TMBG.news' Checklist for Evaluating a Cat5/Cat6 or Fiber Optic Structured Cabling Bid Ensures Your Infrastructure is Solid & Secure
Enterprise level quality doesn't require gold-plated pricing but it does require a cabling contractor with years of experience & solid corporate cabling references. ATEL Communications has been connecting San Diego businesses with their customers over rock solid structured cabling and inside wire for 40 years. Ask ATEL about their recently completed structured cabling project of RL Jones' new 250,000 square foot distribution warehouse in San Ysidro.
If you need structured cabling in San Diego, contact ATEL's Steve Handelman at 858-646-4600 or visit www.ATELCommunications.com.
If you already have a structured cabling or inside wire quote for an upcoming project but the quote does not meet the following quality checklist, don't set yourself up for future problems, contact ATEL for a second opinion so you can save money and eliminate future expensive cloud & customer connection problems.
Cat5/Cat6/Fiber Optic Structured Cabling Checklist Sponsored by ATEL
1. Project Understanding and Scope
a. [ ] Bid clearly lists all requirements including 128 dual cable workstation terminations, 11 single run terminations for wireless access points, and 35 CCTV camera cable runs.
b. [ ] Bid includes a detailed plan on how to handle the unique aspects of the large warehouse including 45-foot high ceilings.
c. [ ] Contractor has included an accurate timeline for completion of the project.
2. Cost
a. [ ] Bid includes itemized costs for materials, labor, and any other charges.
b. [ ] There's a provision for any contingencies or overruns.
c. [ ] The price is competitive and comparable with other market prices.
d. [ ] Understand the terms of payment, e.g., upfront, phased, or after completion.
3. Compliance with Standards and Building Codes
a. [ ] Contractor’s plans comply with California building codes.
b. [ ] Contractor's plans adhere to BICSI requirements (Building Industry Consulting Service International) for structured cabling.
c. [ ] The cabling is CAT6/CAT6A or better for Ethernet and OM3/OM4 or better for fiber to meet minimum industry standards.
d. [ ] The bid includes a plan to certify all cable & fiber runs.
4. Certifications
a. [ ] Check that the contractor has necessary certifications (e.g., BICSI certification) to perform the work.
b. [ ] Check the contractor’s qualifications and whether they have undertaken similar projects in the past.
5. Safety & Insurance
a. [ ] The bid includes a detailed safety plan, especially considering the warehouse's high ceilings.
b. [ ] The contractor carries sufficient liability insurance to cover any potential accidents.
c. [ ] Workers' compensation insurance is in place for all of the contractor's employees.
d. [ ] Provisions are included for any damages to the property during the cabling installation.
6. Warranty
a. [ ] The contractor offers a warranty on their work and can service it after the project is completed.
b. [ ] The components used come with a manufacturer warranty.
7. References
a. [ ] The contractor provides references from previous similar projects.
b. [ ] Past clients have a positive opinion of the contractor.
Detailed Section for Cable & Fiber Run Certification
To certify that each cable and fiber run adheres to the relevant California building codes and any BICSI requirements, the contractor should provide a plan that includes the following:
1. Pre-Installation Testing: Before the cabling installation begins, all the cables and fiber runs should be tested for performance and quality. This test should include checking for any physical damage or defects that could impact performance.
2. Installation Compliance: During installation, the contractor must comply with all relevant codes and standards. This includes ensuring the proper cable pathways, cable supports, cable bend radius, and termination procedures are adhered to.
3. Post-Installation Certification: After installation, each cable run should be tested for its performance parameters like signal loss (attenuation), near-end crosstalk (NEXT), return loss, etc. The results of these tests should be compared with the relevant standards to ensure the cabling will operate effectively.
4. Documented Results: For each of the above steps, the contractor should provide documented results. This documentation should be detailed and include a list of each cable run, the testing results, and any identified issues and their corresponding fixes.
5. Building Inspection: All work should be inspected by a qualified building inspector or equivalent authority to ensure it adheres to all relevant building codes.
6. Third-Party Verification: A third-party BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) should be involved to confirm the contractor's work and test results. This RCDD can ensure all BICSI standards have been met.
In California, particular attention should be paid to the CalGreen (California Green Building Standards Code) and the California Electrical Code, which may have specific requirements for the installation and certification of cable and fiber runs.
Safety & Insurance Precautions
a. Safety: The contractor should present a detailed safety plan, including strategies for working with the high ceilings, handling heavy equipment, fire safety, and fall prevention.
b. Insurance: The contractor should provide proof of insurance, including both liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance covers any property damage or injuries to non-employees, while workers' compensation covers injuries to the contractor's employees.
To further protect the client, they can request to be named as an "additional insured" on the contractor's liability policy for the duration of the project. This provides an extra layer of protection in case of any claims.
