running cat5 cable outside

[typhoon52x]

Hi,

Anyone know if running standard Cat5 cable outside causes a lightning danger? I have read this on several sites however it will only be a run of 3 metres at 6 inches above ground level. Also i require two clients on end of the cable can i use 2 of the pairs in one cable? Or would i be better running 2 cables and using one pair from each? The total run is only 15 metres. Finally is the IDC tool used for adding telephone extensions suitable for use on the back of RJ45 wall sockets? any advice appreciated.

 

[jimbopalmer]

Cat 5 cable is made of copper and so can conduct lightning, (being very thin copper, it will melt before much lightning passes through it, but that just adds fire hazard, in general it is wired to very delicate electronics which will not survive even a very little lightning)

Statistically lightning hits the tops of buildings, but it can strike wherever the best path is (copper is a good path) two cables wired properly will be more future proof than one cable wired wrong.

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[smegecki]

I would put it in a pvc conduit under ground @ appr0x 12 -18 inches. I would either pull two cables or put a cheap switch in the remote location. Ethernet requires 2pr.Pins 12, 36 or the orange and green pairs.Cat 5 4 pair cable will carry 2 ethernet connections but it is not standard. However i've seen it work many locations where they are to cheap to add cabling.

I dont know what the IDC tool for adding telephone extensions is but as you described it, I am gonna say no.Voice travels on 1 pr pins 4 and 5 the blue pair. As i stated ethernet requires 2 pr oranges and greens. If the product is sold for voice use than it probably wont support ethernet

Hope this helped.

 

[toolman18]

Outside cat 5 cable is available. protection should be used on both ends. go to itwlinx.com for protecters which require an earth ground on both ends. can be costly, but will save your routers, modems, ect. Smegecki's advice about using PVC is good if you dont have problems with rocky earth and access into each location. Make sure there are no other utilities underground before you dig. In PA. we have "one call" a toll free number that sends utility companies out to check for buried lines

 

[smegecki]

Yeah Miss Utility here in baltimore md does that also. I wouldn't expect that you would hit anything only working with a shovel and possibly a pick. I think that's more geared towards ditch witchs and backhoes and the such. Most things will be deeper than 12 to 18". But definately sound advice Toolman.

 

[typhoon52x]

many thanks for all your advice think i will try the more awkward route of running it through internal walls, is running it alongside mains 240v a problem?

 

[smegecki]

yes it is. EMI. eletro-magnetic induction. will cause interference on the lines. so will flourescent ballasts. stay at least 6" away from power. dont run parallel to it.

 

[typhoon52x]

many thanks will get drilling!!

 

[hawks]

Sounds like he was going to maybe attach the cable to the outside of the building.

 

[macphoneguy]

a Couple thoughts, if it will be near a 240v Feed you are Better off using Regular conduit of some kind as it would Block any EMI where PVC wouldn't
If you are Running Only data, then Get a Lenght of Fiber cable to run the distance and put two switch's on either End, and put in PVC as EMI is not Effecting Fiber optic Cable

 

[RandyVSP]

One Point :

ALWAYS call Miss Utility. If they come and mark things, your cleared. If you dig and take something out and didnt call, YOU can have to pay for the repairs!

Call em, its free anyway!

As for outside Cat 5 : Ive run some underground in PVC and added protectors on both ends. No problems. I would think about better cable if you have a high moister condition.

Randy VSP

 

[jerryreeve]

I think most all building codes require building lightning protectors when you "pierce the envelope of a building" so I avoid that whenever possible.

JerryReeve
Communications Systems Int'l
com-sys.com

 

[exverizon]

CAT 5 run outside is no more or less apt to get hit than old quad wire. The issue is whether it's going to be placed for telephone (which has a protector) or a data network (which generally has none). Any unprotected wire should stay inside the building, or you may be buying smoked CPE or a burned down house.

 

[Tracerz99]

I would run Fiber with trancievers on both sides and not need to worry anout it. ensure you use an outdoor rated cable. And remember you can only bring outdoor rated cable 50' into either side of the buildings. If this is going to be a problem then I would recommend a UL listed outdoor cable. (Dual Rated)