
When testing a section of cable where different types of
cable are spliced together, use the independent cursors and
the correct VOP for each section of cable to yield the most
accurate readings.
3.4 Cable Impedance
Any time two metallic conductors are placed close together,
they form a transmission line which has a characteristic
impedance. A TDR tests for a change in impedance which
can be caused by cable damage, water ingress, change in
cable type, improper installation, taps and “tees”, and even
manufacturing flaws.
The insulating material that keeps the conductors separated
is called the cable dielectric. The impedance of the cable
is determined by the conductor diameter, the spacing of
the conductors from one another, and the type of dielectric
or insulation used.
The Model 3300 uses an output pulse balance circuit that
cancels the output pulse out of the waveform display and
matches the instrument to the cable under test. Model 3300
still displays fault reflections which occur in this region.
3.5 Velocity of Propagation (VOP)
Determining the VOP
Knowing the correct velocity of propagation is one of the
most important factors in successfully finding the distance
to a fault. A quick reference VOP card is included with
each instrument.
The VOP of a cable not listed on the VOP card can be
obtained from the manufacturers’ catalog specifications or
by contacting the manufacturer. If you cannot obtain the
VOP of a particular type of cable, the VOP can be deter-
mined by the following method: