Automated fault finding for multi-conductor and shielded cables.
Rejected reels of multi-conductor or shielded cable can be a major cost drain especially when fault location is slow or relies on specialist operator skill. The Clinton Instrument FL-20A is a digital, fully automated cable fault locator that quickly pinpoints opens, metallic shorts, and high-voltage shorts, reducing test time and training needs while helping manufacturers salvage usable cable.
Fault types detected
The FL-20A can locate faults such as:
Opens: A conductor has no continuity end-to-end.
Metallic shorts: Conductors (or conductor and shield) are in physical contact.
High-voltage shorts: Insulation breakdown between conductors or conductor/shield without direct contact.
Other fault locators and spark testersare available in the range – see table below for more information.
Quickly locates opens, shorts, and high-voltage shorts
Fully automated operation
Simple, guided testing
6-inch colour TFT touchscreen display
Compact, lightweight unit
CE approved
Easy testing
To test a cable the operator connects the FL-20A test probes to each end of the of the cable, enters the cable length and selects shorts or opens to start testing. The unit calculates the distance of the faulty from the test probe and displays the fault location in metres and provides a suggested trim area. The fault can then be cut out or repaired and the remaining good cable salvaged, resulting in a reduced scrap and better yield for the cable manufacturer.
Why choose the FL-20A?
Fully automated testing — no manual meter adjustments or calculations required.
Fast, accurate distance-to-fault results from both ends of the cable, displayed in feet or metres.
Minimises waste and costly scrap by allowing only the damaged section to be cut out or repaired.
Simple to operate via colour touchscreen, reducing reliance on skilled fault-finding technicians.
Compact and lightweight, designed for production-floor use and easy movement between lines.
Supported locally by Control Metrix’s measurement specialists for seamless installation, calibration, and support
Support from Control Metrix
As the exclusive distributor for Clinton Instrument Company in the UK and Ireland, Control Metrix supplies FL-20A systems with full application guidance, commissioning support, and after-sales service. If you’re struggling with costly scrap or slow fault location on multi-conductor cables, we’ll help you integrate the FL-20A into your QC workflow and maximise yield.
Talk to us
Want to reduce scrap and speed up fault location on your cable line? Contact our team to discuss your application, request pricing, or arrange a consultation.
Typical Applications
The FL-20A is ideal for manufacturers producing high-value, long-length multi-conductor or shielded cables, particularly where fast salvage and rework are critical. Examples include:
Multi-conductor cable production lines
Shielded cable assemblies
Coaxial and specialty cable manufacturing
Any process where reducing scrap and improving yield is a priority
How it works
The FL-20A is designed to make fault location quick and repeatable:
Connect test probes to each end of the cable under test.
Enter the total cable length on the touchscreen interface.
Select “Shorts” or “Opens” and start the test.
The unit automatically calculates the distance to the fault from each end, displays the location clearly, and provides a suggested trim area so the faulty section can be removed or repaired.
Technical Specification
Voltage Test Range
0–20 kV DC
Output current
6 mA max
Accuracy
Better than 1% of total cable length*
Display
6″ backlit colour TFT touch screen
Cable loop resistance – metallic short
50 milliohms minimum
Cable loop resistance – HV short
300 milliohms minimum
Test leads
3 m (10 ft) standard – (6 & 9 m available)
Dimensions (W × D × H)
381 × 356 × 254 mm (15″ × 14″ × 10″)
Weight
17.3 kg (38Lbs)
Power requirements
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2 A
*Accuracy dependent on correct cable footage and product uniformity.
Alternative to wet dielectric test. For wire specification that have not adopted HF spark test such as MIL-C-13777E, MIL-W-16878D, and some NEMA specifications.
STM-10GF STM-20GF
Multi-electrode
DC spark tester
1kV-10kV DC 1kV-20kV DC
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Multi-electrode DC spark tester for multiple conductors, can connect up to 7 test modules
