Should I be doing this?

badaz52

Hi,

Im wondering if someone can help me. I have been working with a new employer for 3 months now as the ICT Network Manager. I have thoroughly looked at my job description and as a summary my job is to manage the schools ICT network to ensure it is available to all, up to date, secure and to overseen future developments and implementations.

Recently I have been told that is my duty to run Cat 5e cables for any new installations around the place. I'm a little concerned about this as I have been also told that it my duty to carry out the DIY tasks associated with running the cables such as drilling holes putting up trunking etc.

The Site Manager has told me that it is my job to do the cabling and has briefly showed me how to use a drill and how to use ladders. I have also had some asbestos training but beyond that nothing is formal or in writing and I do not believe that I should be carrying out DIY related tasks or cabling in anyway as I am not qualified to do so and in my opinion not hired to do that.

Please could anyone give me some advise on this as I think Im being forced into something here.

Thanks

Sambucus_Nigra

If it's in your job description to do this then surely they would have ensured that you had the qualifications and experience to do it?

prowla

I think you need plenum grade cabling to run over the ceiling.

(The fact that you've been shown how to use a ladder is a bit worrying!)

SueC_2

prowla wrote: »

(The fact that you've been shown how to use a ladder is a bit worrying!)

Why's that?

hcb42

I wouldnt have thought running new cabling unusual for an operation where you are probably the most qualified individual to do so...

Dime_Bar

As Network Manager on a small network it is not unusual to do this really.

What is your concern? Is it that you cannot do it or that you do not want to?

It is not that hard if you have the right tools and whilst it is something I do not like doing I have cabled a couple of buildings and would do it myself if we needed anything in here now.

DVardysShadow

I would say that running of cables is an electrician's job, unless the building already has cable routes [eg underfloor] provided. Once an electrician is involved, he should be able to terminate the cables too, although I would expect a network manager to be able to handle cable termination.

I would not expect a non electrician to know the neatest ways of running cable or the correct materials to use to run them neatly in trunking etc.

consumers_revenge

cabling is a doddle to be honest.

theres no electrical work involved, so nothing more required than a bit of neatness, ability to hold a drill straight and some sticky back trunking.

I have to stick phone cabling in a circuit board and I dont work for BT

dont panic and yes I would do it.

killerpeaty

My dad (a self employed computer fixerer) used to be employed to do just that all the time. Plus it most definitely is not a job for a sparky, it's just dealing with connecting computers to what they need to be connected to. Is that not an IT network?

prowla

SueC wrote: »

Why's that?

The OP is being expected to run cabling, presumably to a professional standard, but they thought it relevant to mention that they had to be briefly shown how to use a drill and a ladder?

mark55man

As ICT Network manager you should tell them that cabling is lame and they look to go wireless, with appropriate security configuration which it is your job to do

will be cheaper and more flexible than running cable everywhere