If you suspect a fault in the line, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Ignore the fault and continue
• B. Attempt a temporary repair at the connector
• C. Switch to a spare line or set, or notify maintenance to test and locate the fault
• D. Power down the system and wait

Answer: (C)

When a line fault is suspected, the priority is to keep communications reliable while the fault is diagnosed. The recommended course is to switch to a spare line or set, and notify maintenance to test and locate the fault. Using a known-good path preserves the ability to communicate in the meantime, and involves trained personnel who can properly test, locate, and repair the fault without risking further damage. Ignoring the fault, or attempting an on-the-spot temporary repair at a connector, can leave the system unstable or cause new issues. Powering down and waiting disrupts operations without addressing the underlying problem.