Top 10 Considerations for Structured Cabling for an IT Systems Integrator, Electrical Contractor or Facilities Manager

As the complexity of IT systems grows, structured cabling for an IT systems integrator, electrical contractor or facilities manager get more and more crucial. There are several key considerations that you should bear in mind if you’re preparing to implement structured cabling. 

10. Is your installer certified? 

By using a certified installation partner, you can be sure that the hardware, cables and installation equipment are all the very best quality – and will stand the test of time.

9. Have you checked best practice for cable pathways? 

It’s critical that your cabling is installed in the right place and will not interfere with the infrastructure of the building.

8. Are you protected against EM interference? 

Cable balance is very important with twisted-pair cabling. Attaining balance will help improve noise immunity and is a good idea for any implementation.

7. Is your data centre ready for the heat? 

A poorly designed cabling structure can actually impede air flow within the data centre. To avoid this, you need to keep air flow in mind when deciding where the cabling will go.

6. Be 100% confident in your data centre design 

Structured cabling for an IT systems integrator, electrical contractor or facilities managers should always come after a solid data centre design.

5. Be aware of standards 

ISO and TIA standards are of key concern when developing a structured cabling plan. To keep everything above board, you must rigorously stick to these standards.

4. Consider the future 

Future-proofing means to prepare for changing standards in structured cabling. Will your choices still be effective in five years?

3. Keeping things simple 

Make the most of technologies such as POE (Power Over Ethernet) to make your structured cabling as efficient as possible.

2. Think about topologies 

Any-to-all and point-to-point centre topologies both have their benefits, but which is right for you? Make sure you do your research and implement the correct method.

1. The right cables 

The most obvious is saved for last; always be sure you’re using the most long-lasting and most efficient cabling for the job – it’ll be very tricky to tear it all out and start again!