Signaalikaablitest

Signaalikaablitest is the process of assessing the performance and integrity of signal cables to ensure they meet specified requirements for their intended use. It covers copper-based cables such as twisted pair and coax, as well as optical fiber links, and is applied during manufacturing quality control, installation certification, and routine maintenance. The test results help verify electrical performance, mechanical condition, and safety, and they support compliance with applicable standards and system design.

Tests typically begin with a visual inspection and connector check, followed by continuity and wire mapping to confirm correct pinouts and identify opens or shorts. Electrical resistance and insulation resistance tests detect damage or moisture. For high-frequency signal cables, measurements of impedance, propagation delay, attenuation, return loss, and crosstalk assess signal integrity across the operating bandwidth. Length measurement and time-domain reflectometry (TDR) locate faults and verify uniform impedance along the run. Shielded cables may undergo shielding effectiveness tests. For fiber, tests include optical loss (in dB), OTDR traces, and connector/splice quality.

Common testing equipment includes multimeters, insulation testers (megohmmeters), cable testers, network analyzers, TDR instruments, OTDRs, and specialized fiber test gear. Manufacturers and certification bodies often follow standards such as ISO/IEC 11801 and IEC 61156 for copper cabling, and TIA/EIA-568 for installation practices, with additional region-specific norms like EN 50173. The results inform installation acceptance, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning, while environmental factors such as temperature and cable length are considered when interpreting measurements.