Installing outlet

[ourkid2000]

Hey folks,

Looking for some advice here on this one.

I had the cable/internet installer come yesterday to put the new fancy Fiber-Optic internet/cable setup in my house, however they ran into a pretty big problem straight away. My solution to part of the problem is something pretty new to me.

Anyways, if you look at the picture I've attached below, you can see my circuit breaker panel for my home. This is where the fiber optic cable first enters the house and since my house is finished already, there is no way to keep going with this particular type of cable so this is the point where you have to connect it to the fiber-optic box (first box on the left). The installer was left with no choice but to install all this gear right here and it looks rough.

This also caused a second problem. I have no power outlet nearby so you can see the nasty cables coming down going to an extension cord on the floor. Not pretty to say the least. Anyways, how big of a job would it be to put an outlet here? The panel is right there so that's a plus.

I was also thinking about constructing some kind of box mounted on the wall to contain all this gear and keep the majority of it out of sight. Anyone have some good advice on this one?

Cheers!

 

[diggerwolf]

I'm no electrician but I'm sure one will be along shortly...

In my experience the wiring itself will be easy since you're so close to the box. Your pain will be running the wires through the two studs between the box and where you want the outlet.

 

[Ksullivan]

I agree with diggerwolf. when running an outlet the hardest part is getting the home run or connecting to another outlet for your power. If you get the power cable to the box the next hurdle is do you have an open slot or do you need to buy one of those 2 in 1 skinny breakers. It is definately doable, just take your time. The only issue I foresee with you constructing a box around that gear is that it may reduce the range of your wireless router and possibly overheating your components. I would use 1/2" plywood to construct your box, maybe try to find a way to drill some holes in it for ventilation. You can try and put everything else in a box and mount the router on top of the box? Good luck I would love to see some pictures of how it turn's out for you.

 

[CitadelBlue]

The fiber guys did you NO favors. Can you open up another section of the wall and mount the fiber equipment between the studs, add an outlet for power and then conceal everything behind another door similar to what was done with your circuit breaker box?

 

[48Classic]

Ok, nice thought on the outlet, yes I would install an outlet about 6 inches above and move everything up. At the same time you could run a low voltage rehab box next to it. moving the cable and phone connections up. The problem is the devices are mounted to close to the power. These devices should be a minimum 6 inches, preferable 1 ft from the panel. The electrical panel creates an electrical noise reducing the connectivity, dropped calls and reduced wireless transmitting. ( Yes everyone can pick at me, I am a cable engineer, so I know I will hear the cable jokes.) LOL.

 

[madosta]

Damn, would be nice if you had a backboard or a conduit running for them to pull the fiber into your house.

 

[48Classic]

What I can't understand why the mounted it in a stairway. Poor planing on the contractors side.

 

[BillK]

What I can't understand why the mounted it in a stairway. Poor planing on the contractors side.

That is pretty ugly!

I didn't even think you could mount a breaker box in that position ??? Where is Mike Holmes ?

 

[jkeyser14]

Google structured wiring cabinet. Buy one and mount it between your studs. You can even get outlets that integrate into the bottom of the cabinet.

 

[ourkid2000]

That is pretty ugly!

I didn't even think you could mount a breaker box in that position ??? Where is Mike Holmes ?

Yep, it is what it is right now. I have to deal with it!

 

[ourkid2000]

Structured cabinet looks like a nice option. Running the power though the wall I'm still not too sure about though.

 

[where2]

I work with a guy who used to install cable and design fire alarms. Your install looks exactly like how I would expect it to look if he had installed it. I hope your fiber guy left you 2 meters of slack loop somewhere. The geeks who taught me install tricks for theme parks always emphasized the need to leave plenty of service loop in the event you needed to reorganize the infrastructure components in a few years.

Structured Media Cabinet: reminds me of the things I design all day long, only smaller and not as weather proof... Finding a UPS to fit in one of those structured media cabinets is going to be tough, but if your phone now runs through your fiber, you'll want a UPS on the things that make it function, even if you need two spaces dedicated to tech gear.

 

[retrobuilder]

Take a look at Leviton's website for residential structured wiring + fiber.

I have experience in fiber to the home and fiber to the industry but looks like you mainly need electrical receptacle wiring or wall box?

Either way see if Leviton has helpful product or info. They also have small enclosures you can get at local Grainger or electrical parts distributors.

Leviton also has surge protection devices.

If you need UPS- look at APC brand smaller units- available at computer stores.