NM Cabling is pleased to confirm that we have successfully renewed our SafeContractor accreditation, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to safe working practices, professional delivery, and consistently high standards across all sites we support.

For Facilities Managers, this certification provides independent assurance that NM Cabling operates in a way that protects people, buildings, and operations — particularly in live, occupied, and high-risk environments.

What SafeContractor Accreditation Means

SafeContractor is a UK-recognised, SSIP-aligned contractor accreditation scheme that independently assesses how companies manage health & safety, competence, and operational risk.

To achieve and retain accreditation, NM Cabling must demonstrate — and evidence — that we:

• Operate robust health & safety management systems

• Use trained, competent, and experienced engineers

• Produce and follow clear risk assessments and method statements

• Actively monitor safety and quality on site

• Apply standards in practice, not just on paper

This accreditation is renewed annually, requiring continued proof that standards are maintained on live projects.

Experience Across Live and High-Risk Environments

NM Cabling works across a wide range of buildings and client environments, including:

• Schools, delivering CAT6A cabling upgrades for Wi-Fi systems in line with Department for Education recommendations

• Operational warehouses, installing fibre optic and CAT6 cabling at high level using MEWPs and scissor lifts

• Operational warehouses supporting upgrades to warehouse management systems

• Public-facing commercial venues, hospitality, retail and bespoke premises such as casinos, film studies, and entertainment venues

These environments demand careful planning, strict site discipline, and a clear understanding of how cabling works and interacts with other people, processes, and risks on site.

Within these buildings, we install a range of services that all have their own unique Health and Safety considerations.

• Structured Cabling and Fibre Optic Cabling
• Electrical Installations
• Audio Visual
• CCTV and Access Control

How We Manage Safety on Your Site

Facilities Managers are responsible for more than infrastructure — they are accountable for people. Our approach reflects that.

Planned and Agreed in Advance

• Every project begins with an on-site survey

• Works are clearly documented to explain:

  • What will be undertaken

  • Where will it take place

  • How it will be carried out

• These details are distilled into risk assessments and method statements, which are reviewed and agreed with the client before work starts, ensuring expectations around safety and conduct are clear from day one.

Delivered by Competent Engineers

• We only deploy fully trained and experienced engineers

• Engineers are required to work strictly in accordance with agreed RAMS

• Ongoing training supports both health & safety and role-specific technical competence

Actively Monitored

• Safety and quality are monitored through:

  • Internal on-site assessments

  • Client-led site inspections and reviews

This monitoring forms part of our SafeContractor accreditation and provides independent verification that standards are being applied consistently.

A Realistic View of Site Risk

In our experience, the greatest safety risks on site are often introduced when contractors attempt to work too quickly or cut corners — particularly when working at height without appropriate access equipment.

Examples we regularly see elsewhere include:

• Unsafe ladder use

• Avoidance of MEWPs or towers due to lack of training or time pressure

• Inadequate tools for the task

NM Cabling does not operate this way. If a task requires specific access equipment, training, or controls, those measures will be used — even when faster or cheaper alternatives exist.

Non-Negotiables and When We Will Walk Away

Health & safety is a shared responsibility. As part of our risk assessment process, we ensure that:

• Our engineers are working in a safe environment

• Our activities do not introduce risk to the client’s staff or occupants

Our risk assessments are live decision tools, not paperwork exercises. In several cases, they have identified non-negotiable risks that have led us to withdraw from site where safe working could not be assured.

Most commonly, this has involved asbestos-related concerns, particularly where the location or condition of materials could not be clearly established. NM Cabling will not proceed where risks are unknown or unmanaged. We do not accept taking chances when people’s safety is involved.

Why Facilities Managers Choose NM Cabling

Facilities Managers work best with contractors who respect their sites, their standards, and their responsibilities.

By choosing NM Cabling, you benefit from:

• Independently verified health & safety standards

• Predictable, well-documented delivery

• Engineers who understand live-site responsibility

• Reduced risk to staff, occupants, and operations

• A contractor that strengthens your compliance position rather than exposing it

We work closely with Facilities Management teams because we share the same priorities: safe sites, well-managed assets, and people protected at all times.

A Contractor You Can Trust on Your Site

SafeContractor accreditation reflects how NM Cabling operates every day — through planning, discipline, training, and a willingness to make the right decision, even when it is the difficult one.

We look after our staff, your staff, and your site.

The post NM Cabling Renews SafeContractor Accreditation 2026 appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

As the first half of 2025 comes to a close, June brought a strong mix of project completions, new design work, and detailed surveys. These activities highlight the steady demand for structured cabling and modern IT infrastructure in offices, logistics centres, and hospitality spaces. Here’s what we’ve been working on over the past month.

1. Queens House – Project Completion in St Albans

We completed a full data cabling installation at Queens House, a well-known office building in the centre of St Albans. The building underwent a full upgrade to its internal technology systems. Our part in this redevelopment included:

• 250 Cat6 data outlets

• 40 Cat6a data outlets

• Full containment and cabling for CCTV, Wi-Fi, audio-visual systems, televisions, and video conferencing

The project took place over 10 months, with each stage scheduled to match the wider construction programme. This careful planning reduced disruption and allowed other trades to work smoothly alongside us.

This type of structured approach benefits any building going through a fit-out. By coordinating IT infrastructure early, future tenants or occupants will have reliable and scalable systems in place from day one.

The full case study can be found here

2. Royal Mail Centres – Cabling Installations Across Five Sites

We recently completed data cabling works across several Royal Mail sites in:

• Wolverhampton

• Chelmsford

• Cardiff

• Swindon

• Gatwick

These installations involved installing network cabling to support internal systems and logistics equipment. Cabling in operational environments like these must be robust, consistent, and installed with minimum disruption to daily work. We ensured that all systems remained operational throughout the upgrades.

3. AV and IT Design Submissions for Four Hotels

Initial design packages were completed for upcoming hotel projects in:

• Edinburgh

• Glasgow

• Leicester

• Manchester

Each project required a tailored approach to meet the needs of modern hotel guests and operations. Our designs covered structured data cabling, Wi-Fi layout, audio systems, and support for televisions and video conferencing. These early designs are essential—they allow electrical teams, architects, and project managers to plan with confidence before installation begins.

4. Meeting Room PODs – Installation in Canary Wharf

We installed electrical outlets and structured data cabling in 25 meeting room PODs at a corporate site in Canary Wharf. These PODs provide flexible working and private spaces within open office environments. Each unit now includes power, data, and support for AV equipment, making them ready for immediate use.

5. Mobile Signal Survey – London Office Site

A London-based client asked us to carry out a mobile phone signal survey in their office. The goal was to assess coverage levels across the building and provide a plan for improving reception using signal booster systems. These surveys are key in office spaces where poor coverage disrupts business communication.

Data Cabling FAQ of the Month

Q: What’s the difference between Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cabling?

• Cat5e supports speeds of up to 1 Gbps over distances of up to 100 meters. It’s reliable, but is no longer the standard choice of most installations, although it is sometimes installed to keep within specific budgets.

• Cat6 also supports 1 Gbps but offers improved performance and reduced interference, especially for short runs. Indeed, up to 55m Cat6 can achieve 10 Gbps transmission, but it’s not a ratified standard.

• Cat6a is the next step up. It supports 10 Gbps over complete 100m runs and can be further shielded for environments with more signal interference or higher data needs.

For most modern offices, Cat6a offers a balance between speed and future-proofing. Indeed, the Department for Education has now made Cat6a the required cabling standard for all new installations in schools and colleges. An Article on this can be read here

Monthly Data Cabling Need to Know

Topic: Why Cable Management Matters in Office Installations

Good cable management isn’t just about tidy work—it has real, long-term benefits:

• It reduces the likelihood of faults due to wear or strain.

• It makes moves, additions, or changes easier and more cost-effective.

• It improves airflow in network cabinets, keeping equipment cool.

• It makes troubleshooting faster if problems occur later.

We include proper cable routes, labelling, and containment in all our installations to make sure systems are easy to maintain and expand.

The post June 2025 Project Summary appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

Virtual Cabling Surveys for Structured Cabling, Electrical, and Associated Services

Lockdown 3.0, is now a month in and our support bubbles have burst and we are working as best we can from home again. While engineering and installation must of course necessarily be undertaken on-premises, we are always looking at ways to minimise project management on site. Therefore, reducing travel, exposure, and meetings for both our team and our range of clients teams. Thus, we have processed a growing number of cabling survey quotations both on-site and virtually. Thus, in some cases planning of installation works without either party being in the building beforehand

What type of surveys are we currently undertaking?

No project is the same so the survey requirements are also unique. Therefore, we try to undertake virtual surveys to minimise contact for all, but we also have the team to still travel and undertake on-site surveys when required. In addition, some quotations are for buildings not yet occupied, and they are handled in a slightly different way also

Therefore, survey and quotation options are

1. On-site standard surveys
2. Virtual walk around surveys
3. Off-site discussions and quotations
4. Budget proposals
5. Tender proposals

What is a Standard Cabling Survey?

As I’m sure you are aware, to get the best picture of a project we like to get to the site and have a good look around. Thus, to ensure we have quoted correctly and allowed for all of your requirements. It's great looking at drawings but there is nothing like coming to look at the building and completing a site survey to get the best view of a project. Furthermore, by completing a site survey, we ensure that you are not going to meet any additional costs towards the end of a project for unseen things. I’m sure many of you have had projects where costs have popped up out of nowhere. Furthermore, this ensures our engineering team is 100% prepared for the upcoming works and has all the information they need to get their job done.

An on-site survey free of charge is always available after a virtual survey sign-off to confirm details. In some cases this is desirable and in others not required

What is a Virtual Cabling Survey?

During the pandemic, reducing our visits to the site from our projects team has been critical for us to remain as safe as possible. Thus, to protect our clients and staff. Hence, the beginning of ‘Virtual Surveys’. Therefore, by using technology we can be situated in our office or working from home and complete our surveys without increasing any one risk. This is within the clients building and avoiding public transport for all

To do this, we use a video call to complete the survey and you (the client) are on your site and can complete a walk-through of the project remotely. Also, we ask the questions we would usually ask on-site and complete our survey notes. Generally, this takes on average around 20 minutes, saving time for you and your team

This allows queries and questions between parties as the virtual cabling survey is undertaken. In general, clarifications can be made in real-time as per a standard cabling survey

So far we have used the following to complete this;

• Microsoft Teams
• Cisco Webex
• Facetime
• Whatsapp
• Zoom

There are many options to complete these calls. Therefore, we can be just as accurate without having to attend the site.

