New-build network design help. Tiled ground floor, stone & block building

[JamesN]

We're about to start digging the foundations for our new house, and I'm already thinking about the network cabling. I'm unsure when to finalise the cable routes and how to get cables to external walls for sockets.

Should I plan the routes before the floor is poured, or can this be done later, perhaps after DPC level when the internal stud walls are going up? I'm particularly concerned about how to run cables to the solid external walls, as I'll need sockets there, not just on internal partition walls.

Is it common practice to run cables through the ceiling void and then down to the socket locations on external walls?

Edited November 28, 2024 by JamesN

[Mr Punter]

It can work well to create a service void in the walls with vertical battens, so you can route cables and smaller pipes.  You can also run these in the ceilings or create a service void there too.

 

Network cables are very simple to run.  More difficult services are soil pipes and ventilation ducting.

[Russell griffiths]

All your cables for power have to be run in what is called a safe zone, your electrician will sort this out, it’s probably ideal to keep data cables in the same safe zone as it tries to prevent any numpty drilling or screwing through them. 
 

you can run your cables from the consumer unit across the first floor ceiling / floor then they can drop down to the room below or go up to the rooms above. 
 

all you need to worry about at foundation level is making sure you have provided a route into and out of the property for all services in and out. 

[CaptainDram]

On 28/11/2024 at 16:40, Russell griffiths said:

data cables in the same safe zone

Make sure data cables don’t run along side any power cables. Try to cross at 90 degrees with 70mm separation between them to prevent cross talk.

[SteamyTea]

Remember that if power cables are surrounded by insulation, they may need to be upgraded.  Don't matter for data, but may well change the initial layout.

Your electrician will know about this, so suggest you have a serious meeting with them to sort it all out.

 

Many people on here cover their homes in network cables, but technology is changing, and we are heading towards much more wireless devices.

[JamesN]

Many thanks for the great points here. Totally understand about the wired vs. future wireless technologies. I wanted to make sure I used wired where possible (especially for higher bandwidth devices - TV - computers etc.) to free up the wireless bandwidth for wireless-only devices.