32
Chapter 12: Test Cable Maintenance EXP-800
The test cables that come with your analyzer are consumable
items. Cables are like tires in that the more you use them and
the harder you drive them, the shorter their useful life. Here
are a few things you can do to protect your test cables from
damage and premature wear:
Cleaning the Clamps
• Thegrease,dirt,andsulfationthatbuilduponbatteryter-
minals are highly corrosive and can damage the clamps
over time. Before connecting the clamps, ensure accurate
test readings and protect the clamps by cleaning the bat-
tery case and terminals using a wire brush and a mixture
of water and baking soda.
• Periodicallyclean the clamps using a mixture of baking
soda and water, or a mild hand-soap, and a small bristle
brush.
• Toprotecttheclampsfromoilanddirt,clipthemtothe
back of the analyzer as shown.
Handling the Test Cables
• Alwaysconnectanddisconnecttheclampstothebattery
by opening and closing the clamps. Never pull on the test
cables to remove the battery clamps. Pulling can damage
the Y-junction, the cables, and the clamps to the extent
that the analyzer may produce lower-than-expected con-
ductance readings or fail completely.
• Nevercarrytheanalyzerbythecables.Carryingtheana-
lyzer or swinging it by the cables puts unnecessary strain
on the cables and can result in premature failure. Handle
the analyzer with care to get the maximum use from the
product.
Storing Test Cables
• Neverwrapthecablesaroundtheanalyzer;thisputsun-
necessary strain on the test cables.
Because the test cables are the “tires” of the analyzer, they
have a certain life expectancy and will wear out eventually.
However, the abuse examples cited above are not covered
under warranty. To ensure the best performance and longest
life of the test cables, attach and remove them with care, and
carry the analyzer and cables together.
If an inspection or a change in test results indicate that the test
cables need to be replaced, please call Midtronics Customer
Service at 1-800-776-1995.
Chapter 12: Test Cable Maintenance