I ran some cable with previous employers but it was in buildings nobody really worried about. If it was to be done in a new building or one with some aesthetic appeal, pros were used.
As an independent, I just don't. I agree with your points entirely. Some clients think I should but I established that policy before I started the business. I'm not good at it and I'm not going to start drilling in clients walls when I don't half know what I'm doing.
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Many jurisdictions require a contractor license for this work - and more and more jurisdictions are requiring permitting and inspections.
On potential problem that nobody has mentioned yet is - Do you know enough to avoid damaging the buildings structure?
In offices - unless housed in a historic structure - this isn't normally an issue. But I've seen people do some REALLY stupid things to the structure of a building - like the HVAC guy (unlicensed) on one job that took a 10" circle out of EVERY 2x12 joist holding up a floor!
On potential problem that nobody has mentioned yet is - Do you know enough to avoid damaging the buildings structure?
In offices - unless housed in a historic structure - this isn't normally an issue. But I've seen people do some REALLY stupid things to the structure of a building - like the HVAC guy (unlicensed) on one job that took a 10" circle out of EVERY 2x12 joist holding up a floor!
Before I entered IT, I was an electrician and worked with high voltage systems up to 133kVA in industrial and domestic environments. I have also been heavily involved in the installation of airconditioning and purifying systems for clean environments. Three-phase and multi-tiered systems are not an issue for me to install and make it look good.
So what is the problem?
Try doing it all at once as I tried when I was asked to design a large server room as part of a move! The lesson I learned is just because you can, doesn't necessarily mean you should!
Although I pulled the job off, it was simply too much for me to do all by myself a second time and I settled for bringing in a third-party contractor to do the installation but according to my design. All I had to do then was oversee the project and life became so much more comfortable!
So what is the problem?
Try doing it all at once as I tried when I was asked to design a large server room as part of a move! The lesson I learned is just because you can, doesn't necessarily mean you should!
Although I pulled the job off, it was simply too much for me to do all by myself a second time and I settled for bringing in a third-party contractor to do the installation but according to my design. All I had to do then was oversee the project and life became so much more comfortable!
and I'm actually qualified to run cable ... there are just too many things that can go wrong, especially if you are after full cable performance.
If the site cabling carries a manufacturer's warranty, you can end up voiding the warranty for the whole site (not just the stuff you touch).
I guess I'm the guy in the suit who used to crawl under buildings with the cabling contractor and point out to him everything he did wrong, but I am too careful of my PI insurance to just do it myself.
If the site cabling carries a manufacturer's warranty, you can end up voiding the warranty for the whole site (not just the stuff you touch).
I guess I'm the guy in the suit who used to crawl under buildings with the cabling contractor and point out to him everything he did wrong, but I am too careful of my PI insurance to just do it myself.
Absolutely correct. What also needs to be considered, as was touched on in the article, is not the can you physically but can you legally. In NM to run even low voltage cabling you have to be a licensed electrician. So while I physically can run and punch down cabling, even in a timely fashion, I can't run it because I am not a licensed electrician. This holds true for many other locations as well. Recently a client I work for had some cabling run and I spent some time talking to the cabling contractor about this exact issue. That's not to say that it doesn't happen but it shouldn't according to the way the law is written.
I sent a couple tech support guys up to Brooklyn back in the 80s to move a client's office equipment to another building suite. They needed to run some last minute cabling. I was hesitant but told them to go ahead in the interest of time and client satisfaction. However, I soon found out that this was not the way things were done in that particular neighborhood. I called them off in time to save their knee-caps!
There are some places where only Union Electricians are allowed to drag computer cables under the floor, even for mainframes. The CE usually hooks them up after they've been dragged in place, but I understand that in some places they also do the final hook-up. A CE for GTE once told me that in Philadelphia he had to tell the union electricians that they could sit and watch him hook up all the cables to the minicomputer so they would know how to do the next one they came across one. :-?
In most urban areas it is a fire code that only a licensed electrician can run any kind of wire at all through a wall, but most IT people are totally unaware of this. Back when I ran my own shop I lost a job at a beauty parlor because of price. Called back a few months later by the owner -- they were fined $1200 and forced to close for several days because they had another guy run cables through a wall. It was all fine, but they had to have a licensed electrician say it was all fine before they were allowed to reopen. And then they filed a suit against the guy who did run the cabling. Have a phone number handy of a pal who is an electrician and who will ok your cabling jobs in urban areas.
I can understand the problem.
There are few people who understand the rules of using plenum-grade cabling and the reasons for it. Or installing even low-voltage control cabling in explosive environments (even if you might no think it is explosive!).
That last point is directed at the company where I come from that installed dust sensors inside their corn/wheat silos.....
There are few people who understand the rules of using plenum-grade cabling and the reasons for it. Or installing even low-voltage control cabling in explosive environments (even if you might no think it is explosive!).
That last point is directed at the company where I come from that installed dust sensors inside their corn/wheat silos.....
When I worked at Lehman Brothers in NYC, I ordered CAT5 patch cables that were pre terminated and the union guys cut off all the ends and back billed up for crimping new ends on in 15 minute increments.
It was insane.
Now that I run my own firm, we avoid cabling like the plague but it really takes discipline. Sometimes it's easy to jump into the easy money train!
Regards,
It was insane.
Now that I run my own firm, we avoid cabling like the plague but it really takes discipline. Sometimes it's easy to jump into the easy money train!
Regards,
I also work in the NY City area and agree. In our buildings, you MUST have a Union Certified, dues paying cabling outfit perform this work or you can very possibly be using the handicapped entrance to get in.
Even though it is frowned upon, unlicenced engineers can run cabling but it has to be inspected by a certified electrician before the system can be energised.
Funny thing is that this test and inspect can be as expensive in the long run as getting the guy to install it in the first place!!!
Funny thing is that this test and inspect can be as expensive in the long run as getting the guy to install it in the first place!!!
In many places in the U.S. where inspection and certification are required, they allow much the same as what you describe.
In other places, at least one of the crew running the cable must be a licensed and certified person.
In still others, everyone on the crew must be a member of a suitable labor union with appropriate apprentice training.
And in still others, nobody ever actually tracks ad checks these things. The National Electrical Code requires certain things to be followed and adhered to, but in some locales nobody actually enforces it.
So it varies, from state to state, and from major city to major city. (A city may have tougher rules than the state does)
In other places, at least one of the crew running the cable must be a licensed and certified person.
In still others, everyone on the crew must be a member of a suitable labor union with appropriate apprentice training.
And in still others, nobody ever actually tracks ad checks these things. The National Electrical Code requires certain things to be followed and adhered to, but in some locales nobody actually enforces it.
So it varies, from state to state, and from major city to major city. (A city may have tougher rules than the state does)
BICSI.org a world wide organization that teaches the right way to cable and how to adhere to standards and where to find them out.
Cables running through a wall are ok IF you know what type of wall you are working with. Fire wall what is the rating... Air space can you get away with PVC or do you need Plenium (I only use the more expensive Plenium).
Supports for hanging the cable from to keep it off of everything in the ceilings.
This is just a small listing of the over all things I have learned and continue to learn as a "Technician Level".
Cables running through a wall are ok IF you know what type of wall you are working with. Fire wall what is the rating... Air space can you get away with PVC or do you need Plenium (I only use the more expensive Plenium).
Supports for hanging the cable from to keep it off of everything in the ceilings.
This is just a small listing of the over all things I have learned and continue to learn as a "Technician Level".
Osiyo53, the author of the post you responded to is, in fact, BICSI certified. I'm no longer certified, but I am competent.
But if you read further down the thread, you'll find that neither of us pull unless absolutely necessary, and then only short runs.
But if you read further down the thread, you'll find that neither of us pull unless absolutely necessary, and then only short runs.
Point out to your clients that while a licensed installer may charge more per hour, he's likely to do the job in much less time, be bonded and insured to cover physical damage you aren't covered for, and know the local building codes. He may cost more per hour but be less expensive in the long run.
Consider establishing a relationship with one or two installation contractors. If you can regularly steer business to them, you may be able to arrange a standing discount for your consultees. "Tell them, 'Erik said you're the guys to call."
Consider establishing a relationship with one or two installation contractors. If you can regularly steer business to them, you may be able to arrange a standing discount for your consultees. "Tell them, 'Erik said you're the guys to call."
