December 2009
CLM5000
Cable Length Meter
Use to measure cable length and generate tone
on industrial, telco, and coax cable (not CATx).
Works on single- or two-conductor cables.
Compact, handheld unit.
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call
724-746-5500) • FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746 • Mailing address:
Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 •
Customer
Support
Information
•
E-mail: [email protected]
FCC and IC RFI Statements
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if
not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry
Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant
les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
WEEE Directive Compliance (RoHS)
This product complies with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive, 2 002 /96/EC. It should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste
and should be collected separately and disposed of according to your national
regulations.
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Cable Length Meter
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a
lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
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NOM Statement
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.
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Cable Length Meter
Trademarks Used in This Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of
BB Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.
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Page 4
Table of Contents
Chapter
Page
1. Specifications..............................................................................6
2. Overview ....................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction..........................................................................8
2.2 Features................................................................................8
2.3 What’s Included ...................................................................9
2.4 Hardware Description...........................................................9
3. General Functions.....................................................................10
3.1 PWR Key and Auto Power Off...........................................10
3.2 Mode Key...........................................................................10
3.3 AL/CU Units Key ................................................................10
3.4 LCD Display Icons ............................................................... 11
4. Using the Cable Length Meter.................................................12
4.1 AWG Mode........................................................................12
4.2 Pair SGL Key .......................................................................14
4.3 Coax, Network, and Telco Modes......................................16
4.4 Tone Mode.........................................................................18
4.5 Calibrating the Test Lead....................................................19
5. Installing the Battery.................................................................21
6. Troubleshooting........................................................................22
6.1 Calling Black Box................................................................22
6.2 Shipping and Packaging.....................................................22
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Cable Length Meter
1. Specifications
Cable Types: Single or dual conductor, 8–30 AWG, network, coax, and telco
Temperature Tolerance: Operating: 32 to 122° F (0 to 50° C);
Storage: +14 to +140°F (-10 to +60° C)
Humidity: 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power: (1) 9-V alkaline battery: Standby: 2.5 years;
Cable Testing: 20 hours into 60-ohm load (smaller resistance loads will result in
shorter battery life)
High-Voltage Protection: 120 VAC maximum
Size: 1.3"H x 3"W x 6"D (3.3 x 7.6 x 15.2 cm)
Weight: 11.5 oz. (326 g)
Table 1-1. Length measurement range opens (maximum 0.082 µF capacitance).
Wire Type
Telecom
Typical
Capacitance
per foot
Length, ft. (m) Tolerance
17.5 pf
15 pf
0–4500 ft.
(1371 m)
Minimum cable
length 3 ft. (0.91 m) 2%,
+3 digits LSD*
Network wire
Coax
5000 ft.
(1524 m)
Minimum cable length
3 ft. (0.91 m) 2%,
+3 digits LSD
22 pf
3500 ft.
(1066 m)
Minimum cable length
3 ft. (0.91 m) 2%,
+3 digits LSD
*LSD = Least significant digit
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Chapter 1: Specifications
Table 1-2. Length measurement range DC (resistance 0–635 ohms).
AWG
Min. (ft.)
Length
Tolerance
8, 10
5.0
0-9999 ft.
(3047 m)
2%, 3 LSD*
12, 14, 16
18, 20, 22
24, 26, 28
30
4.0
3.0
1.0
1.0
0–9999 ft.
(3047 m)
2%, 3 LSD
2%, 3 LSD
2%, 3 LSD
2%, 3 LSD
0–9999 ft.
(3047 m)
0–9999 ft.
(3047 m)
0–5879 ft.
(1792 m)
*LSD = Least significant digit
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Cable Length Meter
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The Cable Length Meter for industrial, network, telco, and coax cable (not CATx) is
an easy-to-use, versatile compact handheld unit that measures cable length and
generates tone. It works on single- or two-conductor cables for testing and trouble-
shooting.
CAUTION: Do not attach test leads to energized cables. The Cable Length Meter
might be damaged.
