24/7 Emergency Service

Roman Electric | Structured Cabling Systems Wisconsin | Data & Network Infrastructure 2025

Structured Cabling Systems Wisconsin | Data & Network Infrastructure 2025

Structured cabling systems are organized network infrastructure frameworks that support all your business’s voice, data, video, and security systems through a standardized, scalable architecture. For Wisconsin businesses, properly designed structured cabling provides reliable connectivity, reduces downtime, supports future technology upgrades, and ensures compliance with industry standardsmaking it essential for modern commercial operations.

Key Benefits: Improved network performance, reduced maintenance costs, easier troubleshooting, scalability for business growth, and 15-25 year system lifespan with proper installation.


Understanding Structured Cabling Systems in Wisconsin’s Commercial Landscape

Wisconsin’s business environment is rapidly evolving. From Milwaukee’s thriving tech corridors to Madison’s innovation hubs, Racine’s industrial facilities to Green Bay’s manufacturing sector, modern businesses depend on robust digital infrastructure. Structured cabling systems form the backbone of this connectivity, yet many Wisconsin business owners don’t fully understand what makes these systems critical to operations.

Unlike point-to-point cabling (where each device connects independently, creating tangled “spaghetti” networks), structured cabling follows a hierarchical, organized approach. Think of it as the difference between a city with planned streets versus random paths—structured cabling creates clear pathways for data, voice, and video that are documented, manageable, and built to last.

Roman Electric Co. has installed structured cabling systems across Southeastern Wisconsin for over 90 years, witnessing the evolution from telephone lines to today’s high-speed fiber optic networks. Our expertise in data and security systems ensures Wisconsin businesses get infrastructure that works today and scales for tomorrow.


Why Wisconsin Businesses Need Professional Structured Cabling

The Real Cost of Poor Network Infrastructure

A manufacturing facility in Waukesha experienced network failures three times weekly, disrupting production scheduling and causing estimated losses of $5,000 per incident. The culprit? Poorly installed point-to-point cabling from years of ad-hoc additions. After implementing a proper structured cabling system, downtime dropped to zero, and the facility added 15 new workstations without additional infrastructure work.

This scenario repeats across Wisconsin daily. Businesses grow, technology advances, but outdated cabling holds operations back.

Common Problems with Unstructured Networks:

  • Frequent network outages and slow connection speeds
  • Difficulty identifying and fixing cable problems (the “cable hunt”)
  • Inability to support new technologies without major rewiring
  • Safety hazards from overloaded circuits and improper cable management
  • Violation of building and electrical codes
  • Higher long-term maintenance costs

Structured Cabling Solutions:

  • 99.99% network uptime when properly installed and maintained
  • Color-coded, labeled cables for instant troubleshooting
  • Modular design supports technology upgrades without infrastructure changes
  • Compliance with TIA/EIA standards and local Wisconsin codes
  • Centralized management reduces IT complexity
  • Lower total cost of ownership over system lifetime

Components of Commercial Network Infrastructure

1. Horizontal Cabling Subsystem

This subsystem connects individual workstations, offices, and rooms to central telecommunications closets. In a typical Wisconsin office building, horizontal cabling runs from each desk through walls, ceilings, or raised floors to a central point.

Key Elements:

  • Category 6 or Category 6A cables for data (supporting speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second)
  • RJ45 connectors and wall plates at workstation locations
  • Patch panels in telecommunications rooms for centralized management
  • Cable pathways: conduits, cable trays, or J-hooks depending on building structure

Wisconsin Considerations: Older buildings in Milwaukee and Madison often require creative routing to preserve historic architecture while installing modern cabling. Professional data cabling installation ensures compliance with both preservation requirements and modern electrical codes.

2. Vertical Cabling (Backbone Cabling)

Backbone cabling connects telecommunications rooms across multiple floors or between buildings on a campus. For Wisconsin businesses with multi-story facilities or multiple locations, this subsystem is critical.

Typical Components:

  • Fiber optic cables for high-speed, long-distance data transmission
  • Copper cables for voice systems and shorter runs
  • Main distribution frame (MDF) and intermediate distribution frames (IDF)
  • Patch panels and cross-connect hardware

Applications:

  • Multi-floor office buildings connecting each floor’s network
  • Industrial campuses linking production facilities to administrative offices
  • Healthcare facilities connecting multiple buildings
  • Educational institutions with distributed campus networks

3. Telecommunications Rooms and Equipment Rooms

These centralized spaces house network switches, servers, patch panels, and cable management systems. Proper telecommunications room design is essential for maintaining and troubleshooting your network.

