Testing LAN and Coaxial Cables

For checking LAN or coaxial cable, Clark Wire & Cable recommends the Tempo PA1594 for fast, accurate field verification.

When installing or troubleshooting communication wiring, it's critical to confirm your cables are properly wired and functioning before finalizing your installation. For checking LAN (Ethernet) or coaxial (BNC) cables, Clark recommends the Tempo PA1594—a compact, easy-to-use cable tester that delivers reliable results for both twisted pair and coax applications.

The PA1594 quickly identifies opens, shorts, crossed pairs, and wiring faults in a wide variety of network and AV cabling environments, helping professionals and technicians minimize downtime and costly rework.

What the Tempo PA1594 Tests

• Twisted Pair Cables (Straight-through & Crossover)
• Coaxial Cables (via BNC connectors)
• Continuity, Shorts, Opens, and Pair Mapping
• Cable lengths up to 300 meters (984 feet)

Testing Straight-Through Cables

1. Connect the Main unit to one end of the cable and the Remote unit to the other.

2. Set the mode switch to “Standard”.

   Press the TEST button and release.

   The LEDs will sequentially test all wire pairs:

   • Green LEDs indicate proper continuity.
   • Red fault LEDs highlight miswiring, shorts, or opens.

The test runs for about 12 seconds or can be stopped manually.

Reading the Results

• PASS: Green LEDs light in order with no fault indicators.
• SHORT: Red LEDs identify which pair(s) are shorted.
• OPEN: Indicates a broken wire or disconnected conductor.

Debug Mode (Advanced Pair Analysis)

In Debug mode, the tester flashes individual pair LEDs to show detailed wiring faults.

1. Hold the TEST button down until pair LEDs flash.

   The tool will flash LEDs in patterns to indicate:

   • Crossed wires
   • Shorts
   • Pairs wired incorrectly or reversed

Use this mode when troubleshooting unclear or intermittent wiring problems.

Testing Crossover Cables

To test crossover cables:

1. Switch the mode selector to the “Cross Cable” setting.
2. Follow the same procedure as for straight-through testing.

A crossover cable will have different pin pairings (see diagram on the device or in the manual). The PA1594 will confirm if it is wired correctly or highlight errors.

Testing Coaxial Cables (BNC)

To check coax cable continuity:

1. Connect both ends of the coax cable to the BNC sockets on the Main and Remote units.
2. Press the TEST button.

LED Indicator Guide:

This is ideal for verifying CATV, CCTV, and RF runs before installation or connection.

Battery & Maintenance

• Uses 2× AAA batteries
• Replace when the LOW BATT LED stays lit
• Tool opens easily with screws on the back

Specifications

• Cable Lengths Tested: 1 m to 300 m
• Size: Master 96.8 × 58.2 × 32.8 mm
• Weight: Approx. 165 g (5.8 oz)

Why Clark Recommends the PA1594

Clark Wire & Cable stands behind the Tempo PA1594 for its:

• Simplicity and accuracy in the field
• Rugged, compact design
• Broad compatibility with networking and AV infrastructure
• Affordability for both professionals and technicians

Whether you're verifying structured cabling, troubleshooting signal loss, or prepping a job site, the PA1594 is a dependable part of your toolkit.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational use only. Clark Wire & Cable recommends that all installations and testing be performed by qualified professionals and in compliance with national and local codes. Clark Wire & Cable assumes no liability for improper use or installation of the product.