2.2 Features
• Measures the distance to an open or the distance to a short
• Operates in six modes: AWG/mm/mm2, Telco, Network, Coax, Tone Generator,
and Ohms
• Measures one- or two-pair conductor lengths in feet or meters
• Includes an audible indicator for shorted wires
• Has a large LCD that‘s easy to read in sunlight
• Measures wires 8 to 30 AWG (3.264 mm/8.366 mm2 to 0.255m/0.051 mm2)
• Provides copper (CU) or Aluminum (AL) wire measurements
• Protects voltages up to 120 VAC
• Features 12 preset wire gauge settings
• Choose from 12 user-programmable wire gauge settings
• Provides four selectable tones
• Requires a 9-volt battery (not included)
• Enables auto shutdown
• Supports resistance from 0 to 635 ohms
• Measures opens/capacitance from 0 to 0.82 µf (approximately 5K feet)
• Features milliohm resolution
• CE certified
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Chapter 2: Overview
2.3 What’s Included
• (1) Cable Length Meter
• (1) double-banana to BNC + BNC F to F jack
• (2) test leads
• (2) clips
• (1) carrying pouch
2.4 Hardware Description
Figure 2-1 illustrates the Cable Length Meter.
6. Heavy-Duty
Test Leads
7. Mode Select
Button
1. Large LCD Display
2. Test Lead
Calibration Button
8. Copper/Aluminum
Distance Button
3. Up Button
9. Down Button
4. Power Button
10. Set Wire
Length Button
5. Pair/Single
Conductor Button
Figure 2-1. Cable Length Meter.
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Cable Length Meter
3. General Functions
3.1 PWR Key and Auto Power Off
Press the PWR key to turn the unit on and off. If no keys have been pressed, the
Cable Length Meter powers off automatically after 10 minutes. The timer resets
every time you press a key. In Tone mode, the unit will automatically power off after
1 hour.
3.2 Mode Key
The Cable Length Meter operates in eight modes. Press the “Mode” key to cycle
through the various modes:
• AWG/mm/mm2 mode: measures cable length in AWG/mm/mm2, feet/meters,
copper/aluminum
• Coax mode: measures cable length, distance to opens, or distance to short
• Telco mode: measures cable length, distance to opens or distance to short
• Network: measures cable length, distance to opens, or distance to short
• Ohm: measures resistance from 0 to 635 ohms
• Tone: generates four different tones
3.3 AL/CU Units Key
The AL/CU key functions in two ways.
Function #1: Press the AL/CU/Units key to select wire alloy type: copper (CU) or
aluminum (AL). When selected, the “AL” or “CU” icon will light in the lower right
corner of the display.
Function #2: Hold the AL/CU/Units key down for approximately 1.5 seconds. The
unit will toggle between “Feet” or “Meters”. When selected, the “FT” or“M” icon
will light in the center right hand side of the screen.
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Chapter 3: General Functions
3.4 LCD Display Icons
Table 3-1 describes the icons that appear on the LCD display.
Table 3-1. LCD display icons.
Icon
Description
Coax mode
Telco mode
Network mode
Tone mode
Two-conductor icon (AWG/mm/mm2 mode)
One-conductor icon (AWG/mm/mm2 mode)
Short symbol, indicates the presence of a short
between two conductors. An audible tone is
also generated. (Coax, Telco, and Network
mode)
Unit detects voltage on the line
Battery low icon. The Cable Length Meter mon-
itors the battery status continuously when it is
powered on. When the battery low icon is acti-
vated, the unit has approximately 15 minutes of
battery life. Replace the battery as soon as pos-
sible. If the 15-minute period is exceeded, then
cable testing results will become unreliable.
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Cable Length Meter
4. Using the Cable Length Meter
4.1 AWG Mode
This mode allows length measurements from 8 to 30 AWG (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 AWG). Use the UP/DOWN keys to scroll through the
various wire gauges. Select from copper or aluminum type wires and meters or feet.
Figure 4-1 shows a typical AWG Mode screen.
Figure 4-1. AWG Mode screen.
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Chapter 4: Using the Cable Length Meter
Table 4-1. AWG/mm/mm2 cross-reference data.
AWG
#8
Diameter (mm)
3.264
2.906
2.588
2.305
2.053
1.828
1.628
1.450
1.291
1.150
Area (mm2)
8.37
#9
6.63
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
#19
#20
#21
#22
#23
#24
#25
#26
#27
#28
#29
#30
5.26
4.17
3.31
2.62
2.08
1.65
1.31
1.04
1.024
0.823
0.653
0.518
0.410
0.326
0.258
0.205
0.162
0.129
0.102
0.081
0.064
0.051
0.912
0.812
0.723
0.644
0.573
0.511
0.455
0.405
0.361
0.321
0.286
0.255
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Cable Length Meter
4.2 Pair SGL Key
The Cable Length Meter can measure single- or two-conductor wires. Press the
PAIR SGL key to toggle between single or two conductor. For single-conductor
measurement, the unit is connected at both ends of the wire/conductor. For two-
conductor measurements, the unit is connected one end of the wire and the other
end of the pair is shorted (wire length = total resistance/2).