What are my other options for an Off-Site cabling survey?

If your company is also based from home and working remotely, we are still able to provide off-site quotations. Therefore, in this instance, we discuss over video conference or phone call the relevant requirements. This is usually supported by additional documentation on the description of the works required.

The more of the following documentation that is available, the more accurate the quotation will be

• Floor Layouts and Drawings
• Internal and External Building Photos
• Specific Area Photos - i.e communication rooms and cabinets
• Fuse Boards
• Elevations

Our team have a lot of experience in quoting by all three methods so whatever your situation and requirement we will be able to assist in putting together your budgets

What services are available as a virtual survey?

Our full range of services is available to be undertaken as a virtual or off-site survey. However, some services require more information to provide an accurate estimate than others. In all cases, it is dependent on the requirements, building, and availability of supporting documentation.

We have in the past 12 months undertaken off-site surveys and quotations for the following

• Cat5e, cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 cabling
• Fibre Optic Cabling links, internally and externally
• Access Control Systems
• CCTV Camera Systems
• Electrical Installations
• Electrical Testing and PAT Testing
• Audio Visual solutions including televisions and video conferencing
• Video Wall Installations
• Data Centre Cabling Installations

Can you provide a Budget Quotation for a New Building

We have had numerous inquiries where companies have asked for outline costs for buildings that haven't yet moved to. Similarly, as above we discuss remotely the requirements and provide an outline budget based on a set number of assumptions

For example, we have a couple of articles regarding how much to budget for Cat5e and Cat6 cabling. Please click below the read these articles

Article - How Much is Cat5e Cabling?

Article - How Much is Cat6 Cabling?

Virtual Cabling Survey Summary

We have described a few different options for how we can provide a budget for your requirements. Our project team can discuss the best type of survey for your situation and arrange a suitable time for this to be carried out. So, if you need a project completing and are not allowing visitors to your building, we can complete a ‘Virtual Survey’. This will ensure accuracy in your quotation, save time and keep us all safe. Also, we are helping reduce our emissions by not traveling all over the country, saving the environment which is always a positive

Besides those who still require a traditional on-site we have that covered also

For further articles in addition to Virtual Cabling Surveys please visit our Knowledge Center HERE

For a Free Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

The post Virtual Cabling Survey appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

What are the CPR regulations for data cables?

Building and construction cables manufactured after July 1, 2017, are subject to the Construction Product Regulation (CPR). So, what are the CPR regulations for data cables?

The CPR covers all construction products, including power cables, and classifies them according to their fire response. In addition, any product on the market before this date may continue to be sold and supplied without the CPR orientation. Cables are rated based on their flame properties. In addition, the ratings range from A to F, with the product checked and Euroclass-rated. Furthermore, there is additional classification based on smoke, flammable droplets, and acidity rating.

It aims to establish harmonised production standards and a common language across Europe, and to help buyers make better-informed decisions. While this is mandatory across all European countries, the minimum CPR Euro rating requirement may vary from country to country. Therefore, some countries have adopted a minimum rating. In contrast, some have adopted a risk assessment method. Furthermore, others, such as the United Kingdom, have a minimum rating, but a higher rating is recommended.

Compliance with CPR is mandatory and has implications in the supply chain. However, most of the responsibility falls on manufacturers, importers, and distributors. The onus is then also on the installer to expand their education about the correct choice of cable and its intended use.

Testing

Testing must be done by a body or laboratory. These labs are expensive to install and must be monitored by a supervisory body. The basic standards for flame spread and heat release are tested according to EN 60332-1-2 (small-scale) and EN 50399 (large-scale) burn tests. Additional standards exist for smoke opacity, droplets falling during combustion, and smoke acidity. For classes E and F, the required test is the burn test; for the upper classes, smoke and toxicity are measured.

Classification

The rating is based on Euroclass use. Thus, a uniform assessment rating reflects the real-life environment of construction products. For cables, Euroclass appreciates the response to fire performance. Relevant Euroclasses for CPR rating include B1ca, B2ca, CCA, DCA, Eka, and FCA.

Once a product has been tested by a laboratory, manufacturers are issued documentation of compliance with the valid Euroclass for that cable. The class is then used for labelling.

Labelling

Firstly, CE markings must be installed by the CPR update regulations. The CE mark should be on the product (rail) and packaging label. Label Declaration Performance (DOP) Number, Declared Performance (Class BCA, CCA, DCA or ECA), Notified Reference to Compatible Standard, Notified Body or Notified Laboratory Identification. It is essential to quote the number and the desired product. The markings on the cable itself should include a historical reference to the standard of conformity and identify the CPR class (B2CA, CCA, DCA, or ECA).

What is CPR Compliance?

CE Labelling is the fastest way to identify a cable, according to CPR. Thus, CE marking is already a legal requirement, but it now requires additional information to help detect it, including CPR classification. CE labels can be on cable or cable packaging. They indicate cable testing by a notified body. Operated independently of manufacturers and suppliers, this rating requires Performance Continuity and Performance (AVCP).

So what do I need to do?

