What should you check before buying a cable tester?
Do your wires create problems? Do your cables not give continuous current? Something wrong has happened to your complicated system of cables? It really needs your attention. But how? The easiest way is to call a wireman and ask him to help you check and repair your wires or cables.
Is it a good idea to implement every time? I don’t think so. It may cause you problems in terms of wasting time. It is far better if you know what the problem is and where it is actually located. Then, how will you know about the defects in the cable? By just looking at them. Of course not. It is a problem, but it comes with a solution. A cable tester manufacturer gives a solution.
But as the market is full of such equipment, how do you buy the best product when you are a neophyte? It can just be done if you get explicit guidance regarding this subject. So, let’s discuss what you should check before buying a cable tester?
What should you check before buying a cable tester?
Purpose:
Before buying a cable tester for yourself, keep in mind what job it can do for you. Basically, a simple automated cable tester performs continuity tests to check opens, shorts, and miswires. The basic model consists of several test points through which cable connects with the tester. Add-on units are also used as they are available; they provide more test points for complex cables.
Check the Specs Before Buying:
It is highly recommended that before buying anything making any investment, you must check your requirements and the product’s features in front of you. Without knowing, You will trade at a loss. So, a proper strategy before you purchase a tester is essential.
Although there are many specifications that are important, some common one includes
- Test points
- Low voltage test
- 2 wires
- 4 wires
- Component test
- High voltage test
- Insulation resistance test
- Dielectric withstand test
- Digital Input and output
- Test point interface
- User interface
- Power
- Size Weight
But if you have zero knowledge about it, then these terms scare you like a horrible dream. To prevent this situation, try to learn the knowledge about the thing you will use in the future. In terms of cable tester, instead of all specs, if you know the test points and voltage and understand the results, it will be enough for you.
Low voltage/ High voltage
When you roam in the market, you will find that most companies offer testers that fall into two broad categories of testers. They are low voltage and high voltage. Although high voltage testers are more costly, they prove that they are worth buying when you use them. Although both testers work differently, their preferences are different.
Low voltage testers:
They focus on continuity, performing tests to check either current flows from one point to another or not.
High voltage testers:
They focus on isolation, performing tests to confirm the current is not flowing in the wrong direction or to the wrong destination where it does not belong.
Low voltage has many functions; however, high voltage is used to find potential problems in cables like terminal spacing or defective insulation problems. For a large-scale industry, where high priority should be given to cable safety, then your preference must be a high voltage tester.
Type of connectors:
For testing the current, you have to connect the cable to the cable tester. So, if your cable is attached with unique or complicated connectors, you have to pay attention to it.
You are new in this field, never mind taking assistance from a professional or even a salesman. Asking someone instead of wasting money is a good decision.
