The BAUR handheld time domain reflectometer TDR 500 and TDR 510 are used for fault location in all-metal cables such as power cables, coaxial cables, data cables, and communication cables. With the time domain reflectometry, cables are tested for interruption, short-circuit, contact, illegal branching (electricity theft), water leaks, and other cabling faults that alter the impedance of the cable. Simultaneously, the cable length is determined and the distance to the fault is displayed.

Through the measurement range up to 7 m, both devices are especially suitable for locating faults in the vicinity, e.g. in service lines. But even in long measurement routes up to 6 km, TDR 500 and TDR 510 show a high measurement accuracy. 

The TDR 500/TDR 510 measures cable lengths and the distances to faults with an accuracy of ±1%. The measurement accuracy mainly depends on the correct velocity of propagation (Vp) and its homogeneity over the cable lengths. If the Vp has been adjusted incorrectly, or if the value changes along the length of the cable, additional faults will occur and the measurement accuracy will deteriorate. In unscreened, multi-core cables (including power cables), the Vp is less clear, and in the case of cables wound tightly on a drum, Vp is lower than when the cables were laid.