10 Things Everyone Should Know On How NOT To Install A Cable

There is definitely a right way to do a cable installations. This knowledge, however, is not known by everyone. The homeowner has been known to “wing it” when the pressure of a looming kick-off was weighing on their minds. That said, even the most seasoned veteran of the installation trade may have occasionally found him or herself having to “bend” the rules to bring an installation in on time and on budget.

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Life happens. Nobody on our end is judging, but for the sake of clarity and in support of the current wave of digital transformation, Versa proudly presents a 10-point infographic on how NOT to install a cable.

Just as a disclaimer, we are serious but our presentation might be a little bit tongue-in-cheek.

1. Do not think it’s okay to “wing it.”

The smartest way to start a project is to map it out in its entirety on paper. This process has the potential to raise important questions and obstacles you may not have considered. Many is the day a simple installation grew to monster proportions because the installer or DIYer got waylayed by an unforeseen glitch.

Poor planning can cost time and money. The discipline of having to draw out the end-to-end process in advance can actually spotlight troubles before they happen and to allow you to get advice on beforehand. That way, you don’t find yourself in a situation where your job site is ripped apart and your client is breathing down your neck. Not pretty.

Some points a pre-plan can help ensure:

• That you have more than enough cable to span the distance
• That your cable delivers 1 Gbps where required
• That you have enough of the right connectors
• That you can easily access the full distance you need to run the cable
• That your client knows the full scope of the operation and can pay you what your worth for your time
• And finally, that you’ve identified potential sources of interference along the cabling route

Getting the proverbial “skunk” on the table, has allowed many a project to proceed without unnecessary stress. In the long run, this process will actually make your life simpler.

SOLUTION: Get the job on paper before you start.

2. Do not assume you know the PoE compliance of the devices you’re connecting to.

An installer must always double-check every device they are connecting to ensure they have the right cable. It is also helpful take a look at the switch to see that it can properly support the power requirements of the device.

That might include power budget per port when connecting a switch. It’s important to know whether power can be delivered over the same cable as data. An installer also needs to be aware if an injector is needed for a legacy device, and finally, whether an extender is required for pulls that exceed the 100m distance limitations for data over Ethernet.

SOLUTION: Go through your network devices to verify compatibilities to be sure to have the right things like SFP plugins or injectors on hand on installation day.

3. Do not buy the cheapest equipment available.

The old saying penny wise is pound foolish exists for a reason. It is better to buy and install the finest quality IT networking equipment you or your client can afford. First quality products tend to last longer and they generally perform better while they do.

If you’re going to all the trouble of opening walls, and purchasing top-of-the-line components, make sure you’re connecting those devices with solid high-performance cabling options. Indeed, make sure cables can out last the next couple of technology refreshes.

Ethernet cabling typically has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Look at the warranty label for manufacturer specifications. Inferior quality cables will begin to fail sooner. Well insulated cables of a better grade are often worth the added expense throughout the lifecycle of the installation.

SOLUTION: Think 10 and even 20 years ahead. Things are going to change. Determine how your network will make these transitions. Don’t be afraid to ask an expert if you need help. Technology is transforming rapidly.

4. Do not assume you don’t need to know the latest standards.

Realistically, it’s a good idea to stay current on the state of industry products. For instance, knowing the latest Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standards for power over Ethernet can help the installer make informed choices. The IEEE recently ratified the 802.3bt standard, also known as Type 4. What’s new about Type 4 is that it can deliver up to 95W of power per device per port over 4-pair Ethernet.

SOLUTION: Read up on blogs and go to product labels to see how much power your devices require. That way you can install switches and cabling to support the more sophisticated, feature-laden devices becoming available right now. Your client will see the value of the money spent for the installation in direct correlation to the benefit delivered by the end device that cable supports.

The company is the world’s best Overhead Insulated Cable supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

5. Do not assume your installation is a one-and-done.

Instead, assume that things could change and that others will need to get to your installation to adjust or add to it. Add a door rather than sheet rock. Mount your hub inside of a utility room or IT closet. Know that the easier it is for the next guy to make repairs, the easier it will be on your client.

Nothing inspires the desire to rehire quite like a job well done. Besides the person who comes in later to do more work might actually be you.

SOLUTION: Plan in the ease of administration into your original design. Even if you’re not the original designer, be sure to add ways to capture that ease of access into your proposal. Your client will be grateful in the long run.

6. Do not run cable near devices that generate electrostatic.

That means electrical closets, microwaves, and noisy manufacturing floors. It is a good idea to review the building plans before designing your topology. A stitch in time saves nine. It’s easier to avoid trouble than have to constantly manage it.

SOLUTION: Check with the facilities manager to see where power sources, kitchens and labs, and manufacturing “hotspots” are for electrostatic. They may know of upcoming renovations that might not appear on a set of building blueprints. Save yourself a headache and ask.

