Test Your Fiber Skills

Studying for Fiber Optics Installer certification from Electronics Technicians Association? You'll need three things: a little luck, a lot of coffee, and a copy of Fiber Optics Installer and Technician Guide by Bill Woodward and Emile Husson. This 450-page exam prep guide covers everything from power gains to bending losses, and an interactive CD-ROM of sample questions gives you a preview of the real exam. Get the book, and then worry about the java and rabbit's foot.

Want to test your fiber optic know-how? Put away your notes and take this quiz.

1. A 50% reduction in signal strength is a loss of _____.

   A. 3 dB
   B. 3 dBm
   C. 7 dB
   D. 7 dBm

2. Fiber optic cable should always be pulled by the _____.

   A. jacket
   B. buffer
   C. coating
   D. strength member

3. A _____ splice doesn't produce a back reflection on the OTDR trace.

   A. fusion
   B. epoxy
   C. mechanical
   D. cured

(See answers below)

Answers: 1. A, 2. D, 3. A