HFC TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Module 0 - Introduction Module 1 - HFC Overview Module 2 - Customer Service Part 1: Professionalism Module 3 - Planning the Installation Module 4 - Aerial Installations Module 5 - Underground Installation Module 6 - Bonding and Grounding Module 7 - Cable Entrance Module 8 - Terminal Devices Module 9 - Connecting the Customer Equipment Module 11 - Connecting the Customer Equipment Module 12 - Test Equipment Module 13 Troubleshooting & Repair Process Module 14 - Reducing Signal Impairments Module 15 - Customer Service Part 2: Customer Relations Module 16 - Prewires Modules 17 - MDUs Module S1 PPE Module S2 Safe Work Practices

ICE BREAKER
Introduction Name Cable Tv, Fiber (or related experience) Objectives for the workshop (What would you like to get from this course?)

HOUSEKEEPING RULES
Sign-in Sheet Student manuals Questions are welcomed and encouraged Break/Lunch Phones and pagers

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

COURSE LEARNING Describe a basic overview of an HFC system OBJECTIVES

Explain the components of good customer service and relations Demonstrate proper and safe use of installation tools Describe how to plan an installation Describe the characteristics of drop cable Demonstrate proper cable handling techniques Describe the steps to perform an aerial installation Describe the steps to perform an underground installation Describe the steps to properly bond the installation Identify the various terminal devices found within the customers home Explain the steps for customer equipment for video, voice and high speed data services Identify the various types of test equipment used in a triple play installation Explain installation troubleshooting and repair process Identify the types of system impairments Explain the steps to prewire new construction. Explain the steps to install an MDU

COURSE AGENDA
TIME/BLOC DAY 1 K 18TH April
0830 1015 hrs Introduction Over HFC system / basic cable technology

DAY 2 19TH April

DAY 3 20TH April

DAY 4 21ST April

Terminal Devices Connecting the Customer Equipment (broadband) BREAK Terminal Devices Connecting the Customer Equipment (Voice) LUNCH

Aerial Installation Exterior Hands--on lab installation overall process Hands--on lab

1015 1030 hrs 1030 - 1215

BREAK

BREAK

BREAK Interior wiring Hands---on lab

Tools and materials Exterior cabling Hands---on lab Hands---on lab

1215 1300 hrs 1300 1445 hrs

LUNCH Drop Cable Refresher Hands---on lab

LUNCH

LUNCH

Bonding/GroundingTerminal Devices Troubleshooting & Hands---on lab Connecting the Repair Process Impairments Customer Equip (Video) BREAK BREAK BREAK

1445 1500 hrs

BREAK

MODULE 4: AERIAL INSTALLATION

OBJECTIVES:

Connecting the Coax at the Tap

critical part of the installation process is how you make the connection at the tap. Successfully complete these basic guidelines to achieve a quality installation. Each installation presents a unique set of circumstances. These guidelines will provide the necessary structure and foundation for your work. In an aerial installation, after you have completed an evaluation of the pole, determined the route and attachment points, and discussed the route with the customer, you are ready to begin the installation.

Cont;

Pole Location
Identify the pole and tap that will serve the customer. In most cases, the proper routing will parallel the power and/or telephone service drop and will not trespass property lines.

Aerial Trespass
Also called cable trespass, occurs when the drop cable crosses neighboring property lines and should be avoided.

Cont;

Survey Climbing Route

Determine if you will gaff the pole or if a ladder is required. Conduct a pole test prior to your climb and employ all safety practices for climbing poles and placing ladders. Before you begin your climb, test for voltage on any risers as required with your voltage detector. Survey the climb. Avoid using portable metallic ladders.

When planning a cable route make sure you can maintain a minimum of 30 inches of climbing space or box on the pole. This space allows for safe climbing, either by using a ladder or gaffs. Check the climbing space for potential hazards, Be aware of live electrical wires, objects that can cause head injuries and other situations that require action. Ensure you have all necessary tools and equipment before ascending.

