Do you have spools or drums of wire of unknown length? Knowing the actual length is important when making an inventory count or checking to see if you have enough wire to complete an order.

• Counting Scale

  For smaller spools, you can estimate length using a counting-scale. Measure a sample length of wire then weigh the whole spool. You must have an equivalent empty spool to know the tare weight that needs to be deducted for an accurate count, but you can get a good guesstimate this way.

• Time-domain Reflectometry (TDR)

  For multi-conductor cable, and especially coax cable, the Harris TS100 Cable Fault Finder can measure distance to end of cable. (Google "Harris TS100" for more information on this product). It costs about $350. You do need to set a correct propagation velocity, which requires you to measure a known length of equivalent wire.

• Volt Ohm Meter (VOM)

  If you can get to both ends of the wire on the spool, the low-cost solution is to simply measure the resistance of the wire with a volt-ohm-meter (VOM) and, based on wire gauge, calculate the length. This solution works on single conductor cable too. We have added a Wire Length Calculator to the calculator page available on our website at: Wire Length Calculator

• A Signature 1100R+, 1100H+ or Touch1 with Scripting

  The scripting option on these testers allows you to have the tester do the length calculation for you. For readers of this month's newsletter, order the scripting option for your 1100R+, H+ or Touch 1 and we'll give you a FREE "Wire Length" adapter and test script so you can use your tester to measure wire length on a spool. See more about this solution at:

    How much wire is left on my spool?

Read about the methods to determine how much wire is remaining on a spool

See us next at these shows:

• AutoTest Con, Salt Lake City, Sep 8-11
• Assembly Technology Expo, Chicago, Sep 23-25
• AeroTest America, Ft. Worth, Nov 18-20