sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring what tool to test 25 pair

I just wanted to know if there is a tool that can short out the pairs on one end of a bix 1a and test the other end for continuity quickly?

Also, is there a tool that can terminate all 25 pairs in one punch down on the bix waffer?

I'd have to say that no, neither of those items exist. A punch tool capable of punching all 25 pairs at once would require a lot of force. I'm pretty sure something would break if you used such a tool.

Best way to check the terminations at the BIX rail is a visual inspection. Double check before and after you punch. If you suspect a problem with the cable itself, you could punch down half a patch cable at either end and test 4 pairs at a time.

Clinton,

I figured this would be the answer I always inspect my wafers to see if the wire was totally punched down.

Thanks

Not sure why you'd want to do this and I don't know BIX. But you could loop all your tips and all your rings and short them and just run the block for opens. This won't tell you if you have split pairs through.

Surdel....

There is a tool that you can use to short out the pairs one by one.
Not what it was designed for, but if you use the QTBIX17A and clip the clips together, it would short them out, then use a regulat toner or ohm meter at the other end.

Here's a Link

Once you go BIX, you'll never go back!

Back in my splicing days we tested cables for shorts, grounds, crosses and opens, but not for splits and tramps. After I got into the equipment world we never tested the cables. Not sure why you would need to, if something doesn't work than test the pair. So I'm still not sure what your purpose is for wanting to do this.

I got a contract from Sprint a few years back to test the cables from the MDF to the Sprint POP in every CO in NYC. (Almost 100 locations)

Apparently 9X had some shady subcontractors do the cable installation and terminations and every time Sprint tried to turn up a customer, the install failed. In almost all case the problem was the MDF to POP cable.

Sprint asked 9X for test results and 9X said: "if you want test results - test them yourselves". So they hired us and I did. Some COs were fine But others....Massive troubles. Hideous work. Really ugly, ugly, ugly.

We looked into finding something that would make testing these cables (Between 600 and 3600 pairs per CO) easier. In the end we used two butt sets in series with a -48V DC power supply. We talked out every wire. Put the butt set on W/BL & BL/W. Get continuity. Talk across the pair. It's good. Leave one lead on W/BL and move the other to W/O. Talk out that pair. Keep moving one side of the circuit one wire at a time and verify that the pair is clean with no hums, opens, etc.

It took a little time but it worked.Once the crew gets used to it they can fly through the work.

Sam

I've done it that way too Sam. When splicing it was a one man show frame to end.

Bill -

That's how I learned it and it works. Siemon's has (had?) a tool to test amphenoled 25 pair cables. I don't remember the part number, but it was two yellow boxes with male and female amps on each one and 25 leds. You plugged your cable into both ends and it lit up up appropriately.

We had one in the shop years ago but never really used it much. I think it seemed like a good idea to the boss but we never had occasion to drag it out more than once or twice.

Sam

Sam and Bill, this is one of those skills that's dying! We used that technique to "ring out" newly installed cables aboard ship as conductor sheathing was usually all black! Somewhere in my junk I've still got a headset with mic wired with a battery.