INFORMATION SHEET 2.

1-3
Prepare tools, test equipment’s, network materials

Learning Objectives
After reading this information sheet, you must able to learn the tools and
materials in computer networking.

Network Tools

Crimping

Crimping is joining 2 pieces of metal or other ductile material (usually a wire and a
metal plate) by deforming one or both of them to hold the other. The bend or deformity
is called the crimp.

Process
Typically, the metals are joined together via a special connector. Stripped wire (often
stranded) is inserted through the correctly sized opening of the connector, and a
crimper is used to tightly squeeze the opening against the wire. Depending on the type
of connector used, it may be attached to a metal plate by a separate screw or bolt or it
could be simply screwed on using the connector itself to make the attachment like an F
connector.

Obtaining a good crimp requires using carefully engineered crimp tools and crimp
connectors, and following the procedures specified by the manufactures. Examples of
these procedures can be obtained from Molex, TE Connectivity, and other similar
companies.

Uses
Crimping is most extensively used in metalworking. Crimping is commonly used to
fix bullets in their cartridge cases, for rapid but lasting electrical connections, securing
lids on metal food cans, and many other applications. Because it can be a cold-working
technique, crimping can also be used to form a strong bond between the workpiece
and a non-metallic component.
Punchdown Tool

A punch down tool, also called a

punchdown tool or a krone tool (named after
the KRONE LSA-PLUS connector), is a small
hand tool used by telecommunication and
network technicians. It is used for inserting
wire into insulation-displacement connectors
on punch down blocks, patch panels,
keystone modules, and surface mount boxes
(also known as biscuit jacks).

Description and use

Most punch down tools are of the impact type, consisting of a handle, an internal
spring mechanism, and a removable slotted blade. To use the punch down tool, a wire
is pre-positioned into a slotted post on a punch block, and then the punch down tool is
pressed down on top of the wire, over the post. Once the required pressure is reached,
an internal spring is triggered, and the blade pushes the wire into the slot,
simultaneously cutting the insulation and securing the wire. The tool blade does not
cut through the wire insulation to make contact, but rather the sharp edges of the slot
in the contact post itself slice through the insulation.

However, the punch down tool blade also is usually used to cut off excess wire, in
the same operation as making the connection; this is done with a sharp edge of the
punch down tool blade trapping the wire to be cut against the plastic punch block. If
this cutoff feature is heavily used, the tool blade must be re-sharpened or replaced
from time to time. Tool blades without the sharp edge are also available; these are used
for continuing a wire through a slotted post to make connections with another slotted
post ("daisy-chained" wiring).

For light-duty use, there are also less-expensive punch down tools with fixed blades
and no impact mechanism. These low-cost tools are more time-consuming for making
reliable connections, and can cause muscle fatigue when used for large numbers of
connections.

To accommodate different connector types, 66, 110, BIX and krone blocks require
different blades. Removable blades for 66 or 110 are almost always double-ended.
Some blades have one end that only inserts the wire for daisy-chain wiring from post to
post, and another end that inserts wire and trims the excess length for termination at a
post. Other blades have a cutting 66 blade on one end and a cutting 110 blade on the
other. Krone blades require a separate scissor-like mechanism for trimming the wire.
Cable Tester

A cable tester is an electronic device used to verify

the electrical connections in a cable or other wired
assembly. Generally a cable tester consists of:

A source of electric current,

A volt meter,

A switching matrix used to connect the current

source and the voltmeter to all of the contact points
in a cable.
In addition to these parts a cable tester may also
have a microcontroller and a display to automate the
testing process and show the testing results.

A cable tester is used to verify that all of the

intended connections exist and that there are no
unintended connections in the cable being tested.
When an intended connection is missing it is said to
be "open". When an unintended connection exists it is said to be a "short" (a short
circuit). If a connection "goes to the wrong place" it is said to be "miswired" (the
connection has two faults: it is open to the correct contact and shorted to an incorrect
contact).

Generally, the testing is done in two phases. The first phase, called the "opens test"
makes sure each of the intended connections is good. The second phase, called the
"shorts test" makes sure there are no unintended connections.

There are two common ways to test a connection:

A continuity test. Current is passed down the connection. If there is current the
connection is assumed to be good. This type of test can be done with a series
combination of a battery (to provide the current) and a light bulb (that lights when
there is a current).

A resistance test. A known current is passed down the connection and the voltage
that develops is measured. From the voltage and current the resistance of the
connection can be calculated and compared to the expected value.
There are two common ways to test for a short:

A low voltage test. A low power, low voltage source is connected between two
conductors that should not be connected and the amount of current is measured. If
there is no current the conductors are assumed to be well isolated.
A high voltage test. Again a voltage source is connected but this time the voltage
is of several hundred volts. The increased voltage will make the test more likely to find
connections that are nearly shorted since the higher voltage will cause the insulation of
nearly shorted wires to break down.
 Self – Check 2.1–3

TRUE OR FALSE

DIRECTIONS: Write T if the statement is correct and F if it is wrong. Place

your answer in your answer sheet.

______ 1. A continuity test. Current is passed down the connection. If there is current
the connection is assumed to be good.

_______ 2. A resistance test. A known current is passed down the connection and the
voltage that develops is measured. From the voltage and current the
resistance of the connection can be calculated and compared to the expected
value.

_______ 3. A high voltage test. A low power, low voltage source is connected between
two conductors that should not be connected and the amount of current is
measured. If there is no current the conductors are assumed to be well
isolated.

_______ 4. A low voltage test. Again a voltage source is connected but this time the
voltage is of several hundred volts. The increased voltage will make the test
more likely to find connections that are nearly shorted since the higher
voltage will cause the insulation of nearly shorted wires to break down.
 Answer Key 2.1–3

1. T
2. T
3. F
4. F