The Right Materials

Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

3 Cabling Tips for Every New Data Cable Installer

by Frank Lynch

Getting your first contract as a cable installer can be a little bit overwhelming especially if it is your first time working alone. From drilling holes in the walls, to running hundreds of feet of cable over and around obstacles, the entire process can feel intimidating. Therefore, without confidence, it is easy to make a lot of mistakes when laying data cabling. However, with the right tips, you can avoid potential errors and deliver an excellent installation. This article provides tips that first-time data cable installers can use for customer satisfaction.

Use Fewer Cables in a Bundle -- If you lay cables individually, then there would be a lot of disorganisation as wires would be all over the place. Therefore, as you would know, data cables need to be tied together in bundles for organisation purposes. However, it is easy to go overboard with the number of cables per bundle. Bundling too many wires together increases the temperature within the wires thereby leading to signal loss. It is especially the case when installing data cables in regions that typically experience high atmospheric temperatures. Notably, data cables have different specifications, for example, temperature-handling capabilities, which assist in bundle considerations.

Avoid Pulling too hard -- When working with long data cables, most installers will often yank at them when they get stuck. While the cables are meant to withstand some level of force, pulling too hard is not recommended. The reason is such actions start to weaken data cables right from the installation phase thereby reducing the useful life of the wires. If you feel that a cable is stuck during installation, merely give it cable a gentle tag. If the wire does not let loose, then it is recommended that you walk along the length to find and untangle the mess. 

Test as you Go -- As mentioned, earlier, data cable installation can involve hundreds of feet of wires. Putting this into consideration, the last thing you want is to install everything only to realise that most of the cables you have run are not working as required. It usually happens when one does not test each cable after running it. Therefore, to avoid such frustration and waste of time and energy, check each wire individually before running another. The strategy allows you to correct any cable performance related issues right from the start.  Additionally, test all cables after full installation for the certainty of functionality. 


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Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

If you are planning to start a new construction project, you may be wondering about the best type of materials to use. About 6 months ago, I decided to carry out an extensive renovation of my home. This would involve demolishing one wall, extending the kitchen and the construction of a new patio area. I really wasn't sure which materials would be best. I consulted with a contractor and he explained the pros and cons of each material. In the end, I opted for wood and steel. I am really pleased with the end results. I hope this blog helps you to plan your construction project.