A metal detector is frequently used for purposes other than treasure hunting. These devices’ complex circuitry is customized to find specific types of metallic things. The signal from the metal detector easily penetrates plastic conduit and finds the metallic wire within when locating buried lines. If the conduit is metal, the process is even simpler.
What is the best way to locate buried electrical lines?
To obtain utility marking on your property, dial 811 and follow the prompts. If you live in Northern California or Nevada, for example, contacting Subterranean Service Alert North will notify all utility companies with underground connections.
Are electricity lines a problem for metal detectors?
You are likely to experience electrical interference while using your metal detector due to the great sensitivity of current metal detectors and the development of sources of electromagnetic interference.
When electrical interference is present, it is critical that you notice it and take proper action to address it.
This will keep you from giving up on a worthwhile site unnecessarily, or from sending in a computer that is in good operating order for repair.
Symptoms of electrical interference
Electrical interference can cause a metal detector to spontaneously “chatter,” lose sensitivity for no apparent reason, or produce periodic audio “wobbles” or sluggish waves of spontaneous sound. What you hear will be determined on the model of metal detector you’re using, the operating mode you’re in, the adjustments you’ve made, and the source of electrical interference. Spontaneous talk is the most prevalent manifestation.
Electrical interference affects all metal detectors, however the types of electrical interference that influence them differ.
Some metal detectors may be affected by electrical interference in a given area, while others may not.
Because of tiny changes in operation frequency or because the controls have been adjusted differently, two metal detectors of the same model in the same environment may be affected differently.
Common sources of electrical interference
Overhead electric power lines, underground power lines, other metal detectors, telephone lines carrying electronic data, computer systems, electric fences, old CRT-based televisions, cell phones, thunderstorms, fluorescent lights, metal vapor lamps, military aircraft with electronic warfare countermeasures turned on, electric motors, VLF military communications systems, and automobile ignition systems are some of the most common sources of electrical interference. Several distinct sources of electrical interference may be present at the same time at home, in the showroom, or in an urban area.
Internally, all metal detectors produce some level of electronic noise. The sensitivity on most metal detectors, particularly the higher-performance versions, may be adjusted high enough to “work into the noise.” This is not a flaw, but rather a deliberate design element. Experienced users aiming for maximum depth frequently set the machine to “work into the noise,” then “listen through the noise” for genuine targets.
Is electrical interference a bigger problem than it used to be?
Electric light dimmers and auto ignition systems have become less of a source of interference as a result of stricter regulations. However, VLF-UHF wireless communication technologies (mobile phones, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) have recently proliferated, causing metal detectors to malfunction. Overall, electrical interference is more likely now than it was a few years ago.
Furthermore, new high-end metal detectors are far more sensitive than previous models, making them more susceptible to electrical interference.
Engineers are working on ways to mitigate this risk, but the war will never be won because metal detectors are designed to detect magnetic fields by their very nature, and electric current always produces magnetic fields.
Metal detectors that function in the time domain (pulse induction, or “BBS”) have risen in favor in recent years, however they are more susceptible to electrical interference than standard machines that operate in the frequency domain. Because pulse induction machines are typically employed for gold panning outside of cities, their vulnerability to electrical interference isn’t normally considered a significant risk.
What can a user do about electrical interference?
Sensitivity controls are found on all metal detectors, as well as other settings (such as gain or threshold) that have the effect of controlling sensitivity. The main reason metal detectors have sensitivity controls is so that the operator can lower the sensitivity to eliminate electrical interference response. Some users are hesitant to lessen sensitivity for fear of losing control “I’m losing my depth.” You’ll lose some depth, but you’ll still be able to search. You will lose 100% if you give up and walk away “f your “strength.” Your first line of defense against electrical interference is the sensitivity control (or its equivalent).
A feature found in many midrange and high-end metal detector machines is called “changing frequency.”
This can be used to lessen or eliminate electrical interference, such as that caused by other metal detectors.
When dealing with power line interference, it is usually (but not always) effective.
It is ineffective against thunderstorm electrical interference, electric fences, or auto ignition systems.
Consult the user’s manual for that specific model for further information.
Many metal detectors include both a discrimination mode and a motion all metals mode (often referred to as “all metals mode”) “autotune mode”), which is smoother and slower than discrimination mode. The all metals option is frequently more controlled than the discrimination mode when it comes to electrical interference.
Setting the discrimination level to the foil region in the discrimination mode will usually lessen electrical interference problems; however, there are many various discriminator designs out there in beeperland, and this approach will not work for all of them.
