Detailed information on cable length meters

Cable length meter PAN KLM 30R

klm30r blue

Measuring method: Resistance measurement (milli-ohmmeter)

  • For single and multi-pole conductors up to 30 km in length
  • Especially suitable for installation cables
  • BOTH cable ends of a conductor are required for the measurement
    (alternatively: contact two conductors of a cable at one end and connect these two conductors together at the other end)
  • Use the rotary switch to set the conductor cross-section and press the button to select copper or aluminum.
  • From measured Resistance value, set Cross section and elected material calculated the device the Cable length.

Accuracy of measurement:

  • The measurement accuracy from 1 – 2% refers exclusively to the measured Resistance and not on the resulting calculated cable length.
  • The shorter and thicker the cable, the less accurate the measurement becomes, since very small resistance values can be more strongly influenced by external factors such as oxide layers or the positioning of the crocodile clips.
  • At the Conversion of resistance to length can provide additional deviations occur which are physically caused and unavoidable:
  • Various conductors the same cross-section different resistance values for the same length (e.g. single, multi- or fine-stranded conductors, compacted or thinned conductors, differences in material quality or between manufacturers).
  • Length specifications provided by cable manufacturers can deviate by up to 10% from the actual length, as they are subject to manufacturing tolerances. The length specified on the packaging is therefore not a reliable measure of the actual length. A reliable comparison value can only be determined mechanically.

Notes for improving accuracy:

  • To store the resistance values of frequently used cables, 8 individual memory locations This allows specific resistance values to be stored in order to achieve more precise results in future measurements.
  • Or you measure the resistance of a cable with known length and note this value.
    Then measure the resistance of other cables of the same type and calculate from this the length this cable.

If the measurement accuracy is not satisfactory, check the following factors to ensure measurement accuracy:

    1. Are all batteries in the measuring device sufficiently charged?
    2. Do the meter and cable have the same temperature?
    3. Are the test cables free from damage, such as broken strands or oxidation?
    4. Is the cable to be measured free from damage such as kinks or oxidation?
    5. Was the measuring device calibrated according to the operating instructions before starting the measurement?
    6. Are the cross-section and material (Cu or Al) set correctly?
    7. Are all 4 plugs of the test leads cleanly and firmly inserted?
    8. Are both crocodile clips securely attached to the cable ends?
    9. Are the cable ends free of oxide layers that could increase the contact resistance?
    10. Compare the measurement result with the actual mechanically measured length and not with the manufacturer's specifications, which may deviate by up to 10%.

If you can answer all questions with “yes” and the measurement result deviates from the actual length by more than 10% despite all checks:

  • Contact us to have your device checked.
  • Please send us both the measuring device as well as Cablewhose measured length shows large deviations. This is the only way to carry out a serious check.

Further information:

  • The cable can be on a reel or already installed.
  • The cable to be measured must tension-free be.

For further information please see the Datasheet and in Application video.

Cable length meter PAN KLM-2000

Measuring method: signal reflection measurement ("echometer" / "reflectometer")PAN KLM 2000 Original

  • For multi-pole cables up to 2,000m (at least 2-pole)
  • Particularly suitable for network and coaxial cables (antenna cables)
  • Only ONE cable end is required for measurement
  • Conductor cross-section and material are irrelevant for the measurement

Procedure:

  • Before measuring the length, measure the VOP value (Velocity of Propagation).
  • This requires a piece of cable of known length.
  • You can then save the measured value under any name on the device. After saving the VOP value, you can measure the length of other cables of the same type.

Suitable conductor types:

  • network cable with RJ45 connectors.
  • coaxial cable with BNC connectors.
  • Any other multi-pole cables, whereby the connection is made via test probes or crocodile clips.

The following applies to BOTH devices (resistance measurement and signal reflection measurement):

  • The cable position (on the reel or laid) has no influence on the measurement.
  • A measurement is only possible stress-free cables possible.

For further information please see the Datasheet and in Application video.