Zircon SuperScan W4 - Stud Finder Manual

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

ZIRCON^® STUD FINDERS WORK BY SENSING DENSITY CHANGES BEHIND THE WALL. OTHER OBJECTS CAN BE DETECTED, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE WALL. DO NOT ASSUME THAT EVERYTHING DETECTED IS A STUD.

• Always use a new 9V alkaline battery with an extended expiration date at least 3 years beyond the current date. Match battery direction to the image inside of battery cavity.
• Do not rely exclusively on the scanner to locate items behind a surface. Use other information to help locate such items before penetrating the surface, including construction plans, visible points of entry of pipes, wiring into walls such as in a basement, and standard stud-spacing practices.
• Always start your scan in Target Control^™ (TC^™) mode, which scans through standard single layer drywall up to ³⁄4" (19 mm) deep.
• Always scan for studs at several different heights on the wall and mark the location of every target indicated by the stud finder. This is called "mapping the wall." Pipes and other objects will likely not give consistent readings from floor to ceiling, as a stud would.
• Studs normally run from floor to ceiling, except above and below windows and above doors.
• Readings should always be consistent and repeatable.
• Zircon^® wall scanners are recommended for interior use only.
• Other objects commonly contained in walls, floors, or ceilings are water pipes (plastic and metal), gas lines, firestops, and electrical wiring.
• Sensing depth and accuracy can vary depending on scanning environment conditions, such as mineral content, moisture, texture, and consistency of the wall materials.
• Depending on the proximity of electrical wiring or pipes to the wall surface, scanner may detect them in the same manner as studs.
  Caution should always be used when nailing, cutting, or drilling in walls, floors, and ceilings that could contain these items. Use extreme caution under these circumstances or whenever live AC wiring is present.
• Studs are normally spaced 16" or 24" (40 cm or 60 cm) apart on center, are normally 1¹⁄2" (38 mm) wide, and may be separated by firestops. Anything closer together, or of a different width, may not be a stud.

Trust but Verify is a technique that can help indicate "safe-to-drill" zones to minimize hitting existing metals on a stud, such as nails, screws, and protector plates. When the Crosshairs show in TC^™ mode, run scanner vertically up and down the stud. The stud indicators (Crosshairs, Edge Indicators, Target Indicator Bars, Target Spotlight, and SpotLite^® Pointer) will all turn off over screws and other metal, then turn on again when the stud is free from metal. The "safe-to-drill" zones are typically between adjacent drywall screws, nails, or protector plates, assuming the builder properly installed metal protector plates on the stud, and over plumbing and electrical. If stud indicators do not disappear when running vertically up and down the object in TC^™ mode, the absence of drywall screws, nails, and protector plates indicates this could be a non-metallic object such as plastic plumbing or PEX tubing, and should not be mistaken for a stud.

TROUBLESHOOTING & CONSTRUCTION TIPS

OVERVIEW

Featuring Revolutionary Target Control^™ (TC^™) Technology

TC^™ technology is tuned to find wood studs while filtering out (rejecting) metallic or low signal false positive objects such as plumbing, conduit, straps, brackets, or plastic water pipes. With TC^™ mode, users can utilize Trust but Verify technique to help identify "safe-to-drill" zones between adjacent drywall screws, nails, and protector plates.

Five scanning modes:

• Target Control^™ (TC^™) locates center, edges, and direction of wood studs (while ignoring metal) up to ³⁄4" (19 mm) deep. LCD will be backlit with a pale blue light. In TC^™ mode, LoLevel^™ Indicator indicates low (weak) signal objects, such as plastic water pipes, plastic sewer drains, or studs deeper than ³⁄4" (19 mm). When compared to stud signals, the LoLevel^™ Indicator may help differentiate studs from false positives.
• StudScan locates center, edges, and direction of both wood and metal studs up to ³⁄4" (19 mm) deep. LCD will not be backlit in this mode. In StudScan mode, the Signal Strength Indicator uses the same icon as the LoLevel^™ Indicator. When TC^™ is off, a strong signal is indicated by full signal strength bars.
• DeepScan^® locates center, edges, and direction of studs (wood and metal) up to 1¹⁄2" (38 mm) deep. LCD will be backlit with a green light.
• Metal Scanlocates ferrous (magnetic) metal, such as steel, up to 3" (75 mm) deep, and non-ferrous (non-magnetic) metal, such as copper, up to 1¹⁄2" (38 mm) deep. LCD will be backlit with a dark blue light.
• AC Scan locates live, unshielded AC wires behind drywall up to 2" (50 mm) deep. LCD will be backlit with a red light.

NOTE: TC^™ and StudScan use the same switch setting but function differently. StudScan detects both wood and metal studs during scanning, while TC^™ detects only wood studs and ignores metal. You can distinguish between the two modes by the pale blue backlight on LCD in TC^™ mode. StudScan is not backlit. MetalliWarning^™ Indicator will display when metal is detected or dangerously close in TC^™, StudScan, and DeepScan^® modes.

