Telecomm Tools: Circuit Tracers

In the world of telecom tools circuit tracers are devices that are simple, multi-use that will take care of all your troubleshooting needs for circuits. These telecom tools are used for circuit breaker location and any problems with your hidden wires. Circuit tracers are put to use in the commercial, business and home environments. The use of circuit tracers take into account the precence of both closed and open circuits. They also can recognize circuit breakers, find circuit shorts and trace wires from all sources even subterranean ones.

Now how exactly does the operation of a circuit tracer work? Good question, we’ll answer that. The tracer has two things a transmitter and a receiver. The role of the transmitter is to make a traceable signal onto the circuit. Once that happens the receiver will find the signal. From there the value of the signal will be identified. Pitch and tone is then determined and it varies as the signal becomes stronger. An open or closed circuit will always result in a difference of reading. The flow of current is non existent while on a closed circuit, voltage will create a flow that produces an electromagnetic field. In short an open circuit makes a weak electromagnetic field while a closed circuit makes a stronger one.

For convenience’s sake a lot of tracers come with a cache of gear and supplementary items that you’ll need to properly do your telecom tool related task. Circuit tracers are available in more than just one configuration. Here’s what some of these telecom tool “grab bags” may have in their stash:

Test leads

Receivers

LED Screens

Battery packs

Inductive Clamps

Hardcase (To keep all of your stuff protected and organized)

The key features of what circuit tracers do are versatile and worth noting here as well. These are some of the things you can expect out of using circuit tracing telecom tools:

• Display of Numeric variable audible (This allows for tracing circuits in a rather easy way)

• A bright display for easy viewing

• Effective on closed and open circuits ranging from 0-600V in AC or DC.

• Circuit tracers can easily pick on breakers and fuses that are present

• Open and shorts are also easily identified

• Can locate wires buried inside of a wall or underground.

• Its precense will not half any other equipment being used in conjunction or interfere with signals.

• A constantly working bar graph that tracks all up to the minute changes in signal.

• It has a light for indicating low battery life.

• It has a Cat III-1000V safety evaluation.

Besides these key features circuit tracers have some other things you should be aware of when putting them into use. The use of a tracer is compatible with all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuits. A trancer’s signal does not harm any of a circuit’s other sensitive, electronic equipment that may be in use as the same time as the circuit tracer. With a denergized circuit a low transmission of current occurs this allows for signal detection through distribution transformers and feeder panels. However this does result in reduced signal strength as it passes through the transformer.

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Telecom Tools: The Extech Model 380260 Megohmeter

A megohmeter is a telecom tool that’s used for monitoring the elevated levels of electrical sources and substances. It too is another telecom tool that serves a vital purpose in whatever signal tracking and testing you are doing. Its use with electrical sources are vital too since telecom tools absolutely have to work side by side with electrical power.

There are a few megohmeters out there but one we decided to focus on was the Extech Model 380260. Below is some information on this telecom tool which includes, safety guidelines, maintenance and general information. Enjoy!

First of all before using this telecom tool here are the safety guidelines so you don’t put yourself at any unnecessary risks when using.

This megohmeter has a variety of applications that it is used for. Small appliance and power tools can even benefit from its versatile functions. The device can also test AC and DC motors. The product manual explains everything and its step by step process will help you through any difficulties in use that you might have.

Arguably its most important function for all us telecom tool buffs here is the megohmeter’s ability to test cables. Here’s how that process works first we naturally disconnect the cables from their source. Make sure the opposite end is disconnected in the instance that it needs to be. The next thing in a cable test is to check each conductor. From there ensure that the insulation between conductors. From there you can go about and use your telecom tool for all of its intended purposes. But before doing any of these take some time read these safety guidelines and general specs so you know what to do.

Safety Guidelines

All test leads should be functioning properly. Any minor damages are a no go for use.

Do not touch any circuits when performing any tests. Bus bars and bare conductors must

not be touched during testing or else electric shock can occur.

Make sure to have any tested circuits’ energy removed. Have them isolated before putting together any other connection unless you are taking a volt count.

When voltages are nearing 60VDC or 30VACrms proceed with caution.

Discharge all capacitors after performing insulation tests.

When having the item repaired only use replacement items that are within guidelines.

Also be sure to always refer to your item’s manual before any use of your telecom tool.

General specifications

• Display LCD with dual display
• It has 2.5 readings per second sampling rate
• Continuity beeper: <40ω
• Short circuit current: <200ma
• Open circuit voltage: 4.5V
• Over range indicator ‘1’ displayed
• It has an automatic zero adjust
• Environmental Installation category II, Pollution Degree 2, Altitude up to 2000 meters, Indoor use only
• Operates in an environment of 32 to 104^oF (0 to 40^oC)
• Storage guidelines are 14 to 140^oF (-10 to 460^oC)
• Dimensions are 7.8 x 3.6 x 1.9” (200 x 92 x 50mm)
• It weighs in at 24.6oz (700g)
• Power source: Requires Six AA batteries (There’s an indicator that will let you know when to change batteries.)