Design Requirements:

  • Climate control to prevent equipment overheating (critical in Wisconsin summers)
  • Adequate power with backup systems
  • Cable management racks and proper labeling
  • Security access controls
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Sufficient space for future expansion (plan for 30-50% growth)

Roman Electric’s commercial electrical construction expertise ensures telecommunications rooms meet all power, safety, and cooling requirements specific to Wisconsin building codes.

4. Work Area Components

The visible part of structured cabling—what end users interact with daily.

Includes:

  • Wall plates with data and voice ports
  • Patch cables connecting devices to wall outlets
  • Furniture-integrated connectivity solutions
  • Cable management for clean desk environments

Modern Trends:

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports for IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras
  • Dual-port outlets providing redundancy for critical workstations
  • Multimedia connectivity supporting video conferencing systems

5. Administration and Documentation

Often overlooked but critically important: comprehensive documentation of your cabling infrastructure.

Essential Documentation:

  • Cable labeling scheme (every cable numbered and logged)
  • Floor plans showing cable routes and outlet locations
  • Telecommunications room layouts
  • Test results and certification documents
  • As-built drawings reflecting any post-installation changes

Proper documentation turns troubleshooting from hours-long cable hunts into 10-minute fixes. It’s also required for building code compliance in most Wisconsin municipalities.


Data Cabling Installation Standards and Best Practices

Industry Standards: TIA/EIA-568

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) establish structured cabling standards followed nationwide, including Wisconsin. TIA-568 defines:

  • Cable types and performance requirements
  • Distance limitations for various cable categories
  • Color codes for cable pairs
  • Testing and certification procedures
  • Installation best practices

Why Standards Matter:

  • Ensures interoperability between equipment from different manufacturers
  • Guarantees performance specifications (speed, bandwidth, reliability)
  • Provides warranty protection (manufacturers require standards compliance)
  • Meets building code requirements
  • Future-proofs investments (standards-compliant systems support emerging technologies)

Wisconsin-Specific Code Considerations

Wisconsin follows the National Electrical Code (NEC) with some state-specific amendments. Key considerations for structured cabling:

Fire Safety Requirements:

  • Plenum-rated cables required in air-handling spaces
  • Riser-rated cables for vertical cable runs between floors
  • Fire-stopping materials at penetrations between fire-rated compartments

Local Municipality Variations:

  • Milwaukee, Madison, and other major cities may have additional requirements
  • Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction
  • Inspection procedures differ between counties

Roman Electric’s licensed electricians maintain current knowledge of all Wisconsin electrical codes and municipal variations, ensuring every installation passes inspection the first time.

Cable Category Selection Guide

5e (Cat5e):

  • Speed: Up to 1 Gigabit per second (1000 Mbps)
  • Distance: 100 meters maximum
  • Applications: Basic office networking, VoIP phones
  • Cost: Lowest initial investment
  • Recommendation: Acceptable for small offices with basic needs, but Cat6 is better future-proofing for minimal additional cost

6 (Cat6):

  • Speed: Up to 10 Gigabits per second (10 Gbps) for distances up to 55 meters
  • Distance: 100 meters for Gigabit speeds
  • Applications: Standard business networks, video surveillance, wireless access points
  • Cost: Moderate, excellent value
  • Recommendation: Minimum recommended standard for new Wisconsin commercial installations

6A (Cat6A):

  • Speed: 10 Gbps for full 100-meter distance
  • Distance: 100 meters at full speed
  • Applications: Data centers, high-density office environments, future-proofing
  • Cost: Higher initial investment, lower long-term cost due to extended useful life
  • Recommendation: Best choice for businesses planning 15+ year infrastructure lifespan

Fiber Optic Cabling:

  • Speed: 10 Gbps to 100+ Gbps depending on fiber type
  • Distance: Up to 2 kilometers (multi-mode) or 40+ kilometers (single-mode)
  • Applications: Backbone cabling, building-to-building connections, high-bandwidth environments
  • Cost: Higher material and installation costs, but unmatched performance and distance
  • Recommendation: Essential for campus environments and high-performance applications

Business Cabling Solutions for Different Wisconsin Industries

Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities

Wisconsin’s strong manufacturing sector presents unique cabling challenges: harsh environments, machinery vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the need for extreme reliability.

