Network cables can give tonnes of trouble sometimes. If there’s no transmission of power or data between two ends of a cable or between more cables then it’s possible that your work can get derailed of stopped. As a result, your business might be hampered or your projects might get delayed. But very often people are unable to find out what’s exactly the reason for the cable failure. To help you find out the why’s and how’s in regards to network cables you need to use network cable testers.
These network cable testers will be able to carry out common test cabling which includes wire map, NEXT, DC-loop resistance, attenuation, return loss, and length. But it must be noted that as networks continue to change, the related requirements needed in terms of the cabling infrastructure also needs to change. As such, new cabling standards need to be made to ensure that cabling professionals can carry out testing, installing, centrification, and troubleshooting either fiber or copper cable networks. This is why even though multiple manufacturers are making network cable testers not everyone is adhering to these standards and expectations.
Fluke is a company that makes various kinds of network cable testers. The variety that it has will certainly help you out if you need testers for accomplishing various tasks. With these tools, you will get assurance that the cable you have installed gives you the needed data transmission wanted by you.
But Fluke makes many different kinds of network cable testers. It’s certainly not possible for anyone to sit, test them out, and then decide. To help you out, here’s a list of the very best network cable testing tools made by Fluke.
11 Best Fluke Network Cable Testers in 2023 (Reviews)
Fluke’s network cable testers will help assure you that the cabling you have installed is working well and is adequately fulfilling your data transmission expectations. Here are some of the very best testers from the company:
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Fluke Networks CIQ-100 Copper Qualification Tester |
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Fluke Networks CIQ-WM Main Wiremap Adapter |
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Fluke Networks PTNX8-CABLE Pocket Toner NX8 Coax Cable Tester Kit |
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Fluke Networks MS2-100 MicroScanner2 Copper Cable Verifier with Built-In IntelliTone Toning |
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Fluke Networks VISIFAULT Visual Fault Locator Fiber Cable Continuity Tester with 2.5mm Universal Adapter |
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Fluke Networks 26000900 Pro3000 Tone Generator and Probe Kit with SmartTone Technology |
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Fluke Networks PRO3000F60-KIT includes Tone Generator & Probe |
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Fluke Networks IntelliTone Pro 200 Toner and Probe Kit (MT-8200-60-KIT) |
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Fluke Networks MT-8200-49A Copper Tester |
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Fluke Networks MS2-TTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester Kit |
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Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester |
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1. Fluke Networks CIQ-100 Copper Qualification Tester
- Weight: 1.21 pounds
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 7.01 x 1.77 inches
- Troubleshooting category: 10/100/Gig Ethernet, Coax and VoIP
This tester can troubleshoot the categories of 5-6A cabling which works for Coax, 10/100/Gig Ethernet, and VoIP. Along with this, the tool comes with an intuitive interface too that will enable you to identify and solve a huge range of issues in the network infrastructure.
It’s very easy to use. All you have to do is plug it in a cable, wall Jack, or patch panel. Then you will be able to see the cable length of wiretap details along with the far-end device information in regards to speed and duplex settings easily. If you use gigabit Ethernet or VoIP then you need to ensure that the present cabling can support all the needed bandwidth requirements. But changes might have made many links dead or incapable of delivering the needed speeds. This device is also able to reveal whether any link will work for voice, Gig, VoIP, or 10/100BASE-T networks.
Plug the tool into any cable, patch panel, or wall jack and see both the cable details (length/wiremap) as well as far-end device details (speed/duplex settings) at once. A series of both cable and network test functions will help you isolate connectivity problems.
The tester comes with an intelligent wiremap function which tests for shorts, length, opens, or split pairs. Once it has located it, it displays where the fault is located using a graph on its intuitive interface. This is unlike other kinds of testers that just display a row of numbers that is present for the wiremap. Along with showing a graph, this also identifies the breaks as well as the shorts by the pin and not by pair. As a result of this, you will find that your time spent on it will be reduced.
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Reveal bad links
- Intelligent wiremap function
Cons
- Might be short in length for some
2. Fluke Networks CIQ-WM Main Wiremap Adapter
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 1.25 inches
This wiremap adapter from Fluke is a replacement for the main qualification tester of CableIQ. Using this you will be able to adequately test for copper cabling and know if it is working properly or not.
