Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Network
Infrastructure
Awareness
Assessment
www.ecscard.org.uk
For ECS Network Infrastructure Awareness Assessments
from 01 January 2021
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[i]
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[ii]
ECS Network Infrastructure Awareness Assessment
Question Correct Answer
1. Product Selection
1.01 When considering fire performance; Correct Answer = A
Telecommunication cables installed inside a building Cables once installed in buildings cause a hazard in
shall meet the following requirements: the event of a fire. To mitigate these risks different
classes of cable are constructed differently
A Installation cables shall, as a minimum, meet the according to their intended usage. The CPR and
requirements of Euro Class Cca‐s1b,d2,a2, EuroClass system is designed to ensure that the
B Installation cables shall, as a minimum, meet the right cable type is installed in the right areas.
requirements of Euro Class Dca‐s1b,d2,a2, Remember it is the installer who is responsible for
C Installation cables shall, as a minimum, meet the the final check that the right cable is being
requirements of Euro Class Eca‐s1b,d2,a2, installed.
D Installation cables shall, as a minimum, meet the
requirements of Euro Class Fca‐s1b,d2,a2,
A Cat 5e 4 pair data cable It is always important to ensure that the correct
B 3 core 13 amp 230 volt mains cable cable for the job is selected and installed. Being
C 1308 3 pair telephone cable able to identify the correct cable to be installed is
D 2 pair intruder alarm cable vital, any error in cable selection can prove costly
to the installer.
Page 1 of 33
1.04 Cables installed outside buildings and other Correct Answer = A
structures, not installed in ducts, conduit or another Exposed external cables require extra protection
type of cover shall meet the following requirements: from direct sunlight and extreme weather. The
outer sheath of the cable will be treated to
A Installation cables shall be UV resistant cables with maximise resistance to wear. The responsibility for
weather resistant, protective outer sheaths the specification of the cable is the designers
B Installation cables shall be white cables responsibility.
C Installation cables shall be a minimum of Cat 5e
and S/FTP
D Installation cables shall be a minimum of Cat 6 and
F/FTP
A 55 meters The EA channel is a reference to the performance
B 90 meters of the permanently installed cable and two patch
C 100 meters cords. To ensure that the performance is
D 1000 meters guaranteed, the standards define a maximum
installed link distance. In this case the channel is
the permanent link with a patch cord on either
end, often referred to as 90+10.
Page 2 of 33
1.09 The Rack bonding conductors for a cabinet, frame or Correct Answer = D
rack of > 21 U, shall have a cross‐sectional area in It is a safety issue when earth cables are incorrectly
accordance with HD 60364‐5‐54 and shall be: sized, always check the requirements before
installing.
A Of minimum cross‐sectional area of 2.5 mm2
B Of minimum cross‐sectional area of 10 mm2
C Of minimum cross‐sectional area of 4 mm2
D Of minimum cross‐sectional area of 16 mm2
Page 3 of 33
1.14 Which of the following is NOT a standard size of fibre Correct Answer = D
optic cable? 9/125 is a Single Mode Cable, 50/125 and 62.5/125
are Multi Mode Cables. 100/125 is not an available
A 9/125
cable Core/Cladding size.
B 50/125
C 62.5/125
D 100/125
Page 4 of 33
2. Requirements for working with containment systems
Page 5 of 33
2.06 Bonding between sections of metallic containment Correct Answer = A
shall be carried out in accordance with: Standards exist to ensure technical conformance to
installations which in turn creates a network
A BS 50174‐2 suitable to carry the traffic for which it was
B ISO 11801 designed.
C BS EN 57921
D BS EN 50173
Page 6 of 33
2.10 According to BS EN 50174, Indoor pathways Correct Answer = A
constructed using conduit systems with bends should Standards contain a wealth of information giving
provide access at intervals of: guidance on best practice installation practices, if
A Not greater than 12 m to enable the use of draw‐ in doubt consult standards.
boxes
B Not greater than 90 m to enable the use of draw‐
boxes
C Greater than 12 m to enable the use of draw‐boxes
D Greater than 20 m to enable the use of draw‐boxes
A The maximum distance allowed between
supporting elements of the pathway system is 500
B The maximum distance allowed between
supporting elements of the pathway system is
1000 mm
C The maximum distance allowed between
supporting elements of the pathway system is
2000 mm
D The maximum distance allowed between
supporting elements of the pathway system is
1500 mm
Page 7 of 33
2.14 According to BS EN 50174, conduits shall not: Correct Answer = C
A Contain more than three bends of up to 90° max. If conduit runs contain too many bends or not
between pulling points enough pull boxes it is not possible to correctly and
B Contain more than four bends of up to 90° max. safely install data cables which could become
between pulling points stretched, snagged or damaged during installation.
C Contain more than two bends of up to 90° max.
between pulling points
D Contain more than one bend of up to 90° max.
between pulling points
A Be subject to cumulative changes in direction of If conduit runs contain too many bends or not
more than 90° between pulling points enough pull boxes it is not possible to correctly and
B Be subject to cumulative changes in direction of safely install data cables which could become
more than 180° between pulling points stretched, snagged or damaged during installation.
C Be subject to cumulative changes in direction of
more than 270° between pulling points
D Be subject to cumulative changes in direction of
more than 360° between pulling points
Page 8 of 33
2.19 According to BS EN 50174, the installer shall ensure Correct Answer = A
that: If pathways are not correctly fixed to the fabric of
the building subsequent installations may increase
A The pathway systems selected are able to support the load to a point where the containment can no
the mass of the cables to be installed longer be supported and falls from the surface.
B The pathway systems selected are the correct
colour for the cables to be installed
C The pathway systems selected are only for the
cables to be installed today
D The pathway systems selected are 100% bigger
than cables to be installed needs
Page 9 of 33
3. Cable laying requirements.
3.01 Which fibre optic cable has a core size of 50/125 Correct Answer = B
micrometres (um): OS1 and OS2 have Core/Cladding sizes of 9/125.
OM1 has a Core/Cladding size of 62.5/125.
A OM1
B OM3
C OS2
D OS1
Page 10 of 33
3.06 Which is the lower value of the bend radius of Cat6 Correct Answer = B
cable? Standards state the minimum bend radius for
installed cables. During installation and
A Minimum bend radius during installation terminating you may exceed this temporarily, but
B Minimum bend radius installed you must ensure the final installed cable complies
C Minimum bend radius during termination with these figures. When testing, modern test
D Minimum bend radius during testing equipment will identify areas where bends are too
tight and will cause the cables to fail. Further
information can also be found from the cable
manufacturer.
Page 11 of 33
3.11 In relation to pathways and containment which of Correct Answer = C
these statements is correct? Badly installed containment and pathways are the
most likely cause of damage to cables during
A Only rolled edge tray should be used for copper installation.
cables
B You should always take the most direct route
C The pathways systems shall have smooth surfaces
and also be free of burrs, sharp edges or
projections that can damage cable insulation and
be free of pressure points
D There is no need to bond/earth metallic
containment
A Standards compliance As an installer you will be given the Network
B Budget specification, but the designer will have had to
C Client preference consider many different factors to arrive at the
D All factors final specification.
Page 12 of 33
3.16 What is the maximum untwist advised when Correct Answer = A
terminating jacks and patch panels for Cat 6 cable? Twist rates in cables are carefully calculated to
ensure peak cable performance. If twist ratios are
A 6mm not maintained to the minimum required distance
B 12mm cable performance will rapidly degrade.
C 13mm
D 15mm
Page 13 of 33
4. Cable dressing requirements.
4.01 Is there an industry standard giving guidance on how Correct Answer = B
much slack should be left on installed cables? Whilst there is no specific standard dictating the
amount of slack to be installed, it is best practice to
A Yes as per electrical industry standard
B There are guidelines only leave an amount of slack to allow for re‐
C Yes as per data industry standard termination or minor moves.
D Yes as per Telecommunications standard
Page 14 of 33
4.06 Where do pinch points commonly occur? Correct Answer = D
Pinch points occur where 2 surfaces come together
A Pinch points only occur in cable tray installations or have a natural gap where if something is drawn
B Pinch points only occur in cable ducting through it can be adversely affected.
installations
C Pinch points only occur during termination
D Pinch points could occur on any part of an
installation
Page 15 of 33
4.10 Which of the following statements apply to cable Correct Answer = D
labels? Labelling is a key part of any installation allowing
you to work on an installation with ease and for
A Labels should be affixed to the cable sheath
subsequent testing, repairs or additions to be
B Labels should contain a unique reference
carried out in a structured and organised fashion.
C Labels should be affixed to termination points
D All statements
Page 16 of 33
5. Fire regulation requirements.
Page 17 of 33
5.06 When installing additional data cable and passing Correct Answer = C
through a fire rated wall, when should a removed fire Whenever a fire barrier is penetrated the risk for
sealing arrangement be re‐instated? fire to spread is increased to an unacceptable level.
Therefore the fire barrier should be replaced as
A At the end of the working day
soon as possible.
B When the system has been fully commissioned
C As soon as practicable
D On completion of the work
Page 18 of 33
5.11 You are preparing to install IT cables into an existing Correct Answer = B
pathway that has been appropriately sealed with fire Some firestopping systems are designed to be
stop materials. How should you proceed? installed, removed, reinstalled and reused. Others
are designed to be removed and then a new
A Remove and dispose of existing firestop materials
system installed. It is up to you to learn the
B Prepare existing penetrations by removing firestop difference.
materials and store them in a safe place for re‐
installation
C Avoid the existing route and create new
D Cables should be routed to avoid fire separating
structures
Page 19 of 33
6. Safe installation practices – cables.
6.01 When installing cable from a drum what is the Correct Answer = B
minimum number of people required carry out the When pulling cable from a drum, 1 person must
task? remain with the drum to control the speed at all
times. At least 1 other person will be required to
A1
pull the cable out, depending on the routing and
B2
obstacles more may be required.
