7 Best underground wire locator (Professional 2024)

We are living in a technologically advanced era where all the transmission electrical wiring is underground. Underground wiring has advantages: it is safe and cost-effective.

But with this safe and eco-friendly system, there come its own challenges. And one of many of these challenges is when you are constructing something new, maybe a new building or your house. When something bad happens, repairing and finding out the fault is another challenge.

Moreover,

Imagine you are in the middle of building something, and all of a sudden a live wire shows up.

To make sure that does not happen to you. I sat out on a journey to find the right tool for you that will save you a lot of time and effort. The tool is called the underground wire locator.

Now as a new buyer, you may not know how to choose the best underground wire locator for yourself and your project.

Deciding on an underground circuit tracer can be a hassle because there are many parameters you have to keep in mind and am here to guide you along the way to help you make the best decision possible.

Alright,

At the end of this article you will be able to know:

• What are some best underground circuit tracers for home and industrial work
• Technical parameters of the best underground wire locator
• Some cheap alternatives
• Much more…

Sounds good? If it did then I am sure you will enjoy the rest of this article.

Let’s dive right in.

Best underground wire detectors 

Underground wire locators are some essential tools you should have in your arsenal of tools.

Picking an underground wire locator depends on your project. If you are professional then you would need something that is heavy-duty and can detect more than just wires.

The best underground wire locator, if you are a professional, is the RIDGID 21893 or RIDGID 19238. They are the best in their field in terms of quality, brand, durability, build quality, and capabilities. 

If you’re in the intermediate range then I would suggest the Klein Tools ET450 or the VDV500-820 from Klein tools. They are reliable, used by thousands of people, high quality, and have really affordable price tags.

On the other hand, if you are on a budget then I would recommend that the NOYAFA – NF-816-C would be the best for it because it is a good brand, cheap but is also packed with features.

Here are a few things I and you should keep in mind before buying to make sure you don’t waste your time and money on the wrong locator.

Choosing the best underground wire locator

The following are the technical parameters you should keep in mind before making a decision.

It is important to note that every detector has its strengths and weaknesses. Some work well in one situation and others in other situations and vice versa, so it’s essential to know what your project requires.

a. Depth perception

The capability of any underground wire detector depends on the depth up to which it can detect an underground wire; wires buried in houses are usually around 2 to 3 feet (0.91 meters) in depth.

So a good underground wire detector should be able to detect wires in between that range.

b. Display

Having a good display is essential in any device. Nowadays, devices come with lots of modes to navigate through which can be a challenge if the display of your device is not up to standards.

A good LCD backlit display can help you take readings more accurately. You can also navigate the built-in modes more quickly and efficiently which can save a lot of precious time. So, go for a detector with a good display feature.

c. Strike Alert

It has been proven by science that an audio alert is much more efficient when grabbing the attention of an individual.

The strike alert feature alerts the operator with a beeping sound when the underground wire locator detects the wire. It’s a notification feature that lets you know through an audio alert. So, choose the sector with this feature.

d. Adjustable Frequency

Adjustable frequency helps you distinguish the target wire from others by putting a specific frequency on the wire. The receiver then only looks for that specific frequency.

This helps in distinguishing the target wire from other wires eliminating guesswork and improving the efficiency of your time and effort.

e. Probe LED Light 

Having an LED light can greatly improve your productivity because that way you would have a carry-around flashlight just to navigate in the dark.

I know it’s such a minor thing to list but trust me. It gets really tiring when you have to attract the transmitter as well as hold the lights at the same time in the whole house.

f. Strength indicators

These are indicators that give us an approximate location of the wire. The difference between a strike alert and indicators is that a strike alert notifies you when the strength indicators are at their absolute high.

It acts as a search navigator. Your search in the direction in which the indicator lights go from green to red gives you a sense and feel of where the wire may lie underground.

List of the best underground wire locator

Now that we know what parameters you should keep in mind before buying an underground wire detector. 