... to run cabling. I expect I'm quite a bit more expensive than most cable installers.
A licensed installer definitely will save you in the long run. I'm not a consultant (yet), but one thing I do understand is that it is ok to charge a considerable amount for your services...as long as the value-add is unequivocal.
Now I'm not an independent in a sense that I am full time consultant but, I do work some hefty side project that dose require me to be a Jack of all Trades.. I find it Extremely valuable in and out of the independent field to take on such small projects in order to strengthen troubleshooting skills in small and large network environments.. Not taking the opportunity to refresh your skills from time to time can land you in a bad spot if you decide to one day give it a shot. These skills flood over into my professional career managing a Data Center, not only troubleshooting hardware but physical infrastructure as well.. If I need to run a new cable within the DC or out to a new desk in the office I have the full confidence that I know what I?m doing.. Even when I have contractors come in to install Fiber from an ISP I tend to look over their shoulder and ask questions about what they are doing and the equipment they use.
Now on the other hand if you are consulting full time, which most of you are, I can understand leaving the dirty work up to the pros because, as stated, it just gets done the right way and much quicker. But if you do take these smaller projects on then you tend to acquire the tools and skills to get the job done just as fast and professional as the Pros will..
Now on the other hand if you are consulting full time, which most of you are, I can understand leaving the dirty work up to the pros because, as stated, it just gets done the right way and much quicker. But if you do take these smaller projects on then you tend to acquire the tools and skills to get the job done just as fast and professional as the Pros will..
...but in informal situations. Unfortunately, many of the people who think they're good at it really aren't. I just happen to know I'm not and I know people who are.
Half the battle is knowing when to say when.. At least you are still working at it from time to time. I started my tech career running cable while going to collage so I suppose I have a slight advantage over the common tech. But it does help to keep even the smallest skills polished.. Standards and technology change ever so quickly and there it is always good to learn something new and/or keep up to date.. I do agree with you about ?many of the people who think they're good at it really aren't.?.. I?ve had to deal prewires that ended up being a nightmare due to the inexperience and lack of knowledge that the previous installer attempted.. Things as simple as using Zip ties and wrenching them down so tight that it changes the impedance on the line and creates failed transmissions or slow connections seems to be an unfortunate trend in small business installations.. A good installer should know all current standards, or at the least take the time to research proper technics...
If you're running cable in your own home, then maybe you're ok with it. But as a consultant, you have to be professional across the board. States, counties, evensmall towns have regulation on how wiring, even low voltage wiring, needs to be run for safety
Yes, I agree you should oversee the job for future reference, but by no means should the consultant do it himself unless he has the specialized training and the licenses to do it.
Yes, I agree you should oversee the job for future reference, but by no means should the consultant do it himself unless he has the specialized training and the licenses to do it.
You're quite right.U may really miss out...then sometimes you are in a tight spot trying to save time, and not looking like you don't know it all...and then for one mischievous reason or the other it gets out of hand...I always try to avoid that.I don't like complications and I want to KEEP MY LIFE AND WORK SIMPLE.
I carry 10,000 in tools in my truck. That does not include the testers that I have.
Punch tools, hand tools, crimpers, Corded and Cordless tools. There are so many different tools to install a cable in a building depending on its construction that to gather all of these tools if you want to do it yourself by the time you purchase what I already have you can pay as much or more then what you would have paid to have me do the work on a Time and Materials bid.
Punch tools, hand tools, crimpers, Corded and Cordless tools. There are so many different tools to install a cable in a building depending on its construction that to gather all of these tools if you want to do it yourself by the time you purchase what I already have you can pay as much or more then what you would have paid to have me do the work on a Time and Materials bid.
You can get yourself into a real hornet's nest.
Do you know how to identify a plenum ceiling? It requires special cable.
Does the local municipality require a license to run cable? Some do.
And if you're working in a union shop, you're just asking for labor trouble if you pull DIY cable.
You're a professional; do your own thing. And let the electricians do theirs.
Do you know how to identify a plenum ceiling? It requires special cable.
Does the local municipality require a license to run cable? Some do.
And if you're working in a union shop, you're just asking for labor trouble if you pull DIY cable.
You're a professional; do your own thing. And let the electricians do theirs.
