Who will run ethernet cables for me?

If you are looking to run ethernet cables throughout the home, there are several people who can do it.

AV Integrators, electricians, handymen, and security companies can all run cable for you. While most will simply run cable you provide, AV integrators can advise you on cable and devices for your specific needs.

There are plenty of reasons to choose each of these options, but some are better than others.

Why you should call an AV integrator

Although many different tradesman can run the cable for you, only an integrator will do it right. The reasons are many, so lets walk through them. (if you want to know what an AV integrator is, look at our other article about that)

Future Proofing

Whenever you are running wire, it is important to run the right kind and the right amount. Many trades will pull whatever wire you tell them to, but an integrator can make sure to pull the wire that is going to still work 10 years from now. When we show up to a new construction that the electrician has pulled wire, we normally have to add our own wire because they pulled cheap and old Category 5 cable.

Generally, when you ask an electrician to pull wire, they only pull one. Integrators will pull several lines for redundancy. Often time, integrators will leave conduit running to the attic so that you always have the ability to add more wire. Obviously this isn’t always possible, but optimal.

The intention is to make sure you can always have what you need, and have great resale value. Ethernet jacks is something that appraisers look for.

Device Planning

I cant tell you how often we walk into a home that an electrician has wired that is done in the wrong place. For example, if there is going to be a mounted tv on the wall, why is the ethernet jack in the lower corner of the room?

An AV integrator can run wire exactly where it needs to go, because they ask the critical question of “why are we running cable here?”

Certain devices require a better connection than cheap cable can provide. Perhaps you are looking to run video over the cable, then you might need a higher quality cable.

Experience and Expertise

Generally, Electricians don’t have to worry about how solid their connections are. Due to the nature of running high voltage electrical, connections are easy to make secure.

Low voltage data connections can be very tricky. If terminated improperly, they can have strange effects or simply not work. Integrators are used to installing these jacks daily, so they know how to install and test these jacks.

Somebody who does this every day is going to be better than somebody who does it occasionally if the price is right.

Electricians don’t want to do it

Whenever electricians or handymen are running ethernet cables, it is more of an afterthought. Every electrician I have talked to is glad when an integrator is on site because it means they can focus on their normal trade. AV integrators take care of all of it.

There is more to it than you know

Although running ethernet cable is fairly simple, there is a lot to it. Knowing the minimum distance between ethernet cable and power lines to limit interference, specific laws about what you can drill through, and common practices to preserve cable, are all critical pieces to the puzzle.

An AV integrator can run ethernet cables in the best way possible. They will find the shortest runs in order to maximize internet speeds and limit costs. All this while making sure to keep wire clean and tight.

Can I run ethernet cables myself?

The short answer is yes you can, but there are some things you should know. When you run ethernet cable, you are risking bad runs, damaged structure, poorly terminated cable, and a lot of wasted effort and time.

Regulations

Each state is different, and therefore each state has different requirements. Sometimes specific counties and inspectors have different requirements for running wire. Allowing somebody with professional experience do it can prevent major headaches.

Wire Sourcing

In truth, wire is really expensive. If you are looking to source the wire yourself, you will be overpaying. Integrators can run ethernet cables by using several boxes at a time, which gives them the opportunity do to it faster than you can. That means the cable they run is less wasteful and takes less time.

If you buy the wire yourself, you might only buy one box. That means doing multiple runs to the same location in order to save money.

Trade Relationships

Certain trades have specific desires when it relates to low voltage cable. For example, drywall guys like our cable laid in a certain way in order to preserve a flat surface and easy cuts. If done improperly, they might cut or put a screw through your expensive cable and then it’s useless.

Electricians might want you to keep some distance from their box, or simply add an extension box to theirs. An integrator knows the right questions to ask and limit risk of getting cable ruined.