

Metal Scan / 

MetalliWarning

 

Indicator

Low 

Battery 

Indicator

AC Scan / 

WireWarning

® 

Detection 

Indicator

ACT

 (Auto 

Correcting 

Technology) 

Arrows

Target 

Indicator 

Bars

Target 

Spotlight

EN

SuperScan

 

W4

Advanced Wall Scanner

Visit www.zircon.com for the 

most current instructions.

Summary of Contents for SuperScan W4

Page 1: ... object in TC mode the absence of drywall screws nails and protector plates indicates this could be a non metallic object such as plastic plumbing or PEX tubing and should not be mistaken for a stud TROUBLESHOOTING CONSTRUCTION TIPS SITUATION LIKELY CAUSE SOLUTION Scanner detects objects other than studs in StudScan mode or finds more objects that look like studs than should be there Electrical wi...

Page 2: ...AC Scan locates live unshielded AC wires behind drywall up to 2 50 mm deep LCD will be backlit with a red light NOTE TC and StudScan use the same switch setting but function differently StudScan detects both wood and metal studs during scanning while TC detects only wood studs and ignores metal You can distinguish between the two modes by the pale blue backlight on LCD in TC mode StudScan is not b...

Page 3: ...ved away This is ACT Auto Correcting Technology in action Figure C NOTE LoLevel Indicator will display rapidly cascading bars when device senses a sustained weak signal indicating a false positive object may be present 6 Use the Trust but Verify technique for finding drywall screws or nails up and down stud to confirm that you have located a wood stud Other objects such as plastic plumbing pipes d...

Page 4: ...SCAN 1 Release Power Button then place scanner over one of the previous marks Figure E 2 Press and hold Power Button then repeat steps 3 and 4 under SCAN FOR METAL This resets metal calibration to a lower sensitivity and narrows scan area 3 Repeat as needed Figure F NOTE If any bars display metal is present SCAN FOR AC ALTERNATING CURRENT Use AC Scan mode to find live unshielded electrical wiring ...

Page 5: ...d 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 any stud scanning mode Switch mode to Metal Scan 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 s...

Page 6: ...also have other rights which vary from state to state This Limited Lifetime Warranty applies only to products purchased within the United States of America USA and Canada For warranty applicable to products purchased in all other geographical areas see www zircon com warranty Any in warranty defective product returned to Zircon freight prepaid along with dated purchase receipt and 10 00 to cover s...

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