Probable Effect Concentration Quotients (PECQS) Practice Test

What type of protection must service cables subject to physical damage have?

1. Conduit protection

2. Any protection except for SMC

3. Cable sheathing

4. Weatherproofing

The correct answer is: Any protection except for SMC

Service cables that are subject to physical damage must have a protective measure that ensures their integrity and safety. The requirement for "any protection except for SMC" indicates that service cables need a form of protection to mitigate potential damage from external factors, but it explicitly excludes SMC, or Surface Metal Conduit, which may not provide adequate protection in certain environments or applications. Using alternative forms of protection—such as conduit protection, cable sheathing, or other robust shielding options—can greatly enhance the cable's resilience against physical impacts, whereas SMC might not meet particular code requirements or may not be suitable in all scenarios. This approach allows for flexibility in selecting the appropriate protective method while ensuring compliance with safety standards for cables exposed to risks of physical damage. The key focus is on ensuring that service cables are adequately shielded from potential hazards, while SMC has been ruled out, potentially due to factors such as its inability to withstand certain types of physical impacts or environmental conditions effectively.