1. An electrode detection system for a welder comprising: a welding wire that is feedable through a contact tip of a welding gun; a first electromagnetic wave that is at least partially projected and/or scanned laterally across said welding wire at a location at least partially below said contact tip so that at least a portion of said first electromagnetic wave is eclipsed by said welding wire; a receiver that at least partially receives said first electromagnetic wave; and, a measuring device that determines at least one parameter of said welding wire based on said first electromagnetic wave received by said receiver.