Construction Coordinator Practice Exam

What happens if hardline coaxial cable is cut with conventional side cutters?

1. The cable becomes waterproof

2. The end of the cable is crushed and deformed

3. The cable gains extra length

4. The dielectric becomes more effective

The correct answer is: The end of the cable is crushed and deformed

When hardline coaxial cable is cut with conventional side cutters, the most critical outcome is that the end of the cable tends to become crushed and deformed. This is primarily due to the nature of the cutting tool and the construction of the coaxial cable itself. Hardline coaxial cables have a rigid outer conductor, often made of metal, surrounded by an insulating dielectric and a central conductor. Using side cutters, which are not designed specifically for cutting cables, can lead to a poorly executed cut where the pressure applied by the jaws of the cutters deforms the cable. This deformation can negatively impact the cable's ability to transmit signals effectively because it can create unintentional short circuits or lead to impedance mismatches. In contrast, the other outcomes listed do not occur as a result of using conventional side cutters. The cable does not become waterproof simply by being cut; rather, cutting the cable can actually expose the internal components to moisture, potentially leading to failures. The cable also does not gain extra length from being cut; it is shortened by the act of cutting. Additionally, while the dielectric material is crucial in maintaining signal quality, it does not become more effective through improper cutting techniques. Thus, the deformation caused by using inappropriate tools is the primary concern