Shows
Let's Talk Cabling!Phil Klingensmith RCDD: The Mentor Who Built An IndustrySend us a textWe honor our friend and industry icon, Phil Klingensmith RCDD, by replaying a defining interview that shows his humility, mastery, and deep commitment to teaching. From open wire lines to dense fiber, Phil’s wisdom ties legacy systems to the future of intelligent infrastructure.• why Phil’s work still shapes design, install, and certification• Navy-to-AT&T journey and outside plant beginnings• legacy gear awareness to prevent outages• BICSI training, standards, and best practices• tips for the BICSI hands-on exam• the case for constant learning and mentorship• where infr...
2025-12-0936 minLet's Talk Cabling!From RCDD To Career Roadmap: What Comes Next And How To Use ItSend us a textWe turn the “morning after” anxiety into a clear roadmap for what to do once you pass a major credential like the RCDD. We map next certifications, role pathways, and ways to pay it forward so the credential becomes a lever, not a finish line.• adopting a continuous learning mindset• choosing field certs that complement design• mapping 2, 5, and 10 year career goals• selecting between RTPM and PMP for growth• exploring data center and OSP pathways• weighing estimating, PM, sales, QA, consulting• building credibility with real site experience• a...
2025-12-0234 minLet's Talk Cabling!Entrance Facilities and the Cables That Feed Your BuildingSend us a textWe break down the entrance facility as the building’s lifeline, explain demarcation and ownership, and show how bonding, grounding, and the 50‑foot rule protect uptime. We compare underground, direct buried, aerial, tunnel, and wireless entrances with clear pros, cons, and field tips.• what the entrance facility includes and where it lives• demarcation point meaning, color coding, and ownership• sleeves, conduits, protection devices, and splice hardware• field tasks for routing, sealing, surge protection, and terminations• troubleshooting dial tone at the demarc with a butt set• bonding and grounding ba...
2025-11-1830 minLet's Talk Cabling!Don’t Lose A Contract Because You Parked Like A JerkSend us a textWe lay out how professionalism turns solid technical skills into trust, repeat work, and career growth. From credentials and background checks to site conduct, communication, and mentoring, we map the daily choices that build a reputation you can bank on.• defining professionalism as trust, consistency, and mindset• keeping credentials current and planning CECs• avoiding license issues and social media pitfalls• showing up clean, organized, and punctual• respecting vehicles, site rules, and materials• communicating clearly across email, text, and calls• collaborating with other trades to smooth schedules...
2025-11-1125 minLet's Talk Cabling!How Terms And Conditions Protect Your Cabling ProjectSend us a textWe break down how terms and conditions protect budgets, timelines, and teams on low voltage projects and why the scope of work is not enough. Real clauses, field stories, and simple rules help you stop scope creep, avoid payment traps, and document your way to fewer disputes.• difference between scope and terms and conditions • essential assumptions like 150‑foot averages and clear interstitial space • continuity testing vs certification and reporting • paper trails, mediation, and jurisdiction choices • payment terms, retainage, and avoiding pay‑when‑paid • change orders, authorized signers, and overtime i...
2025-11-0449 minLet's Talk Cabling!From Low Voltage to Limited Energy: What the 2026 NEC Really ChangesSend us a textWe break down NEC 2026 with a focus on clarity, consistency, and how the reorganization impacts limited energy systems from design to inspection. Chapter 8 loses independence, new Articles 720–723, 742, and 750 reshape daily practice, and Class 4 power takes a step forward.• purpose of the NEC as safety and minimum construction quality• how the code is structured and why legal language confuses• role and variety of AHJs and why interpretation matters• end of Chapter 8 independence and why it changes workflows• shift from low voltage to limited energy terminology• deletion and migration of 7...
