Send us a text We 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 • pape...

Send us a text We sit down with BICSI’s CEO to unpack why the fall conference is being rebuilt around immersive learning, real-time feedback, and six convergence-focused tracks. The goal is simple: stronger outcomes for installers, designers, and PMs who need practical tools for an AI-driven, wireless-first, data-hungry world. • Purpose and benefits of the BICSI Beyond redesign • From passive sessions to interactive, debate-led formats • Post-pandemic momentum and why change is urgent • Tale...

Send us a text We bust five myths about BICSI conferences with concrete tactics for first-timers, field techs, and designers. From committee work to exhibit hall strategy, we show how to translate networking and standards into real jobsite wins and long-term career growth. • conferences not just for designers, clear entry points for technicians • why first-timers session and BICSI Village matter • how to sit in on committees and add field insight • planning your agenda with the app for ROI •...

Send us a text We make the case for training as the fastest way to fix the low voltage talent gap and the surest path to mastery for working techs, leads, and managers. Practical tactics, field stories, and metrics show how to teach adults, keep attention, and prove ROI without a big budget. • why training creates mastery, credibility, and purpose • the trainer trifecta and adult learning principles • Saturday 66‑block story and honoring admitted gaps • industry shortfall and building a yout...

Send us a text We 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 inde...

Send us a text We 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 s...

Send us a text We pick up the live stream after a rough month and dive straight into the most asked questions on getting into limited energy: tools, licenses, certifications, first-day tactics, site safety, career ladders, and the real work behind the title. Along the way, we flag code changes for 2026, unravel myths about sprinklers, and share practical tips to stand out from day one. • limited energy rebrand, PBB acronym, upcoming episodes on 2026 code and extended Ethernet • what counts a...

Send us a text Tonight we bring back an fan favorite as I travel this week... We unpack how to test copper the right way—permanent link, channel, and especially MPTL—and why choosing the correct limit and adapters is the difference between clean passes and costly callbacks. We also make the business case for certification, show how labeling workflows save hours, and explain how to fix wrong category tests without rolling a truck. • standards‑aligned testing for permanent link and channel • M...

Send us a text We 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 jug...

Send us a text We take a special tour of the IBW 357 Southern Nevada Chapter NECA Electrical Training Facility in Las Vegas, exploring their comprehensive apprenticeship programs and state-of-the-art training labs for ICT professionals. • Tour guide Matthew Apfel, Assistant Training Director, showcases the 25,000 square foot facility with 10 classrooms and 10 attached labs • The facility houses two separate apprenticeship programs: telecommunications installer technician (6,500 hours) and in...

Send us a text As 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 • Proj...

Send us a text Distributed 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 f...

Send us a text Breaking 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 ga...

Send us a text Let'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, a...

Send us a text Chuck 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), C...

Send us a text Doug 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 ...

Send us a text Chuck 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 applica...

Send us a text Distribution companies serve as translators between stakeholders in the ICT industry, helping to bridge communication gaps and solve problems before they become costly mistakes. Anthony from Wise Components shares insights on how distributors add value beyond just supplying products, from emergency response to catching errors in orders and specifications. • Distribution companies communicate with all stakeholders including manufacturers, contractors, project managers, and end-...

Send us a text We break down nine essential traits of successful project managers and provide practical tips for developing these skills to advance your career in the ICT industry. • Leadership qualities including leading by example and making decisions under pressure • Organizational skills for tracking projects and maintaining documentation • Assuming authority appropriately in meetings and client interactions • Focusing on key issues and prioritizing effectively amid distractions • Client...

Send us a text Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD