Proper installation of data cables is necessary to get the maximum performance and high results. The main purpose of proper installation is to allow the data networking equipment for actual functioning. But sometimes, the installers did not pay attention to some effective installation guidelines, which leads to severe risks like loss of property, harm yourself, etc. This means if wires are not properly installed or necessary precautions are not taken, then it will maximize the risk of failure and maintenance costs.
Therefore, it is ideal to follow the guidelines and best practices while installing data cables. Under the installation, rules understand the methods and accuracy of the connection of components and organizations of cable flows. This module will improve operations by reducing the risk of failure, increasing the mean time between failure, reducing the installation time, plus maintenance costs. Installation of all components and cables must be performed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of components for installation and the requirements of this standard. So, here are the following guidelines are recommended during the installation of cables:
- Consider the Safety Plans Before Installation
While performing data cable installation function, the installer must have safety plans ready in order to get out of any unwanted situations like fire, short-circuit, etc. These safety plans include emergency activities, evacuations, meet building codes, and many more. In addition, before working on the installation of cables, check that from where the wires and cables are dead with the help of voltage tester. It will not only allow you to accurately judge the work but also protect you from any risk. Creating a proper safety plan will avoid the risk of failures and keep the workplace consistent for work.
- Wear Protective Clothes & Safety Glasses
When dealing with cables and electricity, the installers must wear right clothes and safety glasses for protecting themselves from any harmful situations. The safety glasses will protect the eyes from sparks and debris. While working in a large area project, having a hard hat with other construction environment safety gear is a good idea. In addition, wearing long clothes, gloves, and thick-soled shoes will cover your body from harmful activities.
- Have Correct Tools & Equipment For Installation
Cable installers should have the right and correct tools in their hand in order to perform the task properly and safely. Having the right tools for wire installation means you are reducing the risk of any unwanted situations. Therefore, make sure you have tools like voltage tester, wire cutters, wire and cable strippers, needle nose pliers, continuity tester, and others. If you are working on a large-scale project, then you must have wire trencher or other digging equipment or heavy machinery. While performing the cable installation procedure, the right tools are necessary to ensure the work is done according to specifications. The choice of a different set of tools depends on the different cables and locations.
- Make Sure the Power is Off
Before starting the cable installation procedure or dealing with electricity, it is important to check the power source and breaker in order to make sure that the power is off. It is necessary to keep the environment safe. This small detail can make the difference between successful installations and having to remove the damaged cable. Regularly maintain the cabling documentation, labelling, and physical or logical cabling diagrams.
- Minimum Bending Radius
The need to maintain a minimum bending radius of the cable based on a twisted pair of conductors is due to the fact that during sharp bends, the pairs inside the cable are deformed and the uniformity of the symmetrical transmission medium is violated. This leads to serious changes. Subsequent straightening of the bend can not only not restore the shape of the pair, but also lead to even worse results. If the manufacturer’s requirements for the minimum bending radius of a particular cable are more stringent than the above, they must be met. To prevent the occurrence of stretching, sharp bending and twisting of the cords, special tools and devices, such as horizontal and vertical guides, devices that regulate the length, should be used. At the same time, quick and easy access to the cords should be provided to make changes to the switching system and identify the connections.
- Maximum Tension Force
When installing cables or during their operation, tension forces act on them, which can lead to deformation of pairs in cables based on twisted pair conductors and mechanical damage to fibers in fiber optic cables. Therefore, one of the main requirements for installation, along with compliance with the bending radius, is the observance of the maximum allowable tension force of the cables. In those cases, where it is assumed to be difficult to install with the application of increased forces to the cable. After installation, there should be no cable tension, except for vertical segments, when the residual tension can be caused by the weight of the cable itself.
- Perform Testing & Checking Function
Before wrapping up everything, performing testing and checking functions is essential to ensure safety. Make sure the cables are tight and there is no loose connection and open cables. In order to save the wires from any spark or fire or fall into any cause considerable damage and tragedy. Pull-on the connections and make sure they are secure. Turn on the electricity to check that everything works correctly and starts up without incident. in addition, make the use of voltage tester to ensure wires are not electrified. Utilize the right insulators for longer life spans as well.
In Conclusion
The above-mentioned safety guidelines will help you to successfully install the data cables without any hassle. Hiring a professional and trusted data cable installer will fix all the cables correctly and save you from unwanted occurrence or incident. So, follow all safety precautions from the beginning to the end of a project.