2025-10-1425 minLet's Talk Cabling!When the Field Outruns the Standard: Extended Ethernet, Real Risks, and Practical WinsSend us a textWe explore how field innovation keeps outrunning the standards, why extended copper links beyond 100 meters are gaining momentum, and what TIA’s new TSB could mean for testing, warranties, and contracts. We share practical steps for techs, PMs, and designers to push the edge without getting burned.• standards lag and field innovation tension • permanent link versus channel clarified • certification vs qualification and warranty conflict • extended-distance solutions and GameChanger disruption • TIA TR-42.7 call for interest for TSB 5073 • tester configuration for beyond-100m evaluations • documentation and manufacturer sign-off practices
2025-10-0733 minLet's Talk Cabling!Building Relationships That Save Your ProjectsSend us a textWe are back from a short hiatus, between NECA2025 and a trainng week in Ohio I literally ran out of time.Inside sales representatives are the unsung heroes of the ICT industry who often save contractors from costly mistakes and provide valuable information that improves bid efficiency. Jalen Barnes, who started his career in 2015 and worked his way up to owning his own distribution company, shares insights into how these vital relationships function.• Inside sales reps juggle constant calls, emails, and texts while serving as mediators be...
2025-09-2354 minLet's Talk Cabling!Seven Habits That Transform Good Project Managers Into Great OnesSend us a textAs Chuck continues to heal from surgery, we offer this replay of one of the most popular lives streams from 2023!Our industry often incorrectly labels lead technicians as project managers without providing proper training or understanding of the role's responsibilities. We explore seven critical habits that separate successful telecommunications project managers from the rest.• Monitoring labor and material budgets is the most crucial project management responsibility• Project managers must create comprehensive schedules so everyone knows expectations and timelines• Being prepared with detailed checklists standardizes procedures and creates measur...
2025-09-0438 minLet's Talk Cabling!Distributed Edge Architecture: The Future of Cabling InfrastructureSend us a textDistributed Edge Architecture is revolutionizing the structured cabling industry by decentralizing network intelligence and bringing connectivity directly to where it's needed. This approach dramatically reduces cable runs, simplifies infrastructure, and provides unprecedented flexibility for future modifications while delivering significant cost savings.• Chris Hanshaw, Technology Director for Nicholas County Schools, implemented DEA in the rebuild of Richwood School after flooding• The school eliminated multiple telecom rooms, saving approximately $100,000 per room in real estate value• Fault managed power (FMP) converts AC to DC at a central location, distributing power via smaller, less e...
2025-09-0345 minLet's Talk Cabling!AHL: Testing Extended Distance SolutionsSend us a textBreaking beyond the conventional 100-meter cable limit isn't just possible—it's becoming essential in today's expanding network environments. This deep dive into extended distance cabling reveals how manufacturers are pushing boundaries with specialized solutions that extend connectivity to 150-200 meters without sacrificing reliability.Steve Cowles steps in for Chuck to explore the critical factors that make extended distance cabling work. From the fundamentals of heavier gauge conductors to the crucial role of DC resistance unbalance (DCRU) in maintaining Power over Ethernet performance, you'll gain practical insights into when and how to im...
2025-08-2830 minLet's Talk Cabling!SPECIAL EDITION: 5 Year Anniversary Show!Send us a textLet's Talk Cabling celebrates its five-year anniversary with special giveaways, reflections on the podcast's evolution, and glimpses of exciting future content. Chuck shares his journey from recording in a closet to building an award-winning podcast with 18,000 followers and nearly 200,000 monthly views across platforms.• Started as "Five Minutes with an RCDD" before evolving into Let's Talk Cabling• Now features 338 episodes covering technical topics, business strategies, and industry insights• Serves two distinct audiences: field technicians and industry leadership• Expanded to include Lunchbox Learnables and Gallery of the Grotesque content series• Mo...
2025-08-2638 minLet's Talk Cabling!Beyond Beyond 2025: RecapSend us a textChuck shares his eye-opening experience at BICSI Beyond 2025 in Las Vegas, revealing industry shifts and technological developments that will impact ICT professionals. The conference highlighted alarming workforce demographics and showcased emerging technologies that could transform how cable installation is performed.• Introduction to Challenge Coins as special recognition tokens for major contributors to the podcast• Recording of interviews with John Daniels (BICSI CEO), Chuck Wilson, and Matt Affel from the JATC• Participation in multiple committee meetings including the new ICT Lifecycle Management Training Committee• Updates on industry standards including revision...
