terminating CAT5E network cables in network cabinets

[broc]

We are having a 'cashless' vending system installed to support our canteen operations. As it is supposed to be a 'turn-key' solution not supported by the school ICT staff the cabling work was arranged without our involvement (That's another story!).
I have discovered that the contractors have terminated the CAT5E cables coming into the cabinets using plastic boxes & wall plates rather than proper patch panels. These boxes are lying loose/dangling inside the cabinets and look untidy if nothing else.

Am I being over fussy in making an issue over this? Does anyone know what the wiring regulations allow/require?

[rush_tech]

cabling work was arranged without our involvement (That's another story!).

Sounds familiar but they did attach the back box to the cab

[plexer]

I wouldn't have let such an unprofessional installation being done in the first place.

However if you weren't in the position at the time there's not a lot you could do about it.

Have you got the test results from the cabling?

I would ask that they come back and terminate their connections on a patch panel as per your required standards for all networking installations.

Ben

[richard]

No your not being overly fussy as at all. Its sounds like the people who did the cabling just wanted to get in and get out as quick as possible as they were probably being paid per job.

[apeo]

Agree, not being fussy at all. Personally i would wonder if its a good idea, letting these guys anywhere near the comms cabinate again if they are willing to just leave cables terminated with wall mount sockets. If you do get them back in to do a proper job, it might be an idea to watch em like a hawk just to be sure... last thing you want is some cowboy messing up your network.

[j17sparky]

Show us some pictures.

But at the end of the day the person/department that payed for the work are the ones who have to call up the company. Assuming its someone in your school just explain to them that poorly terminated cables could lead to intermitant (or worse) problems with the cashing system - not passing cash/orders correctly, system going down.
Should raise enough concern to make them get the company back out.

[maniac]

I wouldn't considor that over fussy. If it were me, I'd be calling the company to get them to return and do a proper job. I would have thought it was more effort to terminate them in wall boxes rather than a proper patch panel. Maybe the company are that un-professional that don't even know what a patch panel is!!

Mike.

[maniac]

I wouldn't considor that over fussy. If it were me, I'd be calling the company to get them to return and do a proper job. I would have thought it was more effort to terminate them in wall boxes rather than a proper patch panel. Maybe the company are that un-professional that don't even know what a patch panel is!!

Mike.