4 Requirements of Data Cabling Locations

People who are planning to perform a DIY data cabling project, such as expanding the existing network to a home extension, need to think carefully about the locations where the cables will run. This article discusses some of the attributes of the best data cabling locations which you should consider during your project.

Absence of Water Infiltration

You should avoid locations that have a chance of water infiltration when you are laying data cables. This means that you should select locations that are above the water level in your area. For example, don't install the data cables through the floor of your basement because water infiltration may affect those cables. Instead, you can run them through the roof of that basement since the roof is less likely to be affected by water ingress.

Wide Voids

Data cabling should be installed in locations that are easily accessible. This is because you may need to access those cables in order to fix a defect that may develop. Alternatively, a need may arise to expand the capacity of that network at a later time. It is therefore necessary for you to be proactive and select installation locations that are accessible. Compare the different options available to you and pick the widest voids. For example, between the floor and the ceiling, which offers better access? Opt for the locations with better accessibility.

No Sharp Corners

Some types of data cables, such as optic fibre cables, are very delicate. Such cables can be damaged in case they are run across sharp corners. Sharp corners can also cause the cables to bend to the extent that the electrical signals that are being transported will become distorted. It is therefore prudent to select installation locations that are free from sharp corners. Alternatively, you can select mechanisms (rubber corner protectors, for example) to cushion the sharp edge so that the cable curves gently around that corner.

Absence of Electrical Cables

Look for data cabling locations that are as far as possible from electrical wiring. This will save your data network from the performance issues that can result when the electromagnetic waves from the electrical cables distort the signals that are being transmitted in your data cable network. For instance, you can run the data cables through a wall that is opposite the one through which electrical cables were run.

Proper data cabling doesn't only rely on the proper selection of the installation sites. Other factors, such as matching the different components, also play a key role. It may therefore be better for you to hire a data cabling professional in case you don't have the requisite knowledge and skills to do a good installation job on your own.


Share