CAT5 50 Pair Trunk

[Steve Foutty]

I am pulling a 50 pair cat5 trunk between buildings. Can I put 2 25 pair connectors on each end and plug them into preterminated 66 blocks?

 

[TouchToneTommy]

If you do, what is the purpose of Cat-5 cable? Is that all that was available, or are you trying to extend data?

 

[Dexman]

I've never come across 50 pair CAT5 in all of my years as a CO technician. 50 pair CAT3 yes, but, not CAT5.

If you are going to pull CAT5, a patch panel would be an ideal termination point. If terminating to 66 blocks, CAT3 cable would be a better alternative.

Either way, please be sure to ground both ends of the cables.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[mforrence]

We've used 50pr cat5 to move wall-mounted patch panels to racks or other short-haul tasks - it's not lower cost compared to multiple 4-pr, but there are situations where the cleaner look makes it more palatable. As TTTommy alludes, it's all about the intent. To answer the specific question, yes you can install 25-pr connectors (amphenol/champ type?) and snap into a 66 block. Or just cut directly to the block, as it's unlikely that it'll be moving. If cable goes underground via conduit, be sure to use appropriate duct-rated cable and refer to the National Electrical Code for life-safety requirements (varies depending on the exact situation).

Mike Forrence

http://www.goteamvox.com

 

[Steve Foutty]

Customer was told to order CAT3 but ordered CAT5, it's a cut spool so I can't exchange it. It's just extending analog phones.

 

[TouchToneTommy]

If that's the only reason, yeah, it won't hurt anything. I wouldn't bother with the amp ends, just cut it down on the block and be done with it.

 

[mforrence]

If cable extends underground (via conduit or direct), NEC is still in play. Life-safety is important.

Mike Forrence

http://www.goteamvox.com