Although the machine may be chattery when the searchcoil is not in motion in the discrimination mode, once you start sweeping over the ground, the signal from the ground will suppress the electrical interference chatter save for the occasional pop or click.
When you’re doing something, “You may discover that adjusting the orientation of the searchcoil makes a considerable impact in electrical interference pickup when “air testing” (demonstrating the unit indoors).
If you have a cellphone or other electronic device with you, “If you’re metal detecting with high-tech electronic equipment and you’re having problems with electrical interference, consider shutting it off completely (not just standby) and see if that solves the problem.
When working near overhead power lines, you’ll typically find that the best results come from working directly beneath the wires, and the worst results come from working at a 30 to 45 degree angle away from them.
This is frequently the case when you hear tales of folks gloating about how well their metal detector functioned just under electricity wires.
Because weeds, right-of-way barriers, and other obstacles prevented the person bragging from getting out from under the power wires, they may have been unaware they didn’t have a magic metal detector in their hands.
Many sources of electrical interference are only active for a short period of time.
It’s possible that a location that’s tough to search during the week will be easy after 5 p.m. or on weekends. Late at night and early on weekends, power lines are usually the quietest.
Electrical interference is frequently picked up less by small searchcoils than by bigger searchcoils.
Concentrics typically take up less electrical interference than DDs for a given size searchcoil.
The variations, however, are minor…….
A tiny concentric searchcoil may be the best solution for a place with a lot of electrical interference.
Distinctive characteristics of certain Bounty Hunter, Teknetics, and Fisher models
In general, it is possible to state that the “The most sensitive high-end models have the most electrical interference difficulties, while the least sensitive low-end ones have the fewest.
In discrimination mode, the T2 and the F75 normally provide superior electrical interference rejection at low discrimination settings than at high discrimination settings.
This goes against the grain of most discriminators.
The JE discrimination process (also known as racial profiling) is a type of discrimination that occurs when “The F75 and F70’s jewelry mode”) is more susceptible to electrical interference than other discrimination processes.
However, if you’re looking for little jewelry on a place where electrical interference is a problem, you may prefer to use the JE technique anyhow and deal with the electrical interference in another way (or just listen through the noise).
The F5 and the Tek Omega are two of our medium to high performance metal detectors that are probably the easiest to use in areas with electrical interference (as of August 09).
The Gold Bug II discriminating system was created primarily for gold prospecting away from electrical interference, and was intended to be used for checking rather than seeking a target.
It’s not the same as a traditional discriminator. It’s designed to be noisy, and the user interface offers no easy way to reduce noise caused by electrical interference. If you have electrical interference with it, simply sweep it over the ground, and the signal from the ground will generally quiet the most of the chatter, unless the source of electrical interference is exceptionally severe.
Prior to the current ownership of Bounty Hunter, one Time Ranger version had an antenna placed on the control box that was designed to prevent electrical interference.
We don’t think it was ever beneficial, so it was removed from all subsequent Time Ranger updates.
Distinguishing electrical interference from other problems
The volume of electrical interference will typically vary as you walk around holding the machine, as well as with changes in the searchcoil’s orientation. If the problem is with the metal detector, this is generally never the case.
A faulty searchcoil is the most prevalent cause of a “noisy metal detector” where the problem is not electrical interference (including cable and connector).
Manufacturing searchcoils is both an art and a science, and while we wish we could say that searchcoils never go bad, they do. A malfunctioning searchcoil is frequently intermittent, which can be verified by whacking it with your palm (not with a hammer!). The problem isn’t electrical interference if whacking the searchcoil with your hand fixes the problem at least temporarily. Also, with a noisy searchcoil, the noise is frequently sporadic, and is almost as terrible with sensitivity set to a low level as it is with sensitivity set to a high one. This is a characteristic of electrical interference, but it is usually more continuous and has a higher feeling of proportionality with respect to control settings.
An internal calibration that has changed over time is the second most prevalent cause of a “noisy metal detector.”
Because so much of the function is now in software, this is rarely seen with the most current designs, which have few calibration adjustments.
Some of the most popular machines, however, are those that have been around for a long time and have a proven track record, and some of these older, primarily circuit-based designs contain a lot of internal calibration tweaks to maximize performance.
Dirt or water in the searchcoil cover (“scuff plate”) is the third most prevalent cause of a “noisy metal detector.”
If a searchcoil cover is used to protect the searchcoil from abrasion, it should be removed and cleaned on a regular basis.
While sweeping, dirt or water in the searchcoil cover can slide around, giving misleading indications.
