What does a Cable Installation Technician do?
Published 4 min read
A cable installation technician installs and repairs cable television and high-speed internet lines. They may also install and repair telephone lines.
Cable Installation Technician job duties include:
- Read and interpret blueprints, maps, diagrams and work orders to determine the best course of action for installing or repairing cable
- Locate underground utilities using a variety of methods including visual inspection, hand-held locator devices and computer-aided mapping software
- Excavate trenches or boreholes to lay conduit and perform other preparatory work
- Install underground conduit systems using hand or power tools
- Pull cable through conduit using a variety of methods including hand-over-hand pulling, winching and vacuuming
- Terminate cables at distribution points such as junction boxes, patch panels and termination blocks using hand tools
- Make connections between cable and equipment using a variety of methods including soldering, crimping and screwing
- Test continuity of circuit using multimeters or other electronic testing devices
- Repair or replace damaged sections of conduit, cable or equipment
- Keep detailed records of work completed for customer billing and repair history purposes
Cable Installation Technician Job Requirements
Most cable installation technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary education, such as an associate's degree in electronics. Many cable companies require technicians to be certified by the National Cable Television Cooperative, Inc. (NCTI). Certification typically involves completing a training program and passing an exam. Some states also have certification requirements for cable installation technicians. In addition to formal education and certification, most employers prefer candidates with previous experience working with cables and other electronic equipment.
Cable Installation Technician Skills
- Bending and installing conduit
- Installing junction boxes
- Splicing and terminating cables
- Reading and understanding blueprints
- Pulling cable through conduit
- Installing support systems
- Troubleshooting electrical problems
- Locating underground utilities
- Working with ladders and scaffolding
- Operating power tools
- Following safety guidelines
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How to become a Cable Installation Technician
Cable installation technicians are responsible for installing and repairing cable television and internet systems. They must be able to work with a variety of tools and equipment, as well as have a strong understanding of electronics.
To become a cable installation technician, you will need to complete a training program offered by a cable company or trade school. During your training, you will learn about the different types of cables and how to install them properly. You will also learn how to troubleshoot and repair cable systems. Once you have completed your training, you will be able to take the certification exam offered by the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC).
In order to be successful in this career, it is important to have good customer service skills. You will be working closely with customers to ensure that their cable systems are installed correctly and working properly. It is also important to be able to work independently and have good problem-solving skills.
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