Climbing Space

Connection at the Tap

Position the cable reel and pull the cable from the reel. Pull the cable behind you as you climb, making sure that you leave the cable slack as you climb. If you allow the cable to pull tight as you ascend, the stress on the cable may cause you to lose balance. Follow proper cable handling and bending guidelines. As you pull the cable, do not allow the cable to kink or bend. Such handling will damage the cable and may cause signal interference or leakage. Watch for loops and tangles in the cable in the cable as you climb. Descend the pole to untangle that form. Never pull on a cable that has become looped or tangled, as you may tighten the loop and exceed its bending radius. Once the cables bending radius is compromised, the cable may be damaged and may need to be replaced all th e way to the pole. Connect the cable to your break-away clip. Do not hold the cable in your hand or tie to your body belt.

Cont;

Span Clamp Installation

Select the location to install the span clamp, also called a drop clamp or a Q-span clamp. Install the span clamp hook with the hook side up (the opening of the Q), facing toward the house, and attached on top of the strand. Do not place the span clamp upside down or sideways, as another drop may be placed on the same span clamp at a later date. You may be able to use an existing span clamp to attach the drop. Some companies require a new span clamp for each installation, and others may permit not more than four span clamps for any pole that is, two on each side with one facing each direction. Follow your companys policies. Attach the span clamp firmly to the strand a minimum of 30 inches from the center of the pole. If the span clamp is to be attached on the side of the pole where taps, passives, amplifiers, etc., are located, the span clamp must be a minimum of 6 inches from the end of any device, away from the pole. These distances allow space for any future work on the feeder cable, or for others to climb the pole safely. Ensure the drop follows the strand whenever possible. Avoid crossing the face of the pole with the cable. If the attachment point at the tap are on

Cont;

J-Hooks
In some instances, a J-hook may be substituted for a span clamp. This is permissible when your drop is connected to the standard terminating pole, which is the lastpole on the strand. Attach the J-hook at the same height as the strand on the side of the pole that faces the customers house with the open side of the hoop facing up. A J-hook may also be used to gain proper clearance above the ground over an obstacle on the ground as long as minimum separation is between the attachment and overhead lines. Use J-hooks to maintain clearance or at a dead-end pole or on service poles. P-hooks (house hooks) should NOT be used in place of J-hooks on poles.

Connecting the Messenger

Aerial cable has an attached messenger wire to provide support. This messenger must be separated from the cable to make the connection to the span clamp. Carefully separate the messenger from the cable. Be careful to protect the coaxial vinyl jacket so that no braid is showing. If any braid is exposed, the cable will need to be replaced. Attach the drop messenger to the span clamp using a drop hanger. Never place the span clamp over or on the messenger or lasing wire. Never loosen the lashing wire or the lashing wire clamp to attach the span clamp. If the lashing wire is damaged, the cable could pull away from the strand.

Separating the Messenger

Drop Hanger

Connect the Drop

Remove the locking terminator, if installed, from an available tap port. Use your meter to measure signal levels at the tap before connecting the drop, as required by your company. If used by your company, spray the tap port lightly with LPS spray or other approved protectant. Be careful not to get any lubricant inside the tap port or inside the F-connector, especially on the center conductor. The use of some type of lubricant is recommended. Your company will provide you with guidelines based upon your companys environment (such as salt water) and the tap port material used. Determine the length of drop cable necessary to reach the tap port, plus extra length to form about a one to two foot surplus loop and a drip loop not smaller than five inches. Attach the cable to the strand and hardline cable with tie wraps. Do not over tighten the cable ties, as this can damage the shielding and/or change the cables impedance. Prepare the drop cable to attach an F-connector. Install any traps, and a security sleeve if your company requires it. While you are at the tap, perform a quick inspection of all the other drops at the tap. Check for any cable damage. Repair or report anything found that is not within your companys specifications. This might repair, and thus eliminate, a future problem, even before a customer notices it. To avoid signal leakage, always tighten all F-connectors to manufacturers specifications. Loose F-connectors are a frequent reason for service calls, as a loose connection may cause signal problems that inhibit the delivery of services such as telephony

Drop Identification (Drop Tags in PG)

Install a separate service level tag to identify the active drop and remove the disconnect tag as required. Your company may use color-coded tags. Traps may also be tagged to indicate service. The purpose of these service tags is to allow you to audit services by checking the tap without calling your office.