C3
D4
Page 20 of 33
6.05 Which of the following is the correct method for Correct Answer = B
pulling cable off a wooden drum: Always use the correct tools and equipment for the
job. Improvising or using the wrong equipment
A Suspend the cable drum on a tied‐off rope
puts yourself, your co‐workers and the quality of
B Suspend the cable drum on a metal A frame and
the installation in unnecessary danger.
spindle
C Suspend the cable drum between two chairs and a
broom handle
D Suspend the cable drum between two chairs and
length of steel conduit
Page 21 of 33
6.09 When loose laying cable in a corridor with a 90 Correct Answer = A
degree corner, what is best practise? It is always best practice to make sure someone on
your team has visibility of areas where cable is
A Place someone on the corner to feed the cable moving. It is also best practice to minimise strain
B Pull the entire length around in one go on a cable whilst being pulled and if no‐one is
C Place a drum at the corner to act as strain relief placed on a corner the cable will be put under
D Place the box on the corner, pull the cable in one pressure and will rub on a corner.
direction then fleet back the rest
A1
B2
C3
D4
Page 22 of 33
6.14 When changing the blade on a Hacksaw which Correct Answer = B
direction should the teeth point? Hacksaw blades are designed to cut on the forward
stroke. Blades commonly have an arrow printed on
A It doesn`t matter
them to show which way they should be fitted, but
B Forwards
this is not always the case.
C Backwards
D Depends on the type of hacksaw
Page 23 of 33
6.19 Which type of fastening is most appropriate to Correct Answer = A
temporarily dress cables? When temporarily dressing cables you will be
required to regularly change and adjust bundles.
A Hook and loop
Therefore hook and loop are the most suitable for
B 150mm x 7.6mm Nylon
the task.
C Wire ties
D 300mm x 13mm Nylon
Page 24 of 33
7. Safe installation practices – personal safety.
7.01 What type of gloves should be worn when pulling in Correct Answer = C
data cable? When using any safety equipment ensure that it
complies with relevant safety standards.
A Leather gloves
B Blue latex gloves
C Correctly fitting EN420 compliant gloves
D Cotton gloves with palm grips
Page 25 of 33
7.06 To be suitable, PPE must: Correct Answer = D
The onsite risk assessment will identify specific
A Reduce risk and be comfortable on the wearer considerations for PPE requirements.
B Reduce risk and be highly visible
C Serviceable, suitable and fit correctly
D Be assessed as appropriate to the risk involved and
suitable for the working conditions
A Telescopic Ladders
B Mobile steps
C Extendable Ladders
D Mobile Elevated Working Platform (MEWP)
Page 26 of 33
7.12 What should be done if the stitching on a safety Correct Answer = B
harness starts to fray? If safety equipment which is damaged or worn it
must be replaced and removed from use.
A Report it, use it, leave to one side at the end of the
B Report it, quarantine it, get another set
C Use it, report it at the end of the day
D Use it, but take extra care
Page 27 of 33
7.17 Which is the appropriate way to move a large cable Correct Answer = C
drum? The risk assessment should cover manual handling
practices and procedures. Safety for yourself and
A Wheel it alone
others should always be the primary concern when
B Drop it on its side and use a set of trolley jacks
manual handling.
C Get a team together, wheel it while one person
acts as a banksman
D Drag it using a 4x4
A Place available signage in the middle of the work
area to give the best chance of being seen
B Be extra vigilant whilst working and verbally warn
anyone walking into the area
C Source required signage to properly cordon off the
area
D Block off access points with tools or materials
Page 28 of 33
8. Other services.
Page 29 of 33
8.05 Where necessary metallic IT cables are located close Correct Answer = D
to fluorescent luminaires the metallic IT cables it is Fluorescent lights are a particular problem to data
recommended that they should be separated by a cables. Not only do they create EMI because of the
distance of at least: power they use they also create power "flickers"
which directly impact on the modulated signals
A 30mm being carried interfering with the Ethernet data
B 50mm frames.
C 100mm
D 130mm
Page 30 of 33
8.09 Where a telecommunication cable is to be buried in Correct Answer = C
the ground, which HSE guidance document can help Depending on the area in which you are working
comply with legal obligations? you may find different standards and legislation
apply. You must check what specific legislative
A HSR25 requirements affect you in the environment in
B GS38 which you are working.
C HSG47
D HSG85
Page 31 of 33
8.13 What is the minimum recommended depth for Correct Answer = C
installing a telecommunication cable where it is to be BSEN 50174‐3, Table 3 states minimum
buried below a footpath? recommended bore depths for installed
telecommunications systems.
A 250mm‐450mm
B 450‐600mm
C 500mm
D 600mm
Page 32 of 33
9. Waste Management.
Page 33 of 33
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