Tools · Stud Finders
Can stud finders detect live electrical wires?
Reviewer consensus
Many mid-range and higher electronic finders advertise AC wire detection, and the Franklin M210, Klein ESF100 and the popular 5-in-1 budget units all include it. However, magnetic-only finders (StudBuddy, CH Hanson, Klein MSF100) cannot. Reviewers across r/Tools caution that AC detection is a useful warning but should not be treated as a substitute for shutting off the breaker before drilling.