Place a permanent address or drop tag on the drop cable at the drip loop to identify the address of the installation.

Drop Identification
Guidelines for Drop Tags: Active drop must be identified Address must be identified Traps must be identified to indicate service (typically by color code)

Mid-Span Drops
Mid-span attachments are used to avoid aerial trespass or other obstacles such as buildings, trees, and swimming pools. A mid-span drop consists of an attachment of the drop cable to the cable strand at or near the midpoint of the span of hard-line cable instead of at the pole. When drops are attached at mid-span, you will use two span clamps: one at the tap, and the second at the mid-span point. By using a tree guard under the span clamp, you can protect the coaxial cable from wear.

Mid-Span Drop Details

Cont;
The technician faces hazardous conditions when installing or disconnecting drops at mid-span. Check the strength of the strand before climbing the ladder to make sure it will hold your weight. To test the strand, place a hand line over the strand, and put your weight on it. When putting your ladder against the strand, make sure both hooks are over the strand. Follow proper ladder slope. Pull the drop cable up the ladder using a breakaway clip. Follow your companys safety guidelines carefully. Always survey the drop before you attempt to climb; use safe climbing techniques when ascending the ladder. Use your safety strap to secure yourself and the ladder to the strand when you reach your working height. Belt-off properly to protect against a fall. Always attach the cable to the house last during a mid-span installation. Start working at the tap. Place your first span clamp at the proper location near the tap but instead of routing the cable directly to the house, route it along the strand, toward the location of the mid-span attachment. Leave a drip loop of five inches at each clamp. Determine where you will make the mid-span connection and place your ladder near that point. Your ladder must be positioned so that it is facing the customers house and

Cont;
Attach the second span clamp at the mid-span location. When you attach the span clamp at mid-span, make sure that it faces the customers house. Separate the messenger from the drop cable for approximately two to three feet past the mid-span clamp (toward the house). Cut the messenger such that you can make attachment to the span clamp as previously described for both ends of the messenger. Form the separated cable into a loop with an approximate 6 to 12 inch diameter. From the tap to the span clamp, the drop should not sag more than 2 inches below the strand. Once you have checked the drop for the proper amount of sag, you are ready to attach the drop to the house. Be careful to avoid pulling the strand out of line more than one foot from center line. Maintaining proper sag in the drop should prevent this.

Cont;

Mid-span Safety Guidelines

Attach cable TO HOUSE LAST during an installation UNHOOK CABLE FROM HOUSE FIRST when removing a midspanned drop

Mid-Span Connection Guidelines

Avoid; Clamping span clamp over lashing wire; it could weaken or break the lashing wire Crossing the pole face Cable sag more than 2 inches below the strand between the tap and the mid-span clamp. Splicing the drop mid-span Use tree guard under the span clamp to protect the cable from

Mid-Span Ladder Guideline

Be sure both ladder hooks are over the strand Secure yourself and the ladder to the strand with the safety strap (belt off) Avoid pulling the strand out of line more than one foot from the center line when attaching drop between house and mid-span clamp Be aware of power line locations. If power is touching the strand or too close to your work area, do not climb. Place ladder on the appropriate side of the strand.

Cable Sag for Span Length

It is necessary to maintain the specified drop clearances all along the cable route. The sag for the span length of customer drops should be approximately 6 inches per 50 feet but should be consistent with the sag of the other service drops, as long as they are not causing interference. The installation of drop cable must comply with national, company, and local codes. Cable is located above telephone and below power lines on the poles. Clearances at the pole are 12 inches from telephone cable and typically 40 to 48 inches from power. At the house, you will maintain a minimum clearance of 6 inches from the telephone wires and 12 inches from the power lines.

