Can You Install Data Cabling Yourself?

What Does Data Cabling Involve?

The Telecommunications Act 1997 defines data cabling as any installation, connection or maintenance work carried out on or related to internet or phone cabling. Your home's full of data cabling, including:
 

• Connections between computers and devices, allowing file sharing or printing.
• Connections between IP phones to facilitate calls. 
  
• Connectivity for IP or smart TVs.
  
• IP camera connectivity to transfer feed and files.
  
• Connecting solar panels to your network to monitor the kilowatts you generate.
  
• Connecting your X-Box or gaming console to the internet to improve your gaming experience. 

Can I Install Data Cabling Myself?

The bottom line is almost always no. While you might be a keen DIY enthusiast, picturing nothing better than a data cabling job to round out the weekend, data cabling work can be full of dangers, can attract high expenses, and can even be illegal.
 
Data cabling work is regulated by the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014 and the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority). These have authority when it comes to determining who can carry out a data cabling installation.

What Data Cabling Work Can't I Do?

Any work that will run through a wall cavity or a conduit to another area on your property needs to be carried out by a professional. So if you're tempted by working on ethernet leads or doing your own permanent cabling, think again - you need to organise for this work to be carried out by a registered technician.

Why Can't I Carry Out Data Cabling Myself?

There are many risks associated with carrying out data cabling yourself, or by using an unlicensed cabler. If you do this work yourself or use someone who's underqualified, you risk voiding your insurance policies and warranties. You also risk using the wrong type of cabling, which may put undue stress on your network and lead your service or hardware to perform less than optimally.

What Cabling Work Can I Do Myself?

If the work you need isn’t permanent, like installing pre-made Ethernet cabling, it’s generally safe to carry out yourself. While this might be the case, it’s also important to be aware of the risks. Common dangers associated with data cabling include electrocutions, falls, and injury when working with wiring. You can avoid these potentially serious consequences by engaging a professional to carry out your installation work.

Need Data Cabling Installations Or Upgrades? Choose Aj Technology Services

If you're in need of a qualified, experienced data cabling installer in Brisbane, Toowoomba, or Winnellie, AJ Technology Services has the answer. Established in 2005, we're a team of over eighty professional electricians, project managers and consultants dedicated to delivering outstanding installations and servicing to clients throughout government, mining, commerce, and various levels of industry.
 
Community is our passion, and we love being able to assist clients with access to all their data, networking and communication needs. No job is too big or small for our team, and with our depth of expertise and outstanding customer service, we'll be on hand to resolve even the most challenging issues. We might be a big team, but we still carry a local focus. Get in touch with us today on 1300 222 546 for more information about our services.