Specialized Solutions:

  • Industrial-grade cabling with enhanced shielding
  • Ruggedized connectors resistant to dust, moisture, and temperature extremes
  • Fiber optic connections immune to EMI from heavy machinery
  • Redundant network paths ensuring production continues during maintenance
  • Integration with industrial control systems and SCADA networks

Case Example: A precision manufacturing facility in Racine needed network connectivity to 50+ CNC machines across a 100,000 square foot production floor. Standard office cabling couldn’t withstand the environment. Roman Electric installed a fiber optic backbone with industrial Ethernet switches in NEMA-rated enclosures, connecting each machine cell via shielded Cat6A cabling. Result: Zero network-related production delays in 18 months of operation.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices require structured cabling that supports life-critical systems with zero tolerance for failure.

Healthcare Requirements:

  • Redundant network paths for critical care areas
  • Extremely high reliability (99.999% uptime)
  • Support for specialized medical devices and imaging equipment
  • HIPAA compliance for patient data security
  • Integration with nurse call systems and building automation
  • Ability to accommodate frequent equipment upgrades

Wisconsin Healthcare Considerations: Many healthcare facilities in Wisconsin operate in historic buildings. Cabling installation must preserve architectural integrity while meeting modern medical technology demands and stringent health department requirements.

Office Buildings and Corporate Campuses

Modern offices demand high-density cabling supporting dozens to hundreds of employees with multiple connected devices per person.

Office Cabling Needs:

  • High-density patch panels and switch infrastructure
  • Cable management supporting frequent moves, adds, and changes
  • Wireless access point cabling (often PoE-powered)
  • Conference room multimedia systems
  • VoIP phone systems
  • Building access control and security systems

Scalability Planning: Wisconsin businesses are growing. According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the state added 15,000+ new businesses in 2024. Office cabling must accommodate headcount growth without requiring infrastructure overhauls.

Recommended Approach:

  • Install 30-50% more drops than current needs
  • Use modular patch panel systems for easy expansion
  • Implement cable management systems that accommodate future additions
  • Document everything for simplified future modifications

Retail and Hospitality

Retail stores, restaurants, and hotels need structured cabling that supports point-of-sale systems, security cameras, guest Wi-Fi, and back-office operations.

Unique Requirements:

  • Support for numerous security cameras (IP-based systems require substantial bandwidth)
  • Guest network isolation for security
  • PoE cabling for IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points
  • Integration with building management systems (lighting, HVAC, access control)
  • Compliance with payment card industry (PCI) data security standards

Wisconsin Tourism Impact: Wisconsin’s tourism industry (worth $15+ billion annually) relies on hospitality businesses providing seamless guest connectivity. Structured cabling makes this possible while maintaining security.

Educational Institutions

Schools, colleges, and training centers face unique challenges: high user density, diverse device types, budget constraints, and need for extreme reliability during critical periods.

Educational Cabling Considerations:

  • High-density wireless coverage requiring extensive PoE cabling
  • Classroom multimedia systems
  • Campus-wide network backbone connecting multiple buildings
  • Security systems including cameras and access control
  • Separate networks for administration, instruction, and guest access
  • Support for 1:1 device initiatives (every student has a laptop/tablet)

Structured Wiring Design: Planning Your Network Infrastructure

Phase 1: Assessment and Requirements Gathering

Before installing a single cable, comprehensive assessment determines exactly what your business needs.

Discovery Questions:

  • How many workstations require connectivity today? In 5 years?
  • What applications do you run? (Basic office apps vs. CAD/video editing vs. industrial control)
  • Do you have special requirements? (Medical imaging, security systems, building automation)
  • What’s your physical space? (Single floor vs. multi-story vs. campus)
  • Budget considerations and timeline
  • Plans for future expansion or relocation

Site Survey:

  • Physical walkthrough documenting current infrastructure
  • Identification of cable pathways and potential obstacles
  • Telecommunications room location evaluation
  • Assessment of power availability and cooling requirements
  • Documentation of existing equipment to be integrated

Roman Electric’s commercial electrical contractors conduct thorough site surveys throughout Wisconsin, identifying opportunities and challenges before design begins.

