Testing the Cable

Testing the cable for shorts, breaks and for resistance values requires an ohm meter. Usually an off the shelf digital multi-meter is sufficient to complete a cable test. A multi-meter may look similar to the one shown below.

Testing a cable using a ohm meter is a four step process. The steps are as follows:

  • Test the 2k Ohm resistor and 2k Ohm resistor lead for break
  • Test the 100k Ohm resistor and 100k Ohm resistor lead for break
  • Test the ground lead for break
  • Test the open circuit leads for short

Test the 2k Ohm resistor and 2k Ohm resistor lead for break

To test the 2000 Ohm resistor the multi-meter must be set to measure ohms and the meter probes must be connected as shown above. The meter must show a value of 2000 Ohm +-1%. If this is not the case, the resistor may be faulty and should be replaced. If the measured value is 0 ohm, there may be a short on the cable and the cable should be replaced. If the value measured is .OL (overload) then there may be a break in the cable and the cable should be replaced.

Test the 100k Ohm resistor and 100k Ohm resistor lead for break

To test the 100000 Ohm resistor the multi-meter must be set to measure ohms and the meter probes must be connected as shown above. The meter must show a value of 100000 Ohm +-1%. If this is not the case, the resistor may be faulty and should be replaced. If the measured value is 0 ohm, there may be a short on the cable and the cable should be replaced. If the value measured is .OL (overload) then there may be a break in the cable and the cable should be replaced.

Test the ground lead for break

To test the ground lead the multi-meter must be set to measure ohms and the meter probes must be connected as shown above. The meter must show a value of 0 Ohm. If this is not the case andthe value measured is .OL (overload) then there may be a break in the cable and the cable should be replaced.

Test the open circuit leads for short

To test the open lead the multi-meter must be set to measure ohms and the meter probes must be connected as shown above. The meter must show a value of .OL (overload). If this is not the case and the value measured is 0 Ohm or some value that is lower than overload then there may be a short in the cable and the cable should be replaced.