Review on 🔌 Enhanced Extech Network Cable Tester CT100 for Effective Connectivity Testing by Jason Melvin

This is a very handy cable tester. Not only does it test "computer network cable" and "TV cable", it's also good for testing other cable types, but you didn't know that from the disposable guide that came with it. So here are a few other things you can do that aren't mentioned in the guide. 1) It can tell you whether the network cable (Cat 5) is a standard cable or a crossover cable. With a standard cable, the LEDs will flash green in the correct order (from top to bottom). If the cable is a crossover cable, the green LEDs will blink out of order. 2) It can also test phone cords (6-pin modular phone plugs fit perfectly into 8-pin modular jacks). If it is a 2-wire cable (red/green only) suitable for single-line phones, LEDs 4 and 5 will flash red. If a 4-wire cable (black/red/green/yellow) is required for two-line telephones, LEDs 3 and 6 and 4 and 5 will flash red alternately. Adapter "female" to F-type coaxial connector, and you can also test audio and video cables. They are also available from Radio Shack (part number 278-255 or 278-276). If you need to trace the cable first to find both ends, I recommend the PRO3000 Tone & Probe Kit. This is the one I use. The reason I'm giving the Extech cable tester 4 stars instead of 5 is because the EXTECH label on both devices looks like they're about to drop. In general, the devices just don't have the "polished look" of test equipment from industry leaders like Fluke. This does not affect the function of the devices, but makes you think about the quality of the internal electronics.