You will find that this device comes with both the RJ45 and the F-type connectors. This helps in testing the voice data, audio cabling as well as video cabling.
Along with this device also helps protect the CableIQ meter when it isn’t in use. This increases the longevity of the meter. You will be able to use it for a long time without any issues.
This tool is cheap, but it holds up well over time. Due to this, you won’t have to buy the whole kit as well. Just a spare part which will cost you infinitely less.
Pros
- Great for copper cabling testing
- Cheap
- Protects the CableIQ meter
Cons
- The plastic clips that keep the identifier stable are not very durable.
3. Fluke Networks PTNX8-CABLE Pocket Toner NX8 Coax Cable Tester Kit
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 6.9 x 9.35 inches
- Troubleshooting category: short circuits, dial tone, AC/DC voltage
Using this toner you will be able to connect easily to any data, video, or voice cable. When you do this it will be able to detect short or open circuits. What’s more is that it will also be able to detect continuity, dial tone, and AC/DC voltage as well. This tool will do all of that while it is protecting till 52 volts. This toner comes with an automatic shut-off, which will extend the battery life. Thus, making it last longer.
The device comes with a circuit low-voltage protection which works for the cable toner (detachable) as well as the unit. That’s not all, there are double audible indicators that are present in the central body along with buzzer-toner units which are detachable.
The tool is lightweight as well as durable. This is because it comes with an anodized aluminum body. As a result, it will last longer and a little rough handling won’t affect it. It comes with ID caps that work as one universal connector. This comes with one F-male port that works for this line of well-patented adapters.
Using this you will be able to test a total of eight outlets all at once. Also with this, you will be able to test the VDV cables a whole 8-times faster. It comes with 8 LED lights display that will show you if there’s a short or an open-circuit. You will also be able to see DC or AC voltage till 52 volts. In the case of line-condition changes, it will beep up. The toner unit will beep to show continuity with the main unit.
Pros
- Automatic shut off
- Universal connector ID ports
- Low voltage circuit protection
Cons
- It can get displaced if not taken care of
4. Fluke Networks MS2-100 MicroScanner2 Copper Cable Verifier with Built-In IntelliTone Toning
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 1.42 x 2.99 x 6.42 inches
- Troubleshooting category: 10/100/1000 Ethernet, POTS, and PoE
The device comes with an integrated rubber grip holster as well as rugged housing so that it lasts for a long time. There are magnetic straps on it as well. You will be able to easily locate any kind of wire or cable pair using the analog toning and Intellitone digital. But do know that the probe is sold separately.
This copper cable checker can be used for testing data, voice, and video that comes with integrated RJ45, coax cable, and RJ11. Its test ports are also able to support any low voltage verification without any need for adapters. With this, you will be able to carry out the high-quality installation.
This device will let you expedite any cable issues in network environments that are active. It comes with a user guide too, so that you won’t face any issues while using it. This also comes with a wiremap (detachable) adapter as well as a 2×AA batteries. To make it more portable, there’s also a carry pouch that comes with it.
This tool comes with a backlit oversized LCD screen which displays crisp clear results there. It shows 4 kinds of test modes all at once. You will be able to pair lengths, test the graphical wiremap, cable ID, detect the 10/100/1000 Ethernet, PoE, and POTS. It detects and solicits the presence of PoE which is compatible with 802.3af. For cable tests, the length includes 460 meters with a resolution to one foot or 0 3 meters. When it comes to wiremaps it’s supposed to buy the TIA 568A/B standards.
Pros
- Intellitone digital
- Backlit oversized LCD screen
- Rugged housing
Cons
- Toner can be a little sensitive in tight-patch panels
5. Fluke Networks VISIFAULT Visual Fault Locator Fiber Cable Continuity Tester with 2.5mm Universal Adapter
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Dimensions: 11.15 x 5.6 x 2 inches
- Troubleshooting category: fiber cable continuity
This fault located is laser-powered and works as a continuity tester for cables. It can locate fibers and verify the cable polarity and continuity. Along with this, it can be used for diagnosing and repairing very simple fiber-link issues. That’s not all. This tool can also find the necessary break in the connectors and cables. With this, you will be able to find great breaks in tight fiber-bends and splice trays as well.
