Cable Locator/Detector - who's the daddy?

[gigawatt]

Not sure if this has been done before but what is your preferred weapon of choice? I've owned the bosch mickey mouse DMF 100 stuff, absolutely useless. As most of the other shed offerings are. I know there are more serious locators and detectors available (also for underground detecting) so want to know what I should be looking at. any ideas?

 

[MarkieSparkie]

If your looking for a cable locator or detector:- The Bosch GMS120 Wallscanner is the daddy and a gadget nerd’s nirvana. I played with one ELEX it's the dogs bits, like hand held 'ground penetrating radar', but the cost is hard to justify.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

If your looking for a cable tracer or fuse finder:
Generally the types that are a two part system comprising of a generator/transmitter and a detector/receiver are better than a simple one piece tracer that detects the magnetic/electric field of a powered cable. A digital coded matched transmitter and receiver pair are more sensitive, discriminating and accurate than an analogue generator and detector pair. The two part systems come in three power types:- 1) Battery powered transmitter and receiver, only suitable for use on a de-energised circuit or installation. 2) Installation circuit powered transmitter and battery powered receiver, this system is only suitable for an energised circuit. 3) A combination kit with a transmitter can use either mode of power.

The Fluke 2042 cable tracer is very effective, but expensive. The similar Di-log DL2080 is cheaper, but doesn't feel quite so polished in operation or it's build quality. The Martindale FD650 is a good budget unit.
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[gigawatt]

Thanks MarkieSparkie. Yeah I'm looking at the Fluke 2042. Am aware of the Bosch Wallscanner, after the bad experience of the DMF though bit unsure about trusting it. Will try have a play one day with it.

Of course £500+ is a lot of money, but why would a professional sparkie find it hard to justify? Bit surprised this isn't more of an issue?

 

[gutterball]

how well do these work on lath and plaster walls?