Cable/Harness Testing Made Easy.

Sometimes we need to test more than just wires and connectors. Diodes, capacitors, and resistors are one thing; but what do you do when an assembly has one or more electromechanical relays? Do you just ignore them? Do you create a manual test procedure for this special case? Do you try to apply power to relay coils while connected to a tester and risk damage to the tester?

Our newsletter this month explains how to test assemblies with relays using the new capabilities of the CH2 tester. We also explain best practice to catch likely manufacturing defects.

If you have any questions or comments, call us at 1-800-441-9910.

Best Regards,
Marlin Shelley
President
   How do you test an assembly that has relays?

There are two challenges in testing relays.

  1. How do you get your tester to test relays?
  2. How do you know that you are doing a respectable job of detecting defective assemblies?

With the new release of easy-wire software and additional electronics to switch power onto test points, the CH2 can now test relays, as well as energize lamps, LED's and other devices requiring external power. We need to get power to relay coils to test both open and closed states. And, when test points are wired to the relay coil, we must prevent our normal shorts test from shorting out this power to relay coils. To see how you can use the CH2 to perform these kinds of tests see:

    CH2 Relay Testing

Knowing you are doing a respectable job of testing can be a challenge. In some ways, relays are like switches. In September, we reviewed how to test assemblies with switches. Just like switches, combinations of relays may need to be actuated to properly perform a thorough test. Learn more about relay test strategies at:

    General Guidelines for Testing Relays (PDF)

Test your relays with the CH2

Relay testing with the CH2

   Upcoming Tradeshows

See us next at these shows:

  • WHMA Wire Harness Conference Clearwater Beach, FL, February 13-15, 2008
  • Borderland El Paso TX , March 11-12
  • Advanced Manufacturing Expo Toronto, March 26-27
  • APEX Las Vegas, April 1-3 2008
For more tradeshow information see our Trade Show Schedule.


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