BAUR · APPLICATION GUIDE
Short answer: BAUR IRG 400 Portable Time Domain Reflectometer should be selected by matching the complete test workflow to the application, not by comparing one headline specification. Confirm the test object, measurement range, accessories, environment, reporting needs, and local support before committing to a configuration.
- Start with the measurement objective and the decision the result must support.
- Evaluate the instrument, connections, accessories, software, and reporting as one system.
- RCC Electronics can help Canadian teams confirm configuration, availability, service, and brief rental needs.
Interest in BAUR IRG 400 Portable Time Domain Reflectometer normally comes from a specific measurement problem: a test takes too long, a result is difficult to repeat, an operator needs safer access, or an existing setup no longer provides enough confidence. The model name alone does not answer whether the complete system will work in the intended environment.
This article combines the existing product overview with a structured evaluation method. It covers application fit, accessories, workflow, result review, Canadian support, and questions to ask before purchasing. Confirm the exact configuration and current specifications with the manufacturer documentation and RCC Electronics before relying on any individual capability.
Is this instrument a practical fit?
A useful evaluation begins with five questions. Write the answers before requesting a quotation or demonstration. This prevents an attractive specification from masking a mismatch in connections, operating conditions, test time, or documentation.
| Decision point |
What to confirm |
Why it matters |
| Test objective |
The fault, parameter, or pass/fail decision |
Defines the required method and evidence |
| Operating range |
Expected values, transients, uncertainty, and margins |
Avoids an underspecified or unnecessarily complex setup |
| Connections |
Sensors, leads, fixtures, adapters, and physical access |
The accessory chain can determine safety and repeatability |
| Workflow |
Setup time, operator steps, data storage, and export |
Throughput depends on the full sequence, not one reading |
| Support |
Training, calibration, service, lead time, and spares |
Protects availability over the instrument life |
Technical overview and application context
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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How to evaluate BAUR IRG 400 Portable Time Domain Reflectometer for your workflow
Define the test object and normal operating condition first. Record the expected range, the smallest change that matters, the maximum condition the setup may encounter, and whether the result is for troubleshooting, acceptance, maintenance trending, production screening, or engineering analysis. These uses can require different accuracy, speed, isolation, memory, automation, and documentation.
Next, map the complete connection path. Include probes, clamps, sensors, fixtures, test leads, adapters, communication cables, power sources, and protective equipment. Check connector compatibility and physical access as carefully as the instrument specification. A technically capable main unit can still be the wrong choice if the required accessory is unsuitable for the conductor, terminal, frequency, voltage, temperature, or installation space.
Finally, test a representative workflow. Time the setup, confirm the operator can identify a poor connection, save the result, reproduce the measurement, and export the evidence in the format the team actually uses. A short application review or demonstration often reveals more than a long feature comparison.
Planning the measurement and reviewing results
Reliable results come from a controlled method. Document the test conditions, instrument configuration, accessory identifiers, connection points, stabilization time, environmental conditions, and any correction or compensation applied. Where safety procedures or isolation steps are required, include them in the job plan and follow the equipment manufacturer and site rules.
Before collecting production or field data, run a reference check on a known item or a repeatable baseline. Repeat the measurement after reconnecting when connection quality could influence the result. Review the raw value together with range status, warning indicators, time stamps, waveforms, trends, or phase information that the instrument provides. A single number without context can hide a setup problem.
For purchasing decisions, compare the evidence produced by each candidate under the same conditions. Separate mandatory requirements from useful conveniences, and include the cost of accessories, training, software, calibration, downtime, and future expansion. This produces a more defensible decision than comparing list price or one maximum specification.
Buying, renting or servicing in Canada
RCC Electronics supports Canadian utilities, manufacturers, laboratories, contractors, and maintenance teams from Ontario with shipment across Canada. Ask us to verify the exact model, option, accessory, lead time, and service path for your application. See RCCE services or contact the technical sales team. When a short project makes ownership impractical, ask briefly whether a suitable rental configuration is available.
FAQ: BAUR IRG 400 Portable Time Domain Reflectometer
What information should I provide before requesting a quotation?
Share the test object, expected range, required method or standard, environment, preferred reporting format, and any accessories already in use. Photos or connection drawings can help identify fixture and lead requirements.
Should I choose the widest measurement range?
Not automatically. Choose a range with suitable margin while also checking resolution, uncertainty, speed, input protection, and behaviour under the real test conditions.
Which accessories should be included?
Include every item needed to make the connection safely and repeatably. Confirm ratings and compatibility for probes, clamps, sensors, fixtures, leads, adapters, batteries, cases, and communication options.
How should I compare two candidate instruments?
Use the same representative test object and written procedure. Compare setup time, repeatability, operator effort, result clarity, export, support, and total configured cost.
Can RCC Electronics help with configuration and support in Canada?
Yes. RCC Electronics can review the application, check the current manufacturer documentation, confirm a suitable configuration, and discuss delivery and service options.
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* Specifications are summarised from manufacturer-published information and should be confirmed against the latest official datasheets before final selection. Standard numbers are listed only when supported by the cited manufacturer information or the applicable test procedure.
