marsdenprimary Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Hello. I am embarking on making my own network cabling and installing my own network points in the school where I work. Could someone please give me a nice comprehensive list of the tools and items (including suppliers) that I will need so I can get to work. I already have CAT 5e cabling but that's it! What else do I need and where is the best place to get it from in the UK? Thanks in advance!
Michael Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 A CAT5e punch down tool would be a good start, as well as some CAT5e faceplates with keystone. You can buy basic testers from anywhere. You may also wish to make your own patch leads but, look in the right places and they're cheap enough readily machine made.
marsdenprimary Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 A CAT5e punch down tool would be a good start, as well as some CAT5e faceplates with keystone. You can buy basic testers from anywhere. You may also wish to make your own patch leads but, look in the right places and they're cheap enough readily machine made. Cheers. I would probably buy patch leads as you suggest. What would I need to make cabling for the long journey from faceplate to patchbay?
sted Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Cheers. I would probably buy patch leads as you suggest. What would I need to make cabling for the long journey from faceplate to patchbay? in what sense you just run the cables to both ends then use the punchdown tool to lock it into place (leaving enough spare so you can do it a few more times incase the socket gets damaged etc) fo running through ceilings etc i ususally use a thin bit of trunking lid and tape so tape the cable to the trunking lid and push/throw it along much easier to find than just cable 1
localzuk Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 My tools: Punchdown tool Cable stripper Side cutters Network tester Screwdriver (for screwing the wall plates on to the boxes) 1
marsdenprimary Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 in what sense you just run the cables to both ends then use the punchdown tool to lock it into place (leaving enough spare so you can do it a few more times incase the socket gets damaged etc) fo running through ceilings etc i ususally use a thin bit of trunking lid and tape so tape the cable to the trunking lid and push/throw it along much easier to find than just cable Der! Sorry I understand now (LOL!) Cheers for that info. The trunking lid tip is a great idea! - - - Updated - - - My tools: Punchdown tool Cable stripper Side cutters Network tester Screwdriver (for screwing the wall plates on to the boxes) Fantastic cheers! I can get shopping now :-)
Michael Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Cheers. I would probably buy patch leads as you suggest. What would I need to make cabling for the long journey from faceplate to patchbay? If you're doing a big re-wire, having two drums is easier as you can pull cables through a ceiling space in pairs instead of singles. Once you reach your network cab, give yourself plenty of slack so you can comfortably punch in the patch panel. You can then cable tidy the bunch of cables to the inside of the cabinet once you're finished to improve neatness and airflow. 1
mikeyd101 Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 cat5 crimp tool (if your doing patch cables too), punch down tool (test patch cables), tester (We have a Fluke IntelliTone Pro Toner and probe, not cheap and not the best but helps loads trying to trace the right cable also doubles as cable tester) and either something like metal tape (fish tape) or fibreglass rods (depending how much cable fishing you have todo). Then you have your boxes / face plates / trunking and various other tools decent enough drill and bits, screwdriver, sharpie, gloves and glasses etc. I'm trying to convince my boss to get fiber installation stuff but there's a pretty steep entry price for test equipment.
Griff Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Punchdown tool x2 Crimp/cutter tool x2 drum of network cable LSZH - x2 and different colours Head torch cable ties cordless screwdriver drill small saw or hacksaw pocket knife small hammer for taping trunking covers back on safe your poor fists I used to use lanshop or was it netshop....but now I use Edmundson Electrical they might have one near you worth a look we have a trade account with them so its pretty good if we get caught short on trunking. 1
plexer Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Punchdown tool depends on the manafacturer you use panduit for example click together to acheive the same thing. I really like the panduit system you use the same module each end and clip them in to faceplates/patch panels as needed. Ben
Michael Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 cat5 crimp tool (if your doing patch cables too), punch down tool (test patch cables), tester (We have a Fluke IntelliTone Pro Toner and probe, not cheap and not the best but helps loads trying to trace the right cable also doubles as cable tester) and either something like metal tape (fish tape) or fibreglass rods (depending how much cable fishing you have todo). Then you have your boxes / face plates / trunking and various other tools decent enough drill and bits, screwdriver, sharpie, gloves and glasses etc. I'm trying to convince my boss to get fiber installation stuff but there's a pretty steep entry price for test equipment. Fibre kits cost thousands - you really have to justify it, when you could pay someone one off to patch the fibre at each end. This may change in the distant future, but I think copper in most networks will still be the norm for sometime!
E_G_R2 Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Fluke tester so that you know you're getting the correct data transfer rates etc.. 1
marsdenprimary Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 All perfect info thanks. With the face plates do you need a back box if it's going into trunking?
localzuk Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Fluke tester so that you know you're getting the correct data transfer rates etc.. Bear in mind that you'll be splashing out about £500 minimum for one of these - it might not be worth it for few cables.
unixman_again Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 In addition to what the other posters have said, a ladder is a good idea, while the most important item is the junior techie to carry the cable reels and thread cables through false ceilings and ducts. 1
marsdenprimary Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 In addition to what the other posters have said, a ladder is a good idea, while the most important item is the junior techie to carry the cable reels and thread cables through false ceilings and ducts. A Junior techie? That would be a bit lavish for our place... Can you buy inflatable ones?
Andrew_C Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Cable rods. A god send if you need to get runs under floors, or over ceilings. 1
plexer Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 All perfect info thanks. With the face plates do you need a back box if it's going into trunking? Yes you need a single gang back box that fits in the trunking system you are using. Ben 1
plexer Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Buy Fibre Optic Kits 6955 kit for fibre optic connector 3M 6955 online from RS for next day delivery. Fibre kit not a bad price really but that's without any testing or validation equipment, easier to buy pre-terminated fibre tbh. Ben
chinesewhispers Posted June 17, 2014 Posted June 17, 2014 (edited) I get my stuff from Comms Express: Modules Faceplates Blanking plates Back boxes Patch panels Punch down tool Stripper Crimp tool (for putting plugs on if making your own patch leads) Plugs and I do have a nice fluke tester which is worth every penny. They also do a starter kit Edited June 17, 2014 by chinesewhispers
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