Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
3-IN-1 STUD/VOLTAGE/METAL
DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
MSV100
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 –3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –5
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Install Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –8
Detecting Wood Studs, Joists and Frames . . . . 6 –7
Detecting Metal Studs, Pipes and Frames . . . . . . . 8
Detecting AC Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating & Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Warranty Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Return for Repair Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
INTRODUCTION
The MSV100 exploits two electrical phenomena to 1) accurately locate wood
studs and joists and metal behind walls or inside furniture and 2) detect
energized AC outlets and “live” wires carrying AC voltage behind walls or
ceilings.
The first phenomenon—the so-called fringing field effect—refers to the
change in the capacitance of a material produced by its slight spreading of a
local electric field. In the case of the MSV100 (and most pinless moisture
meters), this field is generated by the instrument itself. When you power on the
MSV100 (by pressing the PUSH button on its left side), two plates behind its
rear panel are charged with opposite polarity and pulsed at a high frequency.
This causes current to flow, creating a three-dimensional electromagnetic wave
that extends about 2 in. (50mm) perpendicular to the instrument. When the
back of the MSV100 is placed against a wall, ceiling or fabric, the increased
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capacitance of that material (as well as any material behind it) distorts the
wave’s electric field to a measurable extent.
The distortion of the field is sensed by a coil in the MSV100. Induction—the
second phenomenon—causes current to flow in the instrument in direct
proportion to how much the wave is distorted. The MSV100 uses the
relationship between current flow and the presence (or absence) of material
within the instrument’s local field to make two precise determinations. One is
the thickness of the surface behind the back of the instrument when placed
against it. This inferred measurement of thickness is used to adjust the
sensitivity of the MSV100’s induction circuit, in effect calibrating the detector to
the test environment. Different baseline sensitivities are used for wood and
metal.
Once you have calibrated the detector in this way, you continue holding the
back of the instrument against the surface and continue pressing the PUSH
button while slowly moving the detector to the left in an area where a stud, joist
or metal rod may be. There will be an abrupt change in the level of induced
current as you pass the edge of any hidden wood or metal. This is the second
determination—the position of the right edge of a wood or metal object.
Repeat the procedure, but now moving to the right, and the MSV100 will again
detect a change in induced current. However, this time the change will be at the
left edge of the hidden wood or metal. By using a pencil and the MSV100’s
marker slot and “peak” central arrow to mark the left and right edges, you can
precisely locate the center of any wood or metal stud or frame, wood joist, or
metal pipe or conduit.
Using induction alone, the MSV100 can also identify “live” (energized) AC
outlets and locate hidden “hot” wires and outlets. This is not only convenient,
but essential to safety. On jobs ranging from installing a through-the-wall airconditioner to renovating a house with new wiring and plumbing, it is vital to
know the locations of existing electrical cables and wires and metal pipes
carrying water or gas. Without access to the building’s construction drawings,
there is no way to be sure that an action as simple as driving a nail into a wall
will not produce an electric shock—or far worse.
Regardless of which mode it is operating in, the MSV100 will display the
familiar
Ꮨ icon whenever it detects AC voltage. It’s critical to realize that AC
voltages as weak as 50V can be hazardous to your health.
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KEY FEATURES
• Detects wood joists/studs, live wires and pipes/cables behind walls or
ceilings
• Also detects wood furniture frames
• Automatically compensates for wall thickness in all three detection modes
• In AC voltage mode, automatically compensates for distance to live wire
• Center arrow and beeper indicate edge of detected material
• Marking slot on top of unit
• Big, bright backlit LCD
• Powered by “9V” battery
• 1 year warranty
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Before using the instrument to detect wood and metal on the same side of
a wall as a live AC wire, de-energize the appropriate circuit.
• Before penetrating a wall, ceiling or floor, detect whether there are wires or
pipes behind it.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The two figures below show the MSV100’s controls, indicators and display
icons. Familiarize yourself with their positions and functions before moving on
to the Setup Instructions and Operating Instructions.
A. Marker slot. For inserting pencil
to mark left and right edges of wood
or metal structure. Mark is directly
above central arrow indicating peak
change in induced current.
B. Mode switch. Optimizes sensitivity
for detecting wood, AC voltage or
metal. Switch positions are labeled
STUD, AC WIRE and METAL.
A
BED
C
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