Electricians install high voltage, Telecoms install data, phone, CCTV and other low voltage communications cable. This is where AT&T lost its ability to install and provide anything other then LD (Long Distance) phone service. An entire industry was created by the breaking up of MA BELL. Electricians pull cable but there are special ways to pull data that does not stretch the pairs and mess up the characteristics of the cable being installed. I say it this way because every cable has a certain specification for a reason. And the pros know what that is off the top of their heads.
I'm a technician at a local PC sales/service shop. I agree with your advice about letting contractors handle some things professionally. We repair PC's in shop, on site and provide a full range of IT services (server administration, satellite TV, web hosting and design, networking, etc).
However, we contract out three main things:
1. Hardware repair of laptops
2. Cabling
3. Clean room data recovery
All of these are done through local contractors who built their own businesses, not through franchised organizations. We handle all the contact and invoicing ourselves. I'd say it works pretty well. Technicians like me can focus on what we do best, and customers get high-quality service.
I will say that it's very important to pick your contractors carefully. When a customer wants to know how long till they get their laptop back, I pick up the phone and speak directly to the technician working on it, not a front desk or answering service. It would be very bad to have to tell a client that we don't know what our subcontractors are doing.
We also have other local people we pass business back and forth with, like business internet and phone service. I know their technicians and sales reps by name, and they know who to recommend when someone's server is down. Keeping all the people in touch with each other and knowing how partners operate means that customers are more than happy to pay a little more for us than for the flat rate joint in the mall.
However, we contract out three main things:
1. Hardware repair of laptops
2. Cabling
3. Clean room data recovery
All of these are done through local contractors who built their own businesses, not through franchised organizations. We handle all the contact and invoicing ourselves. I'd say it works pretty well. Technicians like me can focus on what we do best, and customers get high-quality service.
I will say that it's very important to pick your contractors carefully. When a customer wants to know how long till they get their laptop back, I pick up the phone and speak directly to the technician working on it, not a front desk or answering service. It would be very bad to have to tell a client that we don't know what our subcontractors are doing.
We also have other local people we pass business back and forth with, like business internet and phone service. I know their technicians and sales reps by name, and they know who to recommend when someone's server is down. Keeping all the people in touch with each other and knowing how partners operate means that customers are more than happy to pay a little more for us than for the flat rate joint in the mall.
I think it's like everything else, use common sense! I ran cabling in my pre-official IT career, so smaller jobs do not phase me. However, I do not hesitate to call in the pros for larger or complicated jobs. It just isn't worth my time to handle those jobs!
I, also, have run cable and am quite comfortable doing so. However, I am no longer licensed to do so and, in my current career incarnation, definitely do not consider it to be worth the time and trouble when professionals are available to do it quickly and with minimal fuss and bother. It would take an extremely urgent circumstance for me to run cabling now.
Every job must meet NFPA requirements (NEC). Did you make a hole in a wall? Was that wall a single or double sheet rock wall? Was that wall rated as a fire stop wall? Was the wall a 1 hr or 2 hr burn wall? Did you use the appropriate type of penetration and fire stop for sheet rock, cement, or cinder block walls??? Do you know where to locate that information to get the correct fire stop materials.
The taping, mudding, and and sanding must have been really high-quality, then. 
Those shows tend to lie just a bit, for sake of expediency. The total time spent may have been relatively short, but you have to wait for stuff to dry properly. And they must have used only one coat of mud.
er, edit: Good article, though. I didn't show up just to complain or whatnot.
Those shows tend to lie just a bit, for sake of expediency. The total time spent may have been relatively short, but you have to wait for stuff to dry properly. And they must have used only one coat of mud.er, edit: Good article, though. I didn't show up just to complain or whatnot.
Agree with the sentiment, use contractors with the required skills. This applies to employed staff as well. Cases that come to mind:
One site used a multi-company office block, cabling to one office meant going through common area (needed way-leave permission from site owner), same site had 18" concrete wall to drill through. Another site had Grade II listing (historic building protection) so no holes in walls. Yet another site with asbestos sheeting in the path of cable runs, had to wait for local authority to clear asbestos. The list goes on but gets new t-shirts, towels and coffee mugs to the seen that, done it part.
