How far behind the guide cable should the next cable be added?

The correct answer indicates that the next cable should be added 3 inches behind the guide cable. This distance helps maintain a proper cable management standard, ensuring that the cables do not interfere with each other while maintaining a clean and organized installation. Proper spacing is crucial for avoiding excessive stress on cables and facilitating future maintenance or upgrades.

Additionally, a 3-inch separation helps to mitigate the risk of crosstalk between the cables, as well as ensuring adequate airflow for cooling purposes. In environments like data centers where temperature control is essential, proper spacing directly contributes to the overall efficiency of the systems in place.

By following the guideline of placing cables 3 inches behind the guide cable, installers can adhere to best practices that enhance the longevity and performance of the cabling infrastructure.