FAQ and considerations
We know that choosing the right data cabling system is tough, so here are some of the most common considerations you should account for when improving your connectivity.
UK nationwide surveys
Data cabling considerations
Where are the cables likely to be?
Depending on what sort of property you live in will depend on where the cables are. Outside, we tend to clip them around the side of your house up until the point of entry into the house where the socket will be, and inside we try and use your loft so there are no cables on show.
What colour are the cables?
Internal CAT6 cables are purple, our external CAT6 cables are black
How does pricing work?
Once the project is surveyed, and the quote agreed, we take a 50% deposit and schedule your installation which usually takes place within 14 days. The remainder of the balance is due upon completion of the project.
Education data cabling considerations
Are all your team DBS checked?
Yes, all our team hold enhanced DBS checks as we know that this is important
Will you work outside of term time?
Yes – we know that these projects cannot be carried out during school time, and so we work with most clients within the education sector to ensure these works are carried out in school holidays
How do you keep costs low?
We know protecting the budget when it comes to clients in the education sector is really important, so we offer fixed pricing which we hope helps when your budgets being signed off.
When you test your cabling infrastructure, what testers do you use?
We have multiple testing standards available up to the Fluke DSX 5000 which enables us to warranty the cabling the installation for 25 years.
Office data cabling considerations
Is any office too big or too small?
We work with small clients with small offices, all the way to multinational businesses with hundreds of properties across the UK. No job is too small, no job is too big.
Will the cables be on view?
Our team are highly skilled and highly experienced and will do everything they can to conceal cables via existing cabling routes which includes under the floors, in the walls and in the ceilings and risers, and 3-compartment trunking.
Do you fit floor boxes?
Yes, our team can fit floor boxes.
When is the best time to carry out an installation?
The best time is often when it causes the least amount of disruption to yourself, so if there is a particular period when your office is quiet we can come in then.
When you test your cabling infrastructure, what testers do you use?
We have multiple testing standards available up to the Fluke DSX 5000 which enables us to warranty the cabling the installation for 25 years.
Retail data cabling considerations
What time does your night shift start?
Our nightshift starts when you’re ready for us to start – whether its 6pm, 8pm or 10pm, its when your store closes – we work around you.
Is your team DBS checked?
Yes, all our team are enhanced DBS checked.
Will you clean up the site after you’ve worked?
Our team will tidy up and clean the areas they have worked ensuring when your store opens, it is clean.
When you test your cabling infrastructure, what testers do you use?
We have multiple testing standards available up to the Fluke DSX 5000 which enables us to warranty the cabling the installation for 25 years.
Warehouse data cabling considerations
Can your team work at heights?
Yes – our team have APAF licenses allowing them to use cherry pickers and scissors lifts
Do you work on warehouses of any size?
Yes we have clients with 1200 sq foot warehouses up to clients who have multiple warehouses occupying 30 acres.
Do you offer a “turnkey service” for international clients?
Yes, we have many international clients where we offer a trusted set of eyes and a competent installation team meaning not only do we do the cabling but we deal with day-to-day problems along the way. All, in a bid, to ensure your meet your deadlines, and minimize your time in country.
Cabinet maintenance considerations
What colour are the cabinets?
The standard colours are grey and black.
What is the best time to do cabinets maintenance?
Ideally, it is when disruption will have the least impact on your systems.
How long will a cabinet tidy or cabinet upgrade take?
Depending on which package you have, the cabinet tidy to upgrade can take between 0.5 days up to 2.5 days. If you are as business operating Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, we would probably carry out these works over a weekend.
How do you label the cables?
We colour code the cables to ensure they are easy to identify when there’s a problem, and high priority cables are usually in red. We then stick a colour code to the cabinet. All this will make it easier to support your infrastructure and reduce your support costs.
Wi-Fi installation considerations
How much Wi-Fi do I need?
This is completely dependent on the specification of the kit, your network, what you are using it for and the environment. Our team of experts can help you answer this question – so get in touch.
Can you have Wi-Fi outside?
Yes, we recommend external access points which are designed to handle the elements.
Which direction does Wi-Fi go in? Does it go everywhere?
This depends entirely on the specification of your access points. Most access points are omnidirectional, however you can get directional access points to help you get wi-fi in the tricky areas.
Can I use a wireless link to get to a remote building on the site?
Yes – You can use a Point-to-Point (PTP) wireless solution which enables you to transmit a signal line of sight to the remote building.
Do I need a separate internet connection for my Wi-Fi?
No, your wi-fi solution can be configured to utilise your existing connection.
We’ve bought our access points, can you help us configure them?
Yes of course.
Wi-Fi survey considerations
What are your typical leads times for WiFi surveys?
Once approved, we typically have our WiFi Survey team with you in a week.
How long does a Wi-Fi survey take to complete?
Depending on the size of the space and the environment, on average our team will complete the survey within a working day.
How soon will I get the results?
You’ll receive your full report within 4 weeks of completion of the survey.
Video conferencing considerations
Can you store our kit ready for the installation?
Yes – Video conferencing equipment, especially screens, can take up a lot of space to store. We’re happy to take delivery of the kit at our secure warehouse and use our insured transport to get this to site on the day of installation. We usually carry out this service free of charge.
We’ve bought our own kit, can you just install it?
Yes, of course. If you can send us the kit list, we will come out and survey the space and give you a fixed quote for the installation.
How long does it take to install?
It usually takes longer than you think, as it is more complicated than just installing a TV, but most of the time we can have you up and running within a day depending on the system.
How does the finance work?
It is relatively simple but for more information contact us.
What do you mean by fixed price?
It means once quoted for the job, that is all you pay! We can guarantee this as our team will come and do a free site survey before any work is carried out.
Onsite support considerations
Do you offer this service across the UK?
Yes, we are a national business so can offer you the Smart Hands service wherever you are in the UK.
Do you offer this service out of hours?
Yes, we are absolutely able to offer this support even out of hours. The costs might vary slightly based on your needs, but we’d be happy to discuss a solution that works for you.
Do you offer this service on an hourly rate?
We know that sometimes call outs can be short and brief, and so yes, we can offer this service on an hourly call out rate.
Can you help us with storage of the IT hardware?
Yes. Often your IT solution will require a lot of hardware, which is expensive and something which you don’t want left lying around! We can take delivery of your hardware and transport it securely to site and install it for you.