PM smarts and needed parts.

Okay, we know on the Top Ten list of glamorous PM jobs posted on your commo shop wall, 26-pair cable maintenance doesn't even rate an honorable mention. But somebody has to do it! And if you're that somebody, here are a few words of wisdom to get the job done right and quickly so you can move on to do PM on those sexy SINCGARS and satellites sets.

Cable Care

Heavy vehicles running over cables break the insulation and mash internal wiring. If the cable insulation is cut or cracked, use electrical tape, NSN 5970-00-685-9059, to patch it.

The rubber boot that helps hold the cable to the hock may need a wrap or two of tape, too. If it's badly cracked or torn, NSN 5975-00-874-3541 will get you a new rubber boot.

Connector Care

A connector on a reeled-up cable should never be left hanging loose. It will bang around or get stepped on. Tie the connector to the inside of the reel rim with field wire or string.

Sometimes, you may need to bag a connector to give it extra protection against the elements. Be careful, though, if using plastic bags, not to seal in moisture or to allow condensation to form inside the bag.

An alternative to bagging that also offers some banging protection is wrapping the connector with heavy paper barrier material.

Contact Care

Take a good look at the contacts. If they're dirty, clean them. If they're bent, straighten them. If they're missing, chipped or broken, replace them. Order a new electrical contact assembly with NSN 5935-01-142-9742.

If the plastic caps that protect the contacts are missing or broken, replace them, too. Order a replacement kit for the caps with NSN 5999-01-073-5507. The kit will do a complete coverup job on 10 connectors.

To keep the contacts in good shape and to keep dirt and moisture out, you must use the receptacle covers when the cable is not in use. You can replace lost or damaged covers with NSN 5935-00-883-4265.

Make sure the new cover stays with the cable by connecting it with wire rope, NSN 1640-01-308-5097, and a swaging sleeve, NSN 4030-00-431-5536.

While you're inspecting or replacing a cover, check the hock gasket, too. It needs to be cut free and intact to do a good sealing job. If it's not, NSN 5330-01-130-7340 brings you a new hock gasket.