For installers, pulling low-voltage wires through hollow metal door frames can beone of the more tedious, frustrating and time-consuming tasks on a job site. These wires are thin and easily damaged, not only during installation but over the life of the building. The issues that arise from this are often compounded by the misconception that access control wiring can be delayed until later stages of construction. Frame Frog was designed to simplify the planning and eliminate the frustration that comes with wiring hollow metal frames.
Why Wiring Frames Is So Challenging
Installing access control wiring in hollow metal frames is frequently a frustrating, time-consuming process that often comes with more problems than expected. The biggest challenge is the lack of space—hollow metal frames offer minimal room to maneuver, forcing wire installers to navigate tight, awkward, and hazardous spaces just to get wires where they need to go.
Another issue is poor planning. Many frames are designed without a fully planned wiring pathway, leaving installers to solve the problem on-site. Without a built-in and pre-planned solution, they are left to improvise, often resorting to drilling holes or fishing wires through inefficient and threatening routes. These makeshift solutions not only add time to the job but can also compromise the functionality, appearance and lifetime performance of the installation.
A common misconception is that access control wiring can be handled late in the construction process. When it’s treated as an afterthought, installers are forced to be creative in their installation methods, and to deal with last-minute changes and corrections which adds stress and delays to an already complex job. The financial impact is just as significant. The drain on time, budget, and resources caused by the lack of a pathway can drive costs up by $1,000 or more per opening. For installers, every unexpected challenge adds up, turning what should be a straightforward installation into an expensive and frustrating ordeal.
How Frame Frog Simplifies and Saves
By offering a pre-designed wiring pathway integrated into the frame, Frame Frog transforms what was once a labor-intensive and unpredictable process into a smooth, efficient workflow.
This innovation dramatically reduces wiring time, cutting the process from hours to under an hour per opening. For installers, this means projects can be completed more quickly and efficiently without compromising on quality.
The cost savings are significant, with Frame Frog cutting wiring expenses by $500–$600 per opening. While installers benefit from a more efficient and predictable process, architects, property owners, and all involved parties see reduced overall project costs. Beyond the financial advantages, Frame Frog eliminates the frustrations of last-minute corrections and project delays, ensuring a smoother installation process for everyone involved.
Frame Frog helps future-proof buildings by providing a ready-made pathway for wiring. When installers arrive on-site, they can add or modify wiring without cutting into frames or damaging the surrounding wall finishes that require costly repairs. This simplifies upgrades and ensures that access control systems can be easily adapted as technology evolves, reducing both labor time and disruptions to the building.
Planning Ahead with Frame Frog
The key to maximizing the benefits of Frame Frog lies in early integration. By incorporating Frame Frog during the design phase and hollow metal frame detailing process, project teams can ensure that wiring pathways are accounted for from the start.
Early planning also improves collaboration among general contractors, installers, and architects. With Frame Frog in place, each stakeholder can work more efficiently, reducing conflicts and improving project timelines.
By advocating for its use on their projects, installers can deliver better results, build stronger relationships with clients, and position themselves as leaders in the industry.