Cat5e Spec. for U/G wet location.

[GregHN]

Extending network to guest house through U/G PVC conduit which may/will be wet. What type of Cat5e will be suitable? Previously used Plenum cable in similar application - dat rate detiorated to nothing over 2 - years. Also - how does one test cable for condition/detioration?

 

[franklin97355]

You would test with a cable tester but if the data rate dropped off it's deteriated. As for the new cable I would use cable rated for direct burial or at least outdoor rated cable.

 

[skip555]

if there is any way to do fiber that would be my choice

like franklin97355 said use direct bury cable its avaiible in cat 5 but I dont think you can get cat5e.

dont forget some lightning protection if you use the copper.

 

[jerryreeve]

I have put in a direct burieable underground cat 5 cable, I really didn't pay attention to the spec just went down to the local electrical supply house and told 'em what I wanted. you pay though, about 2 years ago I paid $ .85/ft.



JerryReeve
Communications Systems Int'l
com-sys.com

 

[JBeav]

You can buy (Helix,Hi-Temp)gel filled, 4 pair cat5e UTP. It goes for around $.11/ft. May even find it the the local electrical distributor.

Jeff

 

[daronwilson]

I use a Cat5e gell filled by commscope (i think), if it is direct bury there is also one with an armoured shield. Anything in conduit here gets gell filled cable, just not worth the risk of it taking on water. I think I paid .13 cents a foot for my last roll.

Good Luck!

It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[dhnl]

http://12.150.137.214/CommScope/pro...13852563780067A0DF/$FILE/5NF4.pdf?openElement

is what you need. I've used lots of this with great results.

 

[skip555]

interesting I had checked with grayba a few weeks ago and the rep told me direct bury cable wasnt available in 5e

I guess thats what I get for not checking it myself

 

[DToolsDesigner]

I was using direct burial cable in Cat 5e 2 years ago, Commscope was the first that I know of to manufacture it.
I have often found Graybar people lacking in their knowledge of data comm products. To be fair, that is sadly true with far too many distributors that try to sell products in our industry.

Richard S. Anderson, RCDD

http://www.servamatic.net

 

[buitenhek]

This one was easy, I read all above and give an answer.

1. If gel-cable is not available, use plenum over PVC.
2. ALWAYS provide lightning protection between buildings when using any copper cable
3. Place an extra pull string in and use this (and the old cable) to pull in a new cable/string when needed.
4. What about wireless?

In 20 years experience, I have seen only 1 dry conduit (San Diego, CA has only 14" rain per year ~average)

As far as testing connection (assuming cabel modem) I use Road Runner and they have a website to determine download speeds (

http://discoversandiego.com/speed/).

Granted this is not "cable guru" caliber but if available where you are it may provide some insight if you have limited testing equipment.

 

[GregHN]

Response to my cabling question has been outstanding/astounding. Thanks All!

Gel filled cable is in - along with a spare. A neighbor said any thing should be ok so long as it is in plastic U/G conduit. My experience is that conduits are seldom dry and only protect from sunlight and mechanical damage. Condensation from pumping outside air and condensing moisture is inevitable even if conduit itself is leakproof.

I got lots of testing advice using expensive meters. Is simple software solution available to test by just hooking up network and monitoring packet rate and success/failure stats?

Thanks again

Regards,

GN

 

[Jtodd]

I've heard that plenum cable is like putting a spunge in the ground. Can't verify that myself, as I've never done it, but that's what I've heard.

Avaya also has an outdoor Cat5e and a Cat6. I don't think I would call it a direct buried cable though. In conduit is the only place I'd use it anyway. Had some 5e lying around here not to long ago. I think it was either Comscope or General Cable, can't remember. But again, not direct buried. That I think would be diffficult to find.

I'll put in a second for the lightning protection. Even here, where lightning is very minimal, and lightning strikes even less likely, every copper cable that leaves a building, has protection on the both ends.

Justin T. Clausen
Physical Layer Implementation
California State University, Monterey Bay