There is a legal requirement that relevant cables manufactured after July 1, 2017, must comply with CPR. As an end-user, you must ensure that the CE labelling is present on the cable or packaging and check for a CPR rating where appropriate. Remember, cables placed on the market before this date are not subject to this legislation and can be installed as such. Once again, this is subject to country-by-country adoption.

End users are urged to be practical in selecting and specifying cables. The cable selected must also meet other national, international, and industry standards. Each installation must be considered in light of country-specific regulations.

For example, in the United Kingdom, the Department for Education specifies the performance category of cable and the required fire rating.

“For new installations, cabling should comply with fire rating requirements defined in the latest version of British Standards 6701, currently stated as Euroclass Cca s1b.d2.a2.” {Department for Education – “Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges”}

One additional consideration when selecting standard meeting cables is to ensure you purchase pure copper cables. There are cheaper alternatives on the market that use a different central core and are coated in copper. These cables perform poorly and, in many cases, pose a fire hazard.

To read more about these alternative cables, please review The problem with CCA, CCS and CCC Cable and why to avoid them.

What is the purpose of the CPR regulations for data cables?

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) provides consistent conditions for the marketing of data cabling products based on their performance. This is achieved by providing a “common technical language” that allows for similar methods to be used to evaluate the performance of data cabling products and to compare the performance of products from different manufacturers in different countries.

These methods are formulated in terms of compatibility standards or technical features.

What benefits do CPR regulations for data cables generate?

CPR created a high level of protection for all elements of the installation process, including those during the installation phase and those occupying the buildings after completion.

There should be the same level of protection for all end users. National requirements are regulated, not just recommended. Once non-compliance is detected, national authorities may enforce the withdrawal of unsecured cables from the market.

Users of construction products can better define their performance requirements because:

The manufacturer assumes full responsibility for the performance in the performance declaration, which is a legally binding document (the consequences of non-compliance may be catastrophic for the manufacturer). The performance appraisal and sustainability assessment are defined by the performance appraisal and validation, and conducted by third-party entities. Market monitoring is more efficient because one can rely on general information structures and dedicated resources.

For further articles with regards to CPR regulations for data cables, please visit our Knowledge Center HERE.

For a Free Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

The post CPR regulations for data cables appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

A structured cabling consultant will design the overall cabling installation. This encompasses the overall design of a data cabling project. Thus from the start of the design process, through the installation and onto the finalising and commissioning stage

The main focus is that the design will support numerous hardware uses and be suitable for future technology as well as the current technology

The structured cabling system consists of not only the data cabling itself but also the elements through which it passes and in which is terminated or housed

The main elements of a structured cabling installation are (Industry abbreviations in brackets)

• The incoming services or Entrance Facility (EF)
• The Communications or Equipment Room (ER)
• Distributed communications room on other floors or parts of the building
  • Telecommunications Rooms (TR)
  • Telecommunications Enclosures (TE)
• The backbone cabling linking through the building
• The main horizontal data cabling from cabinet to the floor
• The work area

Each of these parts of the structured cabling system have a set of guidelines for best practice installation. Furthermore each standard can run itself into many pages. A structured cabling consultant will incorporate these standards into your installation

The following is an outline of expectations and uses of each of these elements of a structured cabling system

• Entrance Facility (EF)

This is the part of the building where the incoming services enter and terminate. This creates a demarcation point between the outside provider and the services for the building. This would be where the incoming phone lines, fibre optics or Ethernet is terminated within the building from the outside provider.

In larger building the Ethernet cabling might terminate in a plant room and then have separate cabling links to each separate tenant space.

In a smaller building or single occupancy this may be housed within the main communications or equipment room (ER)

• Communications or Equipment Room (ER)

This is typically the main technology room for the individual tenant. This room will house the main communication equipment. From here  it will distribute both data cabling to users. In addition it will distribute backbone cabling to other cabinets. These could situated throughout the building on separate floors or in different buildings.

In many commercial spaces the main communications room will be the only room. Thus all data cabling will originate and terminate in here

• Telecommunication Room and Enclosures (TR and TE)

Data cabling has a maximum distance of 90m when installed from a cabinet to a user outlet. This allows for 5m patch leads each end for an overall maximum link of 100m.

In buildings where user outlets are more than 90 from the cabinet, sub cabinets are installed. These are recommended to be installed in a separate room which will house the additional cabinet and hardware to connect the users it serves.

In some designs regardless of distance one telecommunication room per floor is recommended for serving that floor but space does not always make this possible

For small working areas or where space is limited telecommunication enclosures are also used to server work areas. These are a specific use of a cabinet outside of a dedicated room such as mounting a small cabinet on a wall in a training area, warehouse, or outside building

• Backbone cabling

Once there are more than one data cabinet in a building these will need to be linked together to create communication throughout the entire building.

The backbone links are typically advised to consist of fibre optic links between cabinet and be a minimum of OM3 or OM4 multimode fibre optic cabling. In some cases singlemode fibre can be employed.

Copper backbone links are also commonly used but usually to serve a small space or smaller commercial tenant as it avoids the additional requirement of fibre switches and transmitters.

The consideration when installing backbone links will depend on the number of cabinets they are serving, how many links each cabinet needs and the bandwidth required between cabinet.

If a single link is required then a copper cable may be suitable. However multiple links can be contained within one fibre optic cable against multiple individual cable links when installing copper.

