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Method with TraceTek Portable Test Box (PTB)
1.  Ensure the end termination is connected to the sensing cable. 

If checking several lengths of sensing cable in series (a cable 

string), ensure they are all connected.

2.  Connect the PTB to the sensing cable(s) using its adapter, 

as illustrated.

3.  Verify that the sensing cable is intact; follow the operating 

instructions printed inside the lid of the PTB itself. If the cable 

string is intact, the PTB measures the system length (length 

of TraceTek sensing cable plus the length equivalents of the 

weighted lengths and modular branching connectors). If a cable 

or connection is broken, the PTB illuminates its LED indicating 

“cable break,” and displays a “1” in the leftmost position of its 

LCD display.
If the cable string is not intact, apply this test procedure to  

segments of the system to identify the open connection or  

damaged modular length.

Note: If a heat-shrink tube must be removed to access a connector, 

refer to Oversleeve Removal Instructions (H54258).

4.  Check the condition of the sensing cable(s), again following the 

PTB operating instructions. If the sensing cables are clean and 

free of contamination, the current measured should be below 

10 µA. If the reading exceeds 10 µA, use the PTB to locate the 

liquid or contamination and take appropriate corrective action.

Method with Ohmmeter
1.  Ensure the end termination is connected to the sensing cable. 

If checking several lengths of sensing cable in series (a cable 

string), ensure they are all connected.

2.  Connect a Modular Leader Cable (TT-MLC-MC) to the 

sensing cable.

3.  Verify that the sensing cable is intact

•  Loop 1: Measure the resistance 

between the yellow and black 

wires of the leader cable 

as illustrated.

•  Loop 2: Measure the resistance 

between the red and green wires 

of the leader cable.

The readings should roughly equal a 

multiple of the length of sensing cable:
4 times the length of sensing cable (in ft) or 

12 times the length of sensing cable (in m)
Example:  4 x 50 ft of cable  

= 200 W,  

 

12 x 15 m of cable   = 180 W.

In addition, the resistance of the two loops should be within 

5 percent of each other.
If the cable string is not intact, apply this test procedure to  

segments of the system to identify the open connection or  

damaged modular length.
Note: If a heat-shrink tube must be removed to access a  

connector, refer to Oversleeve Removal Instructions (H54258).

4.  Check the condition of the sensing cable. Measure the 

resistance between the black and green wires of the leader cable.

•  If the reading is below 20 MΩ, apply this test procedure to 

segments of the system to identify the modular sensing cable 

length(s) affected, locate the liquid or contamination, and take 

appropriate corrective action.

To yellow

To black

To red

To green

Sensing Cable Test Procedure

End termination

End termination

End 

termination

PTB

Testing a string of cables

Testing an individual length of cable

TRACE

TEK

TRACE

TEK

Testing a string of cables

Testing an individual length of cable

End termination

End termination

TT-MLC-PC

Ohm

meter

End 

termination

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