Cable Installation

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Internet Cable (communications and electrical installation)

There are potential issues.

1. Whether or not your LOCAL jurisdiction requires permits and licensed contractors for the installation of low voltage and communication cabling.
2. GC and electrical subcontractor endorses your work. The building or electrical inspector may issues with them. If the drywall sub wants extra money because of extra boxes it is best to know that up front and include that cost to the GC.
3. Rather than running cables, which may become obsolete, suggest running flexible non-metallic conduit from a central location to every place where the owner might possibly want a comm or data receptacle. The conduit is cheap compared to the cost of unused cable. Run the cable after the owner is certain of where they wants the services. This approach allows for changes in the future. Suggest double-wide (2-gang) standard plastic electrical boxes with conduit connections but backless “rings** are options. At least 3/4 inch conduit and more and if you use a “star” topology increase the conduit size as you work back to the central hub.

Avoid “flush mount” any boxes to the studs with the idea of going back and cutting the drywall. Prefer boxes to actually enter into the drywall if not having the open ends flush with the face of the drywall. Caulk any sill or top plate penetrations with caulk, foam insulation or firestopping caulk as required in the building code.

Goal: run conduits for future use

Get the right tools

• Fishing cable through finished ceilings and walls is much easier to do if you have the right tools. After years of trial and error, I have assembled the set that suits my needs. Aside from the basic hand tools that every tech should have, such as
• Basic tools: screwdrivers, pliers, my set includes some unusual items, such as a telescoping fishing pole, an old slingshot with a cheap fishing reel mounted on it (I saw one in a catalog and made one of my own), a good
• Cordless drill with assortment of bits, a piece of bead chain about three feet long, a magnet fastened to the end of a short piece of steel fish tape, a bucket of pull string (readily available from most electrical supply houses) and a small (1 gallon) shop vacuum. Each of these has been invaluable in helping make my job easier.