Home wiring projects, even if digitally relevant, fall somewhat beyond our usual territory. However, given the good commentary, traffic, and in light of my preoccupation with the topic this month, we’re carrying on.
First off, some progress has been made on a potential Verizon FiOS install. See, I told you it was coming? Although I accelerated the schedule a bit given your encouragement along with a goal of removing boxes and wires from the exterior of the house prior to the siding being replaced next month. Unfortunately, that date is TBD and out of my control at this point. And the reason I say “potential” progress is because where Verizon’s contractors intend to bury the fiber optic line would sever a roof and yard drainage system (in multiple locations) installed by the previous owners. So at home I wait this AM to intercept the crew and propose an alternate run while identifying obstacles in their path. If they can roll with it, we’re probably golden (in-home install scheduled for 12/31). Otherwise, I’m pulling the plug.
Speaking of pulling the plug, I’ve relocated my outdoor cable junction box to a post. First, I didn’t like how a lazy Cox technician previously used my gas line as a clamp to secure the coax against the wall, Second, I want the box off the siding. If we stick with Cox, I’ll have them relocate the box under the deck or inside the house. If we don’t, they’ll have to come up with a way to terminate the cable that doesn’t involve my siding. Related, the splitter that probably isn’t suitable for outdoor placement is still strapped to my gas line. But it’ll stay put for now. There was also a copper phone line that relayed through this box, a mostly weather proof place to split and extend the run. I’ve since cut that line as it fed phone to the dining room and garage — not really necessary in the era of cell phones and inexpensive cordless phones.
Lastly, I’ve solved the problem of running coax (and potentially network) cable from the basement to the second floor within the home… by repurposing our laundry chute ductwork. The chute begins just a few feet away from where the existing coax splits in the attic before dropping into at least 2 of the 4 upstairs bedrooms. Hopefully a FiOS or Cox technician will be game, as I’d prefer to outsource the work.
Click to enlarge: