Megger has an extensive range of CATV and telecommunication testing equipment to help you manage your networks efficiently and cost effectively. Available test instruments include unbalanced ground testers, multifunction testers, cable fault locating TDRs, insulation and continuity testers, battery testers, earth testers and digital low resistance connection testers.
Overcoming noise in CATV applications
Data services are now digital – bits, or plus-and-minus voltages, that are impacted by noise. These digital services can overcome steady-state noise, but the random spikes of impulse noise knock out data bits. Impulse noise always comes from outside the cable. It is ALWAYS a sign of bad grounding and bonding. If the cables were bonded and grounded, the impulse noise would go to ground and not interfere with the transmitted signal. The mitigation of impulse noise means providing good bonding and grounding.
To find out more about how to mitigate noise in hubs and head ends, click here
Line Powering Qualification
If you're considering line power to power remote equipment using existing cable pairs in the copper network, eliminate unwanted surprises and frustration with Megger's line powering qualification solutions. The MFT70 Multifunction Tester and the MIT485/2TC Insulation Tester are both ideal for qualifying vacant pairs. Both hand-held units include:
- Insulation resistance testing up to 500 V
- 3-wire connection for reliable tip, ring, and ground connection
- Single range, fast continuity testing from 0.01 Ω to 1 MΩ
- AC/DC voltage testing
- Storage and transfer of test results (with Bluetooth® downloading capability)
But, the MFT70 leads the way with added 2 or 3 terminal ground testing capability, dual test and lock buttons, as well as insulation resistance testing up to 1,000 V. Click here to learn more about the MFT70.
Earth ground testers
Earth resistance is measured in two ways for two important uses:
1. Determining effectiveness of ‘ground’ grids and connections that are used with electrical systems to protect personnel and equipment
2. Prospecting for good (low resistance) ‘ground’ locations or obtaining measured resistance values that can give specific information about what lies some distance below the earth’s surface
To find out more about earth testing, click here
Cable fault locating with a TDR
Metallic paired cable (cables with two metallic conductors side-by-side either twisted pair, coax or power) can be tested with a TDR. Location is not a problem either as access to the cable along its length is not required unless there is a fault. This means hard-to-reach cables can be tested with ease, as long as the user has access to the ends of the cable under test. Much underutilized, the TDR has been simplified and, because of its ease of use and ability to identify faults easily and reliably, has become popular within the CATV and communications industries.
To find out more about time domain reflectometers, click here
Coax and copper insulation testers
When a plant’s electrical system and equipment are new, it’s electrical insulation should be in top-notch condition, particularly as manufacturers of wire, cable, motors and so on have continually improved their insulation for industry services. Nevertheless, even today insulation is subject to many effects which can cause it to fail, such as mechanical damage, vibration, excessive heat or cold, dirt, oil, corrosive vapors, moisture from processes or even just a humid day. These enemies of insulation are at work as time goes on, in addition to the usual day-to-day electrical stresses. Then, as pinholes or cracks develop, moisture and foreign matter penetrate the surfaces of the insulation, providing a low resistance path for leakage current.
To find out more about insulation testing, click here
Digital low resistance connection testers
Ohm’s Law dictates that for a specified energy source operating on V AC or V DC, the amount of current drawn will be dependent upon the resistance of the circuit or component.
Measuring low resistance helps identify resistance elements that have increased above acceptable values. The operation of electrical equipment depends on the controlled flow of current within the design parameters of the given piece of equipment.
To find out more about low resistance testing, click here
Battery testing equipment
In the event of power failure in a power plant or transformer substation, batteries are there to provide backup power. However, the battery capacity can drop significantly long before its calculated life expectancy is reached, and the battery can have weak cells that can cause costly service interruptions. Regular capacity and impedance testing is essential for predictive maintenance and protection of assets, and it need not be time-consuming or expensive.
To find out more about battery testing, click here