Construction Coordinator Practice Exam

How can signal leaks (egress) from hardline coaxial cable occur?

1. Through cracks in the shield where the cable is bent

2. Through the insulation layer of the cable

3. Only when the cable is exposed to water

4. By exceeding the maximum operating temperature

The correct answer is: Through cracks in the shield where the cable is bent

Signal leaks, or egress, from hardline coaxial cables primarily occur through cracks in the shield where the cable is bent. Coaxial cables are designed with a protective shield to keep signals contained within and to prevent interference. However, when the cable is bent excessively or subjected to mechanical stress, the shield can develop cracks or become compromised. These openings allow signals to escape from the cable, leading to egress. The other options do not effectively explain how signal leaks occur. While issues such as insulation breakdown can influence performance, egress specifically relates to the shield's integrity and not merely the insulation layer. Additionally, water exposure might cause other forms of damage but is not a direct cause of signal leaks in the context described. Lastly, exceeding the maximum operating temperature can lead to performance degradation but does not inherently result in signal leakage unless it compromises the physical structure of the cable, which is more directly related to shield damage from bending. Thus, the integrity of the shield is crucial in preventing signal egress, which is why the occurrence of cracks due to bending is a common cause.