Cables & Chips
Industry Insights
Articles and insights about the low voltage, structured cabling, data network, fiber optic, WiFi, security, A/V, and commercial network infrastructure industry. This category covers practical guidance for NYC businesses, IT teams, facilities managers, property managers, contractors, and organizations planning office buildouts, network upgrades, cabling projects, server room improvements, CCTV systems, access control, and technology infrastructure.
WiFi 6E Cabling: Test Existing Runs Before Choosing Cat6A
Test existing runs, AP uplinks, and PoE before upgrading for WiFi 6E. See when Cat5e or Cat6 can stay, when Cat6A fits, and what installers test.
Low Voltage Power: When U.S. Codes Require Two Inches of Separation
Learn how U.S. electricians apply OSHA, NEC, and NFPA rules to low voltage power separation, including the two inches of clearance and legal exceptions.
Modular Furniture Cabling: 40+ Years of NYC Lessons to Avoid Rework
Plan modular furniture cabling around ANSI/BICSI 007-2026, ISO/IEC 11801-2, and NEC guidance, with NYC field lessons that help prevent costly rework.
90 m vs. 100 m: MDF to IDF Distance Checks for IT and Facilities
Find the 90 meter permanent link and 100 meter channel limits for MDF to IDF cabling, plus planning, PoE, and testing steps that help prevent rework.
Division 28 Cabling: 4 Systems, U.S. Field Rules for Facility Teams
Learn how U.S. Division 28 cabling projects handle four security systems, NEC and NFPA 72 requirements, installation, power, testing, and documentation.
25.5W Covers Most APs, PoE Rules Installers Use to Avoid Callbacks
Installer grade PoE checklist for APs. Learn when 25.5W PoE+ suffices, when 51W or 71W matters, and the cabling, negotiation, and power budget steps to...
4 Pre Bid Checks to Avoid Prevailing Wage Audits on NYC Low Voltage
NYC primer for low voltage contractors: where to look up prevailing wage rates, how classification affects cabling, and four pre bid checks to avoid audit...
Avoid Rework: 2026 NYC Firestopping Rules for Cable Installers
Code first NYC guide linking the 2022 Building Code and DOB bulletins to low voltage cabling. Steps, required documents, and inspection tips for contractors.
Catch Over 90% of Cable Faults Early: Low Voltage Punch List for PMs
Build an inspection ready, testing first low voltage punch list that pairs machine generated test reports with labeled photos to speed sign off for...
Avoid AHJ Callbacks: 3/4 in FRT Plywood Backboard Spec for Facility/IT
Copyable Division 27 plywood backboard spec: 3/4 in A/C FRT panels, mounting and fastener rules, grounding checklist, and NYC field fixes to avoid AHJ...