IATSE LOCAL 15 - F LIST EXAM: CABLES & CONNECTORS LATEST
QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS.
Question 1
What are the alternative names for a Speakon connector?
A) NL2, NL4, NL8
B) XLR, DMX, PBG
C) AC, GSP, BNC
D) Feeder, CEPro, Hubbell
E) Cat5e, Cat6, Coaxial
Correct Answer: A) NL2, NL4, NL8
Rationale: Speakon connectors are commonly referred to by their pin configurations, which
are designated as NL2 (2-conductor), NL4 (4-conductor), and NL8 (8-conductor). These names
are used interchangeably in the industry.
Question 2
What is the primary function of a Speakon cable?
A) To carry a digital video signal from a computer to a projector.
B) To connect high-amperage generator power to a production.
C) To connect amplifiers to speakers.
D) To carry multiple circuits of power to lighting instruments.
E) To transmit high-speed networking data.
Correct Answer: C) To connect amplifiers to speakers.
Rationale: Speakon cables are specifically designed for high-current audio applications. Their
primary use is to safely and securely link power amplifiers to passive loudspeaker systems.
Question 3
A standard Ethernet cable, such as Cat5e or Cat6, is comprised of how many conductors?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 5
,D) 8
E) 9
Correct Answer: D) 8
Rationale: Ethernet cables used for networking and data transmission consist of four twisted
pairs of wires, making a total of 8 individual conductors.
Question 4
In environments with high electromagnetic interference, what special requirement might an
Ethernet cable need?
A) A larger gauge wire.
B) A shielded version.
C) A twist-lock connector.
D) A glass core.
E) More conductors.
Correct Answer: B) A shielded version.
Rationale: A shielded Ethernet cable (STP - Shielded Twisted Pair) has a foil or braided shield
around the conductors to protect the data signal from corruption caused by external
electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is common in live production environments with
lots of power cables.
Question 5
An Edison connector is also commonly referred to as what?
A) DMX
B) GSP
C) NL4
D) BNC
E) PBG
Correct Answer: E) PBG
Rationale: Edison is the standard three-prong plug found in North American homes. It is also
,known as AC (Alternating Current), Parallel Bar, or PBG, which stands for Parallel Blade with
Ground.
Question 6
What type of power is an IEC cable most commonly associated with?
A) 208V 3-phase power
B) High amperage generator power
C) 120V "wall power"
D) Low-voltage data signals
E) 48V phantom power for microphones
Correct Answer: C) 120V "wall power"
Rationale: IEC cables are the standard power cords used for many consumer and professional
electronics, such as computers, monitors, and some audio/video equipment, which plug into
a standard 120V Edison wall outlet.
Question 7
Which of the following is an alternative name for an IEC connector?
A) D-plug
B) GSP
C) BNC
D) Feeder
E) NL8
Correct Answer: A) D-plug
Rationale: Due to its distinct D-shape, the IEC connector is often informally called a "D-plug."
It is also commonly referred to as a "computer cable."
Question 8
How many conductors are found in a standard Stage Pin connector used for conventional
lighting?
A) 2
B) 3
, C) 4
D) 5
E) 7
Correct Answer: B) 3
Rationale: A Stage Pin connector has three conductors: a hot, a neutral, and a ground. This
allows it to carry a single circuit of AC power.
Question 9
What is the primary application for a Stage Pin connector in theatrical production?
A) Connecting speakers to amplifiers.
B) Daisy-chaining data for moving lights.
C) Connecting conventional lighting instruments to dimmers.
D) Transmitting high-definition video signals.
E) Powering chain hoists and automation equipment.
Correct Answer: C) Connecting conventional lighting instruments to dimmers.
Rationale: The Stage Pin connector is the industry standard for safely connecting conventional
(non-moving) lighting fixtures to their corresponding dimmer circuits, allowing for intensity
control.
Question 10
What does the acronym GSP stand for in the context of lighting connectors?
A) General Service Plug
B) Grounded Stage Pin
C) Generator System Power
D) Grounded Speaker Plug
E) General Stage Power
Correct Answer: B) Grounded Stage Pin
Rationale: GSP is a common alternative name for a Stage Pin connector, emphasizing that it is
a grounded connector, unlike older, ungrounded versions.
QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS.
Question 1
What are the alternative names for a Speakon connector?
A) NL2, NL4, NL8
B) XLR, DMX, PBG
C) AC, GSP, BNC
D) Feeder, CEPro, Hubbell
E) Cat5e, Cat6, Coaxial
Correct Answer: A) NL2, NL4, NL8
Rationale: Speakon connectors are commonly referred to by their pin configurations, which
are designated as NL2 (2-conductor), NL4 (4-conductor), and NL8 (8-conductor). These names
are used interchangeably in the industry.
Question 2
What is the primary function of a Speakon cable?
A) To carry a digital video signal from a computer to a projector.
B) To connect high-amperage generator power to a production.
C) To connect amplifiers to speakers.
D) To carry multiple circuits of power to lighting instruments.
E) To transmit high-speed networking data.
Correct Answer: C) To connect amplifiers to speakers.
Rationale: Speakon cables are specifically designed for high-current audio applications. Their
primary use is to safely and securely link power amplifiers to passive loudspeaker systems.
Question 3
A standard Ethernet cable, such as Cat5e or Cat6, is comprised of how many conductors?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 5
,D) 8
E) 9
Correct Answer: D) 8
Rationale: Ethernet cables used for networking and data transmission consist of four twisted
pairs of wires, making a total of 8 individual conductors.
Question 4
In environments with high electromagnetic interference, what special requirement might an
Ethernet cable need?
A) A larger gauge wire.
B) A shielded version.
C) A twist-lock connector.
D) A glass core.
E) More conductors.
Correct Answer: B) A shielded version.
Rationale: A shielded Ethernet cable (STP - Shielded Twisted Pair) has a foil or braided shield
around the conductors to protect the data signal from corruption caused by external
electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is common in live production environments with
lots of power cables.
Question 5
An Edison connector is also commonly referred to as what?
A) DMX
B) GSP
C) NL4
D) BNC
E) PBG
Correct Answer: E) PBG
Rationale: Edison is the standard three-prong plug found in North American homes. It is also
,known as AC (Alternating Current), Parallel Bar, or PBG, which stands for Parallel Blade with
Ground.
Question 6
What type of power is an IEC cable most commonly associated with?
A) 208V 3-phase power
B) High amperage generator power
C) 120V "wall power"
D) Low-voltage data signals
E) 48V phantom power for microphones
Correct Answer: C) 120V "wall power"
Rationale: IEC cables are the standard power cords used for many consumer and professional
electronics, such as computers, monitors, and some audio/video equipment, which plug into
a standard 120V Edison wall outlet.
Question 7
Which of the following is an alternative name for an IEC connector?
A) D-plug
B) GSP
C) BNC
D) Feeder
E) NL8
Correct Answer: A) D-plug
Rationale: Due to its distinct D-shape, the IEC connector is often informally called a "D-plug."
It is also commonly referred to as a "computer cable."
Question 8
How many conductors are found in a standard Stage Pin connector used for conventional
lighting?
A) 2
B) 3
, C) 4
D) 5
E) 7
Correct Answer: B) 3
Rationale: A Stage Pin connector has three conductors: a hot, a neutral, and a ground. This
allows it to carry a single circuit of AC power.
Question 9
What is the primary application for a Stage Pin connector in theatrical production?
A) Connecting speakers to amplifiers.
B) Daisy-chaining data for moving lights.
C) Connecting conventional lighting instruments to dimmers.
D) Transmitting high-definition video signals.
E) Powering chain hoists and automation equipment.
Correct Answer: C) Connecting conventional lighting instruments to dimmers.
Rationale: The Stage Pin connector is the industry standard for safely connecting conventional
(non-moving) lighting fixtures to their corresponding dimmer circuits, allowing for intensity
control.
Question 10
What does the acronym GSP stand for in the context of lighting connectors?
A) General Service Plug
B) Grounded Stage Pin
C) Generator System Power
D) Grounded Speaker Plug
E) General Stage Power
Correct Answer: B) Grounded Stage Pin
Rationale: GSP is a common alternative name for a Stage Pin connector, emphasizing that it is
a grounded connector, unlike older, ungrounded versions.
