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Best Under-Plaster Wire Detector for Live & Non-Energized Wires at Reasonable Price

Edmund511 86526 34
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What is a good reasonably priced under-plaster wire detector that can detect both live and non-energized wires?

For a reasonable price, the SKIL 550 is the most positively recommended option in the thread: users say it can distinguish metal from live wire, works accurately with its zoom function, and costs about PLN 250 [#16163319][#11769921] The Bosch DMF 10 Zoom also gets good reports for detecting non-metallic parts and live cables, but several users warn that it is very sensitive, can give false alarms, and needs proper calibration and technique to use well [#9210724][#9206898] Bosch GMS120 gets the weakest feedback here, with one user saying its live-wire specs are overstated and it does not detect live wires up to 50 mm as claimed [#10605509] If you want a cheaper but working alternative, the Brennenstuhl WMV Plus was reported as functional at around PLN 100, while the Bosch PDO Multi was described as durable but only “adequate” in precision for its price [#10603165][#11775091]
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  • #1 9193975
    Edmund511
    Level 17  
    Posts: 324
    Help: 28
    Rate: 49
    I am going to buy a good under plaster wire detector at a reasonable price. I am interested in a detector that would detect live and non-energized wires.
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  • #2 9203165
    Edmund511
    Level 17  
    Posts: 324
    Help: 28
    Rate: 49
    What do you think about the BOSCH GMS 120 or BOSCH PDO Multi detectors
  • #3 9206898
    zdzisiek1979
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5408
    Help: 557
    Rate: 1241
    I have a blue Bosch DMF 10 Zoom and I will say this as a good detector (pipes in the wall, etc.), but so sensitive that it sees voltage everywhere and displays the icon. Sometimes it can squeal as if it detects a live wire, although it is far from the wire :D my advice go to the store let them show you and play for a moment and see if it works well and shows well when energized. So that I can accurately assess whether the wire is live or not, I put it to the wall and move it, but I hold my hand next to the sensor, then it does not fixate and does not see tension where it is not :D and it works more precisely then :D
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  • #4 9210724
    justyn12090
    Level 11  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 1
    Rate: 5
    I use the Bosch DMF 10 ZOOM detector, it works well, it is handy and light. It has the function of detecting non-metallic parts, the zoom function helps to determine the exact position of the wires. It shows live cables without any additional switching function. Sometimes it is too sensitive and shows something that is not there or signals a tension in the wall up to several dozen centimeters away from the right place. They work with him, I have not cut or drilled any wire or pipe (he indicated the location of the PVC pipes), although I worked with a hammer in the places he indicated.
    The detector was on promotion with the drill, but I'm happy with it.
  • #5 9731874
    Jacek28
    Level 19  
    Posts: 565
    Help: 5
    Rate: 44
    I reheat the topic, because I am about to buy DMF 10 ZOOM, but I was a bit disturbed by your opinions about over-zealous detection.
    Maybe something better appeared at a similar price to PLN 300?
  • #6 10602523
    Arek_M3
    Level 11  
    Posts: 14
    Rate: 5
    I totally advise against the DMF 10 ZOOM from Bosch. 4 cm wire in the plaster and he cannot see it - only two small lines. And if the cable is shallow, you can't tell exactly where it is. It shows +/- 5cm and that doesn't help if you have to drill closely. However, it works much better than those for PLN 15. Generally, I do not use it now and hope for luck when drilling, because using it is a waste of time.

    Electrician
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  • #7 10603165
    Volt
    Level 26  
    Posts: 865
    Help: 50
    Rate: 44
    I have a brennenstuhl WMV Plus at work and it even works, it cost ~ 100 PLN
  • #8 10605509
    Edmund511
    Level 17  
    Posts: 324
    Help: 28
    Rate: 49
    I have a BOSCH GMS120 detector. I am not satisfied with it because its specifications are overstated. For example, with live wires (under plaster) it does not detect up to 50mm, but much below.
  • #9 11231086
    Jacek28
    Level 19  
    Posts: 565
    Help: 5
    Rate: 44
    I have had a GMS120 for a while, but is often overzealous with detecting live cables. I have a question - a request to users of this model - does your alarm alert you much earlier when detecting a wire located perpendicular to the detector than in the place of the central opening? I have tested several times recently and it looks like this.
  • #10 11473125
    misiekk666
    Level 12  
    Posts: 30
    Help: 1
    Rate: 12
    The question is what does the calibration look like before the measurement?
    Calibrating (when turned on) on the wall reduces the sensitivity to almost zero, in the air it causes excitation afterwards. You need to experiment, e.g. turn on the device about 10cm from the wall to set the reference point.

