Ham Radio Technician Test Safety, Grounding & RF Exposure 2

Question 1

Why is it dangerous to touch an antenna while transmitting?

Accepted Answer

RF burns can occur because the antenna carries high-frequency voltage that can heat tissue

Answer

Touching a transmitting antenna can cause RF burns because the high-frequency current on the antenna can heat body tissue rapidly at the contact point.

Question 2

What safety precaution should be taken before climbing a tower?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the transmitter is off and tag the power switch to prevent accidental operation

Answer

Before climbing a tower, the transmitter must be turned off and the power switch tagged or locked out to prevent anyone from accidentally transmitting while you are near the antenna.

Question 3

What type of grounding is recommended to protect a station from lightning damage?

Accepted Answer

A single-point ground with all equipment bonded together and connected to an earth ground rod

Answer

A single-point ground system bonds all equipment to a common bus and connects it to an earth ground rod, minimizing voltage differences during a lightning event.

Question 4

What is the minimum safe distance a power line should be from an amateur radio tower?

Accepted Answer

Far enough that the tower and all attached hardware cannot fall onto the power line

Answer

The tower and everything attached to it must be positioned so that if it falls in any direction it cannot contact a power line, preventing deadly electrocution hazards.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a lightning arrestor on a coaxial feedline?

Accepted Answer

To divert lightning-induced surges to ground before they reach the radio equipment

Answer

A coax lightning arrestor provides a low-impedance path to ground for lightning-induced voltage surges, protecting the radio equipment connected to the feedline.

Ham Radio Technician Test Practice Test

Ham Radio Technician Test Practice Test

Ham Radio Technician Test Safety, Grounding & RF Exposure 2