ZIRCON A2 Advanced Stud Finder User Manual
- June 4, 2024
- ZIRCON
Table of Contents
A2 Advanced Stud Finder
User 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 of at least 3 years beyond the current date. Match battery direction to the image inside of battery cavity.
-
Do not rely exclusively on the tool 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.
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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.
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Studs normally run from floor to ceiling, except above and below windows and above doors.
-
Readings should always be consistent and repeatable.
-
Zircon® stud finders 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, the tool 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 the center, are normally 1 1 ⁄2″ (38 mm) wide, and may be separated by firestops. Anything closer together, or of different width, may not be a stud.
IMPORTANT: 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 the tool 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 indicate 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
| SITUATION | LIKELY CAUSE | SOLUTION |
|---|
Tool detects objects than studs in StudScan mode or finds more objects
that look like studs than should be there.| Electrical wiring and metal or
plastic pipes may be near or touching, the back of the wall surface.| •Check
for other studs equally spaced to either side at 16″ or 24″ (40 cm or 60 cm)
and check for the same stud at spots directly above or below the first scan
area.
•Standard studs measure approximately 11/2″ (38 mm) between edges. Anything
smaller or larger is likely not a stud (unless near a door or window).
Studs are continuously detected near windows and doors.| Multiple studs are in
use.| Double and triple studs are sometimes used around doors and windows.
Headers are used above them. Detect the outer edges so you know where to
begin.
Electrical wires were suspected but none were detected.| Wires deeper than 2″
(50 mm) from the surface might
not be detected.| If there is an outlet switch, turn it to the ON position
while scanning, but turn it OFF when working near the wires.
Use extra caution if the area has plywood, thick wood backing behind drywall,
or walls that are thicker than normal.
Wires may not be live.| Plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on to test
whether the wires are live.
LCD screen flashes continuously when trying to find a stud.| The tool is
experiencing oversaturation of exposure to the metal.| Switch to TCT” or
StudScan mode to lessen sensitivity to metal.
NOTE: The tool may not beep over studs 1″ (25 mm) or deeper when doing
this.
Low Battery Indicator on.| Low battery.| Install a new 9V alkaline battery
with an extended expiration date.
The low Battery Indicator flashes and the tool does not operate.| Dead
battery.
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.
Three scanning modes:
- Target Control ® (TC ™ ) locates the 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, the 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 the 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 the center, edges, and direction of studs (wood and metal) up to 1 1 ⁄ 2″ (38 mm) deep.
LCD will be backlit with a green 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 the 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, a warning indicator appears and the screen starts flashing red until the tool is moved sufficiently away from the live wire. When calibration begins over an AC wire in any mode, the AC icon will flash. Use extreme caution under these circumstances or whenever live AC wiring is present.
WARNING
The tool 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 of at
least 3 years beyond the current date.
Match battery direction to image inside battery cavity.
WARNING
Do not rely exclusively on tools 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 the desired mode: TC ™ / StudScan or DeepScan ®.
To activate the tool, press and hold Power Button. The 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 the tool as shown and move slowly when scanning. Do not
touch the surface during calibration or scan.
-
Set mode to TC ™ / StudScan switch.
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Hold the tool flat against the wall, then press and hold Power Button. (Figure A) The 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 THE TOOL DURING CALIBRATION.
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While holding down Power Button, slide the tool slowly along the wall. When the tool finds the edge of a stud, Edge Indicator shows. (Figure B)
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Continue sliding. When the tool finds the center of a stud, Crosshairs show and SpotLite ® illuminates. Mark spots where the stud was found. (Figure C)
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The tool automatically recalibrates when in use. If the two ACT™ arrows appear on LCD, the tool was calibrated over a stud, then moved away. This is ACT™ (Auto Correcting Technology) in action.
NOTE: LoLevel ™ Indicator will display rapidly cascading bars when the device senses a sustained weak signal, indicating a false positive object may be present. -
Use the Trust but Verify technique for finding drywall screws or nails up and down studs 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)
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Set mode to TC ™ / StudScan switch.
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Hold the tool flat against the wall, press the Power Button, release it, then press it again, holding it down the second time. The 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: The tool is in StudScan mode (TC ™ off) when the 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 THE TOOL DURING CALIBRATION. -
While holding down Power Button, slide the tool slowly along the wall. When the tool finds the edge of a stud, Edge Indicator shows.
-
Continue sliding. When the tool finds the center of a stud, Crosshairs turn on, SpotLite ® illuminates, and a beep sounds. (Figure D) Mark spots where the stud was found.
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The tool automatically recalibrates when in use. If the two ACT ™ arrows appear on the LCD, tool was calibrated too close to a stud, then moved away. This is ACT ™ (Auto Correcting Technology) in action. (Figure E)
To return to TC ™ mode, release and press the 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
- 1 ⁄2″ (38 mm) deep. 1. Set mode to DeepScan ®.
- Repeat steps 2–4 under the STUDS CAN MODE section.
NOTE: When scanning on thicker surfaces, the device may not find edges on surfaces thicker than 3 ⁄4″ (19 mm).
WARNING 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 Tool 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.
Lath and plaster This tool is not designed to scan over lath and plaster.
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.
W ood flooring, subflooring, or gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing Use
DeepScan ® mode and move the tool slowly. This tool 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, tools 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 in the
center and are 1 1⁄2″ (38 mm) wide.
Anything closer together, or of 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 the date of
purchase). This warranty is limited to the electronic circuitry of the
product, and specifically excludes consumable parts, including batteries, and
software, even if packaged with the product. Defects caused by abuse,
modification, handling contrary to these instructions, other unreasonable use,
or neglect are not covered under this warranty. No liability is accepted for
normal wear and tear and minor defects which do not detract from the function
of the product.
THIS LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL ZIRCON BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM POSSESSION, USE,
OR MALFUNCTION OF THIS PRODUCT. NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR CLAIMS OF A
SIMILAR NATURE WILL BIND OR OBLIGATE ZIRCON.
Some states do not allow limitations on certain implied warranties and/or the
limitation on incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations
and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This Limited Lifetime Warranty applies only to products purchased within the
United States of America (USA) and Canada.
For warranty applicable to products purchased in all other geographical areas,
see www.zircon.com/warranty.
Any in-warranty defective product returned to Zircon, freight prepaid, along
with dated purchase receipt and $10.00 to cover shipping and handling, will be
repaired or replaced,
at Zircon’s option. If the returned product is no longer available, Zircon may
replace the product with a similar product of similar function. This is your
sole and exclusive remedy for breach of this Limited Lifetime Warranty. To
return a product, call the Zircon Customer Service number below to request an
RMA number and return a product with shipment tracking to:
Zircon Corporation
Attn: Returns Department
1580 Dell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008-6992 USA
Include your name, return address, RMA number, and package tracking number.
Allow 4–6 weeks for delivery.
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
©2021 Zircon Corporation • P/N 72105 • Rev A 07/21
ACT, ColorTrip, DeepScan, LoLevel, SpotLite, SuperScan, Target Control, TC,
WireWarning, and Zircon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zircon
Corporation.
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.
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