Recently we were asked to remove an old apartment complex door entry system and install a new and modern VoIP-based system that can call the tenant on their cell or home phone.  We needed to trace the lines from a gate to the building so we could replace the power and data communication cables.

The IT industry is full of complexities and surprises on many levels… this particular job was definitely full of them.

Nowadays with Internet-based phone systems you can save time and money using these services for many different applications. These applications include homes with 1 or 2 phones, office phone systems with multiple users that can have their own extensions and intercom calling, large event center systems that have the same options as an office phone system put can tie into a PA system and have the ability to track calls in an online administration portal. SysQuick installs these systems and we use this phone system in our office and callers can chose different departments by dialing an extension.

The apartment complex door entry system we are installing uses only one line for dialing out but the door system can be programmed for a few hundred apartments. When setting the system up we can designate different phone numbers to call when a visitor dials the apartment number from the call box.

Performing a new installation can be a daunting task but we had the pleasure of tracing the old lines to replace them with new cabling. To make a long story short we ran into many complications because the underground conduit was not running in the direction we expected and had to re-run the entire line in order to get to the right entry point at the apartment complex.

Running cables on a building or underground require grey PVC conduit to prevent damage and is more secure.

Underground/outdoor electrical rated grey PVC conduit lifespan range varies depending on conditions. If it is exposed to sun on a daily basis without being painted or wrapped it should last 15 or so years.  Constant exposure to the elements and sunlight will make the PVC brittle over time and will need to be replaced.

If the conduit is underground then pressure from the soil and whatever is on top of it can crush the PVC. Make sure the conduit is laid deep enough and not covered with heavy stones, bricks or anything sharp or jagged that can cause damage or cracking. We have replaced many conduit lines that were broken and filled with water due to bad planning.

After running the new lines we were able to complete the installation on the gate, tie in the power and data lines.

We hope this was informative and entertaining for our readers. If you have any questions or need help with this type of install or have another project we can assist with then please reach out.

SysQuick
www.sysquick.com