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Telecom Tools: Phase Meters

The next telecom tool we’ll discuss are phase meters. A phase meter is an electronic device, telecom tools if you will that evaluates two received signals and then breaks down their phase difference. The following information we’ll provide you are a few popular models with their price range and other important info. This way you’ll know what’s out there and what the average costs are. So without further ado let’s get down to business.

Listed below are the different sort of phase meters that you can find and each one suits different people’s needs in the way of design, price, and use. Here are two examples of this important telecom tool that we wanted to bring your way and inform you about.

The Fluke 9040

The Fluke 9040 is suitable for tracking phase rotation in practically any sitation where phase supplies are intended for use on electrical systems or feed motors. This telecom tool is also a rotary field indicator which provides its reading with an LCD screen display. It reads phase sequences rather quickly. It has a voltage capacity of up to 700 volts.

It effective for measuring phase rotation in all areas where three phase supplies are used to feed motors, drives and electrical systems. The Fluke 9040 is a rotary field indicator and can provide clear indication of the 3 phase via an LCD display and the phase rotation direction to determine correct connections. It allows rapid determination of phase sequence and has a voltage (up to 700 V) and frequency range suitable for commercial and industrial applications. The included test probes have a variable clamping range for safe contact, also in industrial sockets. It retails in the $200 range.

Features:

• No batteries needed for operation
• LCD screen
• It has a three phase indication

Extech AC Clamp/Phase Meter Tester Combination Unit

Another phase meter we should mention that’s also in the same price range as the model listed above is Extech's AC Clamp Meter and Phase Rotation Tester. This telecom tool is also NIST Certified. The device is capable of taking exact and very precise measurements in the way of capacity, resistance and frequency. It’s also adept at phase rotation and provides a sequence for a three phase motor.

Features:

• Clamp jaws open to 1.6" (40mm)
• AC Voltage capacity 600V
• AC Current capacity of 1000A
• Frequency range of 40 to 400Hz
• ACV accuracy is ±1.2%
• Performs diode tests
• Tracks audible Continuity
• Auto Power off
• 1100A and 600Vrms (Overload Protection)
• Overrange and low battery indication
• Comes with test leads that are color coded
• Meets the guidelines of the National Institute Standards Technology (NIST)
• 4000 count LCD Display
• 40-segment bargraph
• Powered by a 9V Battery (Included)
• Includes special carrying case

Well, there you have it for high end telecom work you have your choice of two different phase meters that won’t let you down. In fact the other one also works as a clamp meter so its combo features definitely are good in helping you serve more than one purpose for telecom work if needed.

Telecom Tools: The 4500 RF Peak Power Analyzer

Hello loyal readers welcome to our next feature in our telecom tools series of articles we are going to discuss a popular telecom tool the Power Analyzer. The specific model we’ll dicuss if the 4500 RF Peak Power Analyzer. Let’s not wait any longer. Here goes!

When it comes to grabbing, showing, overseeing and harnessing RF Power there’s no better telecom tool than the Boonton Model 4500 B. This power analyzer’s design includes the utilization of technologies such as RADAR, GSM and TMDA.

This telecom tool can also understand sound signals both synthetic and genuine including CDMA and WLAN. The 4500 RF can also analyze and transformed slotted signals such as GSM-EDGE and TD-SCDMA.

The 4500B also has a timebase resolution at rate of 100 per second. This timebase resolution also applies to video bandwidth over 50 MHz (sensor dependent), An 80 dB dynamic range (sensor dependent) has flexible triggering and greater than most.

With a demanding amount of top notch measurement methods and no range when this is occurring the 4500 RF still pulls through every time. The 4500 BB as a telecom tool does it jobs. It watches the flow of power like a hawk. The rates of acquisition go rather high without putting any unnecessary wear and tear on analyzer.

The text display feature shows nearly 15 auto measures per channel. This telecom unit also shows continuous analyzing of signals. A dependable input/output setup with USB technology for add on such as traces, setups and including USB ports for storing data such as instrument setups, trace waveforms and bitmap image files.

Other interestesting features is the diagonal TFT color LCD. This viewing screen is at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, with a backlight works excellently for this telecom tool. This enables a view

for a clear view of up to two RF channels.

Memory channels two to be exact are on this list of features. The need to clearly view multiple channels can be invaluable in many activities. Multi-channel applications will benefit from the top notch screen and presentation quality.

The hugely huge color monitor screen for the 4500B is very appropriate and well matched for any multi channel application. Most of the features on this telecom tool are well suited for multiple channel applications. The use of mull-color is for identifying purposes. The super duper color graphics correlate with the graphics channel data on the analyzer.

That pretty much covers most the really cool stuff about the 4500B RF. A quick glance at the features tell us that the 450 is blatantly impressive. The analyzer does its job as it’s depended upon for doing.

A Quick Glance

• 8.4" TFT color LCD display

• Channels: 4 measurement, 2 memory, 1 math

• Automatic triggering

• Use of USB, GPIB, LAN

• High Video Bandwatch with peak power

As you can see these telecom tool’s have it over the rest. For now we much must wish you good bye readers. Thanks for stopping by and good luck on your use of these telecom tool.