Here we have a list of some of the best and most well-reviewed underground wire detectors on the market. These detectors are chosen on the basis of the above parameters.

1. RIDGID 19238 

Built-in 1923. The Ridge Tool company is based in the USA, and they make some of the most well-made and versatile tools on the market. It’s a tried and true brand with excellent reviews on Amazon.

It has over 100 years of experience, so they know what they are doing. Their tools are robust and heavy-duty with less to no risk of failure which makes it an exquisite investment in your arsenal.

Important features:

• This device can locate pipes, cables, and lines with precision.
• It has an antenna that constantly looks for signals from any direction.
• The adjustable signal sensitivity lets you distinguish between objects.
• It has 4 sounds and 5 line trace frequency modes for versatility 
• The on-screen markers and automatic depth calculations help in fast performance
• It comes with a carrying case, surface marker chips, an instructional video, an operator’s manual, and 4 C-Cell batteries

In short, the RIDGID 19238 (Amazon link) is a professional tool designed with professionals in mind. Its heavy-duty, versatile, strong, all-purpose tool will solve not only wire-related issues but also locate any piping that goes under the house as well.

2. RIDGID 21893

The second one on our list is also from the same company but just with a little more focus on industrial use. If you are in construction you know how important it is to check the ground for wiring or pipes.

Important features:

• The adjustable signal feature helps differentiate wires more easily
• Our device can track any pipe, wire, or metal object under the ground
• The adjustable signal sensitivity helps you differentiate between wires and other objects.
• The large LCD also makes taking readings a breeze.
• With the help of three antennas, it picks up metal objects regardless of their orientation.
• It has a depth feature that shows depth signals from an underground pipe in real-time making the process much more seamless and intuitive.

To sum it all up the RIDGID 21893 (Amazon link) is an all-in-one package that is designed with professionals in mind with a heavy focus on industrial uses. It can detect multiple objects without a transmitter. It can detect from many directions, so the orientation of an object is not an issue.

3. Klein Tools ET450

Founded in 1857 Klein Tools company is based in the USA and makes some of the best electronic equipment at relatively affordable prices. Their products are known for their top-tier features and amazing quality.

That is why I think you should use this as an affordable alternative. It does the same job at a fraction of the price.

Important features:

• The sturdy receiver and transmitter provide reliable tracing 
• With the help of an adjustable sensitivity wire, separation is super easy.
• The strong receiver can detect wires through drywall, cement, and underground
• The strike alert beeps on the contact 
•  Visual indicators on the receiver denote signal strength helping you navigate in the right direction
• The probe light will look through dark places or places with dim lights.
• This kit comes with a transmitter, receiver, blade, ground prongs, and alligator clips
• It also has 3-foot and 20-foot lead adapters

To sum it all up the Klein Tools ET450 (Amazon link) is the best alternative to the above options. It does the same job and saves you money. It is cheap, reliable, high quality, and easy to use.

4. Triplett 3388

Triplett Corporation was founded in 1904 in Bluffton, Ohio by Ray L. Triplett. It is a US-based company. It started its journey over 100 years ago and its first innovative product was an electrical test meter housed in a watch case.

Fast forward to today, and now we have the Triplett 3388 which is the best underground wire tester for its price. It is very affordable and reliable. It’s from a well-recognized brand and recommended by professionals if you are just getting started. 

It is designed with electricians in mind. Not all wires run through the ground. Some can be through walls and floors.

Important features:

• This device can track live wires with up to 120VAC and 220VAC.
• The adjustable frequency feature makes distinguishing wires very easy
• Strike alert features a beep sound that goes up upon striking a wire underground.
• It also signals a strength indicator LED that helps you develop a sense of where the wire might be.
• Due to its strong receiver, It can detect wires through drywall, plaster, wood, cement, and much more
• It has the ability to locate buried wires up to 6 inches and trace wires up to 1000 feet in length, 

In summary, the Triplett 3388 (Amazon link) is designed with electricians in mind. Not all wires are located underground. Some can be through walls and floors.

