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Appendix 1 – Shielded Cable Preparation 
This section tells how to prepare the end of a shielded cable. 
1.  Cut the shielded cable to the overall required length.  
 
2.  Use a utility knife with a new, sharp blade to cut the plastic jacket of the shielded 
cable 1” back from the end. Hold the blade perpendicular to the cable, and draw it 
across the cable lightly as you rotate the cable along its long dimension. This 
creates a scored line through the plastic jacket. With a sharp blade, not much 
pressure is needed. You may need a bit of practice to get the feel. 
 
3.  If you’ve scored the jacket carefully, you can separate the jacket at the score line 
without using tools. Pull the insulating jacket off, exposing the cable, showing the 
foil shield, the drain wire, and the fuzzy string. The result is shown here, with the 
foil shield showing. Save the plastic insulating jacket. It will be used later to 
insulate the drain wire. 
 
4.  Cut off the fuzzy string.