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Suggest a wire locator

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RonRock

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
1,173
Location
Iowa, USA
I helped my son install a wall mount TV recently. It is for a large TV and the lag bolts wore 2 1/2" long to drill into the studs. So we did all of the layout work figuring the height he wanted and center and be able to hit 2 studs. No problem, then I checked for voltage in the wall with his stud finder with voltage detection. It was so vague and at times would signal voltage and other times none in the same location. Basically a POS, undependable sure to get into trouble. Couple years ago I got a Walbot thinking that would be a good one, wrong same thing I don't trust it and don't use it.

Anyway, before drilling I cut into the drywall for an inspection. We were 1/2" above a horizontal cable. Close but probably would have missed it. I moved up 1" and finished the job.

But now I ask is there a wire locator that is affordable and dependable for someone that is not a pro? Fluke is probably out of the range if they even make one.
 
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grounded-b

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Joined
Oct 23, 2012
Messages
285
Location
Milwaukee, WI
No, there is no way to reliably locate live wires buried behind drywall, etc.

NM cable "might" be the only wiring method, which "could" be located. But, it wouldn't be precise. Any wiring with a metal jacket, such as armored cable (AC or BX ) or MC would not be traceable, because of the grounded outer jacket.

Best idea, if you're worried, is to cut an inspection hole.

Steve
 
C

Crazyjake8493

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Joined
Sep 26, 2014
Messages
4,014
Location
Upstate NY
grounded-b said:
Best idea, if you're worried, is to cut an inspection hole.
Click to expand...

That'd be my suggestion as well. All of the large TV brackets I've ever installed had a metal mounting plate that was at least 4" x 18" if not larger. Cut a small hole next to the stud where you plan to drill, and look in to see if any wires are running horizontally through that stud.

Messing with a stud finder will just lead to frustration and unnecessary wasted time.
 
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Will S.

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Joined
Apr 15, 2010
Messages
446
Location
The First State
I have a Garrett metal-detectorist pinpointer, which wont tell you (necessarily) if wiring is live, but it can tell where the wiring is; (keep in mind that pinpointers are designed to detect metal when close the the "target" object. More metal mass will detect much greater distance). I have accurately located wiring using this method, along with "listenening" for the AC buzz using my tele-comm tone tracer.
 
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