5. Klein Tools VDV500-820 

The next best underground wire locator on our list is a bit interesting. It’s also from Klein Tool which is a US-based company and has been producing tools such as underground wire detectors for more than a hundred years.

This one is interesting because with this tool you can not only detect electrical wires but also internet cables that are present underground or through drywalls.

The home contains a variety of wires some are for outlets, some are for appliances, and others vice versa. If your detector has the ability to trace a cable wire then it’s a bonus feature that you can utilize.

Important features:

• It is a professional-grade device for non-active wiring
• The rugged angled bed of nail clips securely attaches to the wires
• This device comes with an RJ11 plug for telephone cables
• A 3.5 mm headphone jack lets you put on a headset if the surrounding is noisy.
• Replaceable tip eliminates the worry of losing or damaging the tip. 
• Probelights on the top of the receiver can help in lowlight situations.

To sum it all up the VDV500-820 (Amazon link) is the best all-around package if you are looking for wire and cables through drywall and concrete. It detects wires, internet, and telephone cables and also tests if it’s good or bad.

It solves both problems with the benefit of saving you money and time. If you are someone who knows a little thing or two about electronics. This is a great tool to add to your arsenal.

6. NOYAFA – NF-816-C

Noyafa is a Chinese-based company founded in 2006. It has been under work for more than 14 years and is still going strong in head-to-head competition with big companies.

Its distinctive part is the price of lunch. You can buy a fully working wire tracer that will trace wires through grounds, walls, and sometimes even through concrete.

It is the best option if you are on a budget or just want to get the job done at as low of a price you can get as possible.

Important features:

• This underground cable tracer can easily locate pet fence wires and metal wires 
• It can also detect metal pipes, electrical wires, and much more.
• The detection ranges from 2 feet in depth and 1000 feet in length. 
• This device can only be used on non-live wires
• Do not use it on live circuits to avoid damaging the locator

In summary, the NOYAFA – NF-816-C (Amazon link) is the cheapest best underground wire locator, and the most reliable alternative if you just want to get the job done. It’s also easy to use which makes it perfect if you are just getting started in the world of electronics.

If budget is the only thing that is stopping you from buying the above tools then this is the best out there. The price is cheap due to its production in China but don’t let it fool you into thinking it’s not good.

7. Extech TG20

Next on our list is Extech TG20 which is the product of Extech instruments owned by Flir and has been in operation for more than 50 years.

Founded in 1971. It is a US-based company and is producing some of the world’s most reliable and robust products in the field of electronics. It’s simple and easy to operate.

Important features:

• TG20 is perfect for drywall, floor, and concrete.
• This device can also check continuity letting you know if there is a break in the wires
• It can trace and test telephone line polarity
• The adjustable sensitivity feature improves wire identification which eliminates guesswork and improves efficiency 
• The sign is very sturdy and simple which makes it perfect for beginners 
• Made of ABS plastic which makes it durable and damage-resistant.

To summarize. The Extech TG20 (Amazon link) is designed for light work and identification of wires through drywall and underground and through concrete walls etc.

Electricians can benefit immensely from this product because it saves them a lot of guesswork and out of all my experience I know how time management can make you break a deal.

Conclusion

Underground wire locators play an important role in our homes, workplaces, and construction work.

To sum it all up an underground wire locator detector wires by giving it a specific signal which the receiver then receives which reveals the location of that wire.

The stronger the signal. The closer you are to the source. These locators not only detect wires but pipes well. As long as they are made of metal and you can attach the transmitter to it. It can be detected.

To buy the best underground wire locator there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Depth perception
• Display
• Strike alert
• Adjustable signal sensitivity
• Probe lights
• Strength indicators 

Using the parameter above you should be able to get the best deal.

Alright!

That is all I have for you today. My goal was to educate you to the best of my knowledge and I hope it was helpful.

Thank you and stay curious.

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