Cirris 4200 - Types of Errors

Testing Basics
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2.2. Types of Errors
Each of the tests performed by a Cirris tester will look for certain errors in the cable. Understanding the errors will help you
determine which tests you want to run as well as how to avoid creating these errors in your cable.
■ Low Voltage Errors
Open Error: The intended electrical path contains a gap across which electric current cannot pass at the low voltage.
Short Error: An unintended connection between two or more points. This failure indicates insucient insulation between
unintended connections.
Miswire Error: An unintended connection which is the result of unexpected contact. This error is often referred to as an
open and a short combined.
■ Component Errors
A new test program containing a component will measure the component value in the sample device and assign a default
tolerance range. During a test, if the tester measures a value outside of the tolerance range, the component instruction will
fail with an error message that indicates the measured value as well as the expected value.
■ High Voltage Errors
Overcurrent Error: This error occurs because the tester expects to measure a certain amount of current, but a larger
amount of the current ows through the wire than the tester expects. The tester assumes the current is escaping and
reports an overcurrent error.
Often this error is attributed to capacitance. With wires acting as conductors and insulation acting as a barrier, cables can
build up high amounts of capacitance. The tester cannot tell the dierence between insucient insulation and capacitance.
Both causes will result in an overcurrent failure. If you know the wire is highly capacitive you can set the test program to
prepare for the error.
Had Leakage: This error occurs because too much current leaks between unconnected points. It is natural for some current
to leak through insulation or through contaminants such as ux residue. A Had Leakage error occurs because more current
leaks from the wire than is acceptable.
Dielectric Failure: A Dielectric Failure means voltage has arced from one of the wires. This normally occurs between two
exposed pieces of metal. The test will immediately abort and report a Dielectric Failure.
In rare instances, a dielectric failure will go away, such as when a dielectric failure caused by small solder slivers vaporizes
during the high voltage test.