Featuring Revolutionary Target Control
™
(TC
™
) Technology
The SuperScan
™
M3 wall scanner features TC
™
technology,
tuned to find wood studs while filtering out metallic false
positive objects such as plumbing, conduit, straps, brackets,
or ducts beneath surfaces. 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.
Four 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 1
1
/
2
" (38 mm) deep.
LCD will be
backlit with a green light.
•
Metal Scan
locates ferrous (magnetic) metal, such as steel,
up to 3" (75 mm) deep, and non-ferrous (non-magnetic)
metal, such as copper, up to 1
1
/
2
" (38 mm) deep.
LCD will
be backlit with a dark blue 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.
WARNING
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.
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
1
/
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.
INSTALL 9-VOLT BATERY
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.
WARNING
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
®
, or Metal 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.
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
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 1
1
/
2
" (38 mm) wide. Anything closer together,
or of a different width, may not be a stud.
Figure A
Figure B
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 1
1
/
2
" (38 mm) wide, and may be
separated by firestops. Anything closer together, or of a 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 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.
SuperScan
™
M3
TROUBLESHOOTING & CONSTRUCTION TIPS
SITUATION
LIKELY CAUSE
SOLUTION
Scanner detects objects other
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.
• Scan the area in Metal Scan to determine if metal is present.
• 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 1
1
/
2
" (38 mm) between edges.
Anything smaller or larger is likely not a stud (unless near a door
or window).
Difficulty detecting metal.
Metal object is too
deep or too small.
• Try calibrating in another location.
• Scan in both horizontal and vertical directions. Metal sensitivity is
increased when metal object is parallel to the sensor (located under the
Zircon
®
logo).
Metal object reading appears
wider than actual size.
Metal has a greater
density than wood.
To reduce sensitivity in Metal Scan mode, recalibrate scanner over either
of first two marks (see steps under REFINE METAL SCAN).
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 outer edges so you know where
to begin.
Electrical wires suspected but
none detected.
Wires are shielded
by a metal conduit,
braided wire,
or metallic wall covering.
Use Metal Scan mode to scan for metal, wire, or metal conduit.
Wires deeper than
2" (50 mm) from the
surface might not
be detected.
If there is an outlet switch, turn it to ON position while scanning, but
turn 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 wires are live.
LCD screen flashes
continuously when trying to
find stud.
Scanner is
experiencing
oversaturation of
exposure to metal.
Switch to TC
™
or StudScan mode to lessen sensitivity to metal.
NOTE:
Scanner 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.
Low Battery Indicator flashes
and scanner does not operate. Dead battery.
Install a new 9V alkaline battery with an extended expiration date.
EN
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.
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).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 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
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
©2020 Zircon Corporation • P/N 71531 • Rev A 10/20
ACT, ColorTrip, DeepScan, LoLevel, MetalliWarning, SpotLite,
SuperScan, Target Control, TC, WireWarning, and Zircon are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Zircon Corporation.
Visit www.zircon.com for the
most current instructions.
Scan QR code for more information.
Figure D
Figure E
Figure F
Figure C
SpotLite
®
Pointer
Mode Settings:
TC
™
/ StudScan
DeepScan
®
Metal Scan
Battery
Door Tab
Power
Button
ColorTrip
®
Display
Mode
Selector
Switch
Edge Indicators
Scan
Mode
Indicator
Crosshairs
LoLevel
™
/ Signal
Strength Indicator
Metal Scan /
MetalliWarning
™
Indicator
Low
Battery
Indicator
WireWarning
®
Detection
Indicator
ACT
™
(Auto
Correcting
Technology)
Arrows
Target
Indicator
Bars
Target
Spotlight
Advanced Wall Scanner
