Mains vs data vs PoE

[fishkake]

Hi, I'm guessing this is the right subforum for this.

I'm a DIY'er who knows how to wire a plug and change a lightbulb. I often pretend I know a lot more than that but I'm in the company of experts here, so I'll accept my place.

So if I want to mess with mains electric, I need some form of certification, and if I want to run network cable, I don't. But what is the cut off foir Power over Ethernet? There are various PoE types and standards, but the one I'm interested in is 802.3af, which means each port on the PSU provides "48VDC and up to 350mA so that the power initiated does not exceed 15.4W and the power that is delivered does not exceed 12.95W"

So question 1 is - is any certification LEGALLY REQUIRED to run cable and equipment using this standard - (a) in a house, by the owner and (b) commercially?

Question 2 (assuming that question 1 is "no") - beyond basic common sense, what risks are involved and have to be considered when installing such equipment?

Thanks everyone.

 

[SparkyChick]

As far as I'm aware, PoE does not fall under the "low voltage" label assigned to the mains installation in the wiring regulations. We may describe it as extra low voltage, but it's a communications cable when all said and done. The fact you're stuffing power down it to supply gadgets is up to you, the end user.

When installing a network you'll typically terminated each cable at an outlet plate and/or a patch panel (or even a simple RJ45 connector). The rest of it is just what is connected to it and will be complying with certain standards etc.

Anyone can run and terminate network cables, but as pointed out on your other thread, there are still parts of the building regulations and the wiring regulations you need to take into account, like running cables in PVC trunking above an escape route for example... they should be secured in such a way so as to prevent them collapsing and falling down in the event of a fire (thus creating a very real danger for fire crews).

You may want to certify the finished network in terms of speed, if someone asks you to install Gigabit capable networking throughout their house, you may find they won't pay until you can prove every outlet is capable. The would require you to provide some evidence that each port has been tested.

 

[fishkake]

Great reply, thank you. Networks are fine, I know about speed and bottlenecks and so on, that's my world.

it's a communications cable when all said and done. The fact you're stuffing power down it to supply gadgets is up to you, the end user.

This is essentially the answer I was looking for. However:

as pointed out on your other thread, there are still parts of the building regulations and the wiring regulations you need to take into account, like running cables in PVC trunking above an escape route for example...

This makes it clear why I need a sparky. Even if I don't legally need one, I need someone who knows this sort of thing.

You mention building regs AND wiring regs - is it safe to assume that a qualified electrician will know the building and fire side of things within reason? Obviously it's never safe to assume anything, but you know...

The reality is most of my jobs will involve running plug sockets or similar anyway, so I will need a certified electrician. But it's good to know.

 

[Spoon]

The reality is most of my jobs will involve running plug sockets or similar anyway, so I will need a certified electrician. But it's good to know.

She knows her stuff does @SparkyChick. I'd say "she's ok.... for a woman..' but she scares the crud out of me and she will beat me to pulp..

Not quite understanding this. What will this 'certified electrician' actually do?
Wouldn't it be better for you to know the regs that apply to you and work to them?

 

[fishkake]

Sorry, I haven't been very clear. The job is installing security systems. In some cases, all the power for all the kit comes over PoE, which means our job is installing a PoE switch in to a server rack, or even using an existing one, and running Cat5 cable throughout the building to any equipment required. And as @SparkyChick has clarified, this would not legally require the services of, specifically, an electrician.

However, in some cases, the PoE switch is going somewhere else. Which means, potentially, installing a socket in that location. That means acquiring the services of a "certified electrician". To my current knowledge, those two words describe every electrician in the world, and qualify them to do everything from changing a light bulb to building a nuclear power station. This state of knowledge is something I hope to address.

 

[SparkyChick]

Networks and other such IT related hassle used to be my domain as well.

The thing is with the wiring regulations, they state you must be competent. Proving you are competent is where qualifications come in (rightly or wrongly).

Unless you are adding a new circuit or working on circuits that supply or pass through a special location, you're not going to be involving building control and for the most part, what you're describing would usually be covered by a minor works certificate (essentially an addition/alteration of an existing circuit). Even for that you need specialist test gear (typically a multi function electrical installation tester) and the knowledge of how to use it and interpret the results because the key element of this is proving it is safe. If you're not involving building control, you don't need someone who is a member of say NICEIC, NAPIT or Stroma (other competent person schemes are available) because that's one of the key benefits to us... we can notify our own work to building control after the fact.

If you were in my part of the world, I'd say if you need something doing give me a call, I'd happily provide the kind of services you're after. Don't limit your search to 'find a tradesman' sites, some people make good money, but the best kind of advertising is word of mouth... if you've got that on your side, you don't need ratedpeople.com etc. because they are just leeches.

If you want to find a spark, talk to family, friends, colleagues... get personal recommendations of people they have used and perhaps most importantly that they would be happy to use again.

As for the other stuff like where you can run cables, how to notch joists etc. get yourself a copy of the On Site Guide and the Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations. They will provide you with good guidance on cable routing, notching/drilling joists etc. And just remember not to run cables over escape routes without appropriate additional support.

Good luck with your venture.

 

[SparkyChick]

I'd say "she's ok.... for a woman..' but she scares the crud out of me and she will beat me to pulp..

Thanks hon... you can say that to me, I'm not a feminazi! In fact I'd go so far as to say if things carry on the way they are going I'll be starting to classify myself as a mens rights advocate.

Getting all the pit girls banned... nice... preach about empowering women and then rob some of the pretty ones of their choice as to whether they want to be abused by being sprayed in the face with champagne by Lewis Hamilton... I wouldn't say no! It's so typical of the movement and it just rubs me up completely the wrong way. They are so snowflake like... I'd love to take a bunch of them into my local Screwfix trade counter for a bit of banter with the blokes... christ I think they'd have a meltdown and turn into a wailing blob of victimhood topped off with a sprig of the mandatory pink/blue/green hair.... Rant over... feminazis... get your hands of our banter is what I say!

And don't get me started on the gender pay gap... GRRRRRR