The Megger MIT410/TC3 (1006-730) Insulation Resistance and Continuity Tester has been designed specifically for use within the telecommunications industry. Unique telecommunications-related features include a soft canvas carrying bag with shoulder strap and rugged snap hook to attach to a tool belt, and a "bed of nails" test lead set.

The MIT410/TC3 instrument allows the user to determine the condition of the insulation of the twisted copper cable pair, which could cause problems for services such as voice, video, and data or VOIP. When the insulation becomes weak or brittle, causing cracks or exposing copper within the cable, or water ingresses into the cable, the insulation resistance test will identify these situations immediately.

The MIT410/TC3 provides for all metallic and resistive fault testing of the customers' inside premise wiring including:

• Shorts
• Grounds
• Cross voltage (for multi-lines)
• Voltage measurements (both AC and DC) to determine proper voltage levels for line and signaling voltages

By applying a test voltage, (for customer premise wiring or telecommunications cables, a voltage level of no more than 500 volts is recommended), the MIT410/TC3 meter will measure the leakage current through the insulation and give the results in ohms. The results can then be reviewed to determine if the premise wire or cable pair can be used for voice grade or voice/video/data services according to the following industry standards:

• Readings greater than 100 Megohms indicate good insulation
• Readings between 100 Megohms and 90 Megohms indicate marginal insulation (services may or may not work)
• Readings below 90 Megohms indicate bad insulation and further testing is required before service can be installed

In addition to the insulation resistance test, the MIT410/TC3 meter allows the technician to conduct continuity tests throughout the customer's premise. Simply place a shunt strap at the location of the modem, then with the meter go to each outlet to test for continuity using the audible alert feature on the meter to determine correct wiring configurations. This feature would replace the need for a tone generator and amplifier.