Electrical Current Detector

[WARose]

I'm structural so I hope everyone will cut me some slack as far as my terminology goes. My question is: does anyone know of a reliable device that can detect a live electrical wire embedded in some concrete (say, about an inch)?

My situation is: I handle a lot of structural vibration issues......and sometimes I feel the need to drive some concrete/masonry nails into the pedestals, slabs, etc where I take measurements (for accurate measurements). Even though I use very shallow nails (typically about 3/4"), I still worry about frying myself......so any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[jraef]

Do a search for "non contact circuit detector", commonly called a "Tic Tracer", but that is actually a brand name. There are cheap ones, and there are good ones. The cheaper they are, the closer you need to be to the live wire. You want good.


"You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals" -- Booker T. Washington

 

[waross]

Try a "Tic-Tester"
Gardiner Bender market a unit under the name of "Circuit Alert"
This has adjustable sensitivity and on high sensitivity may be able to do your job.
Be aware that those who use "Non-Contact Voltage Sensors" don't trust them completely.
An alert indicates that an electric field is present. No alert does not always mean the absence of potential.
Still a lot better than nothing.
I am not sure but wet concrete may seriously attenuate the sensitivity.
Try one on a known hot wire buried in concrete.
A hot wire in metallic conduit will probably not be detected.
The Tic-Testers are cheap. Probably under $20.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[WARose]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I might be able to test it with a masonry wall I have.