atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring What's involved

I'm new to this forum, but felt this would be a good place to at least get reliable information.

I've been doing data cabling for a few years. (Primarily standard runs to patch panels)
When approached about extending phone lines (adding, removing, etc) I usually apologize and explain I only do data, not voice. As of late however I have found that I'm getting more and more requests for this, and well I'd rather not loose the potential for additional work if I can help it.

I'm sure the basics are similar, my main hang up I guess is I've never worked with it (IE identifying, extending, installing voice service) so I'm not comfortable in putting myself or the customer for that matter in a potential uncomfortable situation.

My unintentionally long winded question is three fold:

1)Aside from learning something I don't know, am I out of line in wanting to expand service?

2)Can anybody recommend any material (docs, guides, books, etc) that can help with getting me up to speed on this type of work?

3)Would practicing on my home service be a bad idea?

Kerb

While the actually wiring in that too difficult or different from what you are doing now, the client is STILL going to have to get a real Telephone Tech in there anyway to do the connections.

There are far too many different systems out there for you to learn.
to the board.

Your biggest obstacle is going to be the sheer complexity of voice wiring. Data wiring is pretty much straight forward- run a cable from a jack back to a patch panel. Punch all four pairs down on each end. Repeat.

In contrast, voice wiring is as complex as the original installer and those who followed have made it. There can be cross connect frames, blocks and cables and wiring anywhere from one to 25 to hundreds of pairs. Every telephone system is different in the way the extensions and CO lines are connected to the KSU. Some are one pair, others are two or more.

I've barely scratched the surface but you can get an idea what I mean. Your home service is meaningless to learn on unless you are going to stick to one and two line residential.

I don't think you are out of line to want to expand your service but I always preach that a professional knows his limitations. Learning while on your customers nickel is not the way to go. Unfortunately this is one area that the only way to learn is to learn from somebody else. That's what I would suggest, otherwise stay away. There are enough hacks out there looking to make a buck. Stick to what you do best.

-Hal

Thank you for your replies. I do agree with you Hal, this isn't something I'm looking to start doing over night.

In most cases (98% of the time) all they want is a line moved from one side of the building to another. Or isolate a line (number) and bridge (I believe the term is) it to a surface mount box next to a router 2-4' away.

I honestly thought it was a matter of knowing how to identify the line, create a bridge or where to terminate a replacement line on the block.

I honestly thought it was a matter of knowing how to identify the line, create a bridge or where to terminate a replacement line on the block.

I only wish it were that easy. Take a look at the guys here that do this kind of work. All of us have been doing this for years after getting some kind of experience, either working with another interconnect, a telco, etc. Sometimes you luck out and the task is easy, other times there are all kinds of problems. Experience is the only teacher, not only for what to do but in using the right materials.

-Hal

The biggest setback is responsibility for bringing down someone's T, or shutting all building for that matter. You will never work in the building again if this happens. Just like gentlemen above mentioned You need right tools, and big balls to do this kind of manipulations.

As an example We had a big building in Los Angeles; that the building managment always recommended us to the tenants. Well we were to expensive for 1 of them they haired there own hack, that just happened to kill the whole 25th floor of lawyers! because he did not know or check for split count between floors. " pair was vacant so I used it" but worked from 25 to basement, you just have to know.