One site used a multi-company office block, cabling to one office meant going through common area (needed way-leave permission from site owner), same site had 18" concrete wall to drill through. Another site had Grade II listing (historic building protection) so no holes in walls. Yet another site with asbestos sheeting in the path of cable runs, had to wait for local authority to clear asbestos. The list goes on but gets new t-shirts, towels and coffee mugs to the seen that, done it part.
I'll agree with most of the comments folks have made. You've got to know what you're good at, what you're passable at, what you're not so good at, and most importantly, what you will or will not do!
I've done a reasonable amount of cabling in my time in IT. I'm fairly competent at it too. Am I a whiz? No. Does it work and meet it's intended requirements? Yes. I'll do temporary network installs (temporary office spaces, office trailers, etc.) or the occasional single drop. Other than that, I sub out to local cablers that have been properly vetted. Makes life a lot easier. You know that everything is going to be done right, and done cleanly. Plus, when you use a professional cabler, you often get a nice line testing/certification report and warranty on the work conducted! That beats my continuity testing and knowledge that I'll be around to fix it if it breaks!
I've done a reasonable amount of cabling in my time in IT. I'm fairly competent at it too. Am I a whiz? No. Does it work and meet it's intended requirements? Yes. I'll do temporary network installs (temporary office spaces, office trailers, etc.) or the occasional single drop. Other than that, I sub out to local cablers that have been properly vetted. Makes life a lot easier. You know that everything is going to be done right, and done cleanly. Plus, when you use a professional cabler, you often get a nice line testing/certification report and warranty on the work conducted! That beats my continuity testing and knowledge that I'll be around to fix it if it breaks!
I agree that cabling and rack installation should be done by people who know how. I would not do hvac work...that is a distinct certification from general building. The drawback is that even hiring a professional doesn't guarantee a good or even sufficient job...it's best to learn as much about the topic as possible and check up on how the work is done...that it is done right...I would install cable for a client or even build a server room after consulting with a qualified hvac technician to confirm that where I want to build and my plan will work for their installation.
I work for a medium size retailer and cabling comes with the territory. I often joke that IT stands for 'Internet and Telephone' because part of my responsibilities are to take are of the cabling also. Basically, it depends on your situation and skills.
On the positive side, I have found that there is value in having a variety of additional skills.
On the positive side, I have found that there is value in having a variety of additional skills.
With more and more VOIP - low power installs become more and more common. With low power installs comes the need for a low power license. Just a thought.
I do cable for my customers. I'm not suppose to since I do not hold a low voltage electrical license for the states I operate in. I let my customers know this up front. However I do know what I am doing, I am quick about it, and I follow code. I know this because I really butchered the first couple of jobs I cabled and I decided to learn to do it correctly. Even with my training and experience I still draw the line at fiber.
Last job I did an electrician reported the work was done by a non-licensed person and the company was fined $400. The Operations Director told me not to worry about it and that it was still cheaper to have me do it. I have heard some stories about work being stopped when caught by inspectors, especially in union areas. I make sure to avoid inspectors like the plague, and if someone asks me what I am doing, im always "cleaning up".
I agree, MOST IT CONSULTANTS SHOULD NOT RUN CABLING!
Last job I did an electrician reported the work was done by a non-licensed person and the company was fined $400. The Operations Director told me not to worry about it and that it was still cheaper to have me do it. I have heard some stories about work being stopped when caught by inspectors, especially in union areas. I make sure to avoid inspectors like the plague, and if someone asks me what I am doing, im always "cleaning up".
I agree, MOST IT CONSULTANTS SHOULD NOT RUN CABLING!
When it comes to fault finding and the cabling culprit does not own up to it and costs time as well as money.
Mark.
Mark.
... and don't have a clue about DIY or fixing the car, so why should they beany different re: physical cabling.
Most of the problems described are based on consultancies doing the AI dance -ignorance and arrogance: I haven't a clue about cabling but I'll tell you I'm an expert.
Most of the problems described are based on consultancies doing the AI dance -ignorance and arrogance: I haven't a clue about cabling but I'll tell you I'm an expert.
I have a client that was doing a renovation a couple of years ago and wanted some CAT6 cabling added. I offered to run the cable, but they were having some other work done by a local major university so they decided to have them also run the cable.
