Cable theft prevention

Q: What is the termination cap with the tool sleeve that is installed on the inline distribution ports found on most poles for cable TV?

Mike Woods

A5 Consulting

Nashville, TN

A: What you are describing is a hex nut that is put on the distribution splitter before the line goes to a home. It has a tool sleeve that requires a special socket tool. It`s more like a cable theft-prevention device.

Donna Ballast is a communications analyst at the University of Texas at Austin and a bicsi registered communications distribution designer (rcdd). Questions can be sent to her at Cabling Installation & Maintenance or at PO Drawer 7580, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78713; tel: (512) 471-0112, fax: (512) 471-8883, e-mail: [email protected].