Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

What precaution should you take whenever you make adjustments or repairs to an antenna?

1. Ensure that you and the antenna structure are grounded

2. Turn off the transmitter and disconnect the feed line

3. Wear a radiation badge

4. All of these choices are correct

The correct answer is: Turn off the transmitter and disconnect the feed line

When making adjustments or repairs to an antenna, turning off the transmitter and disconnecting the feed line is crucial for safety reasons. This step helps to prevent any accidental transmission that could lead to electrical shock or burns, as well as reducing the risk of damaging the equipment. If the transmitter remains on while you work on the antenna, you could potentially energize the antenna, which poses a significant risk not only to you but also to those nearby. Disconnecting the feed line ensures that there is no RF (radio frequency) energy traveling to the antenna, thus eliminating the dangers associated with live circuits. While grounding the antenna structure and wearing safety gear can also enhance safety, the immediate and most impactful precaution you should take is to ensure that the transmitter is off and the feed line is disconnected. This practice is vital in maintaining a safe working environment when dealing with antennas and their related components.