The widespread use of cable test equipment has lead to the development of an array of instruments, supplies and accessories. Tracing wires and cables and troubleshooting problems with telecom wire and cable test equipment was a tedious task. But today technology has refined the process with state-of-the-art supplies for telecommunications wire and cable test equipment.

As part of the telecom testing industry, your business should be familiar with the varieties of cables and wires, probes, cable testers and other cable testing equipment. Refinements in telecommunications testing equipment offer specific apparatus for each type of testing. The wires and cables, often hard to reach in security sleeves, can now be tested more easily. To get a sense of the wide array of supplies for telecommunications wire and cable test equipment, take the following steps:

1. Learn about cable test equipment for checking coaxial networks.

2. Find the latest telecommunication test equipment used to assess fiber optic networks.

3. Identify special telecommunications testing equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right telecom test equipment for coaxial cable systems

Probably the first telecom cable test equipment in your inventory ought to be devices for checking coaxial networks. These instruments include testers for permanently installed cable, handheld probes and adapter kits to allow your technicians to assess coaxial cables with various connectors.

I recommend: Go to L-com for a large variety of tester supplies. Search their inventory for the latest items for testing coaxial and several other types of networks. Your team can locate those hard-to-find supplies for coaxial testers at Cable Warehouse. It has accessories of every description.

Use telecommunications test equipment to validate fiber optic systems

Also necessary for your team is telecommunications test equipment to check advanced fiber optic systems. In addition to probes and testers, many networks benefit from an in-place tester to continuously monitor signal strength and cable integrity. Several models with different features are available.

I recommend: Use testing supplies from Ameritec to verify and troubleshoot fiber optic and other network problems. In addition to the basic supplies for testing fiber optic cable, JDSU offers a tutorial on how to do testing right.

Locate specialized cable testing equipment for unique jobs

Complete your inventory of test equipment for telecommunications with specialty equipment, such as capacitance detection probes to determine direction of signal flow, replacement power cords and frame stands and tilt stands for interfacing with non-standard connectors. For industrial jobs, consider a connector saver assembly with a CH2 hipot cable tester. For testing small devices, keep a bench-top tester in your shop.

I recommend: Check with Cirris for cable tester accessory needs. See its long list of testing accessories, including frame stands and harness testers. Paralan carries a unique bench-top cable testing system for use right in your shop.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although telecom test equipment is built rugged and durable, it's a good idea to protect your equipment with leather carrying cases to avoid damage caused by dirt, dust and tossing them in a tool box.

Telecommunication testing equipment works to solve problems like bottlenecks, which slow down the transfer of information across cables. The equipment tests high-speed connections, ensures high-quality video and tests clarity for data and voice customers. If you provide these services, you can save money by catching bugs and eliminating them before you begin offering your services. Testing your communication systems also reduces consumer problems after delivery.

Some businesses hire companies who specialize in wire testing to conduct product testing. For small projects, you may find it more cost effective to test products in house. Regardless of the method you choose, use telecommunication test equipment to:

1. Test your home or office network with cable test equipment.

2. Verify different types of cables, including F-type coaxial cables.

3. Troubleshoot patch cables and other problems with wire testing.

4. Examine CCTV cabling.

Action Steps
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Purchase telecommunications testing equipment from online vendors

Online suppliers for telecom test equipment offer a larger selection than many local retailers. Product choices range from handheld cable tracers to cable fault finders. With most online vendors, you can find comparable rates and often lower prices.

I recommend: RS Electronics carries a wide selection of telecommunication test equipment and organizes your search based on product type. Cirris Systems Corp. provides wire harness and cable tester solutions for a selection of industries. Find out more on their products with their free demo.

Consult manufactures of cable testing equipment for custom orders and services

Manufacturers often work as consultants for telecommunication problems. Often you can buy telecom wire test equipment directly from the manufacturer. If you can't find an existing solution to your problem, they may fabricate one.

I recommend: Riverside Automation has been a leader in the design of testing equipment for over 30 years and offers complete engineering services. Continental Resources, Inc. sells used and new cable tester products organized by product type.

Save money on telecommunications test equipment

When you need telecommunications testing equipment, you don't have to purchase it new. You can rent, lease or buy used equipment to reduce the cost involved in the acquisition.

I recommend: Rent, lease or buy new or used telecommunication testing equipment from Electro Rent Corporation. They provide three ways to search their inventory of products. TRS-RenTelco offers financial plans, including lease, lease-to-own and purchasing options, for telecommunication testing equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you look into telecommunications wire and cable test equipment, ask manufacturers to provide a free quote for services, products and solutions.
• •  If you work from a home office, use telecommunication testing equipment to ensure your high-speed connection. You may find problems in the wiring after installation.
• •  Factor in the cost for shipping when you order from online vendors. Look for companies who offer free shipping to get the best deal.

Do you need to get telecommunications wire and cable test equipment education and training? You’ve just started working for a telecommunications company. You’re not an engineer, but you want to learn how to install and test telecom wire test equipment.

Of course, you should take courses. However, there are other methods of increasing your skills. You should not overlook them because they can be just as hands-on as the classes. To learn how to do telecom wire test equipment, do the following:

1. Get telecommunications wire and cable test equipment education and training by taking courses.

2. Attend seminars to become familiar with telecommunication test equipment.

3. Learn how to improve your telecom test equipment by getting installation manuals or DVDs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to get telecommunications wire and cable test equipment education and training

Taking courses in telecommunications wire and cable test equipment should be your first move. Not only will you be studying and installing telecommunications testing equipment, but you'll be learning what type of wiring is appropriate for your site. The types of wiring you'll be learning about include broadband, twisted pair, and fiber optic. You'll also be going over the costs associated with test equipment for telecommunications.

I recommend: W and J Partnership offers a comprehensive course in telecom wire and cable test equipment. Some of the wiring types you’ll be covering in this course are fiber optics, twisted wire, broadband and baseband coaxial cable. NY Communications Training Center also offers courses in cable test equipment. You’ll learn about backbone and horizontal cabling. In addition, you’ll be learning about blue prints and site plans.

Learn about telecommunication test equipment through seminars

Don't think that seminars are just for listening to speakers, having refreshments, and networking. Seminars can be intensive workshops. You can be learning how to test telecom cable test equipment, and then investigate data and test results. The speaker might touch on general issues that testers face daily. Seminars can be like classes in that you and your peers will interact, sharing suggestions and concerns.

I recommend: SNC Manufacturing offers a seminar that focuses on how to troubleshoot telecom wire test equipment. The seminar lasts for approximately four and a half days. QuadTech also offers seminars that range from compliance to testing equipment.

Use installation manuals or DVDs to improve your telecommunications test equipment knowledge

Invest in installation manuals or DVDs to learn more about telecommunication test equipment. Installation manuals are good to have in that they not only show you how to install and test equipment, but they have the latest standards. That way, you can make sure you're complying with them. Look into DVDs because they contain how-to videos. They'll show you step-by-step how to install wiring.

I recommend: Contractor-books offers an installation training manual that shows you how to install and test wiring. It also contains the latest standards, including TIA, ANSI and EIA. McCarten Cable Tools contains videos regarding installation of wiring.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check for updates for your wire testing installation manual. Since standards change, you want to make sure your manual contains the latest ones.