© 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 111 · © 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 111. Copyright 2004 Panduit Network Infrastructure Essentials Cisco Networking

111© 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2004 Panduit Network Infrastructure Essentials Cisco Networking Academy Program

Panduit Network Infrastructure Essentials


Chapter 8 Tools of the Trade


Learning Objectives

• Learn about common tools used in the telecommunications cabling trade

• Learn how to use these common tools

• Learn about materials handling

• Learn about professionalism


Cable Caster and Fish Tape

• There are tools on the market for making the installation of cables in an open or dropped ceiling easier

• A pull string caster is a spring-loaded gun that shoots a plastic dart with a rubber tip and a string attached to it. A device similar to a fishing reel winds up the string and thus pulls the wire across the ceiling

• A device specifically designed to make the retrieval of wires inside a wall a quick and easy process is fish tape


Labeling Systems

• An automated labeler can print multiple copies of labels. Labels come on a roll and can be peeled off easily as needed

• A manual labeling system is ideal for smaller projects and temporary labels

• A permanent marker is used to write on the blank labels


Stripping and Cutting Tools

• Stripping tools are used to cut the cable jacket and insulation of the wires

• The cable is inserted into the tool, and then the tool is twisted around the cable

• The scissors can be used to cut individual wires, remove the outer jacket of smaller cables, and remove the insulation on individual wires


Termination Tools

• The multi-pair termination tool is designed to terminate and cut UTP cable and seat connecting blocks

• The impact tool has interchangeable blades so that it can terminate wires on 66 and 110 hardware. This tool terminates only one wire at a time


Crimping Tools

• After the cable has been cut, the jack is attached to the end of the cable by a crimping tool

• Crimping tools come in different styles depending on the manufacturer and the range of jobs they are intended to be able to accomplish

• Crimping tools can be manual or battery-powered


Cable Testers

• Cable testers are used to test cables for opens, shorts, split pairs, and other wiring problems

• After the cable installer has terminated a cable, the cable should be plugged into the cable tester to verify that the termination was done correctly


Certification Meter

• Structured cabling systems that adhere to installation standards are required to be certified. Certification meters perform all of the required performance tests to adhere to the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B standards

• In addition to certification, these meters include diagnostic features that will actually show how far these problems are from the end of the cable being tested


Multimeters

• A digital multimeter can be used to ensure there is no voltage on the telecommunications line before putting more sophisticated test equipment on the line

• Most of these devices can measure AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, diode, continuity, and transistor


Voltage sensors

• AC voltage sensors will glow red or another color when placed near AC voltages

• Use this tool as a first step when troubleshooting circuits to find out if they are active


Tone and Probe Set

• The tone and probe set identifies cables by inducing an audible signal on a cable that can be found using a probe

• The tone from the probe gets louder as it gets closer to the wire with the tone


Telephone Test Set

• The telephone test set is used to listen for noise on a telephone circuit

• When connected to working telephone lines, the test set works like an ordinary telephone


Tool Usage and Material Handling

• Before using a new tool, read the accompanying documentation, study the device, and ask for assistance from an experienced installer

• It is better to ask for help than get hurt, hurt someone else, or damage an expensive piece of equipment

• Expensive tools are generally more economical in the long run since they typically are built to last for many years


Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

• A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the use, storage, and handling of a hazardous material

• It tells what the hazards of the material are, how to use it safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur


Professionalism

• The cable installer’s appearance and conduct reflects on the company. Therefore, always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor

• In the cabling industry, like many others, a good referral is valuable when competing against other companies

• To work effectively with others, it is important to respect co-workers and be tolerant of their differences and sensitive to their beliefs and cultures

191919© 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Documents

© 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 111 · © 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 111. Copyright 2004 Panduit Network Infrastructure Essentials Cisco Networking