Only fuse the HOT wires! Installing fuses on the other lines will not let excess or shorted voltage run to ground. Excess voltage would then remain in your equipment as a shock hazard.

Fusing HOT wires keeps the system COOL, fusing COOL wires keeps the system HOT! OUCH!

The answer of "Only the two wires carrying voltage" is written incorrectly. The answer choices should read:

A. Only the ungrounded conductors (the "hot" wires) B. Only the grounded conductor (the neutral wire) C. Only the grounding conductor D. All of the wires

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

Use at least AWG number 12 wire as the minimum size for a 20-amp circuit, as this wire is rated to safely handle greater than 20 amperes of maximum current load.

Silly hint: The two most common shotgun sizes are "12" and "20" gauge.

For more on AWG wire here's a link to Wikipedia: Tables of AWG wire sizes

Last edited by mmaki. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

Using a 15A fuse or circuit breaker with a circuit using AWG #14 wiring will protect the wire from exceeding its maximum allowable current.

Silly hint: of the options, the number 15 is the closest to the number 14 in the question.

For more on AWG wire and maximum ampacity (current) here's a link to Wikipedia: Table of AWG wire sizes

Last edited by glitteribbon. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

Gasoline-fueled generators should NEVER be placed in an enclosed or occupied area because the exhaust fumes emitted, especially carbon monoxide, can poison or KILL you. Take care to make sure that such equipment is well ventilated and away from any vents which may carry fumes into occupied areas.

To Remember: Would you like to sit right behind the exhaust pipe of a smoke belching diesel truck? NO!!

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

A GFCI outlet measures the power coming in and then returning to your panel as it completes the circuit. It was designed to detect any difference of more than 4 or 5 milliamps and to react quickly (less than one-tenth of a second) to shut down any circuit out of this small range. Shorts will also cause this but the primary function is to measure what is going out versus what is coming back (hot/neutral).

The word "ground" is in both the question and the answer.

Last edited by mike.sirianni. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

The NEC or National Electrical Code sets the US standard for wiring and electrical equipment installations (including electrical safety inside the ham shack). The NEC publishes code books and references with guidelines for safe electrical installations and practices.

See also Wikipedia: National Electrical Code

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

Hint: while all these options are valid, the question specifically addresses belts.

Safety belts and harnesses are designed to stop the fall of the wearer, preventing serious injury. The gear must be capable of halting the weight of the person wearing it, along with the weight of any other gear that may be attached to the person or harness.

Any gear attached to the harness should be attached at the provided attachment points. All OSHA approved gear is rated to handle a maximum weight, to include the person wearing it and any tools or gear the person has, and exceeding this weight risks the failure of the fall protection gear.

The ratings and limitations of the gear are found on a label attached to the gear. This label should never be removed, and should be legible.

Safety gear is stringently designed and tested, and should be approved by OSHA. The materials used in a harness will degrade over time. The length of time will vary, depending on the quality of the materials. In order to be safe, do not use gear that has passed its expiration date.

Any fall protection device that has, in the past, arrested a fall, or that is frayed or damaged, or that is missing the label, or is past its expiration date, should be destroyed in a manner that it can no longer be used, and discarded appropriately.

Last edited by dosewallips. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 39

Tower climbing is always risky and even more so when power is involved.

Disconnecting the ground/ungrounding would add risk because it removes a path for energy to dissipate. That rules out "All" as well.

The electric company would only be involved if they had equipment on the tower, which is not likely if you're the one climbing it.

In every case you must make absolutely sure that all circuits that supply power to the tower are totally DISCONNECTED, LOCKED OUT and TAGGED OUT (LOTO). This is so that someone below who does not know that you are on the tower will see the tagged circuits and know to NOT reconnect the power.

Last edited by nicenjehr. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 39

Emergency generators, especially those fueled by gasoline or diesel, must always be located in well ventilated areas. Inside a garage, basement or other occupied location are NOT good places for such equipment as harmful exhausts, especially carbon monoxide can poison or KILL you.

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

Lead can contaminate food if hands are not washed carefully after handling the solder.

Lead is known to be a toxic substance, and so contact with skin and especially foods should be avoided. Wear gloves when possible and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using solder, especially before eating.

It is also good practice to never eat at your work bench – you don't know what chemicals or hazards you might pick up with your sandwich!

Tin whiskers only in lead free solder

Last edited by bigjimchest. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

It’s important to bond all of your grounds lines together (shack and house, etc.) so that in case of a lightning strike current cannot jump from one ground to another causing destructive surges.

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

Interlock circuits are intended to provide safety by preventing you from coming into contact with components of your equipment which may have dangerous voltages.

The interlocks ensure that dangerous voltages are removed if you open the equipment cabinet.

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

If you don't disconnect the incoming utility power feed, power from your generator could flow back into the utility lines. This is called backfeeding, which is usually illegal and can be dangerous to both equipment (which often assumes that power flows only in one direction) and people (for example, if they're working to restore power to a neighborhood and encounter high voltage on a utility line).

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 37

You always want to make sure that there is no risk of electric shock or RF burns when working with your antenna. Make sure to turn off the transmitter, disconnect the feed line, and leave a note so that no one else will turn things on!

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 9 arrl module 39