Explain Cable Cable Cutters and Cable Cutting Safety Hazards

All levels of technicians should know the hazards before working with network cables and equipment. This section describes the safety hazards of working with copper cables, which, like fiber-optic cables, can be dangerous to handle.

Caution

When handling cable, always wear eye protection. Never touch the ends of any type of cable to bare skin.

When you cut copper cable, the small copper strands can puncture your skin or cut you. The small pieces that come off after cables are cut often fly into the air. Remember to always wear safety glasses when cutting any type of cable.

The cutting and crimping tools used to repair or terminate copper cables can be dangerous if not used properly. Read the documentation that comes with the tool. Practice using the tool on scrap cable, and ask an experienced installer for help if you need it.

Remember that copper cable conducts electricity. An equipment fault, static electricity, or lightning can energize even a disconnected cable. If in doubt, test the cable you are working on with a simple voltage detector before touching it.

Continue reading here: Determine a Topology

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