Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

A network cabling installation will bring benefits at any stage. However, those benefits should be maximised when the installation is an integral element of corporate planning – for example, when planning an office move, new build, refit or technology upgrade.

This is the most cost-effective and most efficient stage to look at your networking and cabling, as it could encounter lifting floors, opening up ceilings etc, so for minimal disruption and a quicker installation, you should consider your cabling at the planning stage of any project.

Your structured cabling is the backbone of all your connectivity and communication needs, this needs to be installed correctly and with scalability in mind, to prevent additional costs as your business grows.

Designed to alleviate workflow disruption and network downtime associated with office restructuring, no other element of your communications structure has a longer life cycle or requires such close consideration. A well–thought-out and properly installed network cabling system is the underlying structure for all communication and network requirements.

• Freedom to use communications equipment from any manufacturer. By building a network cabling infrastructure based on standards rather than manufacturers’ specifications, you can use a mix of applications and hardware from a variety of sources.
• A larger number of devices can have connectivity all at once, such as the Bring Your Own Device movement, as well as printers, computers, laptops, phones etc.
• Integration of applications and devices, such as SMART buildings,
• Future-proofing your network for scalability and technological advances

Our experience shows that businesses are working harder to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Clients are therefore more demanding, and their expectations are high, especially in this, buyers’ market. A successful business must respond quickly to meet these raised demands and be flexible enough to deal with the constant change of personnel, equipment and technology.

Advanced information technology is very often the facilitator of significant change – voice, data, video, fibre and multimedia are the essential tools of a modern business – but the speed of advances in technology brings its own challenges. New hardware and software, high-speed access and multiple users put pressure on existing cabling systems and data networks where bottlenecks can limit performance and – worst case scenario – lead to network failure.

When choosing cabling installers, bear in mind that a good installer would be able to demonstrate:

• Trained and certified professional staff
• Value-added support services e.g., network cabling support services
• Design assistance,
• Contractor referrals,
• Installation audits,
• Continuing education, etc. (such programs and services allow you to form a business partnership with the vendor rather than just purchasing components).

While a company in the UK can technically hire a standard commercial electrician to install network and data cabling, it is generally advisable to hire a specialist for several reasons:

1. Expertise and Training:
   Network and Data Cabling Specialists: These professionals are specifically trained in installing and maintaining network infrastructure. They understand the requirements for proper signal transmission, cable management, and adherence to industry standards.
   Commercial Electricians: While they are skilled in electrical installations and might have some knowledge of low-voltage systems, they may not be as familiar with the intricacies of data cabling.
2. Compliance with Standards:
   Network cabling must adhere to specific standards (such as BS EN standards in the UK) to ensure proper performance and compatibility. Specialists are well-versed in these standards.
   Incorrect installation by someone not fully knowledgeable in these standards can lead to issues such as signal interference, data loss, and reduced network performance.
3. Testing and Certification:
   Specialists typically have the tools and knowledge to properly test and certify network cabling installations, ensuring that they meet performance criteria.
   Commercial electricians might lack the necessary equipment and expertise to perform these tests.
4. Future-Proofing:
   Data cabling needs to support current and future technologies, which requires an understanding of advancements in network speeds and protocols. Network specialists stay updated on these trends.
   An electrician without this specific focus might not install cabling that supports future upgrades effectively.
5. Warranty and Support:
   Network cabling installers often provide warranties and support for their work, which can be crucial for business operations.
   An electrician might not offer the same level of post-installation support for data cabling issues.
6. Complexity of Network Systems:
   Modern network systems can be complex, involving not just cabling but also the configuration of network hardware.
7. Specialists are better equipped to handle these complexities.

So a commercial electrician in the UK might be capable of physically installing network and data cables, but hiring a network and data cabling specialist is typically the better choice to ensure proper installation, compliance with standards, and optimal network performance.

A patch cable (or patch cord) is a short cable used to connect two electronic or optical devices for signal routing. Patch cables are typically used in networking to connect different pieces of equipment, such as:

1. Connecting a Computer to a Network: A patch cable can connect a computer to a network switch, router, or wall outlet that leads to a network infrastructure.
2. Connecting Network Devices: They are used to connect switches, routers, and other network devices within a data centre or networking rack.
3. Patch Panels: They connect ports on a patch panel to other network devices or another patch panel, facilitating organised and flexible management of the cabling system.

Characteristics of Patch Cables:

• Length: Patch cables are typically shorter in length, often ranging from a few inches to a few meters.
• Types: They can be copper (such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) or fibre optic cables, depending on the network requirements and the type of data transmission needed.
• Connectors: Common connectors for patch cables include RJ45 connectors for Ethernet networks (copper cables) and various types of connectors for fibre optics, like LC, SC, ST, etc.
• Flexibility: They are designed to be more flexible than longer, permanent cabling to allow for easier manipulation and reconfiguration.

Patch cables are essential components in network setup and maintenance, providing the necessary connections between devices for effective data communication and network organisation.

Yes, we can schedule work during evenings, weekends, or other off-peak times to minimise disruption to your business operations.

Yes, we can integrate new cabling with your existing network equipment to ensure seamless operation.

These cameras are a great addition to existing CCTV systems and security systems, especially when positioned in darker areas of your building. They can also be used to provide additional security at night.

Thermal imaging cameras cannot pick up moisture and water leaks in walls. However, they can detect subtle temperature patterns and differences that could identify the presence of water where it should not be.

No. Most walls are thick enough and insulated enough to block infra-red radiation on the other side of them.

A thermal picture is actually a visual map of different temperatures captured in a frame. Warmer temperatures are portrayed by warmer colours like red, orange, and yellow, and cooler temperatures are portrayed by cooler colours like purple, blue and green.

Thermal cameras can detect a wide range of objects, including anything that gives off a heat signature. This includes people and animals, insulation systems, water leaks, air leaks, stud locations, electrical hot spots, certain pieces of equipment and technology, and more.