Cable/Wiring Testing

Wiring infrastructure is the backbone of any network. Even if everything does seem all well and good, there could be room for improvement somewhere to increase network efficiency. If wires have been run incorrectly, that infrastructure may not be up to code. Whether it comes down to copper wiring, fiber optics, or equipment used to support the infrastructure like racks and cabinets, INC is ready to evaluate your facility.

Getting a second opinion never hurts; an extra pair of eyes can sometimes spot something that the initial installer may have missed. When testing a network there are three main steps: performing a visual inspection, taking measurements with tools, and providing documentation with test results.

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is fairly simple and involves examining the cabling externally. If a cable is noticeably damaged with something like a kink in the wire or a worn jacket that has exposed internal components, that is an obvious problem. But checking for obvious damage is only the first part of this step.

Pathways such as conduit will also be inspected to ensure building codes are being met, within reason. Unless other problems are found when taking measurements later, it should not be necessary to pull cables out of the wall or anything like that. The examination will also include checking equipment rooms and telecom closest to looks for tangled wires along with any other potential problems.

As far as organization goes, cables will also be checked for labels. Oftentimes it may be difficult or even impossible to tell what cable goes where. This may not hamper day-to-day activities but it can cause major issues in the event of an emergency. Examining the placement of cables compared to other equipment is also critical to minimize signal loss from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The ends of each cable will also be closely examined to ensure each connector is terminated properly. A loosely terminated connector can have a weak signal. It is also critical to check that the ground is connected properly, to avoid any damage to equipment or injury to persons.

Test Measurements

Once the visual inspection is complete, the next step is using testing tools. The exact type of tester used will depend on the type of cable or equipment being examined. In general terms, all testers perform the same function; ensuring that cables are transmitting a signal correctly. There are a few common tools that may be used during this step.

A multimeter is one of the most common testers used. It is a basic tool that does its job well and is used more than any other type of tester. Paired with copper wires such as coax or ethernet cable, a multimeter can test voltage, current, and resistance.

Another common device is simply called a tester. These simple devices that work in pairs to check pin configurations. The two units try sending electrical signals back and forth to each other. If one of the signals does not make it, a red light on the unit lets you know there is a problem.

A more heavy-duty version of a tester is called a tone generator, which is used with multi-pin connections such as telephone and ethernet lines. These types of cables contain multiple smaller wires on the inside and damage to just one can affect the performance of the whole cable. A tone generator tests these individuals wires one-by-one and can identify what kind of problem there is if an issue is present.

Cable sniffers, also called locators, support multiple types of cables such as ethernet, phone lines, coax, and even USB. Working in pairs, cable sniffers are used to test cables without having to plug them into actual equipment. A sniffer analyzes the signal going through the cable and can tell if there is a short or any other problem.

Phone systems can be tested with a butt-set, which is a two part kit. The first part plugs into a phone port and has several lines coming out that accept alligator clips. The main unit uses the aforementioned alligator clips and features a number pad to mimic a telephone, allowing for easy testing without having to hook up an actual phone.

All of these tools are just a few basic examples of what may or may not be used during an evaluation. The exact tools needed for the job will depend on what types of cables and equipment are being examined, but the testers listed above are among the most common pieces of equipment used for these examinations.

Documentation

Once the visual inspection is complete and the test measurements have been taken, INC will start compiling the results. We can translate the observations and raw data into an easy-to-read document. This documentation will be your written record of the testing and what you can wave at the next inspector who comes knocking.

If any issues are found, the documents will also include recommendations for improvements. In extreme cases, this could involve getting things up to code. But more often than not, there are simply a few tips and tricks that can be used to boost network efficiency with a little simple reorganization. These documents can be provided in paper or electronic formats, or both.

At INC, we perform testing for offices, educational facilities, residential buildings, industrial plants, and more. A simple wiring test is the start of preparing your building for improvements that can provide greater network speeds than ever before. Whether a network uses fiber optic, ethernet, or even wireless systems, INC is ready to get the job done right.
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If you have additional questions on this process, please call us directly at 888-519-9525 or request a quote here. Our team will work with you to prepare the site survey and customize your installation project.