Phase 2: Design and Engineering

Translating business requirements into technical specifications.

Design Deliverables:

  • Floor plans showing every outlet location
  • Telecommunications room layouts with equipment placement
  • Cable pathway diagrams
  • Bill of materials (BOM) specifying all components
  • Labor estimates and project timeline
  • Compliance documentation showing adherence to codes and standards

Design Considerations:

  • Distance limitations: Copper cables max 100 meters, fiber much longer
  • Port density: Planning for adequate switch capacity
  • Power requirements: PoE devices draw power from data cables, affecting switch selection
  • Cooling requirements: Network equipment generates heat
  • Physical security: Protecting telecommunications rooms from unauthorized access
  • Redundancy: Critical systems need backup paths

Phase 3: Installation

Professional installation makes the difference between a reliable network and perpetual problems.

Installation Process:

  1. Cable pathway preparation: Installing conduits, cable trays, J-hooks
  2. Cable pulling: Running cables from telecommunications rooms to outlets
  3. Termination: Connecting cables to jacks, patch panels, and equipment
  4. Testing: Verifying every connection meets performance standards
  5. Documentation: Labeling cables, creating as-built drawings
  6. Certification: Final testing and performance certification

Wisconsin Installation Challenges:

  • Historic buildings with thick masonry walls requiring specialized drilling
  • Cold winters affecting outdoor cable runs (burial depth, weatherproofing)
  • Coordination with other trades in new construction
  • Minimizing disruption in occupied facilities

Quality Installation Indicators:

  • Clean, organized cable management (no “cable spaghetti”)
  • Proper bend radius maintained (preventing cable damage)
  • Correct termination techniques (avoiding signal loss)
  • Thorough testing and documentation
  • Professional appearance at outlets and panels

Phase 4: Testing and Certification

Testing verifies your investment performs as specified.

Testing Types:

Basic Continuity Testing:

  • Confirms cables are connected correctly
  • Identifies opens, shorts, and miswiring
  • Minimum testing acceptable (but not sufficient for warranty)

Certification Testing:

  • Measures performance against TIA/EIA standards
  • Tests attenuation, near-end crosstalk (NEXT), return loss, and other parameters
  • Generates pass/fail reports for each cable
  • Required for manufacturer warranties and most commercial installations

Advanced Testing:

  • Optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) for fiber optics
  • Spectrum analysis for identifying interference sources
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE) testing verifying power delivery

Certification Benefits:

  • Manufacturer warranty protection (typically 15-25 years)
  • Documentation for future troubleshooting
  • Proof of code compliance for inspections
  • Performance baseline for identifying degradation over time

The ROI of Professional Structured Cabling Systems

Upfront Investment vs. Long-Term Value

Typical Costs for Wisconsin Businesses:

Small Office (10-20 workstations):

  • Professional installation: $5,000-$10,000
  • DIY or low-bid installation: $2,000-$4,000
  • Difference: $3,000-$6,000

Medium Business (50-100 workstations):

  • Professional installation: $25,000-$50,000
  • Low-bid installation: $15,000-$30,000
  • Difference: $10,000-$20,000

Large Facility (200+ workstations):

  • Professional installation: $100,000-$250,000+
  • Low-bid installation: $60,000-$150,000
  • Difference: $40,000-$100,000

But Consider Long-Term Costs:

Professional Installation:

  • 15-25 year lifespan with minimal maintenance
  • Manufacturer warranty protection
  • Easy troubleshooting and modifications
  • Supports technology upgrades without infrastructure changes
  • Annual maintenance: $500-$2,000 for inspections and updates

Low-Bid Installation:

  • 5-10 year lifespan before problems emerge
  • No warranty (or unenforceable warranties)
  • Difficult troubleshooting leads to higher IT costs
  • Often requires partial or complete replacement when upgrading technology
  • Annual maintenance: $2,000-$10,000+ due to ongoing problems

20-Year Total Cost Comparison (50-workstation business):

  • Professional installation: $50,000 initial + $20,000 maintenance = $70,000 total
  • Low-bid installation: $25,000 initial + $10,000 year 1-10 + $30,000 replacement + $10,000 year 11-20 = $75,000+ total

Professional installation actually costs less over the system’s lifetime while providing superior performance and reliability.

