Data Cable Installation

Building Structure

The scale of the job will differ depending on whether it’s a new building, or an existing building that needs new wiring or additional cabling.

We’ll assess your floorplans, if you have them, to ascertain the scale of the building. This is because copper Ethernet cables have a maximum distance of 100 metres – so anything above this requires a fibre connection.

Fibre is usually used to join Comms Cabinets together; multimode fibre can run up to 400 metres at speeds of 40GB+, but anything above 550 metres will require single mode fibre.

We also need to establish whether there’s any asbestos or other hazardous building materials in the building before we start work.

What date does the work need to be completed by?

We need to clarify when you need the job done by – whether that’s a matter of months, weeks or days. We know that adding new data cables, or updating existing cabling, can be disruptive and messy, so we’ll also establish whether out of hours or weekend work will be required.

How many voice and data drops do you want?

A drop refers to one run of cable from a starting point - the server room or the nearest Comms Cabinet - to the end-point - a floor/wall trunk or ceiling location.

What network speeds are required?

This will help inform the decision on what type of cabling is required. That might be CAT5e/Cat 6/Cat 6a & CAT 7 or, if fibre, then OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4 or OM5.

Each different type provides different speeds and levels of reliability, where the cable is less affected by interference. As you can imagine, there are differences in cost. We can advise on what is most suitable for you premises.

What’s the ceiling or flooring like in your office?

This is crucial when it comes to data cable installation, as there are two types of ceiling: a hard cap ceiling or a drop/acoustic suspended ceiling. The latter is easier to work with because it provides better access for the data cables.

Many offices have raised floors nowadays, suitable for underfloor cabling to floor ports containing mains power and ethernet connectivity. If none of these are options or desirable, then we can install wall trunking to house the required cabling.

Does your office require plenum or non-plenum cabling?

This depends on the construction of your office. If your data cabling will be run in a ceiling that also holds the ventilation system, then you’ll need a plenum rated cable. These cables are coated in a fire-retardant plastic jacket, which will limit the amount of smoke & toxic fumes, in the event of a fire.