WIREWARNING^® DETECTION

The Zircon^® WireWarning^® Detection continuously detects and alerts for live, unshielded AC (alternating current) wires in any mode. When live AC voltage is detected, warning indicator appears and screen starts flashing red until scanner is moved sufficiently away from the live wire. When calibration begins over an AC wire in any mode, AC icon will flash. Use extreme caution under these circumstances or whenever live AC wiring is present.

Scanner may not detect AC activity if wires are more than 2" (50 mm) behind the scanned surface, in concrete, encased in conduit, behind a plywood shear wall or metallic wall covering, or if moisture is present in the environment or scanned surface.

INSTALL 9-VOLT BATTERY

Always use a new 9V alkaline battery with an extended expiration date at least 3 years beyond current date. Match battery direction to image inside battery cavity.

Do not rely exclusively on scanner to locate items behind a surface. Use other information to help locate items before penetrating the surface, including construction plans, visible points of entry of pipes and wiring into walls, such as in a basement, and standard stud-spacing practices.

SELECT MODE / POWER UP

Move Mode Selector Switch to desired mode: TC^™ / StudScan, DeepScan^®, Metal Scan, or AC Scan.
To activate scanner, press and hold Power Button. Device shuts off 1–2 seconds after Power Button is released.

FIND A CLEAN WOOD STUD IN TARGET CONTROL^™ (TC^™) MODE

TC^™ is designed to detect wood studs during scanning. For best results, hold scanner as shown and move slowly when scanning. Do not touch surface during calibration or scan.

1. Set mode to TC^™ / StudScan switch.
2. Hold scanner flat against wall, then press and hold Power Button. Device will calibrate in 1–2 seconds.
   Proper calibration is confirmed by a short beep, a flicker of SpotLite^® Pointer, and a flash of icons. If a calibration error occurs, all icons will flash continuously.
   NOTE: Screen will have a pale blue backlight in TC^™ mode. DO NOT MOVE SCANNER DURING CALIBRATION.
3. While holding down Power Button, slide scanner slowly along wall. When scanner finds edge of a stud, Edge Indicator shows. (Figure A)
4. Continue sliding. When scanner finds center of a stud, Crosshairs show and SpotLite^® illuminates. (Figure B) Mark spot where stud was found.
5. Scanner automatically recalibrates when in use. If the two ACT^™ arrows appear on LCD, scanner was calibrated over a stud, then moved away. This is ACT^™ (Auto Correcting Technology) in action. (Figure C)
   NOTE: LoLevel^™ Indicator will display rapidly cascading bars when device senses a sustained weak signal, indicating a false positive object may be present.
6. Use the Trust but Verify technique for finding drywall screws or nails up and down stud to confirm that you have located a wood stud. Other objects, such as plastic plumbing pipes, do not contain nails or drywall screws. (See important note under BEFORE YOU BEGIN for more information on this procedure.)

FIND A STUD IN STUDSCAN MODE (TC^™ OFF)

1. Set mode to TC^™ / StudScan switch.
2. Hold scanner flat against wall, press Power Button, release it, then press it again, holding it down the second time. Device will calibrate in 1–2 seconds. A short beep confirms that calibration is complete. If a calibration error occurs, all icons will flash continuously.
   NOTE: Scanner is in StudScan mode (TC^™ off) when LCD backlight is off. When TC^™ mode is off, metal objects may be indicated as a stud and Signal Strength Indicator will have steady strength bars.
   DO NOT MOVE SCANNER DURING CALIBRATION.
3. While holding down Power Button, slide scanner slowly along wall. When scanner finds edge of a stud, Edge Indicator shows.
4. Continue sliding. When scanner finds center of a stud, Crosshairs turn on, SpotLite^® illuminates, and a beep sounds. Mark spot where stud was found.
5. Scanner automatically recalibrates when in use. If the two ACT^™ arrows appear on LCD, scanner was calibrated too close to a stud, then moved away. This is ACT^™ (Auto Correcting Technology) in action.
   To return to TC^™ mode, release and press Power Button again. When the display is backlit pale blue, you are back in TC^™ mode.

SCAN IN DEEPSCAN^® MODE

DeepScan^® mode is used to scan for deeper studs or for use with thicker walls. It can detect studs up to 1¹⁄2" (38 mm) deep.

1. Set mode to DeepScan^®.
2. Repeat steps 2–4 under STUDSCAN MODE section.

NOTE: When scanning on thicker surfaces, device may not find edges on surfaces thicker than ³⁄4" (19 mm).

SCAN FOR METAL

Use Metal Scan mode to locate and narrow metal behind walls.