2025-08-2137 minLet's Talk Cabling!The Secret to Scaling Your Low-Voltage BusinessSend us a textDoug Greenwald shares his journey from skilled technician to successful integration business owner, revealing how he developed Projects360 software to solve the unique project management challenges of low-voltage companies.• Starting a low-voltage business requires shifting from working IN the business to working ON the business• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are critical for growth and should be implemented while companies are still small• The "last 5%" of projects (documentation, testing, closeout) often prevents final payment and reduces profitability• Weekly operations meetings that include lead technicians create project ownership and improve communic...
2025-08-1852 minLet's Talk Cabling!The Low Voltage Learning PathSend us a textChuck Bowser, RCDD, shares essential knowledge for those transitioning from traditional electrical work to the specialized world of low voltage and ICT installation. His comprehensive guide covers critical resources, industry standards, and career development strategies.• FOA Reference Guides provide clear explanations with diagrams for fiber optic theory, connectors, and testing• Electricians should study NEC Articles 725, 760, 726, 770 and Chapter 8 for low voltage applications • BICSI manuals like ITSIM and TDMM offer detailed guidelines for installation techniques and design standards• Hands-on practice with termination kits and tools is essential before working in productio...
2025-08-1435 minLet's Talk Cabling!Cable Knowledge After HoursSend us a textWe're back in the home studio after a brief hiatus to share updates and answer your burning questions about low-voltage cabling, career development, and business strategies.• Upcoming episodes include features on Polywater's cable jacket repair kit and fault managed power systems• Telecommunications Equipment Center (TEC) is the healthcare facility equivalent of an entrance facility, located in non-sterile areas• Career advancement requires treating low voltage as a career rather than just a job• Consider pursuing BICSI Installer 2, OSHA 30, network certifications, and cross-training in security or AV• The 100-meter Ethernet c...
2025-07-0334 minLet's Talk Cabling!From Tech to Salesperson: Building Trust in the ICT IndustrySend us a textTim Carroll joins Chuck to share expert strategies for technicians transitioning to sales roles or starting their own low-voltage businesses, providing practical wisdom from his 25 years of industry experience and his book "Sales by the Book."• Everyone is a salesperson, especially technicians who represent the company to customers• ICT sales differ from other industries due to complex channels involving consultants, architects, contractors, manufacturers, and end users• Avoid "product dumping" and focus first on discovery to understand customer pain points• The four anchors of successful sales: persistence, patience, integrity, and atti...
2025-06-0343 minLet's Talk Cabling!Field Professionalism: Beyond the Clean ShirtSend us a textProfessionalism in the ICT industry goes beyond technical skills to encompass how technicians carry themselves, communicate, and build trust through consistent, quality work.• Credentials serve as "career insurance" – showing your commitment to building a career, not just pulling cable• Your appearance sends signals about work quality – if your shirt has holes, clients wonder what the cable looks like behind walls• Building reputation happens when no one is watching – showing up early, staying off your phone, and taking notes builds trust• You're the face of your company on site – clients remember...
2025-05-1324 minLet's Talk Cabling!Low Voltage Insight: From Copper to FiberSend us a textChuck Bowser explores essential cabling concepts from fiber optic compatibility to future-proofing residential installations and proper grounding techniques. He addresses practical concerns for industry professionals while celebrating new RCDD certifications within the Let's Talk Cabling community.• APC fiber patch cords should never be connected to UPC fiber adapter panels due to misaligned end faces and potential permanent damage• Future-proofing residential cabling typically means installing Cat6A despite its higher cost (66% more than Cat6) for its longevity and performance benefits• The average structured cabling plant lifespan is 7-10 years in commer...
