Which accessory is placed on a patch cable to reduce strain during crimping?

• A. Boot
• B. Shield
• C. Jacket
• D. Ferrule

Answer: (A)

Placing a boot on a patch cable near the connector provides strain relief. It guides and distributes any bending or pulling forces away from the wires at the termination, so the delicate conductors aren’t stressed during crimping or daily use. The shield is for EMI protection, not for mechanical strain relief; the jacket is the cable’s outer insulation, not an accessory used at the connector; and a ferrule is a metal ring used in other types of terminations, not the typical patch-cord crimp. So the boot is the best choice to reduce strain during crimping.