1. Set mode to Metal Scan.
2. Hold scanner flat against wall, then press and hold Power Button. In 1–2 seconds, device will calibrate. A short beep confirms that calibration is complete.
   NOTE: For maximum sensitivity, hold scanner away from surface, press and hold Power Button until a short beep confirms calibration is complete, then place against surface to be scanned.
3. While continuing to hold Power Button, slide scanner slowly against wall. With a strong read, SpotLite^® illuminates and a short beep sounds. Mark spot where largest number of Target Indicator Bars show. (Figure D)
   
4. Continue sliding in same direction until bars reduce, then reverse direction. Mark spot where Target Indicator Bars peak. The midpoint between the two marks is the location of metal object.
   NOTE: If device indicates a large area of metal, refine scan to narrow area.

REFINE METAL SCAN

1. Release Power Button, then place scanner over one of the previous marks. (Figure E)
   
2. Press and hold Power Button, then repeat steps 3 and 4 under SCAN FOR METAL. This resets metal calibration to a lower sensitivity and narrows scan area.
3. Repeat as needed. (Figure F)
   
   NOTE: If any bars display, metal is present.

SCAN FOR AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT)

Use AC Scan mode to find live, unshielded electrical wiring. ALWAYS TURN OFF POWER WHEN WORKING NEAR ELECTRICAL WIRES (EXCEPT WHEN SCANNING).

1. Set mode to AC Scan.
2. Hold scanner flat against wall, then press and hold Power Button. A short beep confirms that calibration is complete.
   DO NOT MOVE SCANNER DURING CALIBRATION.
3. While holding Power Button, slide scanner slowly against wall. Mark spot where the most Target Indicator Bars show. With a strong read, scanner will light up and a steady beep will sound.
4. Continue in same direction until bars reduce, then reverse direction. Mark spot where Target Indicator Bars peak. The midpoint between the two marks is the location of the live, unshielded AC wiring. If device indicates live electricity over a large area, reduce sensitivity of scanner to refine scanning area and more accurately locate the live AC wiring.
   NOTE: AC Scan only detects live (hot) unshielded AC wiring. Refer to the WARNING statement under WIREWARNING^® DETECTION for important details and warnings about AC detection.

REFINE AC SCAN

1. Release Power Button, then position scanner over one of the previous marks. This will reset to a lower sensitivity and narrow the scan area.
2. Press and hold Power Button, then repeat steps 3 and 4 under SCAN FOR AC.
3. Repeat as needed for increased accuracy.

DO NOT ASSUME THERE ARE NO LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE WALL. DO NOT TAKE ACTIONS THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF THE WALL CONTAINS A LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRE. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL, GAS, AND WATER SUPPLIES BEFORE PENETRATING A SURFACE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE, AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

WORKING WITH DIFFERENT MATERIALS

Wallpaper Scanner functions normally on walls covered with wallpaper or fabric, unless the materials are metallic foil, contain metallic fibers, or are still wet after application. Wallpaper may need to dry for several weeks after application.

Freshly painted walls It may take a week or longer to dry after application. If it is difficult to locate a stud in StudScan mode on dry or freshly-dried paint, switch to Metal Scan mode to locate the nails or drywall screws holding drywall to the studs.

Lath and plaster Due to irregularities in plaster thickness, it is difficult for this scanner to locate studs in any stud-scanning mode. Switch mode to Metal Scan to locate the nail heads holding wood lath to the studs. If the plaster has metal mesh reinforcement, the scanner will be unable to detect studs through that material.

Highly textured walls or acoustic ceilings When scanning a ceiling or wall with an uneven surface, place thin cardboard on the surface to be scanned and scan over the cardboard in DeepScan^® mode.

Wood flooring, subflooring, or gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing Use DeepScan^® mode and move the scanner slowly. This scanner cannot scan for wood studs and joists through carpet and padding.

NOTE: Sensing depth and accuracy can vary depending on scanning environment conditions such as mineral content, moisture, texture, and consistency of the wall materials.

Electrical wiring and pipes Depending on the proximity of electrical wiring or pipes to the wall surface, scanner may detect them in the same manner as studs.

Caution should always be used when nailing, cutting, or drilling in walls, floors, and ceilings that may contain these items.

Studs Studs are normally spaced 16" or 24" (40 cm or 60 cm) apart on center and are 1¹⁄2" (38 mm) wide. Anything closer together, or of a different width, may not be a stud.

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Zircon Corporation ("Zircon") warrants to the original purchaser (or original user by gift) that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for its useful life (not to exceed twenty years from date of purchase).

To return product, call the Zircon Customer Service number below to request an RMA number and return product with shipment tracking to:
Zircon Corporation
Attn: Returns Department
1580 Dell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008-6992 USA

If you do not agree to the terms of this Limited Lifetime Warranty, you may not use this product and must promptly return it to the retailer, along with a dated purchase receipt within 30 days of purchase for a refund of the purchase price.

Customer Service: 1-800-245-9265 or 1-408-963-4550
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PST
www.zircon.com • info@zircon.com

©2020 Zircon Corporation • P/N 71691 • Rev A 12/20

ACT, ColorTrip, DeepScan, LoLevel, MetalliWarning, SpotLite, SuperScan, Target Control, TC, WireWarning, and Zircon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zircon Corporation.

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FCC Part 15 Class B Registration Warning: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.