What is the first step in checking for ingress at a drop splitter at the customer premises?

To address ingress at a drop splitter effectively, the first step is to inspect the splitter and confirm that all of its F-connectors are properly wrench-tightened using a 7/16-inch torque wrench. This is crucial because loose or improperly connected F-connectors can create points of entry for unwanted signals, leading to ingress issues. Ensuring these connections are secure minimizes the risk of signal loss and interference from external sources, which is essential for maintaining a clear and reliable signal for the customer.

Checking the tightness of the connectors first helps to eliminate one of the most common causes of ingress before proceeding to other more complex troubleshooting steps. Once this basic and foundational step is confirmed to be satisfactory, technicians can then move on to other troubleshooting actions, such as testing the channels for signal clarity or inspecting the power supply, but securing the connectors is the logical starting point.