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Subelement L: L – Installation, Maintenance & Repair— Topic 80: Installation Codes & Procedures

Question 3-80L3

Element 3 (GROL)

Why should you not use white or translucent plastic tie wraps on a radio tower?

Explanation
White or translucent plastic tie wraps are highly susceptible to degradation from the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV light breaks down the polymer structure of these plastics, causing them to become brittle, crack, and eventually fail much faster than UV-stabilized alternatives. This poses a significant risk as cables secured to a tower could detach, creating safety hazards or damaging equipment. Black tie wraps, conversely, typically incorporate carbon black, which acts as an excellent UV inhibitor, making them far more durable for outdoor, long-term use. FAA regulations (A) do not specify tie wrap color. Attracting wasps (C) is not a recognized engineering concern for tie wrap selection. Plastic tie wraps are insulators and cannot cause electrolysis (D), regardless of color.

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