Home wiring projects, even if digitally relevant, fall somewhat beyond our usual territory. However, given the good commentary, traffic, and in light of my preoccupation with the topic this month, we’re carrying on.
First off, some progress has been made on a potential Verizon FiOS install. See, I told you it was coming? Although I accelerated the schedule a bit given your encouragement along with a goal of removing boxes and wires from the exterior of the house prior to the siding being replaced next month. Unfortunately, that date is TBD and out of my control at this point. And the reason I say “potential” progress is because where Verizon’s contractors intend to bury the fiber optic line would sever a roof and yard drainage system (in multiple locations) installed by the previous owners. So at home I wait this AM to intercept the crew and propose an alternate run while identifying obstacles in their path. If they can roll with it, we’re probably golden (in-home install scheduled for 12/31). Otherwise, I’m pulling the plug.
Speaking of pulling the plug, I’ve relocated my outdoor cable junction box to a post. First, I didn’t like how a lazy Cox technician previously used my gas line as a clamp to secure the coax against the wall, Second, I want the box off the siding. If we stick with Cox, I’ll have them relocate the box under the deck or inside the house. If we don’t, they’ll have to come up with a way to terminate the cable that doesn’t involve my siding. Related, the splitter that probably isn’t suitable for outdoor placement is still strapped to my gas line. But it’ll stay put for now. There was also a copper phone line that relayed through this box, a mostly weather proof place to split and extend the run. I’ve since cut that line as it fed phone to the dining room and garage — not really necessary in the era of cell phones and inexpensive cordless phones.
Lastly, I’ve solved the problem of running coax (and potentially network) cable from the basement to the second floor within the home… by repurposing our laundry chute ductwork. The chute begins just a few feet away from where the existing coax splits in the attic before dropping into at least 2 of the 4 upstairs bedrooms. Hopefully a FiOS or Cox technician will be game, as I’d prefer to outsource the work.
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Very interesting issues you are running into. I just moved into a new (old) house a month ago and I’m dealing with similar wiring issues/oddities. I don’t have a multistory situation (1 floor no basement) but it’s nice to see and read about someone else going through a similar mess.
Good luck with it all.
Couldn’t you run some conduit(PVC or flex) through the laundry chute? That way the cable(s) are protected and you can continue to use the chute.
Wow cool, isn’t this all exciting? Yet it can be overwhelming. Hopefully it all works out and you will be able to give Fios a shot. Did you ever have them before? If not, at least you can review their service and the new IMG 1.9 guide when it is deployed. Finally a service provider pushing a 16:9 HD gui (besides Dish’s 922). Should be a pretty interesting ride in the next few months.
Yeah conduit is a good idea. At my mom’s house they have coax through their laundry chute and there’s no conduit so it’s pretty messy, not to mention stuff can get snagged on wires. I would recommend it. Usually the cable co or VZ will charge extra to run new lines because it’s a “custom install”. Where I live the local cable co. is a mom and pop and they do not do wall fish. They will give you a spool of cable though and come back when your done to put ends on it. Hopefully it all goes well for you.
Kevin, I’m starting to wish we were one floor. Although that’s got its own sets of challenges (with possibly long baseboard runs).
Karl, Yah it should be pretty simple (tape, staples, conduit, whatever) and I do intend to continue using the chute. We mocked it when looking at this home, but it’s actually quite handy. The only “work” is punching through the side and up into the attic but I want Cox or Verizon to fund the cabling for their large spools. At least initially. My primary goal at this point is being efficient.
Cypher, it’ll be my first time living with FiOS. Assuming we get it done, I’ll have one of their boxes so I can keep up with IMG development and two m-Cards for my TiVos. The telco and cableco new jack install fees are pretty reasonable as far as these things go – cheaper than an electrician and more efficient than doing it myself. We’ll see how it develops… If they’re not willing to do the work I want or if I don’t think they’re very thorough, I’ll take it on myself. I know how to pull wires and still have my fish tape from my prior residence that I rewired with coax.
Well the fiber didn’t get installed today.
The contractor missed their 9:30 – 10:30 window and they sent a manager out at 11:30 so I could go over the drainage system and my alternate route. Not sure if he agreed or just relented, but he marked my proposed run for the crew that would be there in an hour. Good thing I went into the office, because they didn’t show up at 12:30 but at 3:45PM.
The office closed at 4PM so I was able to get back home and chat with them – they’re onboard with my route, but Verizon didn’t mark the main trunk line that crosses my yard (there’s a VZ box in the neighbors on either side). So no dig today until Verizon better marks their stuff as these guys don’t want to be responsible for cutting it. We shall see…
Making the mugring installs much easier I got myself a Dremel Factory Reconditioned Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit $59.99. You just make a template for the mudrings you use. You can just plunge a MM440 blade into drywall or plaster and wood lath. Makes installs in older houses with plaster walls easy. Once the mug ring is in just drill into top stud and drop rg6qs and Cat6 in and put a wall plate on. Wife will be happy TV works and happy wall jack look professionally installed. You will never install with a drywall saw again.
PS: My tip is to tape one side of a grocery bag under with blue painters tape to catch drywall dust.
Keep us posted. Almost there!
Is it still necessary to use special Plenum approved cable when running it through a laundry chute? The concern was that standard coax cable might create a fire path between floors. You might want to check with your insurance company.
dwgsp, that’s why I want to get the installers to take a look first. I assume they have approved cabling for a variety of situations…
bunklung, “almost” is relative. There’s been no activity yet this morning as promised. Given timing/Christmas, I’m not surprised. But I hope this doesn’t push the indoor portion of the install. We shall see.
SouthPaw, a dremel tool is one gadget I really wanted but never picked up the last time I was a home owner. I’m sure I still have my drywall saw but would have no problem retiring it.
Laundry chute? Why aren’t the washer and dryer on the same floor as the 4 bedrooms?
I think my wife asks that question pretty frequently. ;) The house was built in 1976 when laundry paraphernalia went in basements, mud rooms, and garages. Although the garage thing may be unique to Florida. We’ve also got crazy plaster swirls on the ceiling. At least the shag has been replaced by nice hardwood.