AboutEric Miller Expertise I have over 10 years worth of experience in the telecommunications industry. I can give helpful information on virtually all aspects of telecommunications from residential installations to full size commercial installations. I have extensive experience in working with telecom media from CAT3 cable to fiberoptic cable. Be forewarned, hardware and software is not my thing, but I will give it my best to answer your questions.
Experience I have over 10 years worth of telephony experience, most of it in installation. I have extensive experience working with dial tone. I also have extensive knowledge in the installation/termination of all low-voltage cables, from CAT3 voice grade cable, to outside plant cable, to fiberoptic cable. I have used all types of test equipment ranging from CAT5 cable testers to OTDR's. I have experience in working with digital keys systems and PBX's.
Education/Credentials I have been BICSI certified. I have held certifications in digital key systems, voicemail, and other external equipment. I have held numerous certifications covering the installation of low voltage cable, including fiberoptic cable.
Expert: Eric Miller Date: 9/13/2007 Subject: Newbie wiring tips
Question So, since I'm the only one in my company with any IT experience, I'm charged with wiring the data lines in our new office. I've crimped cables before, but wiring keystone jacks and patch panels is new to me. I have all of the tools (punchdown tool, crimper, cutter, tone tracer, cable tester), and I think I know how to do it, but do you have any suggestions for me? Any common pitfalls to avoid? This is going to be a Cat5e installation for about 30 - 40 drops.
Also, do you know the actual physics behind how a tone tracer works? Is it induction? Thanks!
Answer Hi Steven-
Any wiring job of more than a few cables has potential pitfalls and issues, which are compounded if it is just yourself doing the installation. The first thing I would do is determine my pathway(s) from your data-telecom room to each jack. Most commonly there will be only one path from your data room to a general location close to your office locations. We generally call this a trunk line. If your offices are spread out, you can expect to have that many pathways feeding these areas.
Codes also play a significant role in cable installation. If this is a new area or a recently renovated office space, check to see if a low-voltage permit is required. If one IS required, and work has proceeded, the inspector could require you to pull out ALL the cable that has been installed up to that point. I've seen it happen.
There are also industry standards that, if adhered to, will significantly lengthen the lifespan of your cable installation. The cables must be supported every five feet by a structure OTHER THAN the building. Basically it means that some kind of cable support device (i.e. metal J-hook, or cable tray) can be attached to the building structure to support the cable. All cables need to stay at least 2 feet away from electric motors and flourescent lights. This greatly reduces EMI (electro magnetic interference) which could lead to data loss or, at the least, poor data transmission and poor performance. Also, the kind of ceiling space you are pulling cable through determines the type of cable you must install. There are two types of ceiling spaces- plenum and non-plenum. A plenum ceiling space has to do with the air returns of your heating and cooling system. If the ceiling space is being used AS an air return for your heating and cooling, plenum cable must be used. If the ceiling space IS NOT being used as an air return, normal PVC cable is fine.
The plenum and PVC cable types refers to the cable jacket. The plenum cable jacket is composed of materials that, if set on fire, would not put off chemical smoke which is toxic. The PVC cable is the more common form of telecommunications cable, and therefore is much cheaper.
I apologize for spending so much time on codes and standards, but, if adhered to they can eliminate many headaches down the line. OK, back to installation. It might help you to install a "pull string" from your data room to your most concentrated area of locations. A pull string works like this: the string is installed; your first bunch of cables is tied to the pull string; go to your other end and pull on the string. Your cables will practically pull themselves. Now don't cut the string at your data room side. Leave that end alone and you can tie another bunch of cables to it and do the same thing over again.
Wiring jacks isn't a big deal. Just be sure that when you punch your cables down on the jacks your individual pairs match the color(s) on the jack pins. Most jacks will have a color code on them telling you where to put what particular color. Patch panels are the same way. Terminating patch panels are not unlike terminating jacks. Just match the colors. Also, make sure your jack terminations and your patch panel terminations are of the same configuration (568A or 568B). If your jacks are wired 568A make sure your panel is wired as 568A also. Recently manufacturers have been making universal panels so jack configuration shouldn't matter. Just look to see what you have before starting any terminations.
As stated before, there will be issues and problems associated with a cable installation of your size, most of which will be minor. Just take your time and plan your strategy. An hour or two of planning will save you hours of frustration.
Yes, the tone does work by induction. That's about as far as I can go with that one.
I hope I was able to help. If I can answer anything else, please feel free to let me know. Thanks for the question and GOOD LUCK!