A Cat6a cable will connect at 10 gigabit up to 100m the same as an OM3 fibre optic cable but if you required 12 links you would have to install 12 cables against the single 24 core fibre cable and space and installation time then becomes an issue

• Horizontal Cabling

The horizontal element is the data cabling originating from each data cabinet and then serving the work areas. It includes the user modules, actual data cable, patch panels and patch leads.

The work areas and hardware they service may include desks computers and telephones, WIFI access points, CCTV and Access Control, BMS controllers, Audio Visual, Mobile Boosters and many others

The recognised cabling elements of horizontal structured cabling are

• 4 pair twisted pair copper cabling such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat8
• Multimode fibre cabling
• Singlemode fibre cabling

Horizontal cabling is mainly installed in copper cabling but in situation where high bandwidth or longer distance are required then fibre optic are employed.

The maximum distance of these links if they are copper are 90m and can either be installed directly from the cabinet to each outlet or via a consolidation point or MUTOA when a bank of outlets is terminated in a set location such as under the floor and then localised links are installed to desks from that position. This allows for flexibility in moving spaces but does increase the initial data cabling installation

The chart below compares the different cabling bandwidths and speeds and then how different cables can transmit the 10 gigabit standard

Copper Data Cabling Comparison Chart

10 Gigabit Cabling Comparison Chart

• The Work Area

The work area is the area where each user is to be located.

This will consist of the actual termination outlets and the method in which it is housed. Commonly this could be in a floor box, direct to the desk through a grommet or mounted on a wall in either dado trunking or surface mounted.

The recommendation is that each user has a minimum of 2 data outlets each

Other components through a structured cabling system

The components above are the core of every structured cabling installation. Furthermore thehe variations of each will vary greatly depending on the size of the company. In addition the size and style of the building and of course overall budget. As a qualified structured cabling consultant company we fit our designs to your space

Other components that serve as part of these installation include the type of containment required to house and support these cables, the power requirements for the hardware, the cooling for the communication rooms and the lighting within those rooms

For further structured cabling consultant articles please visit https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/

The post What are the types of structured cabling? What is a Structured Cabling Consultant? appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

With the return to work starting to slowly start the requirement need to change. However to ensure social distancing  the current desk layouts for staff are safe is a major consideration. Thus Facilities Managers and IT Managers will need to relocate desks, people and therefore the data cabling and electrical outlets

Social distancing on a greater level with entry and exit into the building and movement throughout the premise is a discussion outside of this article. This is to focus on what options there are for arranging your desks or staff at those desks and what will need to be changed to accommodate it.

The goverment guidelines on working safely during Covid-19 can be found HERE

Social Distancing at the Desk

Guidelines are yet to firmly put in place but the following have been communicated as a consideration for working on a desk layout.

• Ensuring a 2 metre distance while sitting side to side
  1. This may mean employees sitting at every other desk
• Avoiding staff sitting opposite one another
  1. This results in avoiding back to back desks
• Install plastic screens between desks as a protection shield
• Eliminating hot desk usage

Other Desk Options

Several of our clients have had us undertake surveys where the current island desk layouts are to be moved. Consequently all desk layouts are now facing the outer wall.  Furthermore no 2 members of staff are alongside one another or next to each other.

Social Distancing effect on Power and Data outlets

In the above example the island desks were served by floor boxes containing electrical sockets and Cat6 data outlets.

The new layout designed allowed for installing new electrical and data cabling to the outside wall. Thus the desks could use them directly from the wall with no trailing leads. By installing new data cabling and power the old floor boxes could be maintained. Thus allowing for the relocation back to them once social distancing safety measures could be reduced or eliminated.

Data Cabling and Electrical Considerations when using existing desk layouts with fewer people

In the scenario where existing desk layouts are maintained but employees are scattered among those desks the following considerations will need to be thought of.

Will the new seating position have enough power and data?

In an office that is fully staffed and a reduced work force is coming back to the office the desks will probably have enough power and data for the employee requirements.

However when moving staff to other desks areas, especially those that were previously rarely used there may be a lack of power and data.  Thus additional outlets will need to be installed. Even if it is present does the data cabling need patching in correctly. In addition do the power extension blocks need to be installed.

Changing hot desks for permanent use

A large proportion of modern offices set aside desk space for hot desk use. The guidance is to eliminate hot desks due to the increased use of the space by multiple different employees rather than fixed employees

These hot desk areas may now to be used for permanent staff to spread them out. Some hot desk areas are wired for data cabling and electrical the same as a standard desks. Others will have minimal power and no data as they only reply on Wi-Fi.

In these instances new power and data will possibly need to be installed, and data cabling patch leads and electrical extension leads installed also.

Using other areas for new desk arrangements

To separate desks others usually use as desk areas are now being used to locate desks and seat staff.  The following areas have been found to be used on recent surveys

• Training rooms
• Conference / meeting rooms
• Social / canteen areas where these are now closed

In each of the above cases desks will need to be relocated and new power and data cabling (even if temporary) will need to be installed

Upgraded Wi-Fi

One consideration as desks are moved and installed into temporary spaces is that the areas used may not have sufficient Wi-Fi coverage. It may lack coverage for  the number of devices now situated in those areas. Where areas are now more densely used for technology additional structured cabling for Wi-Fi may be required.

