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Coax Construction
The Coax Construction course draws upon SCTE’s Recommended Practices for Coaxial
Construction and Testing. Topics include system design, coaxial cable connectorization,
powering, aerial and underground coaxial cable construction, activation and testing, and
relevant field safety topics.
Prerequisite:
Network Testing and Maintenance Level 1
Target Audience:
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Maintenance Technicians
Outside Plant Personnel
Requirements for Successful Course Completion:
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Module quizzes 70% or higher
Course final test 70% or higher
You may take the course final test up to 3 times.
Format and Schedule:
The course is delivered online via the SCTE virtual classroom over 12 weeks or 3 months, during which
participants view web based course materials and complete assessments (quizzes) at a time that is
convenient for them. Participants can contact the instructor when they have questions.
Participants spend approximately 2 - 4 hours per week, on average, completing the various course
activities in order to maximize the learning benefits. 100% of the schedule is determined by the participant
(viewing online materials and completing quizzes).
System Requirements: A high speed Internet connection, Internet browser with flash or HTML5. For tablet
access, HTML5 can be used to online content modules.
Upon Successful Course Completion Participants will Receive
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Course Completion Certificate
2 Recertification Units (RUs) toward SCTE certification renewal
SCTE: 140 Philips Rd, Exton, PA 19341 1-800-542-5040
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Course Modules:
Module 1: Field Safety Refresher
Module 2: System Design
Module 3: Coax Connectorization
Module 4: Powering a Coaxial or HFC System
Module 5: Construction (coaxial)
Module 6: Aerial Construction
Module 7: Underground Construction
Module 8: Activation and Testing
Course Objectives:
Module 1: Field Safety Refresher
Part I. PPE, Tools, and Equipment
• Recognize the industry standard safe work practices, for PPE and other job-related tools and
equipment.
Part II. Vehicle Safety
• Recognize the industry standard safe work practices with respect to vehicle use.
Part III. Work Zone Safety
• Recognize the industry standard safe work practices with respect to work zone safety.
Part IV. Work Environment Safety
• Recognize the industry standard safe work practices with respect to the work environment.
Module 2: System Design
Part I. Map Symbols
• Identify industry-recognized map symbols and the devices that they correspond to.
Part II. Design Principles
• Explain the basic principles used to design and map the coaxial portion of the HFC network.
Part III. System Maps
• Distinguish between the three types of system maps.
Module 3: Coax Connectorization
• Explain the use and function of coaxial cable preparation tools used in HFC networks.
• Identify the types of connectors used in HFC networks.
• Describe connectorization methods in HFC networks.
Module 4: Powering a Coaxial or HFC System
• Describe the function of a line power supply and a standby power supply.
• Explain how power is inserted onto the coaxial cable.
• Describe Distributed and Centralized powering designs.
• Calculate, using Ohm’s Law, voltage drops across amplifiers to determine whether a 60V or
90V power supply is used.
Module 5: Construction (coaxial)
• Explain the importance of proactively maintaining the cable network.
• Name the types of problems that can occur within an active cable network.
• Describe the types of repairs that a maintenance technician may be responsible for
regarding lashings, downed guys, and pedestals
• Summarize maintenance technician tasks with respect to coaxial construction, including
inspecting bonding and grounding in the plant, clearances, and coaxial cable handling.
SCTE: 140 Philips Rd, Exton, PA 19341 1-800-542-5040
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Module 6: Aerial Construction
Part I. Aerial Testing and Equipment
• Describe the cable and equipment used in aerial cable telecommunications construction, and
its proper handling and testing
Part II. Aerial Construction Practices
• Explain aerial cable placement considerations, including inspection, clearances, and
installation.
– List clearances necessary for aerial plant construction.
– Describe proper pole framing.
– Describe strand installation and guying.
• Describe cable plant bonding and grounding practices.
• Outline aerial cable installation procedures.
Module 7: Underground Construction
Part I. Underground Testing and Equipment
• Describe the cable and equipment used in underground cable telecommunications
construction, and its proper handling and testing
• Explain underground cable placement considerations, including open trench, boring, and
plowing installations
Part II. Underground Construction Practices
• Describe the underground enclosures used in cable plant construction
• Describe trenching considerations
• Describe typical underground construction methods, including Open trench, Directional
boring, Plowing, Duct and conduit system
• Explain pull line
Module 8: Activation and Testing
• Describe the process of coaxial cable activation and testing for new construction.
SCTE: 140 Philips Rd, Exton, PA 19341 1-800-542-5040
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