Low Voltage Systems Dallas

Low voltage systems or structured cabling serves as the pathway for information to travel, regardless of its size or purpose, in commercial or residential applications. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, structured cabling systems are constructed based on the telecommunications code standards, which dictate the arrangement of cables in various topologies. These standards consider several elements, such as cable types, distance constraints, flammability ratings, and bend radii.

Low voltage systems play a critical role in keeping you connected, which is why it matters. It supports a broad range of technologies, including Wi-Fi, VoIP, DAS, security cameras, audio visual systems, and IoT sensors. As the list of supported technologies continues to expand, adhering to structured cabling standards becomes more crucial. These standards ensure that the different technologies integrated into the system function as intended, delivering optimal performance and minimizing the risk of downtime.

A properly designed and installed structured cabling system should cater to your current needs while also accommodating your future requirements. The design of the main distribution frames (MDF) and intermediate distribution frames (IDF) should be well considered, and the cables should be neatly arranged. The system should also have additional cable runs to support wireless connectivity and ample bandwidth in the backbone to handle a surge in bandwidth demands. In the last two decades, there has been a consistent increase in bandwidth usage, with each year surpassing the previous year, and this trend is unlikely to slow down.

Yes, we do. We need to carry out tests on all the installed cables in a particular location to ensure that the installation meets industry standards and the terminations are correctly done. To conduct these tests, installers typically use handheld testers that are plugged into the network and evaluate factors such as wire map, distance, cross-talk, and ACR (signal-to-noise ratio). The test results are then recorded in a file and presented to the owner upon completion of the project. These results serve as proof that the system installation is up to industry standards and that the terminations were performed accurately.

The decision whether or not to add additional cabling to a low voltage system is a heavily debated topic. The reality is that the cost of cable is relatively low compared to the overall telecommunications system and the building it serves. The benefits of increased functionality and bandwidth from adding another data cable can be significant and, in some cases, priceless. On the other hand, retrofitting additional cabling can be both costly and challenging, particularly after the drywall has been installed. This is why careful consideration should be given to cabling requirements during the initial installation to avoid unnecessary expenses and complications later on.

The number of cable drops per workstation will depend on your requirements and equipment, so it’s best to consult with us first so that we can properly advise you on the number of cables you should install.