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49-2022.00 · Task explorer

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

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This source lists 40 tasks, including 33 marked Core and 7 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

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40 tasks shown

Core · Task 11648 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.

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Core · Task 11649 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.

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Core · Task 11651 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.

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Core · Task 11660 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.

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Core · Task 11668 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.

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Core · Task 11652 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.

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Core · Task 11662 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.

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Core · Task 11665 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.

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Core · Task 11664 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.

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Core · Task 11653 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Repair or replace faulty equipment, such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.

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Core · Task 11674 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.

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Core · Task 11669 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.

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Core · Task 11655 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.

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Core · Task 11650 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.

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Core · Task 11671 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.

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Core · Task 11657 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 11680 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 11663 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.

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Core · Task 11654 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.

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Core · Task 11673 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.

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Core · Task 11670 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Route and connect cables and lines to switches, switchboard equipment, and distributing frames, using wire-wrap guns or soldering irons to connect wires to terminals.

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Core · Task 11661 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.

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Core · Task 11659 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.

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Core · Task 11658 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.

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Core · Task 11667 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Designate cables available for use.

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Core · Task 11666 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.

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Core · Task 11656 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.

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Core · Task 11682 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.

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Core · Task 11676 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.

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Core · Task 11679 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.

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Core · Task 11675 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Install updated software and programs that maintain existing software or provide requested features, such as time-correlated call routing.

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Core · Task 11684 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.

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Core · Task 11681 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components and painting worn or exposed areas.

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Supplemental · Task 11683 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.

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Supplemental · Task 11677 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Perform database verifications, using computers.

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Supplemental · Task 11672 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.

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Supplemental · Task 11686 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.

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Supplemental · Task 11678 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.

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Supplemental · Task 11685 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Install telephone station equipment, such as intercommunication systems, transmitters, receivers, relays, and ringers, and related apparatus, such as coin collectors, telephone booths, and switching-key equipment.

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Supplemental · Task 11687 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Place intercept circuits on terminals to handle vacant lines in central office installations.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.