SBCA Safety Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a drip loop on a coaxial cable entering a building?
- To increase cable length for future repositioning
- To prevent water from following the cable into the structure (Correct answer)
- To reduce signal loss caused by direct sunlight
- To allow thermal expansion of the cable
Correct answer: To prevent water from following the cable into the structure
A drip loop causes water running down the cable to drip off before reaching the building entry point, preventing moisture intrusion.
Question 2: An installer notices the existing electrical panel at a customer's home has double-tapped breakers. The correct action is to:
- Proceed with installation and note it on the work order as an observation
- Refuse to connect any equipment until a licensed electrician corrects the hazard (Correct answer)
- Use a GFCI outlet adapter and proceed
- Install a surge protector and proceed normally
Correct answer: Refuse to connect any equipment until a licensed electrician corrects the hazard
Double-tapped breakers are a code violation and fire hazard; installers should not connect equipment to a defective electrical system.
Question 3: What is the correct way to handle a coaxial cable that has been damaged and is near an electrical line?
- Wrap the damage with electrical tape immediately
- Assume de-energized status and proceed with repair
- Treat the cable as energized and use appropriate insulated tools until confirmed otherwise (Correct answer)
- Cut the cable to remove it from proximity to the electrical line
Correct answer: Treat the cable as energized and use appropriate insulated tools until confirmed otherwise
Cables near electrical lines must always be treated as potentially energized until confirmed safe with a non-contact voltage tester.
Question 4: Which type of ladder is prohibited for use near electrical equipment or wiring?
- Wooden ladder
- Fiberglass ladder
- Aluminum or conductive metal ladder (Correct answer)
- Step ladder with a top platform
Correct answer: Aluminum or conductive metal ladder
Aluminum and other conductive metal ladders conduct electricity and must never be used near electrical lines or equipment.
Question 5: A satellite dish mount requires drilling into a concrete wall. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for this specific task?
- Hard hat and high-visibility vest
- Safety glasses or goggles and hearing protection (Correct answer)
- Cut-resistant gloves only
- Steel-toed boots and face shield only
Correct answer: Safety glasses or goggles and hearing protection
Concrete drilling generates flying debris requiring eye protection and produces noise levels requiring hearing protection.
Question 6: When installing a ground block for a satellite system, the ground wire should be connected to:
- The nearest metal pipe regardless of type
- An approved grounding electrode or the home's electrical system grounding point (Correct answer)
- The satellite dish mounting mast
- A cold water pipe near the entry point
Correct answer: An approved grounding electrode or the home's electrical system grounding point
NEC requires bonding to an approved grounding electrode system to ensure the satellite ground is part of the equipotential bonding system.
Question 7: What hazard is specifically introduced when installing satellite equipment on a flat commercial roof with HVAC equipment present?
- Increased RF interference from HVAC motors
- Slip hazards from condensate drainage and mechanical equipment clearance requirements (Correct answer)
- Reduced satellite signal from HVAC exhaust heat
- Electrical interference with the satellite receiver
Correct answer: Slip hazards from condensate drainage and mechanical equipment clearance requirements
HVAC condensate creates wet, slippery roof surfaces, and mechanical units require safe clearance distances to avoid injury from moving parts.
SBCA Safety Standards 3
What is the purpose of a drip loop on a coaxial cable entering a building?