7. Do not ignore the potential for the future.

Running an extra cable or two could save expense and time down the road. Find out from your client where potential expansion may happen and the future and plan that into your installation. Labor is one of the most expensive parts of a cable installation. Your client will think very highly of this kind of advice.

SOLUTION: Understand how more cable up front could save a bundle down the road. Be ready to explain this to your customer. You’ll not only make their lives easier but make them look good to their management team.

8. Do not ignore networking terminology.

Many of your clients will be IT networking insiders, but some definitely won’t. Be ready to explain some of the basic concepts to your client. Terms like backbone and segment should not only appear in your conversation but also on your plans.  It will show them that you know whereof you speak and will help themconcepts to to communicate within their company.

SOLUTION: This tip isn’t bad for the DIY homeowner either. The more you know, the better the choices you will make.

9. Do not ignore the benefits of different media.

Each type of cable offers different features. Coaxial and existing copper may also play into this picture. These may be easily repurposed for some of the upcoming technologies. For this article, though, we will look at the following.

Fiber optic is expensive but it is fast, can span long distances, and weather harsh temperature extremes. It’s an excellent choice for industrial environments. Read more here.

Ethernet is much less expensive and is becoming faster and more powerful. It offers the potential to deliver power and data over a single cable. It cuts down on installing additional power sources, and the devices it supports are becoming much more sophisticated. More here.

Wireless is getting ready for the big 5G boom. The wireless access point can be connected with either Ethernet or fiber. There are plenty of advances headed our way. One notable ability to recharge smartphones over wireless.

SOLUTION: The possibilities are many. Pick the option that gives your client the biggest bang for the buck.

10. Do not forget to take advantage of the real estate overhead.

One of the cabling options that is disrupting business as usual is the overhead modular option. You can read more about it here. Simply put, this option will allow work spaces to become much more responsive to the people doing business.

SOLUTION: Discuss the possibilities with your client. This approach is sure to become a standard for campus new builds because of its phenomenal versatility.

For more information, please visit Overhead Bunching Wire.

Hey guys I'm a NYC electrician that has only done underground P O E for the service ,

I notice the overhead service where a whether head is used the neutral in not insulated.

Why is it insulated underground but for the overhead its not ?

Most OH service are AL.
AL conductors must be insulated or covered when buried to prevent corrosion.

Or since its already grounded there is really no risk ?

Why is it insulated underground but for the overhead its not ?

Doesn't an uninsulated neutral pose a safety risk ??

Or since its already grounded there is really no risk ?

A neutral service conductor may be bare all the way to the service disconnect.

We can touch it, or the bare SE cable wire, or the meter base, or the service enclosure, etc.

The neutral at the service "defines" the zero-volts reference of the premises.

A neutral service conductor may be bare all the way to the service disconnect.

We can touch it, or the bare SE cable wire, or the meter base, or the service enclosure, etc.

The neutral at the service "defines" the zero-volts reference of the premises.

Won't the neutral be carrying the imbalance load ??

Won't the neutral be carrying the imbalance load ??

Yes, but there's a difference between current through a conductor and the voltage between it and earth.

The voltage from the neutral to earth becomes an issue when the neutral-current pathway is interrupted.

Remember that the EGC system is bonded to the neutral so a fault-to-ground mimics a fault-to-neutral.

Added: See this: https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/understanding-the-neutral-conductor./

See:

Yes, but there's a difference between current through a conductor and the voltage between it and earth.

The voltage from the neutral to earth becomes an issue when the neutral-current pathway is interrupted.

See:

You lost me. I have lots of learning to do on theory Did not understand this

Yes, but there's a difference between current through a conductor and the voltage between it and earth.

Hey guys I'm a NYC electrician that has only done underground P O E for the service ,

I notice the overhead service where a whether head is used the neutral in not insulated.

Why is it insulated underground but for the overhead its not ?

The utility just wants to save money, that's what they do in Southern California.

Did not understand this

Yes, but there's a difference between current through a conductor and the voltage between it and earth.

The fact that current is flowing on the neutral does not mean its voltage will necessarily rise relative to earth.

Yes, in theory and practice it does, only slightly (unless compromised), due to current-caused voltage drop.

But that's why we re-establish it as a zero-volts-to-earth reference by tying it to local grounding electrodes.

You lost me. I have lots of learning to do on theory

Read the post about Understanding the Neutral Conductor that I linked to above. If the neutral and the earth are at nearly the same potential then there is no voltage between them meaning that it is safe to have an uninsulated neutral even though it carries current.

If the neutral and the earth are at nearly the same potential then there is no voltage between them meaning that it is safe to have an uninsulated neutral even though it carries current

Got its , but its only at the same potential till the service right ?? Tell me what issue there is with a bare conductor over 10 feet in the air. What is being harmed by it?