Telecom Tools: Clamp Meters

The next telecom tool to talk about is clamp meters. This device can figure out the flow of electrical power and not have to separate the current from the wiring. Amprobes and tong testers are other names for clamp meters.

What do we use clamp meters for anyway? As a Telecom Tool they serve these purposes:

• An intergraded and fancy multimeter
• A multimeter probe
• It’s a self contained unit

To operate a clamp meter, the clamp is made to enable the wiring to be interested and the shut to allow for measurements to be taken. As far as conductors go only one is allowed into the probe. Should more than just one conductor actually get through then a vector sum would result. This could lead to some very misleading results with the travel of current. To be specific a closed clamp would be no measured current, as two currents flowing in different direction cancel each other out.

Previous versions of clamp meters ran only on AC power. In the probe of the telecom tool a ferromagnetic material exists. When this is closed a transformer’s central part with all its wiring going through the clamp is the primary source of winding. The device also has a back up winding mechanism. Figuring out the current in the next winding and will help us in understanding the transformer’s characteristics and the waveform’s measured current.

Though known as a telecom tool, clamp meters are also used an electrician’s tool when they have to be. Multi meters often have the proper circuits for consistently reading resistance and even voltage. Multi meters quite frequently carry a mechanical pointer-locking accessory. This lets a reading be made in areas that have the meter pointer out of sight, the pointer then locked.

More economic clamp meters utilize have a special detector circuit but is still usable on most up to date electronic/computer machines. The telecom tool is then set to read in RMS units. It’s taken into account that the electrical current is a sine wave and a property of the main frequencies. This is clocked in at 50-60 Hz. Should either of these gut feelings be wrong false readings could result.

When these telecom tools are use with such heavy loads from sources like ballasts. It’s a challenge for the tool. If you throw in either high intensity discharge lamps or fluorescent lamps into the mix then you’re on your way to more false readings.

At the other end of things probes were being bought so use with digital multimeters that were supposed to be computerized. Some computerized digital multimeters take on RMS converters which will submit accurate readings at any given time.

High-end designed meters may also do the same job that a Hall effect sensor does with its transformer secondary winding. For all intents and purposes it looks like this particular telecom tool will have it all one day. The high-end places accurate readings over a much wider frequency range, proving that telecom tools are nothing to sneeze at.

Telecom Tools: Multimeters

Multimeters are a telecom tool that serves as an electronic measuring device. They can also called volt/ohm meters (VOM). It is a single piece that can do several electronic functions. A barebones model showcases functions such as the capability to measure resistance, voltage and current. This telecom tool comes in two different classifications analog and digital. (aka DMM or DVOM)

This device’s history dates back to the 20’s. This was at a time history when vacuum tubed electronics devices were becoming more prevalent. As modern systems continue to advance, the multimeter is becomes an even greater tool itself. A good example of this would be how a general purpose multimeter works.

At one time a general purpose multi meter would only work on short-circuits it could also read some hints of insulation levels and conductor resistance. However, portable modern models that can test a greater area of coverage.

This telecom tool can be used as a device that tests for field work basic or fault finding. A very famous used or this tool is as a means to troubleshoot problems that are electrical. Whether in the business sector or home electrical issues that stem from motors, appliances, wiring, batteries and power sources a multimeter can be worked on with a multimeter.

Now let’s find out a little more about analog and digital multimeters. Shall we?

Analog multimeters tend to have some accuracy issues due to misreads and problems with zeroing out. Although they’re sometimes more adept at finding changes in a reading. This is because it’s harder for a radio signal to interfere with an analog multimeter’s readings.

A Digital Multimeter’s readings come out in exact numbers this prevents any issues with a parallax from happening. With modern day electronics and computer technology playing its hand in their manufacture digital multimeters have a ton of advantages over their analog siblings. They’re capable of:

• Auto-ranging - This feature gives you the most accurate readings when running tests. Not too much guessing goes on here.
• Auto-polarity - This is intended for reading dc voltage.
• Sample and hold –This takes your most current exam reading after doing a circuit test.
• A graphic representation – this shows in great details the levels of various things and their quantities
• A built in low-bandwidth oscilloscope.

• There is a built in feature that allows for a limited amount of savable data that you are allowed to store on this device.
• You are also given the capabilities to use surface-mount technology.

The first digital multimeter of it kind was introduced in 1955. The company Non Linear Systems was the manfuacturer. Modern multimeters are given computer compatibility. The connections that the mulitmeter can hook up to are IDA, USB and IrDA. Another special port that a DMM can be plugged into is the IEEE-488. When hooked into the computer the multimeter can still make readings. Data such as measurements from your meter can be transferred to the computer.

Multimeters both analog and digital are varied in how they’re equipped and how much they cost. A very basic multi meter can run at about $10. The fancier versions the ones considered the cream of the crop can cost over $5,0000.