Install from flat roof requiring a ladder.

[Osiron]

I'm about to join VM from an open reach ISP, and looking for some guidance over whether it is reasonable to expect VM to install a coax cable through an outside wall on the first floor of a detached house next to my existing entry from the open reach drop wire. The reason for this is because I use fixed wiring runs from this position and just behind the wall is where the master LJU, the internal phone cable and the router resides.

My problem might be because it would require a ladder to climb onto a flat roof in order to reach the entry point. I have plenty of spare ladders but I doubt if a VM engineer would want to use them. I have a picture to illustrate the garage and the ladder would need to be about 3-3.5 meters.

[jbrennand]

A VM person will respond in a day or two on here.

One option might be for you to go up there and drill the hole where you want it (of the correct diameter) and run a pull string (strong string) from inside the house to the ground floor level so the Tech can attach their cable to it and pull it in from inside and fit the wall box. Just make sure they leave enough slack in the cable so you can clip it to the external wall

[Osiron]

Hi John

There's no question regarding the roof construction being safe and it can be inspected from below, but weather or not all the install teams carry a suable ladder to get up there is another matter, as far as drilling a hole myself, sorry, I should have explained that the walk on the roof is simply to secure or tie the cable as neatly as possible and pass the coax through the hole, but your idea to use a pull chord to achieve this may well be the answer, so thanks for that! I'm certain that VM would be able to drill through a cavity wall (which can be done from inside anyway). Best lets wait and see what the official line is from the company. Appreciate your quick response.

[jbrennand]

It depends on the height. I dont know what their "limit" is, but above a certain height will require a specialist "heights" team that has the longer ladders, safety gear etc (H&S rules!).

So can be done but I am guessing getting the heights team appointment will be "trickier" - see what they say.

Have you got an install date booked yet ? If so contact the Pre-installation and delivery team on.. 0800 052 1734. and explain what is needed

[Osiron]

Thanks again John, No install date booked at this time.

The garage height is just over 2.1 meters (about 7 ft in old money), I wouldn't have thought that would need a specialist team, but who knows, be interested to see what VM say!

[Travis_M]

Hi @Osiron

Thanks for posting on our community forum!

Have you been able to check on this with the preinstall team yet? What has been advised exactly?

Regards

[Osiron]

I've called the pre-install team just now, speaking to Marvin. They are a call centre that do not post replies to the user forum, but were able to read this post. Marvin has never come across an instance before where the need to use a ladder to walk on a flat roof would be an issue and does not have access to any installation manuals or procedures that a VM technician might work to, but has kindly booked a 3rd party site survey to make sure any install should be achievable. I will update the forum accordingly.

[Akua_A]

Thank you for the update @Osiron,

We are glad to see our team was able to book a survey for you regarding this. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further help 🙂

Thanks,

[Osiron]

Result of Survey today was positive. No reason for not climbing our garage, asked the VM surveyor/installer to sign to that effect. Expect install to take place in a couple of days. Will report back findings.

[Osiron]

Installation engineer arrived this afternoon, but although initially seemed keen, after discussing with his peers, decided not to do the work. He explained that he has no training on how to climb ladders. Guess I'll not be joining VM after all !