Low Voltage Wiring Troubleshooting Basics
From improving workplace energy efficiency to reducing maintenance costs and labor, low voltage wiring continues to be a top option for creating a safe, effective network cabling system. However, when experiencing any technical difficulties or performance issues with your low voltage wiring system, safely and securely troubleshooting the system is an absolute must to avoid any wiring catastrophes.
If your high-speed internet starts to falter or your commercial security system isn’t performing up to par, troubleshooting your low voltage wiring system could make for an easy fix. Here are a few things you should always keep in mind regarding the basics of troubleshooting your low voltage wiring system.
Diagnosing the Root Problem
First things first, when suspected wiring or cabling issues arise, it’s important to assess what exactly is contributing to the problem. Aside from experiencing any network performance issues, inspect your structured cabling system and see if there are any apparent blemishes using your senses.
More often than not, looking at your low voltage wiring up close shows you any wear and tear your cabling has endured. But you can also identify cabling problems by other physical attributes, like hearing a faint hissing or detecting foul smells. Also, check all connections for signs of loose wires, damaged insulation, or exterior (patch cord) cable deterioration.
Understanding the Network Infrastructure
Low voltage wiring operates on a network infrastructure known as a structured cabling system. Before troubleshooting your low voltage wiring, you should know what types of cables make up your structured cabling system. Here are a few of the more popular types of cables with low-voltage wiring:
- Fiber optic cables
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable
- Coaxial cables
- Speaker or thermostat wire
- Security cables or alarm wires
When you establish what type of cables you’re working with, you can assess whether any faulty cabling installation or cable impedance is at play. Then the cable reinstallation process will be quick and easy.
Testing Your Cables
You can perform two primary tests on your low voltage wiring system to troubleshoot and resolve any cabling complications: Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and wire map testing. TDR testing utilizes a conductor to transmit a signal and measure the time and strength of the signal connection. Whereas a wiremap focuses on testing the connectivity between the ends of the cable.
Performing these troubleshooting tests assess the strength of your structured cabling connectivity and pinpoint where the problem in the cable is. If you perform these tests and have no more clarity on the issue than when you started, then it’s time to contact a telecommunications equipment professional.
Low Voltage Wiring Solutions From Telecom Technologies
Assessing the performance and reliability of your low voltage wiring system is imperative to ensuring optimal connectivity all year round. At Telecom Technologies, we help businesses from all industries get the professional assistance they need to help their telecommunications equipment perform to their standards.
For all your low voltage wiring needs, contact Telecom Technologies today to schedule a consultation with our telecommunications specialists!