4 Data Cabling Tips You Should Remember
Posted on: 25 October 2016
The ease with which information can be got on the internet has made it possible for some lay people to attempt to install data cabling in their homes. However, some of those people may get less than peak performance from their data network because they were not aware of all the key tips that professionals implement when installing data cables. This article discusses some of those vital tips that will ensure that your DIY data-cabling project produces satisfactory results.
Keep Cables Cool and Dry
Avoid grouping your data cables into large bundles during the installation process. Large bundles are more likely to overheat and degrade the signals that are being transmitted. You should also ensure that the environment where you run the cables isn't moist. Any form of wetness may affect the performance of the copper inside your data cables. You can avoid moisture intrusion by placing the data cables in watertight conduits. This is particularly necessary for those sections of the cables that will be outdoors.
Avoid Long Patch Cables
Patch cables are optical or electrical cables that you can use to route a data or voice signal from one point to another. For instance, you can use it to route an internet connection from the data cable to a computer. Long patch cables should be avoided because they will weaken the signal that you would like to transmit to the different devices that you want to connect onto the network. A maximum length of about two meters would be ideal, for example.
Avoid Crushing the Cables
Be mindful about how you load the cable trays during the installation process. Smaller cables can easily be crushed if heavier cables are placed on top of them. This can eventually affect the signal quality of the crushed cables. It is better to install several cable trays so that you avoid overloading any tray.
Use Dust Caps
Dust can ruin your data cables if nothing is done to keep it out of the system hardware. You should therefore make sure that all dust caps for connectors are installed before you start testing the completed system. Replace any dust caps that don't fit tightly over a connector.
Keep the tips above in mind during the data-cable installation process and you will reduce the chance of a malfunction in the system. Alternatively, hire a data-cabling expert to install the system for you in case you aren't sure that you have the necessary skills to install the cables on your own.
Share