IATSE LOCAL 15 - F LIST EXAM: CABLES & CONNECTORS LATEST QUESTIONS
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS/NEWEST UPDATE!!!
Question 1
What is the primary use of a Speakon connector in a professional audio environment?
A) Connecting a mixing console to a computer
B) Connecting amplifiers to speakers
C) Providing 120V power to a guitar amp
D) Daisy-chaining lighting instruments
E) Transmitting high-definition video signals
Correct Answer: B) Connecting amplifiers to speakers
Rationale: Speakon connectors, developed by Neutrik, are the industry standard for high-
current audio applications. They are designed with a locking system to prevent accidental
disconnection and are used exclusively to bridge the signal between an power amplifier and
a passive speaker cabinet.
Question 2
Which of the following is a common industry name for the Speakon connector series?
A) BNC
B) GSP
C) NL4
D) RS-232
E) PBG
Correct Answer: C) NL4
Rationale: Speakon connectors are commonly categorized by the number of electrical
contacts they contain, with NL2 (2-pole), NL4 (4-pole), and NL8 (8-pole) being the standard
designations used by stagehands and sound technicians.
Question 3
A standard Ethernet cable (such as Cat5e or Cat6) typically contains how many conductors?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 8
E) 12
Correct Answer: D) 8
Rationale: Standard twisted-pair Ethernet cables consist of four pairs of wires, totaling
eight individual conductors. These are used for data networking, digital audio protocols
(like Dante), and lighting control (sACN/Art-Net).
Question 4
In some professional environments, Ethernet cables require a "shielded" version. What is the
primary reason for this?
, 2
A) To make the cable more flexible for wrapping
B) To prevent the cable from being crushed by heavy trunks
C) To protect the data signal from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
D) To allow the cable to carry 240V power
E) To make the connector waterproof
Correct Answer: C) To protect the data signal from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Rationale: Shielded Ethernet (STP) uses a metallic foil or braid to protect the signal from
noise generated by nearby power cables or lighting ballasts, which is essential for
maintaining data integrity over long distances.
Question 5
Which of the following is a common nickname for a standard 120V Edison connector?
A) Twist Lock
B) Parallel Bar Ground (PBG)
C) Socapex
D) NL8
E) D-Plug
Correct Answer: B) Parallel Bar Ground (PBG)
Rationale: The common household 3-prong plug is known in the entertainment industry as
an "Edison," "AC," or "Parallel Bar Ground (PBG)" because the two main blades are
parallel to one another.
Question 6
What does the acronym "IEC" refer to when a stagehand is asked to find a "computer cable"?
A) Integrated Electronic Connection
B) International Electrotechnical Commission
C) Internal Edison Connector
D) Instant Ethernet Cable
E) Instrument Extension Cord
Correct Answer: B) International Electrotechnical Commission
Rationale: The "IEC" cable is the standardized power cord used for computers, monitors,
and many pieces of AV equipment. It is sometimes called a "D-plug" due to the shape of the
C13/C14 connector.
Question 7
A "Stage Pin" connector is primarily used for which application in a theater?
A) Connecting speakers to an amplifier
B) Connecting conventional lighting instruments to dimmers
C) Providing power to heavy machinery like chain motors
D) Sending digital DMX signals to moving lights
E) Connecting a projector to a laptop
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS/NEWEST UPDATE!!!
Question 1
What is the primary use of a Speakon connector in a professional audio environment?
A) Connecting a mixing console to a computer
B) Connecting amplifiers to speakers
C) Providing 120V power to a guitar amp
D) Daisy-chaining lighting instruments
E) Transmitting high-definition video signals
Correct Answer: B) Connecting amplifiers to speakers
Rationale: Speakon connectors, developed by Neutrik, are the industry standard for high-
current audio applications. They are designed with a locking system to prevent accidental
disconnection and are used exclusively to bridge the signal between an power amplifier and
a passive speaker cabinet.
Question 2
Which of the following is a common industry name for the Speakon connector series?
A) BNC
B) GSP
C) NL4
D) RS-232
E) PBG
Correct Answer: C) NL4
Rationale: Speakon connectors are commonly categorized by the number of electrical
contacts they contain, with NL2 (2-pole), NL4 (4-pole), and NL8 (8-pole) being the standard
designations used by stagehands and sound technicians.
Question 3
A standard Ethernet cable (such as Cat5e or Cat6) typically contains how many conductors?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 8
E) 12
Correct Answer: D) 8
Rationale: Standard twisted-pair Ethernet cables consist of four pairs of wires, totaling
eight individual conductors. These are used for data networking, digital audio protocols
(like Dante), and lighting control (sACN/Art-Net).
Question 4
In some professional environments, Ethernet cables require a "shielded" version. What is the
primary reason for this?
, 2
A) To make the cable more flexible for wrapping
B) To prevent the cable from being crushed by heavy trunks
C) To protect the data signal from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
D) To allow the cable to carry 240V power
E) To make the connector waterproof
Correct Answer: C) To protect the data signal from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Rationale: Shielded Ethernet (STP) uses a metallic foil or braid to protect the signal from
noise generated by nearby power cables or lighting ballasts, which is essential for
maintaining data integrity over long distances.
Question 5
Which of the following is a common nickname for a standard 120V Edison connector?
A) Twist Lock
B) Parallel Bar Ground (PBG)
C) Socapex
D) NL8
E) D-Plug
Correct Answer: B) Parallel Bar Ground (PBG)
Rationale: The common household 3-prong plug is known in the entertainment industry as
an "Edison," "AC," or "Parallel Bar Ground (PBG)" because the two main blades are
parallel to one another.
Question 6
What does the acronym "IEC" refer to when a stagehand is asked to find a "computer cable"?
A) Integrated Electronic Connection
B) International Electrotechnical Commission
C) Internal Edison Connector
D) Instant Ethernet Cable
E) Instrument Extension Cord
Correct Answer: B) International Electrotechnical Commission
Rationale: The "IEC" cable is the standardized power cord used for computers, monitors,
and many pieces of AV equipment. It is sometimes called a "D-plug" due to the shape of the
C13/C14 connector.
Question 7
A "Stage Pin" connector is primarily used for which application in a theater?
A) Connecting speakers to an amplifier
B) Connecting conventional lighting instruments to dimmers
C) Providing power to heavy machinery like chain motors
D) Sending digital DMX signals to moving lights
E) Connecting a projector to a laptop
