Gage Handling and Cable Support: Installing Gage With Option P

Gage Handling and Cable Support

The jumper wires, while sturdy, should never be used to support the weight of the cable. After removing the gage and its protective window from the pouch in the plastic box, hold the gage/cable assembly by the cable bundle. Release a comfortable working length of cable and place the gage on a chemically clean surface. Temporarily secure the remainder of the bundle before removing the gage from its protective window with a pair of blunt-nosed tweezers .

Separate the jumper wires by approximately 1/8 in (3 mm) and apply a strip of M-LINE PCT-2A cellophane tape to the gage face on which the jumpers are soldered. This transfer tape can be applied in the direction transverse to the leadwires on shorter gages. If applied longitudinally over the gage, jumper wires, and end of the cable, however, the tape will provide additional strengthening during gage handling and bonding.

The jumper wires can become permanently attached to the specimen surface by adhesive flash during gage bonding. In critical applications, this should be avoided by covering the jumpers with a strip of M-LINE TFE-1 Teflon film. Cut a strip wide enough to extend about 1/8 in (3 mm) on either side of the jumpers. Carefully lift the tape from the surface at a shallow angle. Using the mastic on the transfer tape to hold the film in place, leave about 1/16 in (1.5 mm) of space between the edges of the tape and gage. With the bonding face of the gage down, reposition the gage on the clean surface and gently press the tape and film together around the jumpers with a clean M-LINE CSP-1 cotton swab.

When ready to bond the gage, carefully lift the tape from the surface at a shallow angle. Unsecure the cable bundle and hold the gage/cable/tape assembly by the bundle when moving it to the installation site.

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