cable advice

[altolabado]

Question: Running underground cable for 3 voice lines and 2 data lines approx 120ft
What type of cable is recomended?

It is being connecte ddirectly to the PBX.

 

[johnpoole]

you'll need to get cable froma supplier such as greybar, the cable ses was alpicF, the last time i ordered it, that's been a while. but if you call greybar and ask for their telcom dept. they will be able to get you the code for 25 pair filled direct bury cable.. i would use cat five, and do get low voltage lighting protection for each end and make sure you bond the cable sheath to ground.. even though lightning is not associated with underground cable, you will get enouth induction to fry digital ports. another source is north supply, they have better reps, and can call their people in the outside plant dept.

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[altolabado]

how about if you run 2 cat5e in a conduit 1 foot deep, weather conditions> will it be sufficient considering the winter upcoming? if so what would u recommend as a ground?
If not, ses AlpicF is that the ref #?

 

[johnpoole]

no that is an old (1960) cable type that ref, filled cable, water tight with pet. jelly built in... if the conduit is water tight, not a problem, i have dual cat 5 in sch 40 pvc running 300 yards to an out building at home, they still pass data at the same rate after 10 years.. haven't had any problems with water or power, if i use cat 5 i don't run a common ground, assuming the power ground is the same. i have grounded the spare pairs to reduce the chance of induction...the cable at home is for an ethernet back to a server and a digital phone in the shop...

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[altolabado]

by the way the cat5e is not sheathed or burial type. They are just regular cat 5e running in conduit?

 

[johnpoole]

yes i didn't run waterproof cable, but i did make sure the conduit was water tight and sealed both ends... a sheath has been found to reflect indused voltage back into the used pairs, should always have the same ground on both ends, and that is almost impossible, so i grounded the spare pairs on the sending end... i also capped the far end a made sure the couduit would hold air pressure for 24 hours before back filling the trench.. i was running power and water at the same time...

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc