What is a fundamental characteristic of good cable installation practice?

A fundamental characteristic of good cable installation practice is ensuring proper grounding connections. Proper grounding is critical in telecommunications installations because it helps to protect both the equipment and the user from electrical faults. Grounding ensures that stray voltages are safely directed away and that equipment operates reliably without interference from external electromagnetic fields. This is particularly important in networking environments, where signal integrity is essential, and any interference can lead to connectivity issues or degraded performance.

Good grounding practices also help prevent damage from surge events, like lightning strikes or power surges, which can be detrimental to sensitive electronic devices. By adhering to proper grounding standards, installers can promote safety and ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the cable system being installed.