What to Look for in a Portable Metal Detector

A portable metal detector works the same way any regular metal detector does. The difference here is that unlike regular metal detectors that are used in many different ways, a portable metal detector is used to detect metal, weapons, or contraband carried by people, in bags, objects, or clothes.

These types of metal detectors have sensitive surfaces and special shapes that make them easier to operate. These can be used at home to detect metal, live wires, or wood stud location. They can also be used as body scanners.

Portable metal detectors can either be hand held or walk-through. Hand held metal detectors are small and lightweight, and can be carried in one's pocket or around the wrist. Some walk-through metal detectors are collapsible or fldable and are easy to set-up. They can be functional within five minutes. They also come in small carry-on bags.

A list of the technical features in a portable metal detector includes the following:

- 9V battery power supply - Adjustable sensitivity - Battery life in continuous operation is maximum of 50 hours with NiMH batteries, and 150 hours with alkaline batteries - Built-in buzzer with high-intensity pulsed acoustic alarm - Indicator lamps for power on, alarm, and low battery charge - Operating temperature of 5 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 to 60 degrees Celsius) - Relative humidity at 0 to 95 percent - Shock-resistant - Three-position switch with visible or with audible and visible alarms - Vibration function to enable silent work - Weighs 1 lb (0.4 kg), more or less

For models with rechargeable batteries, charging time will usually take four to six hours. An indicator light will flash to alert you if the battery is running low or when the voltage is insufficient. Portable metal detectors have low power consumption, so you will not have to recharge too often.

Note that not all metal detectors not designed to detect metal implants or objects inside the body. Furthermore, they cannot locate the exact location of the metal in the body. More sensitive metal detectors are made for that purpose.

Green LED light commonly indicates that the device is on, amber LED indicated low battery, and red LED indicates alarm. Some models beep along with the alarm. The metal detector also cannot determine if the object is magnetic or not. All it can do is alert you to the presence of metal.

Check that the portable metal detector conforms to the international standards applicable for electrical safety, EC regulations, and EMC. This will make sure that the device has been tested to work properly and is guaranteed to be free of defects. If something does go wrong with the metal detector, it will be easier to replace.

A portable metal detector can be of personal or business use, so operators do not need special training. They are not meant to invade privacy, but to ensure safety and protection in security-sensitive places such as airports, banks, bars, businesses, courtrooms, malls, schools, and other public areas.