Bosch Professional 12V System Wall Scanner D-tect 120 (without battery, max. detection depth plastic pipes/wooden studs/live cable/magnetic metal/non-magnetic metal: 60/38/60/120/120 mm, in L-Boxx)
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Radar Technology
Thanks to Bosch-patented radar technology, the device can detect all object types with high accuracy, including wooden studs, magnetic/non-magnetic metals, water-filled plastic pipes, and cables.
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Spot View
The device can start detecting objects as soon as it’s placed on the wall, saving time and making it ideal for tight spaces.
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Navigation System
Navigation arrows and a signal strength indicator guide users toward an object. A cross will appear in the middle of the signal indicator when the device is above the center of the object.
Product Comparison
 D-tect 120 |  GMS 120 |  D-tect 150 SV |  D-tect 200 C | |
| Max. detection depth | 120 mm | 120 mm | 150 mm | 200 mm |
| Metal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live wires | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Non-live cables | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plastic Pipes | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wood | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Material classification | Live-wire | Live-wire/Metal | Live-wire/Metal | Live-wire/Metal |
| Bosch Radar Technology | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spot View | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Depth indication | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Display max. drilling depth | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Display object depth | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Why does the device detect objects all over the wall?
The tool detects spots that are different from the surrounding wall. Therefore, besides objects like cables or pipes, it will also detect bigger air gaps or other differences that might appear in some walls.
What should I do if the device displays different results for the same measurement?
Follow our tips for best results and make sure to do all the measurements the same way. In particular, move the tool slightly when you put it first time on the wall (so that it recognizes the surface) and keep the outer conditions constant.
Do I need to move the tool along the surface several times in order to measure?
Due to the spot measurement you don’t have to move the tool several times. But if you put the tool on the wall and it shows yellow light you should move slightly. Then, the tool will recognize the surface and show the best results.
How can I improve my measurement result?
Apply voltage to the cable being searched for (i.e. turn on the light), remove gloves/metal jewellery, turn off interfering electronic devices, & select the correct detection setting. Hold the tool properly and avoid touching it close to the sensor.
What about the radiation of the radar sensor?
The radar sensor inside the device uses a very small radiated power to detect the objects inside the wall. The maximum power transmitted is lower by a factor of 10.000 compared to a mobile phone.
| Weight: | 2 kg |
| Dimensions: | 43.6 x 35.6 x 13.6 cm; 2 Kilograms |
| Model: | 0601081308 |
| Part: | 0601081308 |
| Colour: | Blue |
| Pack Quantity: | 1 |
| Batteries Required: | Yes |
| Batteries Included: | No |
| Manufacture: | Bosch Professional |
| Colour: | Blue |
| Quantity: | 1 |
I am in the process of fitting a new kitchen. Although fairly expensive, this detector has already paid for itself – at least in my stress levels! – as I needed to hang wall cabinets on a wall that I knew had 3 groups of mains cables and a gas pipe behind the plasterboard – all of which were safely avoided because of this device.
Some reviewers reported that it gives false readings for mains cables when there aren’t any (and also some reviewers on a popular video web site) – they probably needed to read the instructions….if the device indicates mains, and when you put your hand on the wall near to it, it changes to indicating ‘something’ rather than mains, then it was actually static electricity that was giving the false mains readings. All of this is in the instructions.
Highly recommended – read the instructions – don’t drill walls without until you’ve checked them with this.
I found it difficult, if not impossible to distinguish between a water pipe and wooden studding. I spent quite a long time getting familiar with its operation. I can’t really say that I’m that confident with its indications. Not that cheap either.
In general much better than the lower cost units I have used for finding things in walls but completely fails at finding live cables. But at least I now know something is there, the worry is that I can’t tell the difference between a stud and a live cable. Hopefully my other detectors will help in this area.
I’ll start by saying this is expensive, and it is. However, I have the slightly cheaper Bosch version and on a wall in a new house I kept getting false readings so I upgraded to this version so I wouldn’t hit a pipe or cable.
It is worth the money and is impressive to use. It very accurately detects studs that are buried deep along with plastic water pipes (mine are filled and running). It also found the power cables as long as they were in active use.