Productivity and Downtime Costs

Network downtime costs Wisconsin businesses an average of $5,600 per minute according to industry research.

Impact of Poor Cabling:

  • A 50-person office experiences 2 hours of network downtime monthly due to cabling issues
  • Average employee cost: $35/hour (salary + benefits)
  • Monthly cost: 50 employees × $35/hour × 2 hours = $3,500
  • Annual cost: $42,000 in lost productivity

Proper structured cabling systems virtually eliminate cabling-related downtime, saving tens of thousands annually.


Common Structured Cabling Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Choosing Cable Based on Price Alone

The Problem: Cheap cables from unknown manufacturers often fail to meet specifications, causing poor performance and short lifespan.

The Solution: Use cables from reputable manufacturers (CommScope, Panduit, Belden, etc.) that provide performance guarantees and support. The price difference is minimal compared to replacement costs.

Mistake #2: Inadequate Planning for Growth

The Problem: Installing exactly what you need today leaves no room for expansion. Adding capacity later is expensive and disruptive.

The Solution: Install 30-50% more drops than current needs. Empty conduits cost little but provide flexibility. Plan telecommunications room space for future equipment.

Mistake #3: Poor Documentation

The Problem: Unlabeled cables and missing documentation make troubleshooting and modifications extremely difficult and time-consuming.

The Solution: Label every cable at both ends with unique identifiers. Create and maintain accurate documentation including floor plans, cable schedules, and test results. Update documentation whenever changes are made.

Mistake #4: Mixing Standards and Components

The Problem: Using Cat6 cable with Cat5e connectors, or mixing component brands, can negate performance benefits and void warranties.

The Solution: Use matched, certified components throughout the system. Don’t mix cable categories in the same network segment. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Environmental Factors

The Problem: Standard office-grade components fail in harsh environments like factories, outdoor locations, or spaces with extreme temperatures.

The Solution: Specify appropriate cable and connector grades for the environment. Use plenum-rated cables in air-handling spaces, outdoor-rated cables for external runs, and industrial-grade components in manufacturing areas.

Mistake #6: Attempting DIY Installation

The Problem: Structured cabling requires specialized knowledge, tools, and testing equipment. DIY installations typically have hidden problems that cause issues later.

The Solution: Hire certified professionals with proven experience. The cost difference is minor compared to reliability benefits and long-term savings.


Emerging Technologies in Commercial Network Infrastructure

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Evolution

PoE technology delivers both data and electrical power over the same cable, simplifying installation and reducing costs for devices like:

  • VoIP phones
  • Wireless access points
  • Security cameras
  • Building automation sensors
  • LED lighting systems

Latest PoE Standards:

  • PoE (IEEE 802.3af): 15.4 watts per port
  • PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at): 30 watts per port
  • PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt): Up to 90 watts per port

Higher-power PoE enables devices previously requiring separate electrical connections, including digital signage displays, access control locks, and even some computers.

Wisconsin Application: A Green Bay manufacturing facility replaced traditional security cameras with PoE cameras, eliminating the need for electrical outlets at each camera location. This saved $15,000 in electrical work and provided greater flexibility for camera placement.

Wi-Fi 6E and Beyond

The latest wireless standards require robust structured cabling infrastructure to realize their performance potential.

Wi-Fi 6E Requirements:

  • Multi-gigabit backhaul connections to access points
  • PoE++ power delivery for high-performance APs
  • Higher-density access point deployment
  • Network switches with adequate capacity

Structured cabling designed for Wi-Fi 6E ensures your wireless network can deliver advertised speeds throughout your facility.

10 Gigabit and 40 Gigabit Ethernet

As bandwidth demands increase, businesses are adopting higher-speed network connections.

When You Need Higher Speeds:

  • Video production and editing
  • Large file transfers (CAD, medical imaging, etc.)
  • Virtualized server environments
  • Cloud backup and replication
  • High-density office environments

Infrastructure Requirements:

  • Cat6A or fiber optic cabling
  • High-performance network switches
  • Proper cooling in telecommunications rooms

Internet of Things (IoT) Integration

Businesses are connecting more devices than ever: sensors, controllers, meters, and specialized equipment.