2025-05-0832 minLet's Talk Cabling!AHL: Low-Voltage Life: Skills, Careers, and CertificationsSend us a textChuck shares insights from TechFest 2025 and answers critical questions about career advancement in the low-voltage industry while tackling common misconceptions about fiber termination practices.• Transitioning to project management requires developing computer skills, understanding project tracking tools, and learning to read scopes of work and specifications• Developing soft skills in delegation, communication, and time management is essential for advancing from technical to management roles• Moving into design roles benefits from AutoCAD/Revit training and understanding blueprint symbols and documentation standards• Stay current with industry technologies through manufacturer resources, trade shows, p...
2025-04-2435 minLet's Talk Cabling!Everything You Need to Know Before Your Next Installation Goes WrongSend us a textChuck Bowser, RCDD, addresses crucial questions about low-voltage systems, covering EMI detection, IP ratings, camera lenses, and safety procedures in this technical deep-dive episode.• Signs of electromagnetic interference include humming audio, equipment damage, fuzzy screens, ESD shocks, and signal glitches• Standard installation practices like separation from power cables can often prevent EMI without requiring shielded cabling• IP ratings use a two-digit system where the first number (0-6) indicates protection against solids and the second (0-8) shows water protection• Camera lens types include fixed (unchangeable), variable (manually adjustable), zoom (motorize...
2025-04-1730 minLet's Talk Cabling!Navigating Low-Voltage Challenges: From Project Management to Career GrowthSend us a textChuck explores the complex dynamics between electricians and low-voltage specialists while discussing how to choose between fiber optics and copper cabling in various project scenarios.• Explaining to customers that specialists are best for specialized work, using the analogy of not going to a podiatrist for a root canal• Fiber offers more bandwidth, EMI immunity, and longer distances but isn't always necessary and costs more• Effective project management requires planning, scheduling, resource optimization, and regular quality inspection• Getting as much information upfront for estimates leads to more accurate pricing and fewe...
2025-04-1022 minLet's Talk Cabling!Unraveling ICT Standards: A Guide for Installation ProfessionalsSend us a textChuck Bowser dives into the four families of telecommunication standards and explains how each impacts low-voltage installations across different environments. The conversation clarifies the crucial differences between standards (for performance) and codes (for safety), while offering actionable guidance on testing methodologies and cable management best practices.• ICT standards fall into four main families: generic standards, premise standards, component standards, and technical service bulletins• Premise standards vary by building type (commercial, residential, healthcare, data center, industrial, educational) to address specific connectivity requirements• National Electrical Code (NEC) focuses on safety while standa...
2025-04-0335 minLet's Talk Cabling!Rewiring Vegas: Inside Bicsi's Beyond EvolutionSend us a textChuck welcomes Caroline, Senior VP of Marketing from Bicsi, to discuss the transformational rebranding of Bicsi's fall conference to "Bicsi Beyond" and how it represents a fundamental shift in approach to serve the industry better.• Bicsi Beyond reimagines the traditional fall conference with a focus on convergence and future technologies• New session formats include lightning learning, solution rooms, and debates to engage different learning styles• The conference theme centers on "where innovations and ideas intersect" across adjacent technology industries• Tracks will cover intelligent infrastructure, wireless innovations, AV integration, data cen...
2025-03-1220 minLet's Talk Cabling!Inside Orlando's Terminal C, Tour at BICSI ConferenceSend us a textNolan from Fortress Telecom joins Chuck to share insights from the Orlando Airport Terminal C tour at the BICSI Conference, revealing cutting-edge infrastructure innovations and valuable lessons for low-voltage professionals.• Exploring the 100% trackable RFID baggage system using reusable sleds with RFID tags• Behind-the-scenes look at telecommunications rooms with perfect installation practices• Virtual tower and ramp control systems allowing operations during lightning storms• LIDAR-based guidance systems helping pilots safely navigate without wing walkers• Surprising applications of PON (Passive Optical Networks) in commercial settings• The "four-layer cake" of cabling stan...
2025-03-1055 min