This tool comes with a high red visibility laser which will let you verify the polarity, continuity as well as the visual-location of multiple near-end fiber-faults. It also comes with a lanyard, 2×AA batteries, soft-sided carry-case, and 2.5 mm universal-adapter. This adapter will let you get an easy connection when it comes to st, sc, fj, and FC connectors.
This tool also helps you accelerate the end-to-end continuity fiber checks along with speeds up fiber tracing as well as identification. You will find that this features a continuous wave that helps in steady illumination or there will be flashing output-modes which will help with easy identification.
With the help of this tool, you will also be able to verify the proper polarity as well as the orientation of the fibers using a multi-fiber connector. It connects easily to the 2.5 mm connectors like st, sc, fj, and FC. The fibers are rugged and durable for sure. You can use it for field applications without any worries. Since it comes with a full year warranty so you will use it with ease-of-mind.
Pros
- Finds breaks in connectors and cables
- Accelerates end-to-end continuity fiber
- Verify the proper polarity
Cons
- Dust cap can be a bit sloppy
6. Fluke Networks 26000900 Pro3000 Tone Generator and Probe Kit with SmartTone Technology
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.25 x 7 x 3 inches
- Troubleshooting category: tracing communication cabling
With the help of this device, you will be able to precisely and trace communication cabling. It comes with an innovative and enhanced filtered probe system that obstructs the signal interference that is present. Its ergonomic design will let you hold it with ease so that it doesn’t slip off no matter what. This will allow you to use it in various environments.
This interference can be caused by lighting and power cables when you are listening in for the tone. You will find that the probe comes with powerful speakers which makes it possible to trace the cables through the wood, drywall, and other such enclosures very quickly and easily. It comes with 5 kinds of distinct tones which helps in identifying the exact pair.
This device comes with a tone generator which lets you precisely identify pairs till ten miles. There’s also a loudspeaker on the probe which will make it easier to hear the tone through various obstructions.
It has angled clips of bed-of-nails which helps in giving easier access to the individual wire pairs. It will let you be directly connected to the RJ jacks by using the RJ-11 male plug. This RJ-11 connector will be ideal for the telephone jacks.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Angled bed-of-nails clips
- Loudspeaker
Cons
- The sound may not go through stucco walls
7. Fluke Networks PRO3000F60-KIT includes Tone Generator & Probe
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions: n/a
- Troubleshooting category: exact pair identification
This device comes with a SmartTone technology, which will let anyone identify the individual pairs. To make things easier this comes with 5 different kinds of tones so that you can find what you are looking for.
This time generator can also send tones to ten miles on the majority of the cables. It comes with angled clips bed-of-nails which will allow you to get easy access to the individual wires. The RJ-11 connector is after all perfect for telephone jacks. There is the trace and tone wire which can be done on the non-active networks. Also, the filtered and unfiltered mode button comes with LED lights. If it glows green, then it means that it is filtered, but it’s red then it means unfiltered.
It’s also very easy to carry the device. After all, it comes with a nylon pouch. All you have to do is attach this pouch to the belt and you will be ready to carry out any kind of wire identification job.
The device comes with an enhanced filter technology to, which is capable of blocking interference that makes tracing difficult. This tone creator produces a strong tone that will allow you to precisely identify the sound to ten miles. The probe also comes with loudspeakers which will make it easier for the tone to be heard through the wood, drywall as well as another kind of enclosures. But it will automatically turn itself off after precisely 5 minutes so that you don’t lose much battery life.
Pros
- 5 kinds of tones
- Loudspeakers
- LED lights
Cons
- The 9V batteries aren’t included
8. Fluke Networks IntelliTone Pro 200 Toner and Probe Kit (MT-8200-60-KIT)
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 12 x 5.8 x 2 inches
- Troubleshooting category: digital-network cable-toner
You can make use of this device as a digital network cable toner as well as a probe tracer. It is also able to locate cables working on an active network. This device is also able to locate cables effectively at switches, patch panels, bundles, or termination blocks. Overall, with this tool, you will be able to find those tools that other devices won’t be able to. You will be able to identify the active Ethernet facilities which are present on your wall plate with this too. The LED lights will indicate if there’s reversed or normal connectivity.
