In some countries, buildings are heated and cooled by pipes through which hot or cold water is run. Within the insulation material of the pipe is a pair of wires. If water leaks from the pipe, it will soak the insulation and change the impedance. A TDR is the ideal tool for pinpointing where this water leak is, allowing for a quick repair. Any company that buys reasonable amounts of cable, or any company that produces cable, needs to know how much they are buying or have on the shelf to sell.
All ships carry tons of various types of cable, from telecomms to power.
At sea, it is imperative that these ships are as self-sufficient as possible. TDR technology is perfect for the diversity of problems that could arise, as they are small, portable and can measure all types of metallic cables. They are also accurate and easy to understand. A TDR is also ideal for dockyard refits and maintenance departments. Remotely operated vehicles work at considerable depths below the surface of the sea, sometimes several kilometres, with an umbilical cable attached.