The first thing that I noticed was the jacket stripped about 2 feet before the termination at the patch panel. They then proceeded to "certify" the CAT6 install by verifying continuity and plugging in a notebook to verify a gigabit connection to the switch. NO other electrical properties were checked!! I made no friends when I pulled out my wirescope and showed how all 24 of the new cable runs didn't pass CAT6 standards, and in some cases didn't even pass CAT5.
They also terminated the cables to the T568A standard. The other 48+ runs are terminated T568B. The joy!!
The first thing that I noticed was the jacket stripped about 2 feet before the termination at the patch panel. They then proceeded to "certify" the CAT6 install by verifying continuity and plugging in a notebook to verify a gigabit connection to the switch. NO other electrical properties were checked!! I made no friends when I pulled out my wirescope and showed how all 24 of the new cable runs didn't pass CAT6 standards, and in some cases didn't even pass CAT5.
They also terminated the cables to the T568A standard. The other 48+ runs are terminated T568B. The joy!!
You didn't tell them NOT to cable to T586A and that might have been their standard! That isn't a reason to criticise them.
Second, if CAT6 was ordered and cable turned up with properties that didn't even meet CAT5, then get them to strip it out and start again. That isn't just bad workmanship but there are some out there that would regard these people as rip-off merchants if they are installing what is effectively, sub-standard runs.
Thirdly, who verified the state of the cabling before anyone even thought of running it? It is written on the cable sheath itself what category it is, shielded/unshielded, strand density/solid etc. Someone didn't do their job there either.
Lastly, if the cable didn't meet CAT5 standards then I would immediately assume that insulation resistance (or the copper purity) was very low so the cable was useless as data cable anyway. Now add to that magnetic flux density in tightly filled trunking or conduit (especially those that are shared with AC power cabling) and you will be lucky if you get a bad phonecall down the line!
Contractors need to be 100% aware of the expectations from the very outset and if they aren't, then make them! Electricians do not necessarily know about data runs and the effect of detrimental mutual influence on data-based networks. And if you want an electrician to pull these cables, make sure they know that!
Second, if CAT6 was ordered and cable turned up with properties that didn't even meet CAT5, then get them to strip it out and start again. That isn't just bad workmanship but there are some out there that would regard these people as rip-off merchants if they are installing what is effectively, sub-standard runs.
Thirdly, who verified the state of the cabling before anyone even thought of running it? It is written on the cable sheath itself what category it is, shielded/unshielded, strand density/solid etc. Someone didn't do their job there either.
Lastly, if the cable didn't meet CAT5 standards then I would immediately assume that insulation resistance (or the copper purity) was very low so the cable was useless as data cable anyway. Now add to that magnetic flux density in tightly filled trunking or conduit (especially those that are shared with AC power cabling) and you will be lucky if you get a bad phonecall down the line!
Contractors need to be 100% aware of the expectations from the very outset and if they aren't, then make them! Electricians do not necessarily know about data runs and the effect of detrimental mutual influence on data-based networks. And if you want an electrician to pull these cables, make sure they know that!
Relying on installers of any type who aren't licensed to do all the trades work needed to get the cabling though a structure is just plain stupid.
But even if unions and building codes are ignored, only a very small percentage of IT industry workers have the understanding and training needed to run and terminate modern high speed communications cabling. Cabling is an essential piece of equipment, and just like a network card or motherboard, it can screw up the performance of the systems it's used to create.
If you want to dispute this, ask each of your staffers to explain how to use a TDR for cable certification. Eliminate each one who doesn't know what a TDR is. Then ask them to write down the minimum permitted bend radius, the color code and pin-outs for each type of 568 connection, and the requirements for sealing a plenum penetration.
If you yourself can't answer these questions, your aren't qualified to verify their cabling work, and you should be outsourcing all your cable installation and termination work to technicians who are certified installers.
Relying on untrained, un-certified cable installers is an invitation to erratic network performance and outages.
But even if unions and building codes are ignored, only a very small percentage of IT industry workers have the understanding and training needed to run and terminate modern high speed communications cabling. Cabling is an essential piece of equipment, and just like a network card or motherboard, it can screw up the performance of the systems it's used to create.