If your issue is a “noisy metal detector,” please make sure the problem isn’t caused by electrical interference and that you’re using the equipment properly before deciding it has to be repaired. Only if there is a genuine problem with the machine may the factory repair it.
Is it possible to locate underground pipelines with a metal detector?
There will be occasions as a property owner when you will need to locate buried metal objects for a variety of reasons. A pipe finder metal detector, for example, can swiftly pinpoint leaky subsurface pipelines. During a new building project, you may need to locate underground pipelines and wires.
There are detecting systems designed specifically for locating subterranean pipes and liquid leaks in these pipes. Liquid leak detectors will be required for many works by pool and plumbing contractors equally. These devices can locate leaks even under extreme situations, saving you a lot of time and money.
Begin by determining your specific industrial metal detector application to get the best device:
Once you’ve determined which type of industrial detector you’ll require, you may narrow down your choices. Liquid Leak Detectors can be used to locate leaks in subterranean pipes on your property. Pipe and cable locators will assist you in locating subterranean pipes, wires, and tanks buried deep underground. In many parts of the world, these things may be below the frost line. Metal detectors that locate boundary markers will aid in the discovery of stakes that mark an area’s boundaries. A valve, box, and ferrous magnetometer can be used to isolate iron and steel objects. Water level indicators are the last type of locating gadget. These devices will assist you in locating leaks in any sort of underground pipe.
Metal detecting headphones, such as the Audiophone II, are recommended for all types of detectors. The pipe and leak locating gadgets will alert you to the fact that you have located your target via sound. Outside noise is blocked by the headphones, allowing you to hear the deeper, softer impulses clearly. Take the time to learn about industrial metal detectors so you can choose the right one for the job.
What is the maximum depth that a metal detector can detect?
Do you want to learn more about metal detecting and how far a metal detector can go?
The majority of metal detectors can detect items that are 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) deep. A mid-range metal detector can reach 12-18 (30-45 cm) underground in optimum conditions. Some specialized detectors can reach depths of up to 65 feet (20 m).
The depth you need depends on the detector you’re using and the type of thing you’re looking for. Other components, such as the minerals in the soil, are also important.
First, we’ll go through how the size, shape, and orientation of the object you’re looking for influences how far you can go in your search. Following that, we’ll look at the many types of metal detectors available. From frequencies to search coils, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Finally, we’ll look at how ground minerals can effect search depth. Let’s get started.
What may cause a metal detector to malfunction?
The performance of a metal detector is determined by a number of factors. The aperture size, product effect, and operation frequency are the most important elements. However, factors such as airborne electrical interferencestatic, radio, or earth loopsand vibration, such as that caused by moving metal, can have an impact on performance.
Unique features on the company’s digital metal detectors, such as Noise Immunity Structure and AutoPhase, can reduce some of this interfering noise, which would otherwise need manually lowering the sensitivity settings.
AC motor drives, such as variable frequency drives and servo motors, two-way radios, such as walkie talkies, electric loops, electrical contacts, and static discharge are the most common sources of electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.
What causes interference with metal detectors?
Other equipment using the same power source as the metal detector could be the source of the noise or voltage spike. Motors, heaters, sealers, and other high-current loads are the most prevalent sources of these surges.
Is it possible to find copper pipes using a metal detector?
Metal detectors range in price from low-cost toy-like gadgets to high-end fine-tuned gadgetry designed for serious detectorists. Copper pipes can be found with any metal detector that has a discrimination setting (a dial or button that allows you to select only particular metal types to search for). A pipe buried several feet underground may be difficult, if not impossible, to locate. Pipes buried less than 2 feet deep perform best for metal detecting. If you’re having trouble detecting pipes with a detector, try again after a good rain. Underground moisture helps boost the conductivity of metals like buried pipes, so if you’re having trouble finding pipes with a detector, try again after a good rain. Set the detector to find all metal kinds if it doesn’t identify anything expressly designated to be copper. The size and length of the area giving a signal on your detector will inform you if you’ve spotted a pipe. During use, keep the detector coil horizontal and parallel to the ground.
Is it possible to detect copper using a metal detector?
Metal detectors, both passive and active, detect metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. Copper, brass, and aluminum, on the other hand, can only be detected via active methods.
Is it possible to detect cast iron pipes with a metal detector?
Cast iron conducts electricity far more efficiently than soil, rock, or concrete, therefore metal detector operators may easily spot huge iron tubes. You should be able to locate cast iron pipes buried up to eight feet underground using a metal detector.