Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about our services, bids, credentials and warranty.
Working with J&M
What does J&M Connections do?
We design and install structured cabling (Cat 6a, Cat 6, Cat 5e, VoIP and fiber), networking, audio/video and security systems, plus Flex Tray cable management and IT room / data closet design-build. See all solutions.
What areas do you serve?
We serve businesses, schools and hospitals within 60 miles of downtown Columbus, from our office in Columbus. See our service areas.
How long has J&M been in business?
J&M Connections has served the Columbus area for 25 years.
What kinds of buildings do you work in?
Offices, campuses, schools, universities, hospitals and medical offices, factories, warehouses, retail stores, restaurants, data centers and government facilities. See the industries we serve.
Do you work with general contractors?
Yes. We bid as part of a general contractor’s package, directly to the owner, or through an architect or engineer. The bid form asks who is managing the job so we can price it correctly.
Can you work around our business hours?
Tell us your constraints when you request a bid and we will plan the schedule with you. Our clients count on us for flexible scheduling, including around physician practices.
Bids & pricing
How do I get a bid?
Fill out the bid request form or call (740) 967-8311. You can attach a floor plan or drawings. If you are not sure what you need, choose “Not sure — I need a walkthrough”.
How much does structured cabling cost per drop?
We price every project by written bid rather than a flat per-drop rate, because the cost depends on the site. The biggest factors are the number of drops, the cable category, how far each run is from the telecom room, ceiling and wall access, pathway work such as cable tray or conduit, and whether work has to happen after hours.
How much does access control or a camera system cost?
It depends on the number of doors and cameras, the hardware chosen and the cabling to each device. A site walkthrough lets us give you a bid for your building rather than a guess. Read: how many cameras do I need?
What should I have ready before asking for a bid?
Helpful, but not required: the building’s square footage, an approximate drop count, the cable type if you know it, your target completion date, and drawings. Our bid-request checklist lists everything.
Technical
Which cable should I choose: Cat 5e, Cat 6 or Cat 6a?
Cat 6 covers most office data and VoIP. Cat 6a is the better choice for Wi-Fi access points, high-power PoE devices and long-life installations. Fiber handles backbones and runs over 100 meters. Read the full comparison.
Do you install fiber optic cable?
Yes. We install fiber optic infrastructure, including the fiber work we completed at the OSU Towers on the Ohio State campus. See the case study.
Do you design IT rooms and data closets?
Yes. We handle full design-build for server rooms and IDF/MDF closets, from initial layout to a finished installation. Learn more.
What standards do you install to?
Our installations follow EIA/TIA standards.
Credentials & warranty
Are your technicians certified?
Every J&M technician holds BICSI certification, and our team includes a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Ron Herr, for projects that need formal design review. Why BICSI and RCDD matter.
Which manufacturers are you certified with?
CommScope/Uniprise, Leviton, Allen Tel and Flex Tray. See our manufacturer partners.
Is the work warrantied?
All workmanship is backed by a 1-year parts-and-labor warranty (excluding damage from misuse). Manufacturer extended warranties are available on request.
Are you a drug-free workplace?
Yes. J&M participates in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Drug-Free Workplace Program, including random annual screening for technicians dispatched to job sites.
What is your BBB rating?
J&M Connections holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.