This probe and toner will give you analog and digital signaling in just one device. You can use the digital mode to locate the data cabling with full safety as well as use effectively on the active networks. The analog mode can be used to isolate the individual pairs and then trace the audio, video, and voice cabling. These modes will help reduce confusion and give you definite results.
This device will give you far superior vision when it comes to locating the cables which are hidden in the ceilings, floors, walls, and such. Its digital technology will let you tone and then trace safely on the active networks. It comes with cable map technology which is similar to a cable-tester. This will help you identify the common cable issues in twisted-pair cabling. Due to this, you won’t even have to carry other separate tools or even return right to the very far-end just to replace that toner with one cable tester or mapper.
Along with the probe and toner, you will find 2 lanyards, RJ45 and RJ11 (both 2) patch cables, coax-F connector-adapter, and test leads that come with alligator clips. That’s not all. You will also get 2-9V batteries as well as a guide. If you have trouble using the tool properly, then just refer to this guide. There are also LED lights as well as distinctive tones present in the tester. This will help you locate where the miswires are exactly.
Pros
- Identify active Ethernet facilities
- Superior vision
- Analog and digital signaling
Cons
- Eats up a lot of battery power
9. Fluke Networks MT-8200-49A Copper Tester
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 2.05 x 4.92 x 1.18 inches
- Troubleshooting category: copper wire testing
This is a verification tester that will verify the wiremap for you as well as identify any faults with the LEDs too. Whether you are a professional or an ordinary person this device will make your work easier. Now verification and installing will be easier.
This tester is small and can be easily handheld. It will fit in the palm of your hands easily so that you can quickly verify the accurate integrity of the twisted-pair cabling (Ethernet). The cable tester comes with LEDs which will easily let you know about the faults in the existing cable. Additionally, this tester also comes with a remote unit which will let one person test the installed cabling and patch cords.
With this tool you will be able to see test the cabling easily while getting visibility on shorts, open, reversed, crossed, as well as split pairs. To do all this you will have to press the TEST-button. This will make the device automatically scan for faults in the wire pairs. With the tester and remote you will get a patch cord, 4×1.5V AAA batteries (alkaline). You will also find that there’s a user guide that will help you out if you are having trouble operating the tool.
There is an inbuilt tone generator which works well with the probe. It also works well if you want to make use or another analog probe. This will let you trace the cable through the walls, ceilings, and floors. Of course, the battery consumption here is pretty high but the auto-sleep mode here helps decrease the battery consumption by a lot.
Pros
- Inbuilt tone generator
- Auto-sleep mode
- Auto-scan
Cons
- There is no tone probe
10. Fluke Networks MS2-TTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester Kit
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 15.9 x 13.9 x 1.42 inches
The test kit comes with a cable verifier as well as a probe. This will let you verify any kind of cable whether it is of old or new copper. It will also let you test fiber-network installations. The better shows you a graphical wiremap, cable ID, distance-to-the-fault, and cable length too.
The tone generator here gives off analog and digital signals which help locate the wire or cable pairs. The digital mode tracks high-grade cabling. This includes category 6, category 5e, and category 6a too in bundles, patch panels, wall outlets, or switches. There is the VDV service that verifies the media services along with the powered-up 10/100/1000 Ethernet switches, power-over-ethernet pairs and voltage, and POTS polarity as well as voltage.
The probe helps in detecting digital signals and false signals. It also helps in rejecting noise, locating data cables on active-networks as well. This probe can detect a total of 500-1,200Hz analog-signals. This helps isolate the individual pairs as well as trace the audio, voice as well as video cabling on the networks which aren’t active. The eight LEDs will light up as the signal-strength keeps on increasing.