Those employees working from home and are phased back into the workspace may also now be using a laptop. As this travels between work and home it may require the use of upgraded Wi-Fi.

Surveys for New Social Distancing Layouts

Surveys are safe to conduct where social distancing can be maintained for both the client and our project management team. However to reduce commuting and travel where possible the majority of surveys and quotations can be undertaken remotely. Generally these can be undertaken with layout drawings and photos of the layout.

An online video conference survey can then be undertaken to confirm details, answer queries and firm up expectations.

The actual installation works will follow the same safety considerations and be undertaken largely when the offices are clear.

For on-site or off site data cabling surveys please contact

sales@nmcabling.co.uk

Tel: 0207 269 4717

For further articles please visit https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/

The post Data Cabling and Electrical Installations for Social Distancing at Work appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

Structured cabling survey

The majority of our structured cabling survey projects, probably 98-99% of them, are undertaken free of charge.

Indeed, the only time there is a cost associated with a survey is when it includes an element of design. Furthermore, if there is significant travel involved in undertaking that survey. An example would be international travel

An example would be a client of ours requesting a free-of-charge survey in London. However, a survey for their new office in Newcastle would likely incur costs for travel and other expenses.

Another time would be when, rather than a survey, a prospect would require considerable time on the project to not only survey but also design and suggest solutions for an unknown quotation specification. This would then be classed as design rather than a survey.

How long does a structured cabling survey take?

Every project and survey is unique, but a survey usually takes 15-45 minutes, with additional time if required for discussing proposals. The larger the project, the longer the survey time to allow for inspecting all areas and gaining access

How long do I need to wait for a survey?

We aim to attend a survey within 48 business hours of the enquiry and to return a quotation within 48 hours of attending the survey. This can change depending on location, access restrictions and the amount of proposal work required to return the quotation. This, however, is what we aim to achieve in most cases

Our teams are based across several locations in Andover, Hampshire, London, Birmingham and Glasgow. Therefore, we will have a team in various locations to better match the location of your project and survey.

What is involved with a structured cabling survey, and what should you expect

The main parts of an on-site survey are

• Discussions and communication of requirements by the client
• Walk-through of the location to visualise the requirements
• Analysis of drawings
• Queries and confirmation of requirements upon visual survey

The more information that can be provided in advance, the more effective the survey can be. This allows our project team to already pre construction questions before attending the location

Drawings with marked-up data cabling outlets are the most effective part of the survey process and allow for not only helping visualise the project, but also allowing for note-taking and construction of a later project plan and specification for the installation engineers

Drawings are not always readily available. However, these can either be a

• previous PDF floor plan,
• a copy of the fire escape plan which is mounted by the fire exit
• a simply hand-drawn aerial layout.

In the absence of any of these, our project team can draw these at the time of the meeting during the walk-through phase

When will I receive a quotation?

The majority of our quotations are returned within 48 hours of the survey. In some cases, this is even earlier and can be turned around the same day. We do this if the client requires an urgent turnaround.

Some projects are more involved in the creation of the quotation. Therefore, additional time may be needed to collate the equipment and specification pricing. In addition, there may be many areas to analyse and quote for.

In cases where there will be an extended delay in returning your quotation, you will be informed of the expected return date

What happens when I accept a quotation?

When the quotation is accepted, a dedicated project manager is assigned to your project. In the majority of cases will be the same person who undertook the survey. This allows for a consistency of delivery

We aim to start any works within 7 days of quotation acceptance, subject to project requirements and restrictions. However, the majority of projects are started within the time window if requested

The project team will book in the data cabling engineers and arrange for all elements of the project. Those elements of the project will then be confirmed to you to ensure that the requirements haven’t changed and that everybody is working to the same expectations

Once the project is underway, the same project manager will be the point of contact. Thus ensuring that the project runs smoothly. Furthermore, this allows for arranging any changes or amendments throughout the project

Do you offer off-site virtual surveys?

Some projects are suitable, and even necessary, for a pre-project or off-site virtual survey. The following examples are some of the reasons we have had to undertake virtual and off-site surveys

• For projects where the client hasn’t yet taken residence in the building but requires quotations prior to moving in
• A large number of quotations during the Covid-19 pandemic, when office buildings were empty, but quotations were still required
• National roll out our projects where surveys for every location prior to the quotation phase were not possible
• For projects that required a very quick quotation turn around, and the client couldn’t attend the site in time

What do I need for a virtual or off-site survey?

Many of the elements required for an off-site survey are the same as those for an on-site survey. The more information you have, the more accurate the quotation can be.

However, as the visual elements of an on-site survey are lost, the following additional elements greatly assist in preparing a virtual quotation

• Photos of the location
• The routes involved fromthe  cabinet to the location
• Photos showing whether false ceilings or false floors are present
• Photos of existing containment, such as Dado trunking
• Existing data cabinet photos
• An external photo of the building to gauge access and deliveries
• Videos showing similar elements to the photos above
• Specifications of any existing containment or floor boxes
• These vary by manufacturer, so specification sheets help attain pricing

In many cases, we conduct virtual surveys. For peace of mind for both parties, after acceptance of a quotation, a later on-site surveyis undertaken  before starting the project to confirm requirements and ensure the client is happy that everything has been covered

For on-site or off-site data cabling surveys, please contact

sales@nmcabling.co.uk

Tel: 0207 269 4717

For further articles, please visit the Knowledge Centre

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NM Cabling Solutions’ office in Wiltshire, providing fast response times and seamless installation services across the South West region, including Reading, Southampton, Bristol, and Swindon.