Cont;

SCTE

LOCATION

Road, street, nonresidential driveway, parking lot, any area subject to truck traffic Residential driveways (not accessible to trucks) Pedestrian traffic Track rail of railroad Water (no sailboats) Flat roof buildings (garage is exempt)

Drop Clearances Table

16 feet per code, 18 feet in practice 12 feet per code, 16 feet in practice 10 feet 23.5 feet 14 feet 8 feet

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT

Peak roof buildings (if roof has a slope not less than four 3 feet inches in 12 inches; no pedestrians) Roof overhang (if over the roof overhang is not more than four feet) Lightning rod conductors Signs, chimneys, billboard, radio and TV antennas Power service wire Pole House Joint trench Telephone service Pole House 18 inches

6 feet 3 feet 40 inches 12 inches 12 inches 12 inches 6 inches

Street Crossings
Special hazards are created when installing the aerial drop across a street. Call for a second technician to assist you. Alert on-coming traffic and direct it away from your work areas as necessary. Place cones, turn on vehicle flasher or beacon, and place Work Ahead signs. Do not allow the cable to be run over by vehicles, as this would damage it and change its impedance. Continue with the following street crossing procedures: Connection has already been made at the house Technician one prepares to climb Technician two stops traffic and spools off enough cable to reach the pole Technician one pulls up cable and attaches it to the pole Your company will supply additional guidelines for street crossings, as needed. Do not tie the drop off to your belt. Instead, use a handline clip designed for this purpose. If the cable snags on something while you are climbing, it, not you, will fall to the ground.

Exterior House Wiring House Attachment

Plan to locate the house attachment in an area that is on the same side of the house as the power line. This should give you an unobstructed run from the pole and allow you access to the bond location. Place the house attachment near the electrical service/meter base for an accessible bonding point. Ensure that the attachment point will provide a straight, vertical run to the ground block. If the attachment point doesnt allow a straight run, you may have to route the cable from the house attachment to a point accessible to the grounding block. Maintain proper clearance and avoid obstacles such as down guys, power lines, playgrounds, driveways, trees, swimming pools and trampolines. Call your supervisor for guidance in such circumstances, if necessary. Do not place drops above tennis courts, trampolines, or swimming pools. Avoid any water crossing, if possible.

Attaching the P-Hook

Install the P-hook (also called a house hook) at the proposed contact point. The primary contact point is one located near the power contact point, following a similar path from the pole. The cable line should run vertically from the P-hook to the bond (or ground) block. Attach the P-hook to a substantial point on the house, preferably a woodframing member. Install the P-hook in-line with the span clamp. The preferred mounting point of the P-hook is the lower end of the fascia board, just below the rain gutter. Look for evidence of nails that are securing the fascia board to the house frame, or knock to listen for a solid sound at the proposed contact point. Tap the P-hook with a hammer to get it started. Screw it in until no threads show. The P-hook may have to safely hold up to 50 pounds of pull. Take time

House Hook (P-Hook) Attachment

Attaching the Cable

Take care not to route the cable in such a way that it could rub against a house, garage, or tree when it moves in the wind. Continuous friction over a period of time can damage the jacket or braid of the cable. Loss of signal quality is the inevitable result of damaged cable, as water can enter the cable when the jacket or braid of the cable becomes worn and ingress and egress is a problem when the braid is damaged. Attach the messenger drop cable to the P-hook in a similar manner as the pole. Separate the messenger from the cable, allowing enough messenger to attach the drop to the house with a drop hanger or messenger wrap. Form a minimum 5inch drip loop in the cable. Route the cable under the eaves to the side of the house and down to the ground block. Cut and discard the excess messenger. No more than one messengered drop shall be attached to a Phook, except in multi-dwelling installations (MDUs).

Clips and Fasteners

Secure the drop cable using clips that are approved for the type of siding on the house. Follow the lines of the house to keep the wiring neat. Various types of fasteners are available for attaching coaxial cable to different sidings. Place cable clips as required on horizontal runs approximately 18 to 24 inches apart and on vertical cable runs approximately 24 to 36 inches apart.

Thank You. Prepared By Quality Assurance & Training Unit.