4As WRITTEN REPORT
INTRODUCTION TO ICT 2
SUBMITTED TO: RYLAI CRYSTELLE T. JAEL
SUBMITTED BY: AVRIEL G. BORINAGA
MARCH 14, 2025
Topic: Performing basic troubleshooting and correction of
cable faults and errors
Objective:
• Prepare for cable fault and error troubleshooting;
• Test and correct cable faults and errors
Activity
Word Search
M Y L Q V E A G T B L W X F A I D I
U H E Z S A F E T Y K G T M P N F N
L Q T O R E S I S T A N C E Y S K Y
T L A H H H P T V Z M I U C I U O U
I V N A H L A G E Q C T N A T L T L
M F I B E R O P T I C S K B G A Y A
E A M K O A L I T E S E O L D T N O
T H R C O N T I N U I T Y E J I B H
E O E A B A B H S A Q X V S J O P L
R A T R O U B L E S H O O T Q N Y J
Abstraction
Performing Basic Troubleshooting and Correction of Cable Faults and Errors
1. Preparing for Cable Fault and Error Troubleshooting
Before troubleshooting cable faults, it is essential to follow proper safety procedures, gather
the right tools and equipment, and understand the type of cable system being examined.
• Safety Precautions:
-Turn off power before inspecting electrical cables.
-Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as insulated gloves and safety goggles.
-Follow industry standards like IEEE safety guidelines and the National Electrical Code
(NEC).
• Essential Tools for Troubleshooting:
-Multimeter – Measures voltage, resistance, and continuity.
-Cable Tester – Identifies wiring errors in network cables.
-Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) – Locates faults in long cables by measuring signal
reflections.
-Insulation Resistance Tester – Checks for leaks or insulation breakdown in electrical cables.
• Understanding Cable Types:
-Power Cables – Used for electrical transmission.
-Twisted Pair Cables – Common in telephone and Ethernet networks.
-Coaxial Cables – Used for cable TV and some data networks.
-Fiber Optic Cables – Transmit data using light signals.
2. Testing and Correcting Cable Faults and Errors
Cable faults can cause electrical or data transmission failures. The most common faults
include:
• Open Circuit – A break in the cable that stops current flow.
• Short Circuit – A direct connection between two conductors that should be separate.
• Ground Fault – A wire comes into contact with the ground or another conductive
surface.
• Intermittent Faults – Occasional disruptions due to loose connections or external
interference.
Steps to Test and Correct Cable Faults:
1. Visual Inspection: Check for physical damage, exposed wires, or loose connections.
2. Continuity Test (Using a Multimeter):
• Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
• Place probes on both ends of the cable to check if the circuit is complete.
3. Insulation Resistance Test:
• Use an insulation tester to check if the insulation is intact.
4. TDR Testing (For Long Cables):
• Sends a pulse signal through the cable and measures reflections to locate breaks.
5. Corrective Actions:
• For Open Circuits → Splice or replace damaged sections.
• For Short Circuits → Identify and insulate the wires.
• For Ground Faults → Reposition or insulate the affected cable.
• For Loose Connections → Re-terminate connectors properly.
Analysis:
Why is it important to troubleshoot and correct cable faults properly? Explain how proper
troubleshooting helps in maintaining a reliable electrical or network system.
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Application:
Instructions: Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.
Multiple Choice (1-5)
1. Which tool is best for detecting cable faults by sending a signal and analyzing
reflections?
a) Multimeter
b) Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR)
c) Crimping tool
d) Soldering iron
2. A network cable suddenly stops transmitting data. Upon testing, you find no signal
continuity. What is the most likely fault?
a) Short circuit
b) Water ingress
c) Ground fault
d) Open circuit
3. When using an insulation resistance tester, a very low resistance reading indicates:
a) A good cable condition
b) A short circuit or insulation failure
c) High signal interference
d) Proper grounding
4. What is the first step in troubleshooting a suspected cable fault?
a) Perform a visual inspection
b) Replace the entire cable
c) Cut and splice the cable
d) Test with a TDR
5. Which method helps locate a fault in an underground cable by balancing electrical
resistance?
a) TDR
b) Murray Loop Bridge
c) Megohmmeter
d) Crimping
True or False (6-10)
Write T if the statement is True, and write F if the statement is false.
6. An open circuit fault occurs when two conductors touch, causing a short.
7. Time-Domain Reflectometry is useful for pinpointing faults in long cables.
8. A damaged cable sheath can cause water ingress, leading to increased resistance and
potential signal loss.
9. Faulty cable connections can be fixed using a multimeter.
10. After repairing a cable fault, post-repair testing is unnecessary if the cable looks fine.
REFERENCES:
National Electrical Code (NEC):
National Fire Protection Association. (2023). NFPA 70: National Electrical Code. Retrieved
from https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-standard-development/70
IEEE Guide for the Design and Installation of Cable Systems in Substations:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (2016). IEEE 525-2016: IEEE Guide for the
Design and Installation of Cable Systems in Substations. Retrieved from
https://standards.ieee.org/standard/525-2016.html
The Importance of Proper Network Cable Labeling:
Wise Components, Inc. (n.d.). The importance of proper network cable labeling: Enhancing
system maintenance, safety, and reliability. Wiseup Blog. Retrieved from
https://wisecomponents.com/wiseupblog/?p=192
Revisions to Cable Requirements in the 2023 National Electrical Code:
Kaufman, S. (2023). Revisions to cable requirements in the 2023 National Electrical Code.
Cabling Installation & Maintenance. Retrieved from
https://www.cablinginstall.com/standards/article/14276764/revisions-to-cable-requirements-
in-the-2023-national-electrical-code
IEEE Guide for Field Testing and Evaluation of the Insulation of Shielded Power Cable
Systems Rated 5 kV and Above:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (2016). IEEE 400-2016: IEEE Guide for
Field Testing and Evaluation of the Insulation of Shielded Power Cable Systems Rated 5 kV
and Above. Retrieved from https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/400/7618/
Residential Electrical Code Requirements:
The Home Depot. (n.d.). Residential electrical code requirements. Retrieved from
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/residential-electric-code-
requirements/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90175791f71
About the National Electric Code:
Allied Wire & Cable. (n.d.). About the National Electric Code. Retrieved from
https://www.awcwire.com/customersupport/techinfo/national-electric-code
