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View Full Version : Installer's responsibility to secure cables?


binkatl
10-21-07, 11:59 PM
I ran into a problem today with my month-old satellite installation, and it's made me wonder whether or not the installer fulfilled his responsibilities in terms of securing the cables properly on the outside of my house.

Ok, so I'll just come out and say it. I ran over the satellite cable with the lawnmower. Doh.

The dish is mounted on the roof near the front of my house, and the cable runs down the side of the house near the front to ground level, then travels along the side of the house to the back, where the cables enter the basement. So for the entire length of the cable run from front to back of the house, the installer simply laid the cable down in the grass, resting against the house. He didn't secure it in any way, so in a few spots, it was actually protruding away from the house into the grass.

The lawnmower didn't actually cut the cable, but it did skim it and in one spot, it shredded the plastic outer shell and the copper inner cable is exposed for about a half inch. I haven't noticed any decreased signal strengths, but I'm sure that rain will cause problems eventually.

This was an "official" D* installation (Mastec, specifically).

So, my question is this: is this my fault, or the installer's fault for not securing the cables properly? I have the protection plan, but I wanted to have some information before I called D* to tell them what happened. Or I can just wait and see what happens, and eventually call them if/when my signals start to degrade.

Any suggestions?

ccr1958
10-22-07, 12:01 AM
in my mind that is the installers fault & i wouldn't
wait for any reason to call D*

say-what
10-22-07, 06:43 AM
I'd call and complain. The cable shouldn't be installed in such a way that you could run over it with a lawnmower. It should be secured to prevent it from moving or causing a safety hazard. Also, you need to have the damaged section repaired sooner than later. Just make sure to tell them exactly what the situation is and make sure they understand that the installer did not secure the cable and laid it in such a way as it was in the path of the lawnmower.

PCampbell
10-22-07, 06:52 AM
Not your fault and if it ever rains in Atlanta water will get in and cause you problems. Do not let them splice with connectors, have them run a new cable. You paid for a new install not a patch.

techrep
10-22-07, 11:10 AM
It should have been strapped to the side of the house.

binkatl
10-22-07, 11:34 AM
That's pretty much what I figured. Thanks to all for your replies. Guess I'll call D* and get them to come out and fix the mess.

Canis Lupus
10-22-07, 12:39 PM
And since you have the Protection Plan anyway - this is a no-argument no-brainer. Call them and they'll make it right.

techrep
10-22-07, 01:43 PM
And since you have the Protection Plan anyway - this is a no-argument no-brainer. Call them and they'll make it right.

Excellent point Canis Lupus and congrats on 1000 with my 500th.

!devil12: Shoulder :angel:

Milominderbinder2
10-22-07, 03:29 PM
Call DIRECTV. This was not installed correctly. They are never to leave cable laying in the grass. They are always to be secured to the house.

- Craig

Canis Lupus
10-22-07, 03:36 PM
woot! ur gaining fast! ;)

Excellent point Canis Lupus and congrats on 1000 with my 500th.

!devil12: Shoulder :angel: