Metal Detector Environmental Issues
Metal detectors have grown in popularity with the rise in the value of gold and silver. New users of medal detectors usually do not realize that there are several environmental issues that can cause the metal detector to signal that you are near metal without metal being any metal.
- Metal detectors work because they detect the eddy current in the path of the detector. Eddy currents are electronic currents that react to magnetic fields. These currents produce electromagnetic forces and heat that the detector will notify you of when it is receiving these factors by beeping.
- Electromagnetic interference can affect the metal detector. We use so many electronic devices on a daily basis that these devices can cause the metal detector to receive interference. This interference increases if you are in a highly populated area with many electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers, and GPS systems.
- Soil can contain minerals that produce false notifications for metal. Iron is one of the minerals that can react with the metal detector. The amount of the minerals will depend on the type of sand or soil that you are searching.
- Induction noise can cause the metal detector to malfunction. This noise is produced by motors that generate magnetic fields in the usage of the products. An example of induction noise is an elevator going up and down on the cables.
- Vibration can affect the metal detector because the controls and parts of the detector are sensitive so vibrations caused by sounds will alter the calibration of the metal detector. These vibrations are created by loud noises such as automobiles, motorcycles, and sirens.