Frequently Asked Questions
No question is ever unimportant, so if your answer isn’t here, drop us an email and we will happily provide you with the answer you need, and add it to the page.
We don’t expect you to be an expert, that’s our job. Our frequently asked questions page is here to help you with anything you are unsure of and is common questions we get asked. We will continue to update it, as technology advances so do our capabilities, processes and applications.
No question is ever unimportant, so if your answer isn’t here, drop us an email and we will happily provide you with the answer you need, and add it to the page.
Structured cabling, often referred to as data cabling, Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6 or fibre optic network cabling, is the foundation of almost any communication system, be it data, voice, VoIP or wireless for example, IT networks, servers, routers, wi-fi, CCTV, access control systems, printers, telephone systems and so on.
Data cable is highly sensitive and must not be confused with electrical wiring. It must be professionally installed to ensure an efficient system that will be robust but versatile over its whole life.
Read our blog article “What is structured cabling”
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.
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:
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:
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:
Characteristics of Patch Cables:
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.
Unlike a traditional camera that uses visible light to form an image, a thermal imaging camera uses infra-red radiation to create images.
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.