How many cables should be run to an office location?
The standards specify that two jacks should be placed at each outlet location. The jacks can be on the same wall plate. A separate Category 5 wire should be run from the telecommunications closet to each jack. If one jack and wire system fails at the location, there is a second as a reserve. This avoids the need for immediate repair to maintain service at that location. It is recommended that a minimum of two wall outlet locations be installed in each office. One telecommunications outlet can be associated with voice and/or video; the other can be associated with data. As a result, a normal office location would have a minimum of two voice and two data cables. More would be required for special devices such as faxes, system printers or other network devices.
