INTRO2U.com :: Cable Testing Terms GUIDELINE REVIEW

Bad connection between points we want connected. i.e: open, intermittent open, high wire resistance or unintended insulation.

Bad Insulation - Bad insulation caused by Extraneous wire, Mis-registration in IDC connectors (tines have destroyed insulation). Solder bridges

Term	Minimal Testing
Testing	The electrical test of an assembly to verify all expected connections; and to verify insulation prevents unexpected connections.
Connections	The continuous electrical path between 2 or more points wherein current flows. This path has low resistance, usually less than 5 ohms. The path is constructed with metal parts, such as copper wire, contacts, terminations, splices, and mating contacts of connectors.
Resistance	A measure of the difficulty for electric current to pass through a connection.
Open	The intended electrical path contains a gap, across which, electric current cannot pass.
Intermittent Open	The intended electrical path contains a unintended gap that appears and disappears when the assembly is flexed.
High, Wire Resistance	The expected connection is established but the connection has higher resistance than specified.
Insulation	The connector housings, outside coverings of wire, and air gaps that keep metal components separated. Insulation- prevents electricity from flowing between connections that were not intended to connect.
Short	An unintended connection between 2 or more parts. This failure indicates insufficient insulation between metal conductors which were not intended to be connected.
Intermittent Short	An unintended connection between 2 or more parts which appears and disappears when the assembly is flexed.
Insulation Resistance (IR) Failure	The insulation resistance is high enough to prevent a short, yet is not high enough to meet the insulation resistance specification.
Miswire	A unintended connection which is the result of a misplaced contact within a connector.
Dielectric Breakdown (DWV)	The insulation barrier is missing and only a small air gap keeps metal conductors from shorting. The tester detects an electrical arc when high voltage is applied between these poorly insulated connections.

Cable Testing Glossary