Cable signal leakage often happens when there are loose fittings, broken cables, or poorly connected fittings. When it happens, the source must be detected and contained.
Detecting signal leakage at the cable plant is easier since signal levels are much higher than in subscribers’ homes. This is where the pressure test comes into play. A pressure test for signal leakage is similar to a pressure test for air leakage: the increased pressure allows you to detect minor weaknesses that would be otherwise undetectable at standard pressures.
Pressure Testing with the Right Tools
The basic principles for signal leakage ingress and egress testing is the same. The first step to pressure testing is making sure you have the proper equipment and that your equipment is calibrated to ensure accurate measurements at the plant or subscriber homes.
Signal leakage pressure testing requires routine monitoring at the plant and subscriber homes. Inside end users’ homes, technicians need high sensitivity equipment because the signal levels are lower than plant levels.
A visual example is like trying to locate a leak in a car tire. If it is too small, you may not hear the air leaking and you certainly won’t see it. But by placing soapy water over the tire and applying pressure, you will see bubbles wherever the point of leaking occurs.
With the proper equipment, this same basic concept can be employed for in-home signal leakage testing. Technicians can apply pressure to pinpoint even the smallest of leaks and secure it, before they leave the customer’s home.
Pin-Point Leakage to the Exact Nail or Outlet
Hitron’s CSN-01 is a signal meter that induces signal to the home cabling to detect signals emanating from the cable plant. It pin-points leaks with precision, detecting the exact nail or outlet that is causing issues. The CSN-01 communicates its results to Hitron’s ProMeter app which also controls the CGN-DP3 wireless hand-held DOCSIS 3.1 meter. These tools are a comprehensive solution that make the job quick, easy and seamless for operators and technicians.
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