The team at our Wiltshire office offers a comprehensive range of services, including Data Cabling, Fibre Optical Cabling, Electrical Installations, and Audio Visual (AV) Projects. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, professional solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses and organisations throughout the region.

Our team is committed to ensuring that every project is executed with precision, efficiency, and care. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current infrastructure, implement a new AV system, or need reliable data cabling solutions, we have the expertise to support you every step of the way.

We welcome both current and potential clients, as well as our partners, to visit us at the Wiltshire office. We look forward to discussing opportunities for collaboration and how we can contribute to the development of IT and communications infrastructure in the South West region.

Data Cabling Services Offered:

• Data Cabling Solutions: High-quality installations tailored to your specific business needs.
• Fibre Optical Cabling: High-speed, reliable cabling for superior network performance.
• Electrical Installations: Safe and efficient electrical solutions for all business environments.
• Audio Visual Projects: Professional AV system installations for enhanced communication and collaboration.

We are proud to support the growth of the South West’s IT infrastructure and look forward to helping businesses optimize their operations with our cutting-edge solutions. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact us or visit the office.

NM Cabling Solution Limited

South & West

Tel: 01264 314848

Mobile 07841 457424

Our Full Range of Services

1. Data Cabling
2. Fibre Optic Cabling
3. Wi-Fi Cabling
4. Electrical Installations
5. Mobile Boosters
6. CCTV and Access Control
7. Audio Visual
8. Moves and Changes
9. Service and Maintenance
10. Data Centres

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March 2014 saw the 12^th year since NM Cabling began. This leads us to contemplate the 12 things we have learnt that must be considered for a professional data cabling project completion. In essence , data cabling what is it?

1. Always use an expert in the field. Your expensive and critical IT, Telephone and CCTV systems are dependent on the cabling they run over. Why use someone who isn’t qualified and an expert in the field to expose your systems?

2. Are the engineers undertaking the work qualified in the industry. Qualifications from BICSI, BTEC and City and Guilds are standard

3. Always plan ahead. Installing enough data cabling for the present might be ok but with evolving technologies and growing staff are you covered for the future. Will it be expensive to install additional computer cabling at a later date?

4. Are you receiving test results for your IT cabling installations? Without these how do you know the system is installed correctly? By the time you find out it might be too late

5. Are you able to receive a 25 year warranty on your data cabling installations? Installers should be able to offer a 25 year data cabling warranty on your installation for the materials installed.

6. Is the IT cabling system being installed of a professional nature. With an increase in cheaper materials in the industry, check that the system being installed for you is from a professional brand with good support and documentation

7. Is the company you are using sufficiently Insured and are they insured for the activities they are carrying out. Some hardware providers aren’t covered for drilling for example so any damage resulting from this will leave you exposed

8. Are you receiving health and safety plans for your installations. If building works, drilling, high level access is involved then do you know how its going to be done in a safe way

9. Are you paying a premium for out of hours working? In most cases more work can be completed out of hours than during hours so a premium shouldn’t be paid in all case

10. Make sure the system is labelled and drawings documented after installation to help future changes more efficient

11. Are your quotes like for like? Too many times we have seen a cheaper solution missing essential elements for the installation which are then added back in at a premium rate later in the project

12. Are time-scales manageable. Especially on cutting over from an old system to a new system trying to do too much in one downtime can leave you exposed if their is no margin for delays

Call our Sales office on 01923 888588 or Sales@nmcabling.co.uk for your free survey and quotation

Visit our Knowledge Centre for further articles

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When sourcing network cabling costs in London, comparing quotations and ensuring they are a like for like comparison is at times a difficult task

The first consideration should be to make sure everything you require is included on the quotation or shown as an option. Some companies will include everything on your quotation from a survey including what they feel is required for an overall project. Some companies will purposely leave items of and provide the bare minimum so they achieve a lower price entry quotation

Every quotation is unique but the majority of data cabling quotations have a large proportion of the same requirements

What should a data cabling quotation cover?

A network cabling system generally consists of a permanent link of cabling from a data cabinet to a user outlet. This is the same should it be for a PC, Telephone, Wi-Fi access point, Television or many other applications

The quotation as a minimum should cover the data cable, patch panel, user outlet module and the faceplate for the data module.

