Learning how to cable 4

[PaulGillespie]

Hi Guys,

I need to find best practices or how to guides on how to set up rack cabinets and install patch pannels etc including how to wire them up. I've been asked to look into this instead of bringing in outside contractors to do this for us. I'm only going to be doing this for small simple networks (nothing complicated) and i can already make my own patch leads so i'm hoping that the rest will be just as easy. Anyone got some good links?

Thanks
Paul

 

[mforrence]

If you're going to do this more than once, consider hiring a contractor for the first one. Also - there have been more troubles caused by hand-made patch cables than all other wiring issues combined. I REALLY recommend factory-made patch cables!
Mike

 

[PaulGillespie]

We've had contractors in before but this time they are charging way too much. Totally agree with the hand made patch cables, never again if it can be avoided!

 

[skip555]

well the contractors are charging for their expericance and expertise .

as to learning how , you learn by doing . after youv'e installed a couple hundred you will be just as qualified as the "overpriced contractor " (off course expect to get lots of troubleshooting experiance along the way I hope your company dosnt mind lots of networking isssues )

 

[PaulGillespie]

Thanks Skipp i understand what you're saying, i've cables about 10 networks before but never into a patch pannel before that's all so i'm going into this from an amatuers point of view. I've been doing network support for about 6 years now so any network issues then i'll have to sort it! lol

 

[oldtimerbob]

1.Although very time consuming,and the dressing of the cables takes awhile too,patch panels are easy,just follow the color codes on the back.
2. Always use factory made patch cords
3. Depending upon the test results you desire will determine the cable tester you need. They range from the cheap 'continuity' testers to...well some of the others can be in the thousands of dollars range ( another reason contractors charge more,besided being able to warranty the cabling job).
4. Even if your doing 'in house' work, you will want to follow local codes (PL cable or pvc)and other compliances.

Good luck.

'Its better to fail trying than not to try at all'

 

[pbxn]

Here is one of a thousand links on the web to make your own patch cables.

http://www.bluemax.net/techtips/networking/Wiring_Tips/Wiring100TX/colorcodestandards.htm

If you are going to make your own patch cables, do save yourself the troubleshooting headache and get a continuity tester. You can get a cheap universal tester for under a 100.00. Just make sure it tests network and phone. I have an all in one that does network, phone, and catv.
As far as the patch panels go, as mentioned in posts above just follow the color code guide on the back of the patch panels. Everyone has to learn somewhere so why not in house. Just take your time and lay it out nice. Also you may want to do a internet search on cabling standards. These will guide you through making sure you understand reccomended exposed cable spec;s specifically for cat5/6.

 

[PaulGillespie]

Thanks guys, very helpful.

We'll be going for a cheapy continuity tester i think. If there are any weird problems then we'll get our contractor to come in with their VERY expensive tester but i think it'll all go ok.

Thanks again.

 

[hawks]

With new cat6 cable being installed in some places check to see what you have before you buy the patch panel.

 

[pbxn]

Good point Hawks

 

[ISDNman]

For the level of stuff you are doing you can leartn a lot from a good book and then "just doing it".

I would suggest you get "Mikes Basic Guide to Cabling Computers and Telephones" By Mike Gorman published by Praire Wind Communications.

Just take your time and realize you will make some mistakes. As long as the boss is OK with those restrictions you will be fine.

 

[PaulGillespie]

Thanks ISDNman, i'll check out that book.

Thanks again to all who replied.

 

[Sympology]

Also if doing a lot of panels, a good "Krone" (punch down)tool is worth spending money on. A cheap one will blunt and wear quicky, often giving poor contacts. A simple thing such as this can make a lot of difference.

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[PaulGillespie]

I found that out with krimping tools too. Thanks Stu.

 

[Munz]

Get yourself a cable stripper like the one that I use and stripping will be a breeze. This link has a picture.

http://www.action-electronics.com/cat5e.htm

If you are running the cables, end to end, then its a good idea to use two boxes of cable for double points, and three boxes for triples. Having to measure lengths and keep them from knotting and tangling is a real pain.

Don't kink the cables and don't stretch them. Don't use a cable tacker. If you use plastic cable ties don't pull them up tight. If you do, then you'll have trouble later when the insulation flows out from under tight ties. Velcro strips that come with some patch panels are good. Don't step on the cable and watch that no-one else walks on them.
Don't hold a single socket in your palm and expect to be able to terminate it without injuring yourself. Clip it into a flush plate first and lay it on a solid surface.

Plan your job, so that you know every route that every cable will take and avoid power, hot water, sunlight etc.

Keep the cable sheath right up near the termination, and don't unwind any twist in the pairs. If you need to re-arrange the layout of the pair to fall across the socket termination correctly then add to the twist. Un-twisted pairs will not work at high speed. Neither will badly kinked or stretched or damaged cable. If your not sure, cut it off and do it again until you are sure the cable is fine.
It's much easier to replace a cable during installation than it will be after all the furniture is back inplace.

A second person is handy, even if you just use him as a gofer. I'd rather guard a cable that's laying on the floor than let one stiletto waste hours of labour.

Double check you colour code before you screw plates onto walls and patch strips into racks. Stay away from the 36 port stips. Use 24 or whatever is already in the cabinet until you've done a lot of terminating.

Use blue patch cords for data. Use yellow for phones.
Provide a voice tie cable between the patch panel and the phone system or IDF. Allow for company growth with tie cables and cabinet size.

Check your colour code again.
Test.

too easy

Munz

 

[dhnl]

Go to

http://www.bicsi.org.

Become a member. Buy all the manuals. Take all the classes. You will learn a lot.

 

[PaulGillespie]

Cheers Munz! really helpful.

 

[Tyras]

Also, if you are pulling cable through the ceiling, be sure to avoid laying cable on or too close to fluorescent lights as this will cause interferance on the line.

 

[SYQUEST]

In the USA it is an NEC code violation to have UNsupported cable in the ceiling. Must have proper support structures. The lite fixtures and "T" bar are NOT supporting structures for cables!

The NEC book has lots of good info in this area.

Hope this helps!

....JIM....

 

[fs483]

The NEC is for US right ? What about in Canada ?