IoT Cabling Considerations:

  • Support for potentially hundreds or thousands of connected devices
  • Separate network segments for security
  • PoE for powering sensors and low-power devices
  • Reliable connectivity for mission-critical industrial IoT applications

Maintenance and Lifecycle Management

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Annual Inspections:

  • Visual inspection of cable management and organization
  • Verify all labels are intact and legible
  • Check telecommunications room environment (temperature, humidity, cleanliness)
  • Test backup power systems
  • Review and update documentation

Performance Testing:

  • Periodic certification testing of random cable samples
  • Bandwidth monitoring to identify potential issues
  • Assessment of network switch capacity and utilization

Cleaning and Organization:

  • Dust removal from telecommunications rooms
  • Cable management adjustment as needed
  • Patch panel organization and labeling updates

When to Upgrade or Replace

Indicators It’s Time to Upgrade:

  • Network speeds consistently slower than expected
  • Frequent connection drops or reliability issues
  • Inability to support new applications or devices
  • Cable infrastructure older than 15-20 years
  • Planning major business expansion or relocation
  • Adoption of new technologies (IP phones, wireless, security systems) not supported by current infrastructure

Upgrade Options:

  • Overlay: Add new cabling alongside existing infrastructure (when expansion needed but current system adequate)
  • Replacement: Complete infrastructure replacement (when existing system obsolete or inadequate)
  • Hybrid: Replace critical segments while maintaining functional portions

Choosing the Right Data Cabling Installation Partner in Wisconsin

What to Look for in a Cabling Contractor

Essential Qualifications:

Proper Licensing and Insurance:

  • Wisconsin licensed electrician (required for electrical work)
  • Manufacturer certifications (CommScope, Panduit, etc.)
  • General liability and workers’ compensation insurance
  • Errors and omissions insurance

Experience and Expertise:

  • Track record with businesses similar to yours
  • Knowledge of industry-specific requirements
  • Familiarity with Wisconsin codes and permit processes
  • References from satisfied customers

Quality Standards:

  • Commitment to TIA/EIA standards compliance
  • Use of certified testing equipment
  • Comprehensive documentation practices
  • Warranty offerings (look for 15-25 year system warranties)

Service and Support:

  • Ongoing maintenance and support availability
  • Emergency service options
  • Clear communication throughout project
  • Training for your IT staff

Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

  1. How long have you been installing structured cabling systems in Wisconsin?
  2. Do you have manufacturer certifications? Which ones?
  3. Can you provide references from businesses in our industry?
  4. What testing and certification do you provide?
  5. What warranty do you offer on your work?
  6. How do you handle documentation?
  7. What’s your typical project timeline?
  8. Do you provide ongoing maintenance and support?
  9. Are you familiar with [specific application/industry requirement]?
  10. How do you minimize disruption in occupied facilities?

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Significantly lower bids than other qualified contractors (usually indicates shortcuts)
  • Reluctance to provide references or documentation
  • No manufacturer certifications or training
  • Vague or incomplete proposals
  • Pressure to make quick decisions
  • No clear warranty or support offerings
  • Lack of Wisconsin experience or licensing

Wisconsin-Specific Considerations for Network Infrastructure

Climate and Environmental Factors

Winter Weather Impact:

  • Outdoor cable runs require burial below frost line (48 inches in northern Wisconsin, 42 inches in southern areas)
  • Proper weatherproofing for building penetrations
  • Heated telecommunications rooms in unheated buildings
  • Backup power systems for winter storm outages

Summer Considerations:

  • Adequate cooling in telecommunications rooms (Wisconsin summers can be hot and humid)
  • Humidity control to prevent condensation and corrosion
  • Protection from thunderstorms and lightning (surge protection essential)

Historic Building Considerations

Many Wisconsin businesses operate in historic buildings, particularly in downtown Milwaukee, Madison, and smaller historic communities.

Special Requirements:

  • Preserving architectural features while installing modern infrastructure
  • Working with historic preservation committees and requirements
  • Creative cable routing to avoid visible installations
  • Use of wireless technologies where cabling is impractical

Case Study: A law firm in a historic Milwaukee building needed to upgrade from outdated cabling without damaging original woodwork and plaster. Roman Electric used existing chases, ceiling spaces, and careful restoration techniques to install Cat6A cabling throughout the building. The final installation was completely invisible except at modernized wall plates, preserving the building’s character while providing cutting-edge connectivity.

