Cat 6 Wiring and Electrical Wiring

[kcflhrc]

Telephone line voltages are typically -48 volts DC. I have seen up to -52 volts on some, and the ring voltage is typically 90 volts AC 20 Hz that is superimposed on top of the -48 standing DC voltage. When the phone goes off hook the ring voltage stops (trips) and the talk battery goes from -48 down to around -6 volts due to the resistance in the line when terminated by the network in the phone instrument. Of course there can be variations in this due to the distance from the Central Office (CO) with close in loops having higher talk battery voltages due to the reduced line resistance. Of course there are remotes out in the field fed with T-1 service like the "slick" 96 that might be in your front yard, so you could be miles from the actual CO yet be fed by a remote nearby. All of this technology is becoming more obsolete year by year as wireless phones are becoming ubiquitous and land lines more scarce every year.

I wonder if contractors are even pre-wiring new houses with telephone and data cable any more? I know I wouldn't do so. My home is full of the old JKT 4 wire cable and a lot of CAT5 and CAT6 drops and I am using none of it anymore.

Most builders around here are Doing CAT 6 and Coax in a Duplex faceplate. When I install their Fiber I may or may not use some of the CAT 6 to extend the router from the ONT to a more practical location. I typically try to install the router on the man floor especially if a 2 story home. If it's a Ranch home I will install the router in the basement or main floor. All installs are a little different. Hardwired connections are always better especially if you have gamers.

 

[cqaigy2]

Fiber is pretty cheap, immune from electrical interference, doesn't really care if it get's wet.


If you spring for single-mode, you'll be ready for 600GB when you need it.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Don't know if it's been said. Data (5 or 6) cable in metal conduit is a no-no. Also no metal staples or clamps.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Don't know if it's been said. Data (5 or 6) cable in metal conduit is a no-no. Also no metal staples or clamps.

That is completely wrong on the conduit. CAT 5/6 in metal conduits is as common as air. Modern commercial buildings are loaded with CAT 5/6 in metal conduits.

It's never a good idea to staple CAT 5/6 though.

 

[grsthegreat]

That is completely wrong on the conduit. CAT 5/6 in metal conduits is as common as air. Modern commercial buildings are loaded with CAT 5/6 in metal conduits.

It's never a good idea to staple CAT 5/6 though.

I agree. Every commercial building I’ve worked on has cat 5 and 6 in metal conduit.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I went with Cat 5e direct burial cable. It's way cheaper than Cat 6, and I don't see ever needing more than 1 gb in the shop. I picked up some surplus 3/4" cable conduit cheap, so put the direct burial cable in conduit to protect it from physical damage/rocks. Shielded twisted pair (big $) would be OK near power lines, but unshielded would pick up inductive coupling with the AC. Best to keep them separate.

 

[JethroB]

I'm doing a similar 100 foot project as the OP soon but without any conduit. Water (1" PEX), direct burial power & DB CAT6 (shielded) in the same trench. Power at 2ft and water above at 1ft with the CAT6 tossed in along with some aluminum tracer tape. Sandy loam soil, no rocks. The CAT6 is a 'nice to have' afterthought and cheap. I've found wireless flakey at times so I prefer hardwire when practical.

 

[k0ua]

I agree. Every commercial building I’ve worked on has cat 5 and 6 in metal conduit.

I have put a few hundred thousand feet into metal conduits myself

 

[kcflhrc]

Most Commercial Buildings, at least around here, will not allow PVC so yep, lots of Data Cable in metallic conduit. Not sure why someone thought that was a no no. As usual though, take what you read on the internet with caution.

 

[Industrial Toys]

That would make it like sheiled cable, adding capacitance, totally changing it's electrical properties. I will have to dig to see what IEEE has to say on the matter.