A portable metal detector is used to search for metal, weapons, or contraband, possibly carried by people or stowed in bags, objects, or clothes. In principle, they work the same way as any other metal detector.

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.

There are two types of portable metal detectors-hand held devices and walk-through. The hand held metal detectors are easy to carry, since most of them come with a bag, a pouch, or a wrist band. They are also lightweight. The walk-through metal detectors can be folded and carried around in a small bag. They are also easy to set-up and can be used within five minutes.

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

The indicator light will flash if the metal detector battery is low or has insufficient voltage. Models with rechargeable batteries take four to six hours to charge. Fortunately, portable metal detectors do not consume too much energy when in use, so you do not need to charge everyday.

A metal detector is not designed to locate or pinpoint the location of metal objects or implants inside the body. There are other devices made to do that instead.

Indicator lights glow either green, amber, or red. Green light means the device is on, amber means low battery, and red light is for alarm. Some models flash red and emit a sound at the same time. However, the metal detector cannot determine if the object is magnetic or non-magnetic.

The portable metal detector should conform to the international standards applicable for electrical safety, EC regulations, and EMC. This is to make sure that the metal detector works properly and is not defective.

A portable metal detector operator does not need specialized training to use the device. It can be used for personal reasons such as fixing your home or searching for lost things, or for business reasons. These include uses in places that require tight security such as airports, banks, bars, businesses, courtrooms, malls, schools, and other public areas.

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