SET LEN Key (AWG Mode Example)
The Set Length function allows the user to change factory default ohms per feet
coefficients values, based on a sample length of wire. Press the SET LEN key to tog-
gle between the AWG Mode screen (Figure 4-1) and the Set Length Mode screen
(Figure 4-2, below). In Set Length mode, the unit measures the sample wire’s resis-
tance. Press the UP/DOWN keys to adjust the wire length from 100 to 200 feet
(31.3 to 62.5 m). The smaller digits display ohms per feet, based on the sample wire.
Press and hold the SET LEN key down for a few seconds to store the new coeffi-
cients and override factory default values.
Figure 4-2. Set Length Mode screen.
Example: The factory default for 12 AWG copper is .0017 ohms/feet.
1. Using the MODE key, select AWG mode.
2. Using the UP/DOWN keys, set the AWG to 12.
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Chapter 4: Using the Cable Length Meter
3. Press the SET LEN (LEN = Length) key, and the Set Length screen (Figure 4-2)
appears. In this mode, use the UP/DWN keys to adjust the larger digits to match
the length of the sample wire (100–200 ft. range). If the sample wire is 150 feet
and its resistance is equal to 0.315 ohms, the smaller digits on the left-hand side
of the screen will display “0.0021 ohms/ft. (150 feet/0.315 ohms = 0.0021 ohms/
ft.)
4. To store the new value, press the SET LEN key for approximately 1.5 seconds. The
unit generates a confirmation beep. The new 12 AWG length coefficient of
0.0021 ohms/feet will be stored in memory in place of the factory default of
0.0017 ohms/feet.
NOTE: Restoring Factory Default Values. To restore factory coefficients back to
their original values, hold the UP/DOWN keys and the Power key down at
the same time when powering down the unit. Any previous values stored by
the user will be deleted from memory. Table 4-2 lists the factory default
values.
Table 4-2. Factory default values, ohms/feet.
AWG
Aluminum
Copper
8
0.00103
0.00164
0.00261
0.00414
0.00659
0.0105
0.0167
0.0265
0.0421
0.067
0.00063
0.0011
0.0017
0.0025
0.00455
0.0061
0.00945
0.0168
0.0273
0.0436
0.0637
0.108
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
0.106
0.169
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Cable Length Meter
4.3 Coax, Network, and Telco Modes
Coax, Network, and Telco modes detect the distance to opens and the distance to
shorts.
The Cable Length Meter determines the length by measuring line capacitance when
the line is open or by measuring resistance when the line is shorted. When measur-
ing opens, use the UP/DOWN keys to adjust the capacitance coefficient (10 to 40
pf per feet) to calculate the cable length. The Cable Length Meter supports three
user-adjustable length coefficients, one for each type of cable (Coax, Network and
Telco). It stores these coefficients in memory even when the unit is powered off.
Short/Resistance coefficients are stored in memory (see Table 4-2 for factory default
values). These values can be changed by running the Set Length Function. The Set
Length function allows the user to change factory default values, ohms per feet
coefficients, based on a sample known length of wire. Press the SET LEN key to
toggle between Normal Measuring screen (Figure 4-3) and Set Length Mode screen,
Figure 4-4. In Set Length mode (line shorted), the unit will measure the resistance
of the sample wire. Adjust the length of the sample wire using the UP/DOWN keys
in the range of 100 to 200 feet. The smaller digits display the ohms per feet based
on the sample wire. Press and hold the SET LEN key down for a few seconds to
store the new coefficients.
Figure 4-3. Normal Network Measuring screen.
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Chapter 4: Using the Cable Length Meter
Example: The factory default for Network wire is .0273 ohms per feet.
Press the MODE key to select Network mode.
Press the SET LEN (LEN = Length) key, and a new screen will pop up (see Figure
4-4). In this mode, use the UP/DOWN keys to adjust the larger digits to match the
length of the sample wire (100–200 feet range). If the sample wire is 150 feet and
its resistance is equal to .315 ohms, the smaller digits on the left hand side of the
screen will display “002.1mΩ”.