If you want to dispute this, ask each of your staffers to explain how to use a TDR for cable certification. Eliminate each one who doesn't know what a TDR is. Then ask them to write down the minimum permitted bend radius, the color code and pin-outs for each type of 568 connection, and the requirements for sealing a plenum penetration.
If you yourself can't answer these questions, your aren't qualified to verify their cabling work, and you should be outsourcing all your cable installation and termination work to technicians who are certified installers.
Relying on untrained, un-certified cable installers is an invitation to erratic network performance and outages.
I ran into this situation a couple of years ago.
I got a ticket for "PC won't communicate with network" in one of my stores. I go in and perform the usual checks–continuity only–on the drop and patch cables, check the switch port, the whole nine yards. Everything checks good, but the PC won't connect reliably from that drop. I'm thinking I have a bad NIC, so I take the PC to another drop, hook it up, and it works fine. Take the PC back to its original location, it works. WTF? Then it goes down again.
I keep checking stuff, then decide I'm going to tone the line out, mostly because I'm stuck on what else to do. I plug the toner in one end and go back to listen at the other. Sounds great...no, wait, what the h3ll is that noise?
Up into the ceiling to trace the line and see if I can find out what the problem is. I locate the UTP at the top of the wall, and give it a tug to see where it goes. It's almost guitar-string tight. I break out the floodlight and follow the cable back across the ceiling tiles to the walk-in cooler, where the cable is stretched tight across the top of the condenser motor! Every time the condenser starts, down goes the link.
Check behind the wall plate for the drop, looking for a service loop, nothing. Check upstairs, nothing. It's bow-string taut even up there. I spent the next hour up and down the ladder, tracing that cable and looking all over for anything resembling a service loop. There isn't one; that cable is taut from end to end. We wound up telling the customer they would have to have a new drop pulled.
Don't know who pulled it, but hopefully that id10t is not still pulling cable. I don't mind him laying it across the motor, but to not leave a service loop in case of problems?
I got a ticket for "PC won't communicate with network" in one of my stores. I go in and perform the usual checks–continuity only–on the drop and patch cables, check the switch port, the whole nine yards. Everything checks good, but the PC won't connect reliably from that drop. I'm thinking I have a bad NIC, so I take the PC to another drop, hook it up, and it works fine. Take the PC back to its original location, it works. WTF? Then it goes down again.
I keep checking stuff, then decide I'm going to tone the line out, mostly because I'm stuck on what else to do. I plug the toner in one end and go back to listen at the other. Sounds great...no, wait, what the h3ll is that noise?
Up into the ceiling to trace the line and see if I can find out what the problem is. I locate the UTP at the top of the wall, and give it a tug to see where it goes. It's almost guitar-string tight. I break out the floodlight and follow the cable back across the ceiling tiles to the walk-in cooler, where the cable is stretched tight across the top of the condenser motor! Every time the condenser starts, down goes the link.
Check behind the wall plate for the drop, looking for a service loop, nothing. Check upstairs, nothing. It's bow-string taut even up there. I spent the next hour up and down the ladder, tracing that cable and looking all over for anything resembling a service loop. There isn't one; that cable is taut from end to end. We wound up telling the customer they would have to have a new drop pulled.
Don't know who pulled it, but hopefully that id10t is not still pulling cable. I don't mind him laying it across the motor, but to not leave a service loop in case of problems?
What you experienced is exactly that which I describe above and is one of the things people pulling cables simply do not understand!
I've been trained and have my own tools from that training, but our contract doesn't explicitly include cabling. I'll pull a replacement run if it doesn't involve cutting or conduit and will get the customer back up today. Many of my primary customer's installations are so old, though, that network outages require I test and re-terminate at least weekly. Because I do it so often, re-terminating has become a one-or-two-minute job.
Added: For obvious reasons, corporate won't provide appropriate test equipment, so 'certification' is a continuity check and communication verification. In several cases, later work at some sites has required certification testing; haven't had one of my pulls or terms fail yet.
Added: For obvious reasons, corporate won't provide appropriate test equipment, so 'certification' is a continuity check and communication verification. In several cases, later work at some sites has required certification testing; haven't had one of my pulls or terms fail yet.
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