Ideal Industries’ SureTrace Circuit Tracer can be used alongside the company’s testers to streamline and simplify the task of tracing UTP cables, the company says. “For many network and data cable installers, tracing UTP cables often relies upon trial-and-error and can be disruptive, in terms of labor and customer downtime,” Ideal Networks said when introducing SureTrace.
“This SureTrace Circuit Tracer is truly innovative, allowing installers to trace Cat 5e and Cat 6 data cables in a live rack, without disconnecting the cables from the system,” explained Tim Widdershoven, the company’s global marketing manager. “This avoids downtime as the installer does not need to interrupt the supply and data signals on the cable to do the trace.”
Ideal Networks explained the tool’s use this way: To trace a UTP cable, a technician plugs the inductive clamp into the battery pack and clamp it over the UTP cable being traced. The battery pack is then hung on the rack using a magnetic strap. Once the unit is turned on and receiving a strong signal, the installer can then go to the rack where the other end of the cable is, and slowly scan the area with the receiver. The cable can then be identified as it will be emitting the strongest signal.
Widdershoven added, “To ensure efficient installation, maintenance and troubleshooting, this unique circuit tracer is an essential piece for all network and data cable installers—perfect to use alongside Ideal Networks testers.”