Local Business Resources

Wisconsin Organizations Supporting Business Technology:

  • Wisconsin Technology Council
  • Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
  • Local chambers of commerce (Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, etc.)
  • Industry-specific associations (Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, etc.)

These organizations often provide guidance, networking opportunities, and sometimes even financial assistance for infrastructure improvements.

Roman Electric maintains all necessary certifications and licenses for Wisconsin structured cabling installations, backed by 90+ years of electrical expertise.

Roman Electric | Structured Cabling Systems Wisconsin | Data & Network Infrastructure 2025
How to Choose the Right Commercial Audio/Visual Integrator in Southeastern Wisconsin?
Roman Electric | Structured Cabling Systems Wisconsin | Data & Network Infrastructure 2025
What Are the Best Commercial Plumbing Solutions for Large Buildings?
Roman Electric | Structured Cabling Systems Wisconsin | Data & Network Infrastructure 2025
The True Cost of Ignoring Commercial Electrical Maintenance in Milwaukee
Roman Electric | Structured Cabling Systems Wisconsin | Data & Network Infrastructure 2025
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Electrical Service?
Roman Electric | Structured Cabling Systems Wisconsin | Data & Network Infrastructure 2025
How Do Design-Build Electrical Services Save Time and Money?

Frequently Asked Questions

Regular network cabling typically involves point-to-point connections where each device connects directly to network equipment with no standardization. Structured cabling follows a hierarchical, organized approach with standardized components, clear documentation, and planned pathways. Think of regular cabling as random hiking trails versus structured cabling as a planned road system both get you there, but the planned system is faster, more reliable, and easier to maintain and expand.

Timeline depends on project scope. A small office (10-20 workstations) typically requires 3-5 business days. Medium businesses (50-100 workstations) need 1-2 weeks. Large facilities or campus environments may require 4-8 weeks or more. Most Wisconsin contractors work outside business hours to minimize disruption in occupied facilities. Roman Electric provides detailed timelines during the proposal phase and coordinates closely with your operations to reduce impact.

Yes! One of the key benefits of structured cabling is easy modification. Adding workstations, relocating employees, or changing room functions is straightforward with proper structured cabling. The modular design and centralized patch panel management make changes simple, often requiring only patch cable adjustments rather than infrastructure modifications. This is why structured cabling systems are called “future-proof”—they accommodate change without expensive rewiring.

For most Wisconsin businesses, Cat6 or Cat6A copper cabling meets current and near-future needs. However, fiber optic cabling is recommended for: Backbone connections between floors or buildings Distances exceeding 100 meters Extremely high-bandwidth applications (video production, large data transfers) Environments with significant electromagnetic interference Campus networks connecting multiple buildings Many businesses install fiber for backbone cabling and copper for workstation connections, getting the best of both technologies.

Properly installed and maintained structured cabling systems typically last 15-25 years. The physical cables and connectors rarely fail when installed correctly; instead, systems are usually upgraded due to technology advancements requiring higher performance (for example, upgrading from Cat5e to Cat6A for 10-gigabit speeds). Quality installation from certified contractors with name-brand components maximizes lifespan and often includes 15-25 year manufacturer warranties.

Costs vary based on facility size, cable type, and complexity. General ranges: Small office (10-20 workstations): $5,000-$10,000 Medium business (50-100 workstations): $25,000-$50,000 Large facility (200+ workstations): $100,000-$250,000+ Per-drop costs typically range from $150-$300 per outlet including materials, labor, testing, and documentation. Factors affecting cost include building type, cable category selected, distances involved, and special requirements. Contact Roman Electric for a detailed quote specific to your Wisconsin facility.

Wisconsin building codes don’t mandate structured cabling specifically, but they do require that any network cabling installation meets National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. This includes: Using appropriate cable types for locations (plenum, riser, etc.) Maintaining proper separation from electrical power Fire-stopping at rated barriers Supporting cables properly Additionally, structured cabling following TIA/EIA standards ensures your installation meets or exceeds code requirements. Many Wisconsin municipalities require permits and inspections for low-voltage cabling work.

Share the Post:

Related Posts