Cable & Ground Testing

Notes on Calibration

First of all, our modern meter equipment is designed and built to be more stable than those devices configured around earlier technology. Secondly, because we know the environment in which our products are used, we protect our test equipment from some of the "screwdriver lightning" that causes meters to lose calibration. Thirdly, in the case of our Megohmmeters and Ground Finder, we make available Calibration Check Devices that allow you to confirm calibration rather than require your Megohmmeter or Ground Finder be sent in for service on the chance that it is out of calibration. Due to the operating requirements of the Megohmmeters, a Calibration Check Device comes with every unit. With the Ground Finder, the Calibration Check Device is an accessory that is not required with every unit. In fact, we suggest that one per Supervisor or Manager is sufficient. A calibration check is really required only once per year.

Why should you absorb the cost of paying for the calibration service itself, the cost of shipping your Megohmmeter or Ground Finder back and forth and the cost of maintaining swing units to insure that testing schedules are met? You do not have to absorb these costs if you follow our Calibration Check Procedures for our 335/336 Megohmmeters and our 360 Ground Finder and make use of the appropriate Calibration Check Device. Contact us for further details.

Models 335/336 Railroad Signal Cable Megohmmeter & Arrestor Tester

ORDERING REFERENCES
Kit, 250 VDC Test Voltage	335-1006
Kit, 600 VDC Test Voltage	336-1006

Model 336-1002 Telecomm Arrestor Tester

The 336 Megohmmeter/Arrestor Tester has been found to be effective in testing lightning arrestors used by the telecomm industry. In the Arrestor Tester mode, 600VDC is generated at a non destructive current to test fire lightning arrestors. Upon firing, the actual firing point of the arrestor is displayed on the voltmeter. A special configuration of our product has been developed to address this telecomm application. The primary differences between this product and the signal-oriented Megohmmeter are the leads and probe tips. Five foot, pluggable silicone leads are accompanies by two sets of probe tips that accommodate the full range of arrestor configurations in common telecomm use today: safety-jaw grips and safety-spring hook tips (both types depicted here) are furnished.

ORDERING REFERENCE	336-1006

Model 360 Ground Finder

Our Model 360 Ground Finder is a stand-alone tool designed to simplify, expedite and standardize the testing for grounds required by FRA Rules No. 234.249 and 236.107. Testing voltage is 22.5 VDC in both Test (volts) and Confirm (current) modes, reflecting a standard common with several railroads, and out of normal signaling voltage ranges. Unique "touch and go" operation greatly accelerates testing. Built "railroad tough" to withstand the usual working environment, the 360 tester is designed with circuitry that gives protection against damage caused by momentary contact with 110VAC. And, because output is current-limited, connection of the tester to a high-current ground will not damage the tester. Comes with battery, leads, plug-on crocodile clip, and zipped tool pouch.

ORDERING REFERENCE	360-1

Dual-Meter Case

If you use the Ground Finder to do your monthly and quarterly ground tests you will need a voltmeter to do your voltage tests. The Dual Meter Case provides space for the Ground Finder and a Fluke-like VOM. Use of this zippered, padded case allows you the convenience of having only one item to carry into the bungalow when doing the tests. There are even two separate, zippered pockets to keep the leads properly sorted.

ORDERING REFERENCE	360-20

Calibration Check Device

A 1% accuracy test load accessory that matches the ground detection calibration point of the 360 Ground Finder. This Calibration Check Device permits you to confirm calibration of the Tester, its alarm circuitry and its operation. The Device also permits you to extend the once a year calibration cycle until the readings change. We strongly recommend that this device be purchased and used.

ORDERING REFERENCE	360-30

550-1 Non-Conductive Testing Tool

This tool is intended to be an easier-to-use replacement for business cards, credit cards and various other field-expedient means employed by signalmen to block contacts when making maintenance checks, required tests and repairs. Large size of Tool helps to remind user to remove it at the completion of his tests or other maintenance procedures. Narrow and wide ends of Tool are both usable for contact blocking. Nylon crossbar prevents Tool from falling down into the interior of switch machine and circuit controller housings. Examples of applications:

1. Block crossing gate mechanism motor up contacts to permit single mechanism mainenance where mechanisms do not have a power cutout test link.
2. Block switch machine power contacts to permit hand cranking for obstruction and restoring feature tests.
3. Selectively block switch circuit controller contadcts in multiple to prevent closing during hand operated switch obstruction tests, contact closure tests, etc.
4. Block switch machine contacts to expedite and simplify cable meggering and crosschecking; include internal switch machine and motor wiring in the same test.

ORDERING REFERENCE	550-1