28 March 2006
Play it safe…only use a registered cabler
In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Larry, the Australian Communications and Media Authority is calling on families and businesses rebuilding their homes and offices to play it safe when arranging the installation of telephone cabling by only using a registered cabler.
Cabling that is installed incorrectly can result in phones, faxes, Internet or alarm systems not working properly, and the loss of data. Faulty cabling can also increase the risk of safety hazards such as electrocution.
When choosing a cabler, customers should ask to see his or her registration card and check the expiry date to ensure that it is still current.
Under the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000, cablers are required to register with one of five ACMA-accredited industry registrars before performing cabling work. To register, a cabler must be appropriately trained and have the skills and knowledge required to achieve the relevant standards for health and safety.
Customers can choose any registered cabler to do the communications cabling in their home or office. Customers are responsible for organising all cabling work on their side of the first telephone socket (called the carrier’s network boundary) on their property. Telephone companies look after cabling on their side or the boundary including the connection of new lines.
The rules apply to communications, security, fire and data cabling that is intended to be connected to a telecommunications network.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.
