An embodiment of the invention provides a sensing device that includes a sensing circuit and a mode selection input device. The sensing circuit senses the presence of an object beneath a surface. The mode selection input device allows a user to select, using a single button, a desired mode from among at least three sensitivity modes without first accessing another sensitivity mode. In another embodiment, a sensing device includes a sensing circuit and a display. The sensing circuit senses the presence of a live electrical wire beneath a surface. The display includes an optical element and a light source to indicate the sensed presence of the live electrical wire.