Reliable data cable infrastructure is the backbone enabling all of our communications and networking capabilities. From internet connectivity to IP cameras, access control systems, WiFi, VoIP phone systems and more – properly installed low voltage cabling is critical.
While it may seem simple enough to just run some Category 5e or 6 cables, there’s a lot more that goes into a structured cabling project than meets the eye. Using trained and certified installers provides assurance that your cable plant will be installed properly and up to industry standards. Here’s why it’s so important:
Adherence to Standards
There are several key standards and regulations surrounding data cable installation, such as ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC. These standards outline specific requirements for cable composition, termination, pathways, installation practices and testing procedures. Only certified installers have been properly trained on following these standards to the letter.
Failure to meet standards can result in excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI), signal attenuation, network errors, bandwidth limitations and a host of other performance problems. In some cases, it can even create a fire hazard. Certified installers know how to properly ground cables, maintain bend radiuses, use approved terminations, and more – ensuring the cabling plant is installed correctly from a safety and performance perspective.
Future-Proofing & Scalability
An experienced certified installer will make sure your cable installation supports not just your current needs, but has the flexibility to adapt as your business needs change. They will size pathways with proper fill ratios to allow for future cable additions. They will ensure you have the right cable types and terminations to support evolving standards like 10GbE, PoE++, WiFi 6, and Cat 8 cabling if needed down the road.
Their knowledge allows them to design a structured cabling system with adequate redundancy, scalability and future expansion capabilities in mind. Not utilizing a certified installer could mean having to spend significantly more to re-cable prematurely if your network demands outgrow what was initially installed.
Efficient, Organized Installation
A sloppy, disorganized cable installation ends up costing you more in the long run. Tangles of cable cause excessive cable strain, create a fire hazard, make future modifications extremely difficult, and just looks unprofessional. Certified installers will install cables in a neat, organized fashion using proper cable management and pathways.
They follow best practices for properly dressing and terminating cables to allow adequate airflow, make changes easy, and maintain a clean, professional look. Their expertise ensures the installation meets high standards rather than taking shortcuts that could cause issues. An organized, well-documented installation makes troubleshooting, moves/adds/changes, and maintenance far easier down the road.
Proper Testing and Certification
After cables are installed, they must be properly tested and certified to ensure they can support the intended applications. A certified installer will have the right tools and knowledge to perform cable certification tests and interpret the results. These include:
– Cable performance tests for length, mapping, split pairs, etc.
– Verification of cable linking and configuration
– Cable charge tests and qualification for PoE
– Alien crosstalk and environmental testing
Not performing these critical tests could mean your cables cannot handle certain applications or bandwidth speeds despite being installed. This results in delayed deployments, additional costs, and lots of finger-pointing. Certified installers aim to ensure new installations work perfectly right out of the gate.
Warranty and Accountability
Using trained and certified installers from a reputable vendor allows you to obtain a comprehensive cable installation warranty and product certification. This gives you assurance that the cable plant is fully guaranteed, and any issues caused by improper installation practices will be covered.
With a warranty in place, you have accountability and legal recourse if the installation is not done to specified standards. Certified installers have a vested interest in doing the job correctly since their company’s reputation and liability is at stake.
Structured cabling is the unseen foundation for all of your business communications. When done right, it’s a simple but critical infrastructure piece you never have to worry about. When done incorrectly, it causes endless performance issues, disruptions and unexpected costs. Using certified installers provides the expertise and accountability to ensure your cable installation meets the highest standards for quality, reliability and longevity.