Do I need an electrician to install network cable?

No, We Recommend Hiring a Qualified Data Cabling Technician.

While electricians commonly run many types of wiring throughout a home they mainly specialize in high voltage wiring. Network cabling or data cabling technicians will specialize working with low voltage wiring. While both wiring is somewhat similar there are differences that set them apart. A standard for low voltage wiring could be very different from the standards of high voltage wiring.

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These data cabling technicians both understand the ins and outs of working with internet networks. These technicians will specialize working with CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a and many other types of ethernet cable.

Network and data cable technicians

Network and data cable technicians will be qualified and experienced to work with specifically network cabling. A lot goes into a full home wired network and these specialized individuals will best be able to help you. 

Specialized network technicians will be able to diagnose trouble and slow areas in your network. With this information they will be able to make recommendations to best utilize your network and internet. A network technician will also know and implement the standards when working with ethernet cables. You want to make sure that your cable terminations will last the test of time. 

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A network and data technician will also have the proper tools to complete your full home networking project in a timely manner. Since they are experienced in this field they will have all the tools required to complete the project. This saves wasted time and trips back and forth to hardware and tool stores.

How do you find a reliable network/ data cabling company?

It can sometimes be hard to find a reliable network/ data cabling company, especially in more rural areas. We recommend using search engines like: Google, Bing and Yahoo to find local professionals. Use keyword searches like:

• Data cabling technician
• Internet networking company
• Structured cabling company
• Wired home network installation

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If that does not work you can always use Bark as an alternative to find professionals in your area. Bark is a good source to get connected directly with local professionals who are offering the services you are looking for.

Getting Quotes

Before choosing a specialized internet networking company it is best to try and get a few quotes on the project. Doing research into multiple companies and getting quotes is especially helpful to ensure you get the best work possible for your home networking project. 

Getting these multiple quotes will also help you understand the rough cost to get this completed. 

Could an electrician still complete the work?

While an electrician could easily run the cabling around your home, they may not know or follow the proper procedure for low voltage network cables. Proper wire termination, switch installation and patch panel installation is crucial to ensure your home network is providing the best possible speeds. If there is something wrong with the terminations the entire home network could fall apart. 

Finding these issues once the installation has been completed is very hard to do. This is why we always recommend using a professional data cabling technician. 

Some electricians know more about networking than others

We have seen some electricians who do know the networking field and low voltage wiring. These electricians are usually referred to as - wiring unicorns. This is because they can work with both high voltage and low voltage wiring. It is rare but sometimes you can find an electrician who is skilled and can work with ethernet wiring.

It is always best to ask your electrician if they are skilled in data cabling

Before going through with anything it is always smart to ask your electrician if residential data cabling is something they are skilled in. If the electrician seems hesitant or unwilling to take on the project then do not push. You want to make sure you hire an ethernet professional to best help you.

Need Help From the Professionals?

We are a local networking and data cabling company based out of Ontario, Canada. We provide consulting, diagnosis and implementation of home networks of all sizes. If you are having a home internet issue we are the experts on fixing these problems. 

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We have a team of qualified data cabling technicians to ensure you always get the best work possible on your project. Our team can provide you with expert advice and installation services for your home internet network.