If you want to achieve seamless communication and networking, then structured cabling is something you can’t ignore during construction. Proper cabling installation ensures that information flows smoothly over the cabling network, increasing building occupants’ productivity, efficiency, and performance. To achieve that, you must follow engineering design rules and steps. The following are a few construction tips you should consider during cabling installation.
Design the Cabling Diagram/Map
The first critical step you should consider is having a blueprint of how the cabling will be laid out in your building. Designing a cabling diagram will also allow you to develop an appropriate hardware layout design, including port counts, power access points, patch panels, and trunk locations to name a few. Once you have created the cabling diagram, it then becomes easy to approximate the necessary cabling infrastructure and bandwidth.
Prepare Cable Installation
Using the information gathered from the above step, you can now go ahead and prepare for cable installation. Take inventory of all hardware on-site and compare them with those provided in the design phase. Again, confirm that you have the tools and materials needed to complete the cabling installation. These may include scissors for removing twists, Velcro, cable labeling, cable cleaner, protective equipment, etc. Keeping a checklist with you can help you keep track of the preparations that should be made before beginning the installation process.
Install Conduits
Now that you have every tool ready, you can start with installing the conduits. Conduits are the tubes that will protect and route your electrical cables throughout your building structure. Installing conduits can be a relatively straightforward process. Using the right microtrenching equipment reduces the impact of installation, causing no damage to the existing infrastructure. Note that conduit sizes can vary depending on the type of wiring passing through. For fiber optic cables, the conduit should be oversized to prevent fragility.
Install the Cables
In this step, you will pull the cable wires from the breaker box to the desired destination, according to your diagram. For lengthy cables, you should label the trunks at both ends or use distinctive colors to prevent confusion. You don’t want to pull a 300-foot cable to the designed route only to realize that you pulled the wrong end or cable. Make sure the furcation point cables, service loops, and patch panels are firmly connected to prevent unraveling. Also, before closing up and calling it cone, confirm transmission performance using a voltage tester. Lastly, deploy the proper insulators for safety and a longer lifespan.
Cabling your house can be a challenging but not impossible task. With the steps mentioned above, you will find cable installations easily. However, you should work with a professional installation partner during construction for the best results.