Harness Testing

Even if a cable or wire is tested and comes back as “good,” it doesn’t mean that there may not be a few potential underlying problems. With wire harness testing, you can confirm that your harness and wiring are in optimum condition before you use them. A harness testing device can determine whether or not the wire is in the right condition, and it can locate and identify any potential defects. Read on to learn more about how and why you may need wire harness testing.

Manufacturing Defects

Sometimes, cables and wire harnesses may undergo manufacturing defects that can be difficult to see at first glance. With harness testing, you can determine whether the wire or harness will be subject to intermittent failure as a result of these defects. Testing the wire can help you determine the root cause of the problem so you can correct it. In many cases, it’s a simple matter of the solder on a joint that did not melt completely, or it may be a tiny nick in the wiring that you cannot see.

Common Errors

The three main issues that occur in wire harnesses are shorts, opens, and miswiring. Each of these is considered an intermittent error, which means that they only happen when a mechanical change takes place such as a fluctuation in temperature, a mechanical vibration, or the wire is physically bent too far. With regular testing, you can find out why these common errors are occurring in advance so you can try to correct the issue before it’s too late.

Some examples of problems with wire harnesses and wiring include bad specs or a cold solder joint where the soldier becomes weak before it has a chance to set. An improperly seated pin in a connection can also cause intermittent errors. Damaged insulation or wire connector housing is another common cause that can result in a short. If the contacts on cables and wiring have worn out contacts, it can be difficult to detect issues without testing. Finally, dirty contacts that have residue or contaminants may also cause errors. Utilize the right testing equipment so you can identify problems before they start.