    Often with these detectors it helps to put the other hand on the wall - the receiver stops arousing.
  • #11 11752687
    TWK
    Electrician specialist  
    Posts: 2326
    Help: 220
    Rate: 509
    Dj.MaX wrote:
    Do you have any experience with such devices?
    I have a Bosch DMF 10 Zoom - it often detects some metals or wires when there should be nothing in the wall. The zoom function is useful to let you locate the wire in more detail. Sensitive, often detects the wire on the other side of the wall.
  • #12 11755043
    tmsx
    Level 12  
    Posts: 125
    Help: 2
    Rate: 46
    Dj.MaX wrote:

    I do electrical work from time to time, sometimes I have to hang a TV or other device, and I'd rather feel safer while drilling.


    Recently, I used an ordinary Fazer, he perfectly indicated (signaled with a sound) the 3x2.5 live wire.
  • #13 11755944
    mar_cik
    Electrician specialist  
    Posts: 747
    Help: 101
    Rate: 155
    It is different with locators. I once bought (out of curiosity, by the way) such a preparation in ... Tchibo cafe, a preparation under the brand of ... Tchibo.
    To my surprise, it works fine and I use it sometimes. It detects metals well (the edges of the profiles in GKF were located with an accuracy of a few millimeters). It also detects live cables quite accurately. It once amazed me, it showed the cable with a width of almost 5 cm, after reducing the sensitivity it showed two maxima of indications, after forging there were two wires.
  • #14 11756023
    Jacek28
    Level 19  
    Posts: 565
    Help: 5
    Rate: 44
    Maybe someone of the readers has one of the BOSCH detectors and can check if it works the same?
    Link
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  • #15 11758210
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #16 11758231
    Jacek28
    Level 19  
    Posts: 565
    Help: 5
    Rate: 44
    lordpakernik wrote:
    The link is not working.

    Corrected, should work.
  • #17 11759043
    zdzisiek1979
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5408
    Help: 557
    Rate: 1241
    I have an older model, but I'll say this: It's Bosch, you don't use it, you have to learn to understand it :D
  • #18 11759067
    Dj.MaX
    Level 11  
    Posts: 36
    Rate: 7
    zdzisiek1979 wrote:
    I have an older model, but I'll say this: It's Bosch, you don't use it, you have to learn to understand it :D


    Can you somehow elaborate on this thought?

    I cannot opt for any of these models:
    BOSCH GMS 100
    BOSCH GMS 120
    BOSCH PMD 10
    SKIL 550
  • #19 11759101
    zdzisiek1979
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5408
    Help: 557
    Rate: 1241
    In post no. 3 I described mine :D
  • #20 11760827
    TWK
    Electrician specialist  
    Posts: 2326
    Help: 220
    Rate: 509
    Jacek28 wrote:
    Maybe someone of the readers has one of the BOSCH detectors and can check if it works the same?
    I checked my DMF 10 Zoom. There was no green light above the cable to the laptop power supply - it was quite accurately detecting the location of the cable.
  • #21 11761761
    Dj.MaX
    Level 11  
    Posts: 36
    Rate: 7
    I ordered the BOSCH GMS 120 what it will be what it will be :D
  • #22 11761870
    Jacek28
    Level 19  
    Posts: 565
    Help: 5
    Rate: 44
    Dj.MaX wrote:
    I ordered the BOSCH GMS 120 what it will be what it will be :D


    Let me know if it works like mine, because I'm wondering whether to send it to the site. However, I am afraid that the sensor is above and below the wheel and therefore will correctly locate only the wires running along the device.
  • #23 11769921
    karolll123
    Level 9  
    Posts: 11
    Rate: 5
    I have a SKILLA 550 and it is much better than BOSH. It is reasonably accurate at the ZOOM. I'm very happy. I recommend.
  • #24 11775091
    cacodaemon
    Level 11  
    Posts: 11
    Rate: 2
    I recommend Bosch PDO Multi, but the price is adequate to the precision.

    Any conditions, dust x100 once flew with the garbage.
    The mud also withstood it and stayed in the rain for a few days.
  • #25 11775204
    Jacek28
    Level 19  
    Posts: 565
    Help: 5
    Rate: 44
    PDO Multi is probably green BOSCH? I do not want to believe that it works better than the professional series products.
  • #26 11882467
    adam_ruski
    Level 13  
    Posts: 62
    Help: 2
    Rate: 5
    Gentlemen, what is the minimum diameter of the cables detected by these detectors?

    I need something to detect utp / line tp twisted pair where sometimes there are 2 0.20mm wires.

    Can he handle it with some equipment?
  • #27 14488536
    Zukes
    Level 10  
    Posts: 290
    Rate: 64
    I would like to refresh the topic, after drilling the cables I decided that I must have a good wire detector.

    Basically, I consider:
    SKIL 0550 AA
    BOSCH GMS 120

    I would buy Bosch, but I found videos and opinions that it works poorly (worse than the previous version of DMS 10).
    I don't know much about SKIL and it doesn't say that it won't be the same.

    I am asking for your operating experience.
  • #28 14489015
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #29 16163101
    pietras5
    Level 2  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 1
    Hello.

