Tuesday, September 1, 2020

6 Things to Avoid During Structured Cabling Installation

10 things you shouldn't do when running network cable - TechRepublic

 A structured cabling system (SCS) is an integral part of installing various cables in buildings for different purposes. It is used to transfer large amounts of digital data throughout your business. Structured data cabling is the medium for regulating data transmission in a building or in a group of buildings. When installing SCS, conventional components are used, which can be cables, switches and other specialized equipment. During installation, network equipment also complies with certain standards. 

SCS covers the whole space of the building, which unites all points of information transmission media. It connects the computers, telephones, fire alarm sensors, video surveillance, and access control systems. All these supplies are connected with an original point and provide signals to the whole building system. Wires connect the entry points to the floor's switching center, creating a parallel cabling subsystem. External cable lines also used in the building for obtaining global information resources like telephony, the Internet, etc. This topology provides secure management to the whole building system. In addition, it also provides flexibility and simplicity to the system.

Maybe you just completed a wonderful network cable installation project! But in a few months, the network cable installation you just did is not performing well. That's why you need to make sure that network cable installation and structured cabling projects are well organized. A messy and not well-organized cable system can reflect a bad impression. Sometimes, it also becomes laborious to troubleshoot difficulties and track outlines in the event you have a problem.  

So, what mistakes should you avoid? Let’s have a look at the following.


Table of Content

  • Mistakes You Need to Avoid While Installing Structured Cabling
  • Ignoring the Quality of Equipment
  • Remove all Unused and Old Cabling
  • Not Following the Rules
  • Not Thinking About Noisy Fixtures and Devices
  • Running Unshielded Cables
  • Ignoring Cabling Codes/Laws/Ordinances
  • Bottom Line!

Mistakes You Need to Avoid While Installing Structured Cabling

Ignoring the Quality of Equipment

A consequence of the choice of a low-quality or completely defective structured cable can damage the outer sheath. This can happen due to the influence of atmospheric weather phenomena. Often, water penetrated through the damaged cable can flow down the cable. Sometimes, the management of organizations seeks to save significantly on the design and installation of SCS by buying cheap equipment. But, the choice of a cable system should be approached with special responsibility. And you should not save on such projects. For this, you can hire any professional company to carry out the structured cabling installation. These experts will tell you how to minimize costs without losing the quality of equipment.

Remove all Unused and Old Cabling

If you really want to manage your cabling structure, then it is recommended that remove all unused and old cabling before installing a new cable. But, it is not that as it seems to. The cable installed in your ceiling may be of over 20 years old or more than that. And many times, you can use the structured cabling components like j hooks, and cable trays and other fasteners for your network cable installation project. 

Not Following the Rules

While installing a cable, it is recommended to follow the standardized labeling methods. For opting this, you know how to label the cables on both ends, label the racks, label the patch panels, and follow a standard to install the cables properly. If you will not follow the rules, then the progress does not standstill. SCS ensures reliable, well-coordinated operation of equipment and minimizes operational disruptions. In addition, it makes it easy to integrate new jobs. Equipment transportation can be carried out without loss of user data.

Not Thinking About Noisy Fixtures and Devices

Any type of device that emits electrical or magnetic interference can wreak destruction on your cabling solution. It is also recommended that keep yourself aware and devise a cabling pathway that will bypass these kinds of devices from disrupting or creating noise during transmission. Installation work should be carried out by a team of highly qualified engineers in conjunction with other types of work. It should be remembered that a properly designed and installed SCS will provide you with long-term work with one-time financial investments.

Running Unshielded Cables 

Data cabling is made of twisted pairs of cables that are equipped with a magnetic field, which is produced by a low voltage that runs through the cable. While running electric cables in parallel, the magnetic field can become obstructed which makes communication noisy and can create an interruption in transmission. It is recommended that if you are handling the electrical power lines, use shielded cable or cross cable perpendicular instead of parallel. 

Ignoring Cabling Codes/Laws/Ordinances

Not paying attention at codes is counted as a major safety issue because ignoring codes./law/ordinance violations can give birth to various dangerous issues. For instance, installing PVC-jacked cabling in roof/crawl areas is extremely toxic and serious when it burns. This establishes firefighters and other personnel that may be exposed when navigating the area during an emergency. This is not only dangerous to ignoring the codes but you may also fall into risk provoking heavy fines and penalties. But there is a possibility to remove such issues and install or replace it with high-quality cables to code. For handling such work, you can hire a reputable cabling contractor who is well aware of the codes in your area. Make sure your hiring contractor is keeping themself up to date on all state and local codes. This will help in reducing the overall data cabling installation costs.

Bottom Line!

Do not spare your money and be sure to invite a technical specialist to evaluate and diagnose the signal. Be sure to be smart about the technical plan and the design of the cable network. Entrust the entire complex of work on installing cables to professionals. A structured cabling system is a cabling infrastructure that provides an organized and standardized approach to cabling. Choosing the right structured cabling solution can affect several issues such as data transfer rates, network performance, power consumption, cost, and more.