To store the new value, press the SET LEN key for approximately 1.5 seconds. The
unit will generate a confirmation beep. The unit stores the new network length
coefficient of .0021Ω per feet in memory.
Figure 4-4. Set Length Mode screen.
NOTE: Restoring Factory Default Values. To restore ohms per feet factory coeffi-
cients back to their original values, hold the Power and UP/DOWN keys
down at the same time while powering down the unit. Any previously stored
values will be overwritten by the factory default values.
NOTE: To obtain symmetrical test results for Shorts and Opens measurements, the
Cable Length Meter must have the correct “capacitance per feet coef-
fiecient” and “resistance per feet coefficient“ of the wire under test.
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Cable Length Meter
Changing Opens/Capacitance Coefficient Using Set Length
To change capacitance coefficients, follow the steps above (cable/wire must be
open) based on the sample wire (100 to 200 feet). The Cable Length Meter
measures the total capacitance of the cable and displays the value in the lower left-
hand corner of the LCD (the cable must be within 10 to 40 pf per feet range, other-
wise meter will indicate OL).
Table 4-3. Opens/shorts factory default values.
Mode
Coax
Capacitance Opens
22.0 pf
Ohms per Feet/AWG Shorts
0.0663 ohms/NA
Network
Telco
15.0 pf
0.0273 ohms/24 AWG
0.0273 ohms/24 AWG
17.5 pf
Figure 4-5. BNC-to-F connection for measuring coax.
4.4 Tone Mode
To generate a tone on the cable/wire, select Tone Mode (see Figure 4-6). The Cable
Length Meter has four unique tones. Use the UP/DOWN keys, to scroll through the
four tones. The tones generated match audio frequencies used with tone tracers/
probes. The signal generated on a pair is nominal 5 volts peak-to-peak across the
pair. The unit will power down automatically after 1 hour.
Available tones include:
1. High tone 1 KHz
2. Low tone 704 Hz
3. Warble tones, low tone for 160 ms, followed by 115 ms of high tone
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Chapter 4: Using the Cable Length Meter
4. Warble tones, low tone for 365 ms, followed by 65 ms of high tone.
Figure 4-6. Tone Mode screen.
4.5 Calibrating the Test Lead
1. Hold down the LEAD CAL key until the unit displays CAL. The unit will display
CAL for a few seconds then display Shrt Lead.
2. Short the leads as illustrated Figure 4-7. Once connected properly to the bus wire,
press the LEAD CAL key again. The unit will beep and display OPEN LEAD.
3. Disconnect the leads from the short. With the test leads open, press the LEAD
CAL button. The unit will be beep and go into its normal operation mode. This
completes the calibration procedure. This procedure must be done correctly for
good measuring results.
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Cable Length Meter
Test Clips
8–14 AWG
Bus Wire
Test Clips
Figure 4-7. Wire under test.
NOTE: Make sure the wire surface is clean and the clips are making good contact.
For best results, use solid wire 8 to 14 AWG. Make sure clips are as close
together as possible.
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Chapter 5: Installing the Battery
5. Installing the Battery
Batteries are not included. Use only an alkaline 9-volt battery. When installing a new
battery, disconnect any test cables connected to the Cable Length Meter. (See
Figure 5-1.)
1. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the battery cover screw and remove the
battery cover on the back of the unit.
2. Remove the old battery from the battery compartment and detach the battery cap.
3. Connect a new alkaline 9-volt battery to the battery cap.
4. Slide the battery into the cavity.
5. Close the battery cover and replace the screw. Do not overtighten.
Battery
cover screw
Battery
cover
Cable Length
Meter, back view
Figure 5-1. Battery installation.
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Cable Length Meter
6. Troubleshooting
6.1 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your Cable Length Meter is malfunctioning, do not attempt to
alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box
Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:
• the nature and duration of the problem.
• when the problem occurs.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or make
it worse.
6.2 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Cable Length Meter:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are returning the unit, make sure you include everything you received with
it. Before you ship for return or repair, contact Black Box to get a Return
Authorization (RA) number.
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Page 22
NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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Page 25
Black Box Tech Support: FREE! Live. 24/7.
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way it should be.
Great tech support is just 20 seconds away
at 724-746-5500 or blackbox.com.
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