ZX-A10 Cable Fault Tester Technical Analysis and Comparative Advantages

Introduction: The Challenge of Cable Fault Location
Accurately locating faults within power and signal cables – whether underground, aerial, or within complex installations like railways and airports – is a critical but challenging task. Traditional methods often involved bulky equipment, complex setups, safety concerns, and limited data management. The ZX-A10 Cable Fault Tester represents a significant technological leap, integrating modern computing, communication, and safety features to address these challenges effectively.

ZX-A10: An Integrated Diagnostic Platform
The ZX-A10 is not merely a fault locator; it's a comprehensive cable diagnostic system comprising three core components:

1.Main System: The central processing and control unit.

2.Fault Locator: The module responsible for pinpointing fault types and positions.

3.Cable Line Tester: Used for cable path tracing and depth measurement.

This integrated approach allows for fault location, route/depth tracing, and essential cable data management within a single, cohesive platform compliant with the Chinese national standard DL/T849.1～ DL/T849.3-2004.

Key Technical Features and Innovations:

1.Industrial Embedded Platform & OS: The ZX-A10 pioneers the use of an industrial embedded computer platform running Windows XP in this application within China. This provides robust computing power and stability for field use, far exceeding simpler microcontroller-based systems.

2.12.1" Touchscreen Interface: Another first-in-China innovation, the large touchscreen display offers an intuitive user interface for waveform analysis, system control, and data management, significantly enhancing operator efficiency compared to small LCDs and complex button navigation.

3.Advanced Sampling & Waveform Analysis:

Adaptive Sampling (6.25 MHz to 100MHz): The USB-connected host automatically selects the optimal sampling frequency from 5 presets based on cable length, ensuring high-resolution traces for both short and long cables (test distance ≥ 40km).

High Precision Location: Automatic fault distance calculation with dual-cursor movement accurate to ±0.2m. Waveforms can be freely compressed or expanded for detailed analysis.

Waveform Reference: The system intelligently displays two stored waveforms similar to the acquired trace, aiding in rapid fault identification and interpretation – a significant advantage over testers lacking reference libraries.

Massive Storage: Stores up to 40GB of waveforms and on-site wiring diagrams, enabling historical comparison, reporting, and knowledge sharing.

4.Enhanced Safety Design:

Smart Modular Sampler: This key innovation replaces complex manual field wiring. Crucially, it provides complete electrical isolation between the high-voltage fault excitation circuit and the low-voltage sampling/control system, fundamentally enhancing operator safety.

Lightweight High-Voltage Supply (ZX-35kV): Replaces traditional heavy test transformers and control boxes (65kg) with a high-frequency switching power supply weighing only 8.9kg. This drastically reduces physical strain and setup time.

5.Versatile Application Scope:

Diagnoses all common fault types (Open Circuit, Short Circuit, Low Resistance, High Resistance Leakage, High Resistance Flashover) across various voltage levels, sections, and insulating media.

Extends beyond power cables to critical signal cable faults in railway stations and airports.

Measures wave propagation velocity (for known cable lengths).

Performs cable route tracing and depth measurement.

Comparative Advantages Over Conventional Testers:

Technical Specifications Summary:

1.Methods: Low-voltage Pulse, Impulse Flash-over, Direct Flashover.

2.Range: ≥ 40km

3.Blind Zone: 5-10m

4.Location Accuracy: ±0.2m

5.Measurement Error: < ±1%

6.Sampling Freq: 6.25, 10, 25, 50, 100 MHz (Auto)

7.Power: AC 220V ±10%, DC 12V (7AH Battery - ~4 hours runtime)

8.Path Analyzer: 15kHz Sine Wave, Pomax ≥100W, Zo=Zc, Discontinuous Vibration.

9.Environment: -10℃ ~ +40℃, RH ≤85% @25°C.

10.Dimensions (Host): 180mm x 300mm x 400mm

11.Weight (Host): 9.8kg

Conclusion:
The ZX-A10 Cable Fault Tester sets a new benchmark for cable diagnostic equipment. Its integration of an industrial PC platform, large touchscreen, adaptive high-speed sampling, massive waveform storage, and critically, its innovative safety features like the isolated modular sampler and lightweight HV supply, address the core limitations of traditional testers. By significantly improving precision (down to ±0.2m), portability (drastically reduced HV weight), operator safety, and data management capabilities, the ZX-A10 delivers a powerful, efficient, and safer solution for the demanding tasks of cable fault location and route tracing across power and signal cable networks. Its compliance with national standards further underscores its suitability for professional utility and industrial applications.

GDZX is a manufacturer of power detection equipment, offering a diverse range of products with comprehensive models and providing professional technical support. Contact us at +86-27-6552607 or +86-17396104357.Website: http://en.gdzxdl.com/