Often Cirris customers need to test assemblies with switches in them. From simple devices such as an A-B switchbox to complex assemblies with many switches, buttons, relays, etc., whenever you have a device with switches, it has the effect of creating many different ‘from/to’ wiring patterns that must be tested. Some models of Cirris testers have more effective methods to help handle testing assemblies with switches in them.
Two Methods for Switch Testing
OPEN and CLOSE instructions: (available on the CR and CH2)
PARENT/CHILD wire lists: (available on the CR, CH2, and Easy Touch® Pro)
Method One: OPEN and CLOSE Instructions
Easy-Wire® software version 7.1 and higher includes OPEN and CLOSE instructions that check switch status in assemblies you are testing. These instructions are generally used together to:
Verify that a switch is in the expected position and the resulting from/to wire list is correct.
Prompt the operator to open/close switches (when manual manipulation is required).
Verify when a switch changes state that the resulting from/to wire list is correct.
CR, CH2, Easy-Touch® Pro, & 1100H+ (with pc control)
Set up OPEN/CLOSE instructions in Easy-Wire software
The OPEN and CLOSE instructions are found in the “add new instruction” drop-down menu box in the “Define Instructions” tab (tab 4) of the Easy-Wire software.
Like other instructions (wire, resistor, diode, etc.), the OPEN instruction has a “FROM” and “TO” point. You can also give it a COLOR and a LABEL.
OPEN Instruction
When the tester processes an OPEN instruction during a test:
If no connection is sensed between the defined from/to points, the tester proceeds to the next instruction. If a connection is sensed between the defined from/to points, the tester prompts “Not Open” and lists the from/to points.
CLOSE Instruction
When the tester processes a CLOSE instruction during a test:
If a connection is sensed between the defined from/to points, the tester proceeds to the next instruction. If no connection is sensed between the defined from/to points, the tester prompts “Not Closed” and lists the from/to points.
OPEN and CLOSE instructions are generally used in conjunction with one another to check both conditions of a switch or relay accurately. You may also choose to include an additional OPEN or CLOSE instruction to “set” the final state you would like the switch.
CAUTION: Open and Close instructions only monitor the points specified in the instruction. Other points that open or close as the switch changes state will not be checked. For best test coverage, you should consider using the Parent/Child wire lists which perform a more thorough test of the full pattern of connections for each switch state.
For more information on testing switches and relays with OPEN and CLOSE instructions, see the Cirris article, Testing Switches and Relays.
Method Two: PARENT/CHILD Wire Lists
The OPEN and CLOSE commands can be used in a range of situations such as if you have a few simple switches to check all the way to a myriad of complex combination of switches. However, it is important that the test is set up with the proper “logic” to assure that all combinations of resulting from/to wire lists are checked for all combinations of switch opens and closures.
The Parent/Child testing method tests any number of different from/to wire lists (CHILD) tied together in one single, overall test program (PARENT).
This capability is similar to using the OPEN/CLOSE instructions but can provide more thorough coverage in the event of complex assemblies because you are stringing together the wire lists from each possible switch state and testing them one by one. The Parent/Child feature makes this task easier by automating the process of switching between each different test program. It also gives on-screen prompts to direct the operator which button to push, switch to flip, etc. in the proper order.
CR, CH2, Easy-Touch Pro, & 1100H+ (with pc control)
How to set up PARENT/CHILD test programs in Easy-Wire software
In the Easy-Wire software, a ‘PARENT’ test program encompasses any number of regular test programs. These test programs are executed in the order that they appear in the Parent Test Editor.
“Right click” anywhere in the white field under “Test Program List” in the MAIN MENU, then click on “Create a new Parent Test” to bring up the Parent Test Editor.
