Free BICSI Installer 2, Copper Written Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the BICSI Installer 2, Copper Written Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A technician checks a stranded copper lead marked 7/32 before selecting it for a patching area. What does 32 identify in this notation?

   1. A.The AWG size of each individual strandCorrect answer: A
   2. B.The AWG size of the completed conductor
   3. C.The number of strands in each conductor
   4. D.The number of conductors in the cable

   Explanation: The source states: "For example, a 7X32 (sometimes written as 7/32) indicates that there are 7 strands of 32 AWG wire that make up the conductor." The second number identifies the gauge of each strand; seven is the strand count. Neither number states a cable conductor count or the completed conductor's AWG.

   Reference: Fluke Networks — Stranded vs. Solid Wire Cable: How to Choose — What Is Stranded Wire Cable?

2. 2A telecommunications-room backboard is specified under UFGS 27 10 00. How must its required fire rating be provided?

   1. A.By fire-retardant treatment during manufactureCorrect answer: A
   2. B.By ordinary field-applied primer after delivery
   3. C.By laminating untreated plywood at the job site
   4. D.By coating untreated plywood with wall finish

   Explanation: The specification states: "Backboards must be fire rated by manufacturing process." The rating belongs to the manufactured backboard, rather than an incidental finish or surrounding assembly.

   Reference: UFGS 27 10 00 — Building Telecommunications Cabling System — 2.2.1 Plywood Backboards

3. 3A crew sets up a horizontal copper-cable pull into a conduit whose entry could drag across the cable. Which setup guides the cable into the opening while limiting tearing and excess tension?

   1. A.A suitable conduit shoeCorrect answer: A
   2. B.A reel jackstand
   3. C.A wire-mesh pulling grip
   4. D.A pulling swivel

   Explanation: The source states: "Feed cables directly into the conduit end or use a suitable conduit shoe to avoid excessive pulling tension and prevent cable tearing." The shoe guides the conduit-entry bend; the stand supports the reel, the grip attaches the pulling force, and the swivel relieves twist.

   Reference: CommScope — GigaSPEED X10D Design and Installation Guidelines — Using Conduit for the Cable Pathway, item 2, printed p. 20

4. 4Before terminating a bundle at a panel, an installer must organize the cables. Which grouping directly supports correct placement at the termination field?

   1. A.Group by destinationCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Group by cable length
   3. C.Group by cable category
   4. D.Group by jacket color

   Explanation: BICSI states: "Organizing the cable by destination." Destination-based grouping places each cable near its assigned termination. Length, category and color alone do not establish that assigned destination.

   Reference: BICSI — ITS Installation Methods Manual, copper installation methods — Chapter 5, Pretermination Functions, p. 5-110

5. 5A proposed repair would splice an intrabuilding multipair balanced twisted-pair horizontal run. Under BICSI's stated splicing boundary, where is such splicing allowed?

   1. A.In backbone cabling onlyCorrect answer: A
   2. B.In horizontal cabling only
   3. C.In patch cords only
   4. D.In every segment of a channel

   Explanation: BICSI states: "Intrabuilding multipair balanced twisted-pair cable splicing is only allowed in the backbone cabling and never in horizontal cable." The stated permission is limited to backbone cabling; it does not permit this splice in a horizontal run.

   Reference: BICSI — ITS Installation Methods Manual, copper installation methods — Chapter 5, Splicing Overview, p. 5-91

6. 6An installer selects permanent-link testing rather than channel testing. Which cabling is excluded from the permanent-link measurement described by BICSI?

   1. A.The installed horizontal cable
   2. B.The work-area outlet connection
   3. C.The field instrument's test-cord cable portionCorrect answer: C
   4. D.The installed patch-panel connection

   Explanation: The source states: "The permanent link excludes both the cable portion of the field test instrument cord and the connection to the field test instrument." Permanent-link testing evaluates the installed link without adding the instrument cord's cable portion to the link.

   Reference: BICSI — ITS Installation Methods Manual, copper installation methods — Chapter 5, Permanent Link Test Configuration, p. 5-143

7. 7Cable-test results vary while a handheld radio is transmitting beside the tester. Which controlled comparison best checks whether the radio is disturbing the measurements?

   1. A.Repeat the test with the nearby radio not transmittingCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Repeat the test with a different category limit
   3. C.Repeat the test with a different cable NVP value
   4. D.Repeat the test with a different link model

   Explanation: BICSI states: "Interference from such radios has been known to affect the operation and accuracy of some handheld cable testers." Removing the suspected radio transmission while holding the cable and test settings constant isolates its possible effect. Changing limits, NVP or link model introduces different variables.

   Reference: BICSI — ITS Installation Methods Manual, copper installation methods — Chapter 5, Two-Way Radio, p. 5-154

8. 8A workstation remains plugged into its old faceplate after a desk move, but its TR patching has not been verified. How should the apparent connection be interpreted during the retrofit survey?

   1. A.A plugged-in device alone does not prove an active circuitCorrect answer: A
   2. B.A plugged-in device proves that its TR patching is active
   3. C.A plugged-in device proves that its cable is abandoned
   4. D.A plugged-in device proves that the outlet is spare

   Explanation: BICSI states: "When a computer is plugged into an outlet, it is a good indicator that it is active, but this is not guaranteed." Equipment may remain plugged in after TR patching has changed, so operational status must be verified.

   Reference: BICSI — ITS Installation Methods Manual, copper installation methods — Chapter 11, Verifying Existing Infrastructure, p. 11-13

9. 9Separate telecommunications cables run from individual outlets back to one central distribution point. Which physical topology does this arrangement form?

   1. A.StarCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Bus
   3. C.Ring
   4. D.Mesh

   Explanation: The source states: "A topology in which telecommunications cables are distributed from a central point." Individual cable runs radiate from the central point rather than forming a shared bus or closed ring.

   Reference: BICSI — ITS Installation Methods Manual, copper installation methods — Glossary, star topology

10. 10A listed electrical component used at an ICT installation has specific mounting instructions included in its listing. Under 1910.303(b)(2), what governs its installation and use?

    1. A.The instructions included in that listing or labelingCorrect answer: A
    2. B.The instructions for an equivalent-looking listed unit
    3. C.The distributor's generic installation illustration
    4. D.Prior installation practice with a similar unit

    Explanation: The source states: "Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling." The listing instructions apply to this equipment; appearance or practices for another product do not replace them.

    Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 — General electrical requirements — 1910.303(b)(2)