Editor March 14, 2026 NEC 800-860 NEC Quizzes Report a question What’s wrong with this question? You cannot submit an empty report. Please add some details. 0% Article 800-860 Part02 This quiz consists of 25 carefully selected questions covering NEC Articles 800 through 860, which provide essential guidelines for communications systems (Article 800) and related technologies. These sections of the National Electrical Code focus on the safety, installation, and operation of critical infrastructure like general communications circuits (Article 800), community antenna television (CATV) and radio distribution systems (Article 820), network-powered broadband communications systems (Article 830), and premises-powered broadband communications systems (Article 840), along with requirements for premises-powered broadband communication systems over optical fiber (Article 860). The randomly generated questions ensure a thorough assessment of your understanding, reinforcing key principles related to specialized communication system requirements, grounding and bonding for communication circuits, equipment protection, circuit routing and separation, and the integration of these distinct systems within buildings. Some topics may reappear in different contexts to strengthen comprehension and application. Your feedback is invaluable! If you notice any discrepancies or have suggestions for improvement, please report them. Your insights help maintain the accuracy and effectiveness of this learning tool. Consider how cables are protected when transitioning into buildings. 1 / 25 What is required when a communication cable enters a building? a. It must pass through a noncombustible bushing or metal raceway. b. It must be shielded with additional insulation. c. It must be painted to indicate use. d. It must be installed above 10 feet from the ground. Incorrect. Proper transition methods are required for building entries. Correct! This ensures safety and compliance during installation. Communications cables must enter a building through a noncombustible bushing or metal raceway to prevent damage and enhance safety. Consider voltage limitations for low-power, safe operation. 2 / 25 What is the maximum allowable voltage for power delivered through coaxial cables in CATV systems? a. 240 volts b. 60 volts c. 12 volts d. 120 volts Incorrect. The maximum voltage allowed for CATV systems is 60 volts. Correct! This voltage limit ensures safe and effective operation. Coaxial cables may deliver power to equipment associated with the CATV system as long as the voltage does not exceed 60 volts, ensuring safe operation. Consider the primary functions of cable routing assemblies in terms of how they interact with different cable types. 3 / 25 A cable routing assembly is composed of single or connected multiple channels as well as associated fittings, forming a structural system to _____ communications wires and cables, optical fiber and data cables; and Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC cables; and power-limiting fire alarms in plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications. a. protect b. route c. support d. a and b Incorrect. The correct answer is a and b. A cable routing assembly is intended to support and route various types of cables within a structured system. Correct! A cable routing assembly serves to support and route communications wires and cables, optical fiber and data cables, and other specified cables in plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications, making the answer a and b. According to NEC Article 800.2, a cable routing assembly is designed to support and route communications wires and cables, optical fiber and data cables, as well as Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC cables, making the correct answer a and b. Consider how standards from NFPA might inform the installation and grounding practices related to lightning protection. 4 / 25 NFPA 780-2014, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, provides information for the application of the term “rolling sphere” as used in 810.15. a. True b. False Incorrect. The correct answer is True. NFPA 780-2014 indeed provides information regarding the application of the term “rolling sphere” as referenced in NEC Article 810.15. Correct! NFPA 780-2014 provides guidance on the application of the term “rolling sphere,” which is utilized in NEC Article 810.15 regarding lightning protection systems. According to NEC Article 810.15 and NFPA 780-2014, the latter provides valuable information regarding the term “rolling sphere” and its application in the context of lightning protection systems, supporting the statement that it relates to 810.15. Consider what protects antennas from external electrical hazards. 5 / 25 What is the purpose of an antenna discharge unit? a. To ensure antennas remain weatherproof. b. To prevent lightning and static charge damage. c. To connect antennas to power circuits. d. To increase signal strength. Incorrect. Antenna discharge units focus on protection from electrical hazards, not signal improvement. Correct! They are essential for minimizing risks from lightning and static charges. Antenna discharge units are used to protect equipment from lightning and static charges, ensuring the safety of connected systems and structures. Think about systems combining power and broadband signals. 6 / 25 What is the primary scope of Article 830? a. Wiring for traditional telephone systems. b. Maintenance of satellite communication systems. c. Installation requirements for network-powered broadband communications systems. d. Guidelines for coaxial cable systems in CATV. Incorrect. Article 830 focuses on broadband systems, not traditional communication methods. Correct! This article is specific to network-powered broadband systems. Article 830 covers installation requirements for network-powered broadband systems that provide services such as voice, video, and data through a network interface unit. Think about the various types of information that can be transmitted through communications equipment. 7 / 25 Communications equipment includes equipment and conductors used for the transmission of ____. a. audio b. data c. any of these d. video Incorrect. The correct answer is any of these. Communications equipment encompasses a wide range of transmission types, including audio, video, and data. Correct! Communications equipment includes equipment and conductors used for the transmission of any of these: audio, video, and data. According to NEC Article 800.2, communications equipment includes equipment and conductors used for the transmission of any of these: audio, video, or data. Think about the transition point from outside to inside for coaxial cables in communication systems. 8 / 25 The point of entrance of a CATV coaxial cable is the point _______ at which the coaxial cable emerges from an external wall or from a concrete floor slab. a. on the building b. within a building c. outside a building d. none of these Incorrect. The correct answer is within a building. NEC Article 820.2 specifies that the point of entrance for CATV coaxial cables is where the cable emerges within a building. Correct! NEC Article 820.2 states that the point of entrance of a CATV coaxial cable is the point within a building where the coaxial cable exits an external wall or concrete floor slab. According to NEC Article 820.2, the point of entrance for a CATV coaxial cable is defined as the point within a building where the coaxial cable emerges from an external wall or comes up through a concrete floor slab. Focus on grounding methods to prevent potential hazards. 9 / 25 What grounding requirement applies to the outer conductive shield of coaxial cables entering a building? a. Grounding is optional for cables used indoors only. b. Grounding must comply with Section 820.100. c. No grounding is required. d. Grounding is required only for CATV systems installed above ground. Incorrect. Grounding is mandatory for safety and compliance. Correct! Proper grounding reduces risks and ensures compliance. Coaxial cable shields must be grounded as per Section 820.100 to reduce the risk of fire and shock hazards by limiting differences in potential. Focus on systems related to communications and their unique needs in the NEC. 10 / 25 What is the primary scope of Article 805? a. Installation of information technology equipment. b. General requirements for communication circuits and equipment. c. Wiring requirements for fire alarm systems. d. Guidelines for high-voltage power distribution systems. Incorrect. Article 805 is specific to communication circuits and equipment. Correct! The article ensures safe and compliant communication system installations. Article 805 covers specific requirements for communications circuits and equipment, ensuring safe installation and operation. Grounding ensures safety and reduces electrical hazards. 11 / 25 What grounding requirement applies to network-powered broadband communications cables entering buildings? a. Requires an additional fault protection device. b. Must be grounded per Section 800.100 c. Grounding is required only for outdoor cables. d. Grounding is not required. Incorrect. Proper grounding is always required for safety compliance. Correct! Grounding per Section 800.100 ensures safety. Network-powered broadband communications cables entering buildings must be grounded per Section 800.100 to prevent fire and shock hazards and maintain system safety. Metallic components must be grounded to prevent potential electrical hazards. 12 / 25 What is the minimum requirement for grounding metallic sheath members of communication cables entering a building? a. Grounding must comply with Section 800.100. b. Metallic sheaths must be left ungrounded. c. Grounding must be omitted in residential installations. d. Sheaths must be painted for identification. Incorrect. Grounding is essential for all metallic sheath members entering buildings. Correct! Grounding in compliance with Section 800.100 is mandatory. Metallic sheath members must be grounded or bonded in accordance with Section 800.100 to ensure safety and compliance with NEC standards. Think about the specific distances used in grounding practices for communication systems and how they relate to protection zones. 13 / 25 For communications systems using coaxial cable completely contained within the building (that is, they do not exit the building) or the exterior zone of protection defined by a _____ radius rolling sphere and isolated from outside cable plant, the shield shall be permitted to be grounded by a connection to an equipment grounding conductor as described in 250.118. a. 150ft b. 75ft c. 125ft d. 100ft Incorrect. The correct answer is 150ft. NEC Articles 800.100 and 250.118 specify that the shield of coaxial cables can be grounded when they are within a 150-foot radius rolling sphere and isolated from outside cable plants. Correct! NEC Articles 800.100 and 250.118 state that coaxial cables entirely contained within a building or within a 150-foot radius rolling sphere can have their shield grounded by connecting to an equipment grounding conductor. According to NEC Articles 800.100 and 250.118, coaxial cables used in communications systems that are entirely contained within a building, or within the exterior zone of protection defined by a 150-foot radius rolling sphere, are permitted to have their shield grounded by connecting to an equipment grounding conductor. Focus on systems involving antennas and their connection to receiving or transmitting equipment. 14 / 25 What is the primary scope of Article 810? a. Maintenance of satellite transmission systems. b. Guidelines for coupling carrier current to power line conductors. c. Installation of power supply systems for television equipment. d. Wiring requirements for antenna systems, including radio and television. Incorrect. Article 810 focuses on antenna systems and not power supply or carrier current systems. Correct! This article provides guidelines for antenna wiring and equipment installation. Article 810 covers the wiring and installation requirements for various antenna systems, such as those for radio, television, amateur radio, and citizens band (CB) radio. Medium-power systems operate at higher voltages than low-power systems. 15 / 25 What is the maximum voltage allowed for network-powered broadband communications systems classified as medium power? a. 100 volts b. 150 volts c. 60 volts d. 200 volts Incorrect. The maximum voltage for medium-power systems is 150 volts. Correct! Medium-power systems are designed for up to 150 volts. Medium-power network-powered broadband communications systems are allowed to operate up to a maximum of 150 volts to accommodate more sophisticated equipment and services. Consider materials suitable for outdoor exposure and durability. 16 / 25 What material is specified for outdoor antenna lead-in conductors under Article 810? a. Corrosion-resistant materials like hard-drawn copper or aluminum alloy b. Steel wires with no additional protection c. Plastic-coated wires d. Soft-drawn copper only Incorrect. Lead-in conductors require materials resistant to corrosion and outdoor wear. Correct! Corrosion-resistant materials ensure durability and safety in outdoor installations. Lead-in conductors must be made of materials like hard-drawn copper, aluminum alloy, or other corrosion-resistant materials to ensure they can withstand environmental conditions. Think about the device used to protect the antenna lead-in conductors from voltage surges. 17 / 25 Each conductor of a lead-in from an outdoor antenna must be provided with a(n) ___________________________. a. Listed disconnecting means b. Grounding electrode c. Equipment grounding conductor d. Listed antenna discharge unit The selected option does not meet the NEC requirement for protecting antenna lead-in conductors. Correct! Each conductor of a lead-in from an outdoor antenna must be provided with a listed antenna discharge unit, as required by NEC Article 810.20(B). According to NEC Article 810.20(B), each conductor of a lead-in from an outdoor antenna must be equipped with a listed antenna discharge unit. This device protects the conductors from voltage surges, typically caused by lightning, ensuring safety and compliance. Consider how different environmental factors and substances can affect the integrity and functionality of coaxial cables. 18 / 25 ______ may result in an undetermined alteration of coaxial cable properties. a. Any of these b. Paint or plaster c. Cleaners or abrasives d. Corrosive residues or other contaminants Incorrect. The correct answer is any of these. NEC Article 820.2 indicates that exposure to various contaminants can lead to an alteration of the properties of coaxial cables. Correct! NEC Article 820.2 states that exposure to any of these substances—paint, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues—may result in an undetermined alteration of the properties of coaxial cables. According to NEC Article 820.2, exposure to any of these substances—paint, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues—may result in an undetermined alteration of the properties of coaxial cables, which can affect their overall effectiveness and reliability. Consider the substitution hierarchy for coaxial cables in different applications. 19 / 25 Which cable type can substitute for CATVR cables according to Table 820.154? a. CATVP cables only b. CATVP, CMP, CMR, BMR, and BLR cables c. CATV and CATVX cables only d. No substitutions are allowed Incorrect. CATVR cables can be substituted by several cable types listed in Table 820.154. Correct! These substitutions provide installation flexibility while adhering to standards. Table 820.154 allows the substitution of CATVP, CMP, CMR, BMR, and BLR cables for CATVR cables in specific installations, ensuring flexibility while maintaining compliance. Safety clearances increase with higher voltages to prevent accidental contact. 20 / 25 What is the minimum clearance required for outdoor antennas from electric power circuits operating at over 250 volts? a. 10 feet b. 15 feet c. 2 feet d. 5 feet Incorrect. Safety standards require a minimum of 10 feet clearance for higher voltage circuits. Correct! This clearance prevents accidents involving high-voltage power lines. Outdoor antennas must maintain a clearance of at least 10 feet from electric power circuits operating at over 250 volts to ensure safety during operation and maintenance. Consider the specific regulations regarding communications wiring compared to general electrical installations. 21 / 25 Communications wiring such as telephone, antenna, and CATV wiring within a building shall not be required to comply with the installation requirements of Chapter 1 through 7, except where specifically referenced in Chapter 8. a. False b. True Incorrect. The correct answer is True. Communications wiring does not need to comply with Chapters 1 through 7 installation requirements unless stated in Chapter 8. Correct! It is True that communications wiring, including telephone, antenna, and CATV wiring within a building, is not required to comply with the installation requirements of Chapters 1 through 7, except where specifically referenced in Chapter 8. According to NEC Article 800.1, it is True that communications wiring such as telephone, antenna, and CATV wiring is not required to comply with the installation requirements of Chapters 1 through 7 unless specifically referenced in Chapter 8. Think about the role of grounding in preventing electrical hazards. 22 / 25 What grounding requirements apply to masts and metal structures supporting antennas? a. No grounding is required. b. Must be painted for insulation. c. Only grounded if the structure exceeds 10 feet in height. d. Must be grounded or bonded per Section 810.21. Incorrect. Grounding is required for safety and compliance. Correct! Proper grounding is critical for antenna systems. Masts and metal structures supporting antennas must be grounded or bonded in accordance with Section 810.21 to minimize risks of lightning strikes and electrical faults. Think about protecting communication circuits from external hazards. 23 / 25 What is the purpose of a primary protector in a communication circuit? a. To enhance data transmission speeds. b. To provide physical support for cables. c. To protect circuits from lightning and overvoltage. d. To convert analog signals to digital. Incorrect. Primary protectors are designed to shield circuits from electrical hazards. Correct! Protection from lightning and overvoltage is their main function. Primary protectors safeguard communication circuits from hazards such as lightning strikes and overvoltage, ensuring system reliability. Think about systems using coaxial cables for signal distribution. 24 / 25 What is the scope of Article 820? a. Wiring requirements for satellite uplink systems. b. Installation of network-powered broadband systems. c. Coaxial cable distribution for community antenna television (CATV) systems. d. Maintenance standards for wireless communication systems. Incorrect. Article 820 focuses on coaxial cable distribution for CATV and similar systems. Correct! This article is specific to coaxial cable systems used for CATV. Article 820 addresses the installation of coaxial cables for CATV, closed-circuit television, and related systems, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Consider the different environments in which communications raceways can be utilized. 25 / 25 A communications raceway is an enclosed channel of nonmetallic materials designed for holding communications wires and cables; optical fiber cables; data cables associated with information technology and communications equipment; Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC cables; and power-limited fire alarm cables in ____ applications. a. riser b. plenum c. all of these d. general-purpose Incorrect. The correct answer is all of these. A communications raceway can be used in plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications as defined in NEC Article 800.2. Correct! A communications raceway is designed to hold cables in all of these applications: plenum, riser, and general-purpose, according to NEC Article 800.2. According to NEC Article 800.2, a communications raceway is designed for use in all of these applications: plenum, riser, and general-purpose, providing a safe and organized way to hold various types of communication cables. Your score is LinkedIn Facebook Twitter 0% Restart quiz Exit Rate & Review Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps us improve our services. Send feedback Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment* Name* Email* Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Post Comment
