Fast and precise cable fault pre-location is critical for reducing outage time and improving maintenance efficiency. The BAUR IRG 400 portable is a time domain reflectometer designed to help technicians locate cable faults quickly and accurately in the field. BAUR describes it as an efficient TDR solution for cable fault pre-location, available as a portable device in a transport case and designed for flexible use across a wide range of applications.
One of the key strengths of the IRG 400 portable is its field-oriented design. It is supplied as a compact portable unit and operated through a 10.1 inch tablet using the BAUR BUI-F application. The measuring device and tablet communicate via Wi-Fi, allowing operators to work outside the high-voltage area and carry out measurements from a safer and more convenient location. BAUR also highlights that this wireless concept supports galvanically isolated remote operation in the field.
The IRG 400 portable is built for fast fault pre-location on 1-phase and 3-phase cables. Its primary measurement method is TDR time domain reflectometry, which is used for locating low-resistive faults, cable breaks, and for determining cable length. BAUR also states that the unit supports Step TDR, a function developed for locating cable faults and joints close to the cable start, where conventional TDR methods often face blind-zone limitations. This makes the instrument especially useful when fault events occur near the connection point.
Another important advantage is flexibility. While the IRG 400 portable is a strong stand-alone solution for low-resistive cable faults, BAUR explains that it can also be used in combination with surge voltage generators for high-resistive cable faults. In that configuration, it supports additional methods such as SIM/MIM, DC-SIM/MIM, ICM, and DC-ICM, with the decay method available as an option when combined with BAUR high-voltage generators using DC voltage. This allows users to expand from basic pre-location to more advanced fault location workflows when needed.
The BAUR IRG 400 portable is also designed with safety in mind. BAUR specifies an integrated separation filter that enables TDR measurements on live cables up to CAT IV / 600 V, with appropriately certified test leads. The instrument is voltage-proof up to 400 V, 50/60 Hz, helping technicians perform standard-compliant measurements on live low-voltage cables while improving operator protection. For many field applications, this is a valuable combination of practicality and safety.
Measurement performance is another strong point. According to BAUR’s data sheet, the IRG 400 portable offers 60 V pulse voltage, 30 ns to 10 µs pulse width, a measurement range from 10 m to 250 km, 0.1% accuracy relative to the measurement result, and 0.1 m resolution at v/2 = 80 m/μs. The unit also provides a dynamic range of 101 dB and an adjustable velocity of propagation from 20 to 150 m/μs, giving users the flexibility to adapt measurements to different cable types and fault scenarios.
For practical outdoor work, BAUR emphasizes that the IRG 400 portable is suitable for field use and weatherproof. The unit has an IP54 protection rating, while the included industrial tablet is specified with IP65 and MIL-STD-810G characteristics. The instrument can operate from a rechargeable battery or mains supply, with battery life of approximately 6 hours and charging time of approximately 4 hours. This makes it well suited for service teams who need portable fault-location capability without depending entirely on a vehicle-based system.
Ease of use is another area where the IRG 400 portable stands out. BAUR highlights an intuitive multilingual user interface, personalized user settings, bright display visibility for outdoor work, and a slimline application focused on fast measurement. The length-dependent gain function improves the display of remote events, while Step TDR helps evaluate faults close to the cable start. BAUR also notes that recorded measurement results can be exported through the tablet’s USB interface and imported into BAUR Software 4 for further processing and reporting in the office.
In terms of portability, the BAUR IRG 400 portable is compact enough for easy transport. The data sheet lists dimensions of approximately 371 x 259 x 152 mm and a weight of about 7.7 kg for the IRG 400 portable itself, plus about 1.1 kg for the tablet. Standard delivery includes the IRG 400 portable, SCORPION industrial tablet with BUI-F application, 3-phase TDR connection cable, BNC cable with adapters, earth cable, charger, and user manual. This gives users a ready-to-use package for field fault pre-location work.
Overall, the BAUR IRG 400 portable is a practical and modern solution for technicians who need fast, safe, and precise cable fault pre-location in the field. With portable operation, Wi-Fi remote control, TDR and Step TDR capability, live-cable measurement support, and expandable use with surge voltage generators, it offers strong value for utilities, contractors, and cable service professionals.
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