There are many occasions where network cabling installers aren’t trained or able to terminate patch panels so only install the cable and modules. The client is then left with a partial system and has to pay others to finish the project

Other items that should be part of the network cabling costs if they are essential to enable to data cabling systems to be installed are

• Data Cabinets
• Data cabinet accessories such as power bars or fixings
• Any containment for the cable to be installed in
• Patch Leads
• Specific mounting equipment such as grommets or floor boxes
• Access equipment such as high access ladders or motorised access equipment

Consideration should be whether the quotation covers any out of hours work if that has been a requirement on the survey.  If out of hours work has been requested and not quoted an uplift in costs could be seen

Bespoke network cabling surveys

Network cabling surveys don’t always need to be carried out on the client site. With the advance of technology a growing proportion of surveys can now be undertaken remotely. This can include voice, video and conference calls along with supplied photos and drawings. This article was written for offsite surveys during the 2020 covid 19 lockdown when network cabling surveys were hard or impossible to undertake

Key Questions regarding cabling quotations

Check to make sure everything you have asked for is included

• Check to make sure the labour rates include the working times requested
• Confirm all elements as above haven been included or added as an option
• Check any caveats a company has made that are included by other companies.  This could include containment by others or cabinets by client

The post 10 Questions to ask your data cabling installer. No: 8 appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

The 7th set of data cabling questions of the series:

Do you know the method of network installation at your premises and do you know it has been planned safely?

Do you know which areas are at risk during cable installation and what areas to have your employees avoid?

These concerns and plans should be covered under a risk assessment and method statement.

What is a data cabling risk assessment?

The data cabling risk assessment is carried out during a survey of the works to be completed. Certain risks are identified and audited onto a risk assessment sheet that highlights the individual risks.

The risk analyses the severity of the risk and the likelihood of the risk with an overall risk rating

Explanations to that risk are then documented and explained and how the risk will be eliminated or reduced during to data cabling installation process.

A second risk assessment is then documented with the new severity and likelihood. The overall risk should now be a safe enough number to proceed

Risk areas can include among others

• Working at height
• Electrical shock
• Crushing, or falling objects
• Exposure of works to employees
• Asbestos

Both the likelihood and severity can be reduced by implementing safety measures. For example the likelihood and severity of falling off a podium step instead of using a ladder reduces both elements

What is a structured cabling method statement?

The method statement outlines in words, photos or drawings the methods that will, be undertaken and the areas that will be affected during the data wiring installation

The description should advise where the cabling will originate, the areas it will travel through the end points of each of the cables

In addition in should state the method of installation, working hours, disruption, noise and access equipment if any to be used.

The method statement can be accompanied by photos to show these areas and show which areas will be affected during the installation

Drawing can furthermore assist in explain the installation

Further guidance can be found at  the HSE website here

What should you do with the data cabling risk assessments and method statements?

Both documents should be studied and make sure the proposed installation is suitable and safe for your location and your employees.

Is the installation method proposed suitable to be undertaken as the installer wishes? Will it be safe and are you happy that all risks have been identified and a solution been proposed that is suitable and acceptable?

There are always occasions where the installer is unaware of a certain risk or the method doesn’t fit in with your expectations and now is the best time to communicate this and add it to the data cabling installation plan before works proceed

Elements that can impact a structured cabling installation if unknown

• • Noise restrictions. Will work be stopped or delayed if noise is made during certain times
  • Employees in the building. Can works proceed if certain areas have people working in them

• Asbestos. Have any areas of concern been communicated to the installer
• Access restrictions. Are certain areas out of bounds to the installer? These areas might be a roof, stairwell, public space, shared space with other businesses
• Are lifts allowed to be used or restricted only to stairwells for material deliveries

Key Questions regarding health and safety and assessments for data cabling

• Will a specific safety plan be produced for your network cable project and not a generic one?
• Check that the document will give you a plan of what is going to happen and when so your employees are safe from harm and know what to expect
• Will the document let you know what areas will be affected?
• Have all areas of risk been identified and mitigated
• Is the plan suitable for you as the client rather than for the installer

The post Questions to ask of your data cabling installer. No:7 appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

Structured Cabling Explained: Your Questions Answered

This article is part of our “Structured Cabling: 10 Key Questions Answered” series—designed to help you understand the essentials of structured cabling, from design and installation to performance and long-term value. Whether you’re planning a new system or upgrading an existing one, these guides will give you the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Question 1

“Is your networking cabling company an expert in the industry?”

What is data cabling or structured cabling?

Structured cabling is undertaken by a networking cabling company and includes the design, installation, and testing of a cabling system. These systems meet certain standards and guidelines. Therefore the cabling installed today will be suitable for purpose for many future technology requirements

In addition data cabling or structured cabling installation is a specialist service with regulations and accreditation’s. These are gained through training courses to fully meet manufacturer’s requirements.

To offer warranties of 20-25 years on manufacturer approval the data cabling or fibre optic cabling is required to be installed with consistent components.  Furthermore these must meet a high standard of quality.  In addition they need to be installed to certain standards and it has to be tested to check all elements of the cabling link is installed correctly

Therefore without these can your company be sure that the system being installed at your offices is safe, capable of running your technology, computers and telephones correctly and without data loss and interference.

Making sure the company you use is an expert in the field and not just an additional add on service to their main works will provide you with the desired results.

Key Questions to ensure your installer is an Expert

• Check that the data cabling manufacturer being installed is an industry known brand. Ask for an approved installer certificate
• Will your data cabling system be correctly labelled and documented?
• Check your data cabling will be done by fully trained engineers?
• Will your data cabling be fully tested with a cable certification tool such as a Fluke DSX and results provided for every link installed? Ask for previous examples of test results
• Will your data cabling be fully warranted by the manufacturer if required?

Claim Your Free Site Survey

Free Data Cabling Site Survey – Let Our Experts Plan Your Network
Simply fill in your details and one of our engineers will be in touch to arrange your on-site assessment.
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