Zircon

Zircon Corporation was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Campbell, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The company changed the home improvement industry in 1980 when it introduced the world's first electronic stud finder, establishing an entirely new category of electronic hand tools for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers.

Zircon marked its 50th anniversary in 2025 and holds more than 80 global patents and registered designs, reflecting a continued focus on research and development within its tool categories.

Product Lines

Zircon's core product line includes StudSensor stud finders for basic wall scanning and SuperScan advanced stud finders, which use Target Control technology to pinpoint stud edges and centers with greater precision. The MultiScanner line extends detection to a wider range of wall materials and hidden objects.

Rounding out the lineup, Zircon produces MetalliScanner metal detectors for locating metal objects behind walls, Leak Alert water detectors for identifying moisture intrusion, and Breaker ID tools for identifying which circuit breaker controls a given outlet or fixture.

Why Contractors Specify Zircon

Trade professionals specify Zircon tools because accurately locating studs, pipes, wiring, and other hidden obstructions before cutting into a wall reduces the risk of damaging existing infrastructure during installation or renovation work. This matters directly for plumbing and HVAC installers running new lines through finished walls, where an inaccurate scan can mean an expensive repair.

The brand's long track record in the stud-finding and wall-scanning category, backed by continued patent activity and updated detection technology, gives contractors confidence that Zircon tools will perform reliably across a range of wall materials encountered on different job sites.

How to Choose Zircon Products

For basic stud location tasks, a StudSensor model typically covers the need. For jobs requiring more precise stud edge and center detection, or scanning through thicker or more complex wall materials, a SuperScan model with Target Control technology offers more accurate results.

When a job involves identifying hidden metal, live wiring, or plastic pipe rather than just studs, a MultiScanner or MetalliScanner is the better fit. Consider Leak Alert for jobs involving moisture-prone areas and Breaker ID when working on electrical panels that lack clear circuit labeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Zircon's StudSensor and SuperScan lines?

StudSensor covers basic stud detection, while SuperScan models use Target Control technology for more precise identification of stud edges and centers, particularly useful on thicker or more complex wall materials.

Can Zircon tools detect anything besides wood studs?

Yes. The MultiScanner and MetalliScanner lines are designed to detect metal objects, wiring, and other hidden materials behind walls, in addition to standard wood stud detection.

What does a Zircon Leak Alert tool do?

Leak Alert is a water detector designed to identify moisture intrusion, which is useful for diagnosing hidden leaks before they cause structural damage.

What is a Breaker ID tool used for?

Breaker ID helps identify which circuit breaker controls a specific outlet or fixture, which is useful when working on panels with unclear or missing labeling.

How long has Zircon been making electronic stud finders?

Zircon introduced the world's first electronic stud finder in 1980 and has continued developing the category since, marking its 50th anniversary as a company in 2025.