Low Voltage Network Cabling and other Structured Wiring Tips and Tricks

So what is low voltage cabling? Is that faulty light switches or something? Low voltage refers to your telephone or network cabling that produces a low amount of power through their lines. Okay, tricks or cost saving tips you asked for? Let’s get a few ideas out here and of course please comment below the blog with any questions you might have.

1 – Warehouse or Really Long Run?

Running in a warehouse or very long network runs?

Rule of thumb with us at Bridge Cable with CAT5e we stick at the 200ft mark. Our testers pass longer runs but with most companies still using CAT5e as a standard we avoid longer than 200ft, yes….cable can go longer but we have OCD or higher standards than most.

So instead of tangles on a lift or a ladder we always run the cable outside or on the warehouse or factory floor first. Best to measure twice and cut ONCE!

As well imagine the cost of 12 runs at around 200ft only to see you cut the cables a tad bit short. Remember to factor in securing the wiring in with either j-hooks or wire ties.

Now what is this Structured Wiring you mentioned? Structured Cabling or Wiring is simply a building term for usually more than one wire being installed. When folks in our business refer to structured cabling they are usually doing more than 5 or 10 network drops or even supporting a data center.

We of course have Project Managers that plan with you and your team a build out or support for your data center. Check our our network cable installation page as we want to focus on more tricks and tips on this page.

2 – Best way to avoid clumps or a rat’s nest of cable in your cabinet or rack?

Easy for network cable management of your rack?

Buy all the same lengths of patch cables. Of course OCD, we mention that a few times, is to make your own custom cables right on-site during the installation. Rule of thumb of anything over 6 feet is over kill and just ends up to stuffing the slack of the wire in the back of your panels.

If your budget allows spend the extra time and cost to have the network cabling installers custom make the correct lengths. Everyone knows down the road a new IT person or outside vendor is going to stick a stray wire into your gear at one time or another. Stick with the same lengths and have extra ones next to your network equipment.

3 – Learn and remember every time you install network cabling into a set of cubes in a office.

Factor in the cut outs on the bottom of the cubes. Many times, even with Bridge Cable, drops or runs have had to be re-pulled just for a few inches. More and more companies are buying refurbished cubes for their offices and the below trays are different or not on the same side. Ensure before you cut you actually have the right side! 

Network cables in cubes…..a slight pain!

Big Tip – With so many refurbished or used cubes being placed many do not come with the proper faceplates.

Quick tip is to use a biscuit box and one self tapping screw into the metal frame. The network jack is exposed but much better that just a loose connection. As well if possible try to keep the jacks from the path of the users feet. You would be surprised how many jacks are damaged from just a person kicking them off.

Thanks as always for stopping by and reading.

Network cabling services in Philadelphia – Call 877-832-1206