Oversensitive stud finder? How to avoid electrical wires

[Byggnoob]

Hello,

My TV wall mount project and wall shelf project had to be paused because my stud finder (Dibotech Pro) is detecting electrical wires all over the wall. The electrical outlet and cabinet are a bit away, and I'm unsure why the detector is giving such strong readings. I've test-drilled without issue, but I'm hesitant to drill other holes. Do you have tips on better tools or tricks to more accurately determine if there's an electrical wire about 8 cm in?

If you bring in a tradesperson, they likely have their tools for this, so I thought this should be something you can fix yourself.

 

[Fred vom Jupiter]

There are more advanced detectors for studs and electrical wires available for rent.

 

[Byggnoob]

I passed by some hardware stores, but none had anything for rent. Do you have tips on who to turn to for renting an advanced stud finder in the Stockholm area?

 

[D09]

Are you resetting correctly?

That is, standing a bit away from the wall (in the middle of the room) and turning on the AC before sweeping?

 

[Byggnoob]

Yep, I do, tested it several times and get rashes everywhere. Really strange.

 

[D09]

Weird

Tested sharp where you know the cable is?

And if you have a loose board without either screw, cable, or stud?

Spontaneously, it feels like it might be indicating screws, but I assume it gives off a symbol depending on what it "sees".

 

[D09]

Or bad battery 🤔

 

[Byggnoob]

Unfortunately, I don't know exactly where the cable is, that's the thing. I set the detector on both AC and Auto, i.e., tested both. The battery, like the detector, is newly purchased. I might just have to drill and hope for the best then. It could cost me dearly though.