Electrical Wiring and Cable Management Flashcards

What type of cable is most suitable for use in a zone where mechanical damage is a risk, such as buried directly in the ground?

Answer: Steel wire armored (SWA) cable

Steel wire armored (SWA) cable has a protective steel wire layer that resists mechanical damage, making it ideal for direct burial or exposed runs.

When running cables through fire-rated walls or floors, what must be installed to maintain the fire rating?

Answer: Intumescent fire-stopping materials

Intumescent fire-stopping materials expand when exposed to heat, sealing cable penetrations and restoring the fire resistance of the wall or floor.

What is the correct action if a cable is found to have damaged insulation during an installation?

Answer: Replace the cable or cut out the damaged section and use an approved joint

Damaged insulation must be properly repaired by replacing the cable or using an approved enclosure joint — tape alone is not an acceptable permanent repair.

How should cable terminations be made to ensure a reliable and safe connection?

Answer: By using appropriate terminals or connectors with conductors fully inserted and correctly torqued

Correct terminations require conductors to be fully seated in approved terminals and tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque to ensure reliable contact.

What is the purpose of cable identification sleeving at termination points?

Answer: To clearly identify conductors for safe maintenance and fault-finding

Cable identification sleeving ensures conductors are correctly identified at terminations, preventing incorrect connections during maintenance or modification.

Which factor is most critical when selecting a cable for a specific application?

Answer: The cable's current-carrying capacity, voltage rating, and environmental suitability

Cable selection must consider current-carrying capacity, voltage rating, and environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and mechanical stress to ensure safe operation.