How Much Does Office Data Cabling Cost?.

If you’re fitting out an office, upgrading your network or adding more desks, data cabling is one of those jobs you need to get right before everything else starts to rely on it. The cost can vary quite a bit, depending on the size of your office, how many data points you need and how easy it is to run the cabling around the building.

The type of cable you choose also affects the price. CAT6, CAT6A and fibre all have different uses and costs, so choosing the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best approach for your business.

We’ll break down the typical costs of office data cabling, explain what you’re paying for and look at the factors that can push the price up or down.

How Much Does Office Data Cabling Cost?

The cost of office data cabling can vary depending on a range of factors. A small office with a handful of data points is a very different job from cabling a large workplace with hundreds of connections, multiple floors and a more complex network setup.

As a rough guide, office data cabling can cost anywhere from around £100 to £250 per data point, including installation. Larger projects may work out cheaper per point because the installation is more efficient at scale, while difficult access or more involved cable routes can increase the cost.

The type of cabling you choose will also make a difference. CAT6 is a common choice for offices, while CAT6A can make sense if you need more capacity for future network demands. Fibre optic cabling tends to be used for high-speed connections between network cabinets, floors or buildings and usually comes at a higher cost.

These figures are indicative rather than fixed prices. The final cost depends on the building, number of connections, type of cable, access to cable routes and what needs to be included in the installation.

For example, running cable through an accessible suspended ceiling is generally simpler than routing it through solid walls or floors. An occupied office can also require more planning if work needs to be carried out around staff and day-to-day operations.

The best way to get an accurate figure is to have the site assessed first. This allows the installer to see what’s already there, work out the most practical cable routes and give you a quote based on what your office actually needs.

What Affects The Cost Of Office Data Cabling?

The number of data points you need is only part of the cost. Two offices with the same number of desks can have very different installation prices depending on the building and how the cabling needs to be run.

Number of data points

Every computer, phone, printer, access point or other networked device that needs a wired connection will need a data point. A larger office with more desks will naturally need more cable, outlets and installation time.

It’s also worth thinking about future requirements. Adding a few extra points while the installer is already working can be more practical than having to reopen ceilings or walls when you take on more staff.

Type of cabling

CAT6 is a popular choice for office networks, but CAT6A and fibre may be more suitable for certain requirements. The cable itself costs different amounts, and some options also take longer to install and terminate correctly.

The most expensive cable isn’t automatically the right one. A good installer should look at how your business uses its network and recommend something that gives you the performance you need without paying for specifications you won’t use.

How easy the building is to work in

Access can make a key difference to the final price. Running cables through an accessible ceiling void is relatively straightforward. Working around solid walls, floors, existing services, or difficult-to-reach areas takes more time and may require extra containment or other installation methods.

Whether it’s a new office or existing workplace

Installing cabling while an office is being fitted out is usually more straightforward because walls, ceilings and floors may already be accessible.

Retrofitting a network into an occupied office can take more planning. The installer may need to work around staff, furniture and existing services, while keeping disruption to a minimum.

Testing and certification

A professional installation should be tested once the cabling is in place. This checks that each connection is performing as it should and gives you a record of the completed installation.

It’s worth checking that testing and certification are included when comparing quotes. A cheaper price isn’t much use if important parts of the job have been left out.

Patch panels and network equipment

Your quote may also need to cover things such as patch panels, data cabinets, faceplates and cable management, depending on the size and setup of your network.

These aren’t always included in a basic per-point price, so make sure you understand exactly what an installation quote covers before comparing it with another contractor’s price.

Does Office Data Cabling Include Installation?

It should, but it’s worth checking exactly what’s included before you compare quotes. A price for the cable itself doesn’t tell you much if you still need to pay separately for fitting, testing and connecting everything.

A typical office data cabling installation may include:

• A site survey to assess the building and work out practical cable routes
• Data cables and outlets suited to your network requirements
• Installation and termination of the cabling
• Patch panels and cable management, where required
• Testing each connection to make sure the cabling is performing properly
• Labelling and certification so you have a clear record of the installation

The exact scope will depend on the size of your office and how your network is set up. You may also need additional equipment, containment or remedial work if the existing infrastructure isn’t suitable.

This is why comparing two quotes purely on the price per data point can be misleading. One installer might include testing, patch panels and containment in the price, while another may charge for them separately.

A good quote should make it clear what you’re getting, so you know the actual cost of getting your office network ready to use.

How Long Does Office Data Cabling Installation Take?

The time needed to install office data cabling depends on the size of the project and how easy it is to access the areas where the cables need to go. Installing a few extra data points in a small office is a very different job from cabling an entire multi-floor workplace.

As a rough guide, a simple, small office installation could take one to two days, while a larger installation with dozens or hundreds of data points may take several days or longer.

The main factors that affect the timescale include:

• Number of data points – more connections mean more cable to install, terminate and test.
• Cable routes – accessible ceilings and floors make installation quicker, while difficult routes can add time.
• The type of building – new offices and empty spaces are generally easier to work in than occupied workplaces.
• Existing infrastructure – suitable cabinets, containment and cable routes can make the job more straightforward.
• Type of cabling – CAT6, CAT6A and fibre installations have different installation and termination requirements.
• Testing and certification – every connection needs to be checked before the installation is complete.

If you’re working in an occupied office, the installation can also be planned around your team’s working hours to keep disruption to a minimum. A site survey gives you a much better idea of the likely timescale because the installer can see the building, understand what you need and identify any potential issues before work starts.

Get a Quote For Your Office Data Cabling

Not sure what your office data cabling should cost? At Fusion Electrical, we can assess your workplace, look at your existing setup and work out the most practical way to get the connections you need in place.

We’ll take into account the size of your office, number of data points, cable type and how the cabling needs to be routed, so you’re not left comparing vague prices or paying for more than your business needs.

To discuss your office data cabling requirements, get in touch with us today.