It does require several passes to be sure, and a little practice as these things often do. However, it’s well worth the investment and I am hoping mine will last for years if I look after it.
Very happy with the purchase, I would highly recommend and it came next day with Amazon.
The only downside I can see with this device is when you find a object there isn’t anyway of knowing if it’s a pipe, a dead cable, wood support or steel support but it will tell you if something is there or not.
Je l’ai essay dans plusieurs matriaux:
– brique
– mur plein mixte (mlange de pierre, pltre, mortier rafistol)
– bton non arm
Verdict:
– impossible de dtecter les cbles sous tension. Dtecte bien les cbles mais pas le fait que l’lectricit court. C’est inutile de mon point de vue, mais cela peut en gner certains
– prcision dans le bton approximative (dtection de tuyau d’eau en cuivre). Cependant, je suis en limite de profondeur indique, donc cela peut s’expliquer. la dtection est suffisante dans mon cas, la zone d’incertitude est agrandie pour s’assurer que le perage n’endommage rien.
– prcision assez bonne en matriau creux / gnrique . Bonne dtection des canalisations d’eau et lec (je savais peu prs o elles se situent).
Au final, je pense qu’il permet d’affiner la position de cbles lorsque l’on sait quoi chercher (position de prise / douilles/ robinets laissant deviner le chemin des canalisations). Par contre en recherche brute, je ferai certainement deux ou trois passes pour tre sr du rsultat.
endlich ohne Kalibrieren und gleich loslegen, dank der Radartechnik. sehr einfach zum bediene
Very accurate at finding Wall studs. Sometimes Electricity warning goes off in a wall that definitely contains no wiring. Getting used to its intricacies now. Yes it’s a lot more than some devices, but what value would you put on the cost of having to have a Plumber/Electrician, then a builder for repairs to your dismantled wall + plastering and re-decorating to get it back to the state it was in just before your drill went through in the wrong place? Looking at it that way I decided 200 odd was a worthwhile investment…
Die zwei Boschgerte die preislich darunter liegen waren leider nicht berzeugend, erst dieses hatte Metall/ Kabel korrekt gefunden, noch besser bei Leitungen die nicht nur unter Spannung standen sondern auch Verbrauchs/ Stromfhrend waren.
Die zwei Boschgerte die preislich darunter liegen waren leider nicht berzeugend, erst dieses hatte Metall/ Kabel korrekt gefunden, noch besser bei Leitungen die nicht nur unter Spannung standen sondern auch Verbrauchs/ Stromfhrend waren.
Nach Anbohren eines Wandheizungsrohres trotz Thermofolie musste eine andere Lsung her. Das Ortungsgert von Bosch erschien als die Rettung. Die Wahl fiel auch deswegen darauf, da wir schon einige Gerte dieser Serie hatten und damit keinen zustzlichen Akku bentigten.
Ich konnte es im Bereich der reparierten Leitung gut testen. Es zeigt die Leitung in einer Trockenbauwand sicher an! Allerdings lsst sich nicht sagen, ob es sich bei dem angezeigten Objekt auch sicher um eine Wasserleitung oder einen Balken oder eine Stromleitung handelt. In jedem Fall kann man damit eingrenzen, ob sich etwas in der Wand befindet oder nicht. Eine Leitung haben wir jedenfalls nicht mehr erwischt. Es bleibt allerdings etwas Unsicherheit, weswegen ich keine 5 Sterne vergeben konnte. Ob es dabei DAS perfekte Gert gibt bezweifle ich.
Nach Anbohren eines Wandheizungsrohres trotz Thermofolie musste eine andere Lsung her. Das Ortungsgert von Bosch erschien als die Rettung. Die Wahl fiel auch deswegen darauf, da wir schon einige Gerte dieser Serie hatten und damit keinen zustzlichen Akku bentigten.
Ich konnte es im Bereich der reparierten Leitung gut testen. Es zeigt die Leitung in einer Trockenbauwand sicher an! Allerdings lsst sich nicht sagen, ob es sich bei dem angezeigten Objekt auch sicher um eine Wasserleitung oder einen Balken oder eine Stromleitung handelt. In jedem Fall kann man damit eingrenzen, ob sich etwas in der Wand befindet oder nicht. Eine Leitung haben wir jedenfalls nicht mehr erwischt. Es bleibt allerdings etwas Unsicherheit, weswegen ich keine 5 Sterne vergeben konnte. Ob es dabei DAS perfekte Gert gibt bezweifle ich.
Got this during the Amazon Prime event (2020) for a price lower than anywhere else on the interweb including eBay…
I’ve used it a couple of times already (on dot and dab walls) and it is absolutely brilliant the best, most accurate wall scanner I have used…
First job was hanging three 68cm (dia) mirrors on a wall with 2 double sockets and a radiator fed with plastic pipes. The scanner easily traced the routes for both the wires for the sockets and the plastic pipes for the radiator.
This is a very high quality detector – it looks good, has a good display and seems to work well. The kit i received includes the charger and battery, which is very good.
It’s always worth cross checking detection to make sure it works as expected, but for me it seemed to work very well and very easy to use. Complements all the other Bosch blue tools as well.
So a few pointers.
Do not expect to get an accurate reading by putting straight on the wall and doing a simple single pass. It has auto sensitivity which means you need to get a few passes carried out before you get an accurate result.
Look for the second meter to show the centre dot as it passes over known wires.
Get used to when the meter starts sounding/flashing verses the location of known wires and when it just shows a solid dot. Look for the centre-dot to appear as you move across the wall, keep going over the area – at least a few sweeps.
As it approaches something it detects it from a longer distance than the reverse. A few sweeps either side will give you the most accurate reading.
Make sure you hold it properly and avoid holding it by the head. Holding it by the head seems to really confuse the accuracy. And remove any rings and watches you may have on your hand/wrist. This again can cause confusion.
Keep your other hand on the wall. Possibly earthing yourself to the wall would give you a better reading? If you are charged with static it might affect your reading.
This is a professional tool which requires a good amount of preparation to ensure best results.
100% confidence when using this item.
I have a standard Bosch detector and this one is much more accurate, as it should be with the price difference.
It needs a bit of practice to use and get the “swiping” speed correct. It gives a visual display and a bleep loud enough to hear even in a noisy environment.
You do wonder about the thought that went into the design however. It came in an enormous plastic carry/storage box that looks like a multi function box with a variety of sections.
Much is made in the blurb about being also able to use it with AA batteries, this is possibly true but the adapter is not supplied and does not seem to be available from Bosch either.
The rechargeable battery seems to last for ever particularly as this is not a device that would be in continuous use.
I think a better design would be for the battery to be built in and have a phone type charger which would make everything more compact and get rid of the need for the big box which could be replaced with a case/holster which would make it much more usable.
Incidentally spare batteries do not seem to be available from Bosch either.
The unit is supplied in a Bosch L-Boxx case, together with rechargeable battery and charger. As this leaves ample space, the case includes a plastic tray for a Bosch Professional cordless drill. Once you ‘buy into’ the Bosch Professional range, the batteries can be used interchangeably.
The Detector is simple to use with three modes for masonry, plasterboard and concrete with rebar walls. When moved across the surface, the ‘beeping’ and display shows the location of the detected object. Live wire cause the red LED to blink and a ‘live conductor’ indicator comes on.
In use, I found the detector worked a specified and was even able to locate a ceiling rose through floorboards in the floor above. It’s not sold for the purpose, but it can also locate ferrous nails etc. in lumber before running it through a saw.
I’d like to see a couple of improvement –
1) The essential instructions on a laminated card to tuck into a pocket on the L-Boxx lid
2) Low friction pads on the underside to minimise risk of marking when sliding the unit over painted wall surfaces
This detector arrived in a very large but mostly empty tool box which appears to stack to other tool boxes. There is a charger, battery and instructions included.
Using it is simple. You turn it on with the detector against the surface you are detecting through and then select the material from the three choices. Moving the unit side to side across the wall will give audible and visual indications of something behind the wall. If there is electricity present it will beep and flash.
On my plasterboard walls it seems to be very accurate, finding the centres within a few mm. In some cases it can be a little bit too sensitive, finding things on the other side of the partition, but with a but of patience and some common sense it is straight forward to interpret the readings and find what you are looking for.
It is a bit pricey for the casual user but for the professional you do get what you pay for.