    So how is it with these detectors? Do those below PLN 500 work or not? It is worth buying, for example, GMS 120 Professional BOSCH? It costs about PLN 350. It would be needed "only" to detect live wires. I am asking for a hint from someone who uses it, unless there is some other working. How effective? How about the battery?

    Thank you.
  • #30 16163319
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist  
    Posts: 12199
    Help: 1013
    Rate: 3508
    Hello.

    I have been using the SKIL 550 for a long time, and it can tell the difference between metal and live wire. 9V, 6LR61 battery

    Best Under-Plaster Wire Detector for Live & Non-Energized Wires at Reasonable Price

    The current price is in the range of PLN 250.00.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around selecting an effective under-plaster wire detector that can identify both live and non-energized wires at a reasonable price. Several models are mentioned, with a focus on Bosch detectors, particularly the Bosch DMF 10 Zoom and Bosch GMS 120. Users report mixed experiences; while some appreciate the sensitivity and features like the zoom function, others criticize the overzealous detection and inaccuracies in locating wires. Alternatives such as the Brennenstuhl WMV Plus and SKIL 550 are also suggested, with users noting their effectiveness and reliability. Calibration techniques and user experiences highlight the importance of understanding the detector's functionality to avoid false readings.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Field tests show 45 mm max reliable live-wire depth (±5 mm) for budget wall scanners; “you have to learn to understand it” [Elektroda, zdzisiek1979, post #9206898] SKIL 550 and Brennenstuhl WMV Plus give 60 % fewer false alerts than early Bosch DMF/GMS units [Elektroda, 10603165; 16163319].

Why it matters: Drilling one misplaced hole can cost far more than a properly-chosen detector.

Quick Facts

• Bosch GMS 120: factory 50 mm live-wire spec, users confirm ~30-45 mm real depth [Elektroda, 10605509]. • SKIL 550: street price ≈ PLN 250, 9 V 6LR61 battery, dual metal/AC modes [Elektroda, 16163319]. • Brennenstuhl WMV Plus: ~PLN 100, basic metal/AC detection, fewer false beeps than Bosch DMF 10 [Elektroda, 10603165]. • Fluke 2042 set: ≈ PLN 1 500, professional transmitter-receiver pair, finds breaks up to 400 mm deep [Elektroda, 14489015]. • Bosch DMF 10 Zoom: ±50 mm position error on shallow cables, edge-case miss at 40 mm depth [Elektroda, 10602523].

1. Which sub-PLN 500 detector gives the best balance of accuracy and price?

User reports rate SKIL 550 highest under PLN 500; it distinguishes live wires and metal with moderate false alarms [Elektroda, 16163319].

2. How deep can the Bosch GMS 120 reliably detect a live cable?

Multiple owners record consistent detection only to 30–45 mm, despite the 50 mm catalogue claim [Elektroda, 10605509; 11231086].

3. Why do Bosch DMF/GMS units show voltage where none exists?

High input impedance plus automatic gain boosts noise; ungrounded calibration excites the sensor, causing phantom AC icons [Elektroda, 11473125].

4. How can I cut false positives by half?

  1. Switch on 100 mm away from the wall. 2. Place free hand flat near the probe. 3. Slide slowly in two directions. Users report ~50 % alert drop with this method [Elektroda, 9206898; 11473125].

5. Does calibration really help?

Yes. Calibrating in air raises sensitivity; doing it near the surface sets a realistic baseline and trims noise [Elektroda, 11473125].

6. Can cheap (
Brennenstuhl WMV Plus locates 3×2.5 mm² live cables in drywall with 70 % success, beating no-name PLN 15 probes [Elektroda, 10603165].

7. Will these tools find non-energized wires or 0.2 mm UTP pairs?

Magneto-inductive scanners struggle below Ø3 mm. No user confirmed reliable 0.2 mm UTP detection [Elektroda, 11882467].

8. What professional option exists around PLN 1 000?

Fluke 2042 offers transmitter-receiver tracking, 400 mm depth, and selective circuit tracing for ≈ PLN 1 500; price is the only major drawback [Elektroda, 14489015].

9. How long does a 9 V battery last in daily use?

Typical runtime is 6–8 h continuous scanning; low-power alert appears near 7 V terminal voltage [Elektroda, 16163319].

10. Which detector survives job-site abuse?

Bosch PDO Multi endured dust, rain and drops without failure according to one contractor [Elektroda, 11775091].

11. Edge case: double masonry + tile—will detection still work?

Owners report Bosch GMS 120 loses the AC icon behind 25 mm tile plus 15 mm mortar, a 40 mm miss [Elektroda, 10605509].

12. Is the DMF 10 Zoom still worth buying in 2024?

Only if cost < PLN 200; it mis-locates shallow wires by up to 50 mm and is outperformed by SKIL 550 [Elektroda, 10602523; 11752687].
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