IE-CT installation tester for Ethernet cables

The installation tester IE-CT for Ethernet network-base office communication and automation engineering is the latest addition to Weidmüller’s extensive program of Ethernet products. The IE-CT tester easily tracks down the most important installation mistakes such as split pairs, loose connections, short-circuits, interference voltage as well as wire and cable mistakes. Since the majority of mistakes that are made when installing an Ethernet network can be traced back to faulty wiring, these mistakes need to be quickly, easily and reliably identified and rectified.

The IE-CT installation tester is composed of a basic test device plus a test box. To test installed cabling for errors, users simply need to plug one end of the cable in the RJ45 socket of the basic test device and the other end in the RJ45 socket of the test box. The procedure is the same for patch cables. The maximum length of cables that can be tested is 1000 meters. A single button is all that is needed for On/Off and ‘Start of test operations’. During test procedures a green LED flashes; the flashing stops as soon as the test is successfully completed.

Convenient handling as well as its reliable interpretation of the test results are distinguishing features of the tester. For instance, the error codes are printed in plaintext on the housing of the basic unit, and all of the keys and LEDs are clearly labelled. The basic unit of the IE-CT turns itself off automatically after 30 seconds. In addition, the battery connection is fitted with reverse voltage protection, and the battery itself is equipped with a low voltage indicator. The device is equipped with a self-test function – including a split-pair test of the connection cable – to check the tester is in a proper service condition.

Together with the battery the basic unit weighs in at 185 g, the testbox 31 g. The accessories include a testbox, a nine-wire connection cable for the basic unit, a 9-volt battery and two error code labels in English and French.