ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What does an induced current on a line typically indicate in wiring practices?

1. Imbalance in wiring

2. Close proximity to AC lines

3. Faulty equipment

4. Exposed wiring

The correct answer is: Close proximity to AC lines

An induced current on a line typically indicates close proximity to AC lines. This phenomenon occurs when an alternating current in nearby wires generates an electromagnetic field that can induce a voltage in adjacent conductors. This is especially relevant in wiring practices because it reflects the importance of maintaining proper distances between different types of cables to minimize interference. Understanding this concept helps technicians recognize that induced currents can influence the performance of alarm systems. If an alarm system wire runs too close to high-voltage AC lines, it can pick up stray voltages, leading to malfunctions or false alarms. Therefore, when designing and installing wiring, awareness of the potential for induced current is crucial to ensure reliability and effectiveness in alarm system performance.