Faults in metallic telecommunication cables affect the quality of service a telephone company provides. Locating cable faults can be a very difficult task for the telephone company personnel which does not approach the problem properly. A good technician should be familiar with the various types of communication cables, the physical make-up of each, the types of material used for sheath, shield, core wrap, insultation and conductors. He should be aware of the causes and characteristics of the various faults found in cable plant. He should also have a good knowledge of testing procedures which prove faults to be either in, or out of the cable facilities. Good test equipment which is kept in good condition and the knowledge of how to use it properly is also necessary for the personnel to identify and repair these faults quickly and economically.