Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What is the scanning depth for the MultiScanner 740?
Answer: The MS 740 scans up to the following depths:
- Stud Scan: ¾ in (19mm) deep.
- DeepScan: 1½ in (38mm).
- Metal Scan: 3 in (76mm).
- AC Scan: 2 in (51 mm).
Question: How can I tell if I’m in DeepScan mode?
Answer: When the MultiScanner 740 is in DeepScan mode, the STUDSCAN indication on the LCD flashes continuously.
Question: How can I be certain the object found behind my wall is a stud when in DeepScan mode?
Answer: The increased sensitivity in DeepScan mode may have located something other than a stud. Studs are equally spaced to either side (12, 16, or 24 in. apart) and typically run from floor to ceiling. To better confirm that what you found is a stud, check for other studs equally spaced to either side 12, 16, or 24 in. apart or for the same stud at several heights directly above and below the first stud indication. A stud reading also measures approximately 1 ½ in. (38 mm) apart from each edge.
Question: The stud finder seems to be detecting more targets than there should be. What am I doing wrong?
Answer: There may be electrical wiring and/or metal or plastic pipes near or touching the back surface of the wall. Switch to Metal Scan mode where, combined with WireWarning detection, pipes and electrical wiring should be detected adequately. You can also check for studs equally spaced to either side (12, 16, or 24 in. apart).
Question: Can I find studs behind lath and plaster construction?
Answer: Yes. Using Metal Scan mode, you can identify a stud behind the lath and plaster wall by locating the pattern of nail or screw heads attaching the wood lath to the studs. The nails or screws should be found in a column when scanning for metal. However, if the plaster has metal mesh reinforcement, MultiScanner 740 may be unable to detect studs through that material.
Question: Can I use this scanner on the exterior of my home?
Answer: No. Zircon StudSensors are designed and recommended for interior use only.
Question: I am having difficulty detecting metal, what can I do to remedy this?
Answer: Recalibrate the tool in another location. The tool could’ve been calibrated over, or close to, a metal object, reducing sensitivity. The metal target could also be too deep; if this is the case scan in both horizontal and vertical directions. Metal sensitivity is increased when metal object is parallel to the sensor, located at the front end of the scanner beneath the cross hairs.
Question: I suspect electrical wires in a certain area when I scan, but why am I not detecting any?
Answer: Wires may be shielded in metal conduit or behind a metallic wall covering. It could also be that the wire is deeper than 2 in. or that the wire may not be live (hot). Try the Metal Scan mode to see if you can find metal, wire, or metal conduit. Always exercise extreme caution when working near electricity.
Question: Is the tool waterproof?
Answer: No. The MultiScanner 740 is splash and water resistant, but not waterproof.
Question: What is the difference between AC Scan and WireWarning detection?
Answer: Most Zircon StudSensors have WireWarning detection that indicates when the tool is in the vicinity of live AC voltage. Tools with the WireWarning detection feature continuously detect hot electrical wires (unshielded) up to 2 inches deep while you are scanning for studs or metal. The WireWarning detection is always on, in all modes, to alert you to the presence of hot, unshielded AC wires behind the wall. Depending on the model, either an LED light or an icon on the screen will appear when live AC voltage is being indicated.
In addition to WireWarning detection, some tools also have a dedicated AC Scan Mode. The difference between WireWarning detection and AC Scan Mode is the user interface. WireWarning detection is indicated by a light or icon that is either on or off. In AC Scan mode the bars on the LCD screen indicate when the tool is moving towards the source of the voltage or away from the source of the voltage. Both WireWarning detection and AC Scan Mode may indicate over a smaller or larger zone around the wire depending on conditions. Both features allow the user to interactively calibrate the sensitivity to AC voltage. If the unit indicates over a large area the user can re-calibrate the unit closer to the source of AC in order to reduce sensitivity so the unit will indicate AC over a smaller zone around the wire.
Question: What can this product do in terms of wire tracing?
Answer: Zircon tools with AC Scan Mode are not full featured wire tracers, however when users are mapping a section of a wall AC Scan Mode can assist them in locating the route a wire takes through that section of the wall.
Question: Where can I get help using my MultiScanner?
Answer: Technical Support is available Toll Free on our Customer Support Number 8:00am – 5:00pm Mon – Fri PST or on the Zircon Website.