2021 Office Building Wiring Costs: How Much Does Office Building Wiring Cost?
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Costs of Office Building Wiring
In today’s information-driven corporate world, reliable data and voice cabling are essential. Cabling issues are one of the most common causes of network issues, which cost businesses millions of dollars each year. Outdated cabling might also put your company at a disadvantage, if not right now, then in the future. If your company is relocating, now is the ideal moment to replace your network infrastructure. Even if you’re remaining there, upgrading your network is one of the most forward-thinking decisions a company can make.
Network Cabling Considerations
Voice and data wiring is a highly technical and job-specific topic that should be thoroughly examined with a data cabling provider. The following material is intended to provide you with a basic understanding of how network cabling works and what to think about before starting a new installation.
- Count of Drops: A “drop” is a segment of phone or data cable that runs from a wire closet or server room to an office, cubicle, or workstation. One drop for a phone line and one drop for a computer is normal for each endpoint. For network devices like printers and fax machines, more drops are required. You may need to add extra wires to meet future capacity. Adding more network connections during a current wiring installation is less expensive than installing them afterward.
- Type of Cable: Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat5e are the most common types of computer and telephone (CAT) cable. Their network support, crosstalk, and bandwidth capacity are the main differences between them. Cat 5e or 6 should be utilized if you’re already using or planning to use VoIP over your network. Although Cat 5 cabling may be used for VoIP, it is not advised. Cat7 is also accessible, however, it may be excessive (not to mention too expensive). Cat3 or Cat4 cabling is sufficient for non-VoIP telephony.
- Building Construction: Installing cabling in a newly constructed building is significantly easier than installing cabling in an existing building unless the newly occupied area has adequate network equipment to meet your company’s demands. If it doesn’t, and all-new cabling is required, the complexity of installing new cabling has a substantial impact on project costs. A drop ceiling (also known as acoustic ceiling tiles) is easier to install than a hard-cap ceiling. For code compliance, fire-rated (and more expensive) plenum cabling must be utilized if the cable shares space with an HVAC system.
Average Costs of Office Building Wiring
In addition to the overall number of drops, the cost of office building wiring is determined by the number of faceplates, patch panels, network racks, and switches required, as well as installation, set-up, activation, and testing fees.