This tool comes with RJ45 and RJ11 patch cables, lanyard, 9V battery, an owner’s CD, a carrying case, and a guide. The CD and the guide will help you out of you are having trouble using the tool. The LCD screen is backlit, which helps in clear viewing of the lighting levels. Here you will see the pair lengths, distance-to-fault, wiremap, and cable ID all in one screen. The device comes with a rubber griped holster which helps keeps it safe even in hard and rugged environments.
Pros
- VDV service
- All-in-one screen
- Tone generator and probe
Cons
- Can be expensive
11. Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester
- Weight – 3.44 pounds
- Dimensions – 12.32 x 10.59 x 5.87 inches
- Troubleshooting category – cable performance and network features
Fluke is a leading brand when it comes to networking testing products. However, amidst all the available options in the market, the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester are hands down one of the best network testers that you can consider looking into.
Not only does it validate cable performance, but it also enables the users to get accurate frequency-based measurements without any complications. It can help you with switch diagnostics and other advertised data rates for superior functions and efficiency.
When it comes to the functions of this network tester, it is quite beneficial in helping out with network features including nearest switch diagnostics, port number, VLAN verification, and a lot more.
One unique function of this device is that it supports PoE verification and enables you to perform different functions with ease of work. Also, you can check the display cable length and the distance to open and short directly, which is always amazing.
Pros
- Multipurpose usage for network and cable testing
- Ensures to provide accurate frequency-based measurements
- Supports PoE verification
Cons
- Very expensive
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Buying Guide to choose the right Fluke Network Cable Testers in 2023
Network cable testers will help you know if your cables and such are working properly. Fluke is one of the very best manufacturers of network cable testers. Their tools are used by professionals and are thought to be the standard.
But there’s a lot, which you should consider before simply surrendering to brand name and buying one. If you aren’t too sure about which network cable tester you want to get from Fluke then we are here to help you out. Here are the features which you need to keep in mind while you are on the hunt for Fluke network cable testers.
1. Type
Network cable testers come in different types and are used for different jobs. The 3 major types are qualification, verification, and certification tester. If you are a technician or know your way around these tools, then using a qualification testing tool will be recommended. If you are a network expert then you can use a certification testing tool. There are audio testers available as well. These make use of audio-beeps to give you audio notifications. So choose the one which suits your needs and experience.
2. Build Design
There are 2 major types when it comes to cable testers. There are those portable and handheld devices that are just one singular tool. These tools come with a built-in battery compartment where the battery is stored.
The other type is the modular unit which is detachable. At the very least there’s one component that can be easily detached from the major tester which is generally the power-unit, remote unit, or power cables. Generally, the high-powered models are the detachable ones. As a result, you should go for the design which works with your needs. Also, make sure to buy the one which you find easier to operate.
3. Warranty
High-quality network cable testers are indeed expensive. You will have to shell out significant amounts of money. So it’s always better to remain on the safe side and get cable testers which come with a warranty. This will help shield you from extra losses in cases the tool malfunctions as a result of a factory defect.
4. Probe detection
If you have to work with probes then make sure to get those which can detect through walls and other kinds of obstructions. If you don’t get one which has great detection ability, then you will be limited in your ability and faulty cables might not get exposed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fluke Network Cable Testers
1. Is it important to get an oversized LED screen?
A backlit and oversized LED screen will let you see the readings and other test results. This will be helpful if you are under low light or in a place where you can’t see properly.
2. What to do if you need to take a tester for fieldwork?
If you have to frequently engage in fieldwork then it’s better to get a tester which comes with a rugged and rough casing. This will help protect your tester from any kind of damage and thus will ensure its longevity.
3. Do these testers consume too much battery?
Actually, yes, many of the testers do consume a lot of battery. If you are certain that you won’t have a backup battery every time, then get a tester which comes with auto-shutoff. This will help save battery.
4. Do you have to buy the battery separately?
In some cases, the battery is included with the tester, but in some, it isn’t. So you should check carefully before buying so that if it isn’t included when you buy some. But overall, even if the battery is included, you should stay prepared and buy some extra batteries.
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Conclusion
Fluke’s network cable testers are some of the very best in the market. The variety is great and you will certainly be able to get the one you want within your price range. With this, you will be able to keep your system functioning smoothly.
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