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Ethernet Cable - through attic, exterior wall, pvc...

skipdup

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Apr 12, 2016
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Spring Branch, TX
So, I need to get two ethernet cables to my shop.
I have a 1" (or maybe it was 3/4) pvc going from exterior of house to interior of shop.

I need to go from exterior of house, up the wall, into attic, through attic, and down into my master closet where my router & NVR live (already have conduit going from attic into closet).

I'll add a switch and PoE injector once inside the shop.

Can someone tell me the appropriate ethernet cable to use for this application? And is it acceptable to just drill a small hole in the soffit and run into attic that way? Should I use conduit on the exterior wall?

Length of run will be just <200 ft.

Thanks,
Skip
 
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mx500

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Michigan
non-plenum cat 6. If you could find a pathway into the house without running a pvc conduit up to the attic, would be ideal. If you have to get into the attic, you could run the pvc conduit straight up into the soffit, or put a junction box on the soffit. Try to install it where its not so visible.
 
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skipdup

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Location
Spring Branch, TX
So, I need conduit? I figured I would. But hoped I could get away with just clamping the wire to the exterior wall. That's a bummer.

I can't think of another way to get to the closet without hitting the attic from the exterior.

I'll look again tomorrow and see if I can think of anything creative.

Thanks!!!
Skip
 

ishiboo

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Oshkosh, WI
You could use outdoor Cat6... it's not that expensive. Probably looks better and is cheaper in conduit though.
 

wyliesdiesels

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Modesto, CA
So, I need conduit? I figured I would. But hoped I could get away with just clamping the wire to the exterior wall. That's a bummer.

I can't think of another way to get to the closet without hitting the attic from the exterior.

I'll look again tomorrow and see if I can think of anything creative.

Thanks!!!
Skip

Whether you need or want conduit is up to you.

There is no code that mandates putting it in conduit in your application.

Surface mounting it is fine but make sure to use outdoor rated CAT5e or CAT6.

Indoor CAT cable is NOT UV resistant or waterproof.

Nothing wrong with it but why 2 cables? You could put a switch in the shop and expand with that.
 
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skipdup

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Spring Branch, TX
...

Nothing wrong with it but why 2 cables? You could put a switch in the shop and expand with that.

One is for security cameras. The other is for home network/internet.

Thanks! I used to know what to do. Like many things, my cable knowledge has gone somewhere else.

UV & waterproof, if I don't do conduit. I should have known that. :)

Shielded?

Thanks again,
Skip
 

captaindiode

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If you run cat5/6 between buildings, you should add surge protectors on each end. I lost a network card and switch port before I did, and mine was all underground.
 

wyliesdiesels

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One is for security cameras. The other is for home network/internet.

Thanks! I used to know what to do. Like many things, my cable knowledge has gone somewhere else.

UV & waterproof, if I don't do conduit. I should have known that. :)

Shielded?

Thanks again,
Skip

You could do one cable, put a switch in the shop, even a POE switch and power the camera from there.

You need waterproof cable either way. Underground conduits always fill with moisture.

Shielded is not necessary in this application.
 

Tmart86

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Cedar Rapids Iowa
If you run cat5/6 between buildings, you should add surge protectors on each end. I lost a network card and switch port before I did, and mine was all underground.

Good to see this. so many people dont do this and then lose equipment because they wanted to save $50 on two surge protectors
 
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alfredeneuman

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Fullerton, CA
Outdoor cable is also known as Flooded Cable. It contains a gel that's bitter tasting to rodents (as well as humans).

A precaution to be taken when working with it to wear gloves and wash your tools after you're finished. ;)
I didn't one time, and you won't soon forget the taste if you get it in you mouth.
 

wyliesdiesels

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Outdoor cable is also known as Flooded Cable. It contains a gel that's bitter tasting to rodents (as well as humans).

A precaution to be taken when working with it to wear gloves and wash your tools after you're finished. ;)
I didn't one time, and you won't soon forget the taste if you get it in you mouth.

I use a type of outdoor cable that doesnt have gel but instead has a dry flat tape that when contacted by water turns to gel.

It is so much easier to work with as you dont get any goo on you.

I forget what brand it is but will look at the spool next time im at the shop.

BTW there is outdoor cable that is NOT flooded. UBNT's tough cable is one brand that comes to mind.... Many have run it underground but if water gets in it, it will become corroded...
 
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Falcon67

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Merkel, TX
I used regular cheap Belkin cable through a conduit from the house to shop. Been there 7 years, so far so good.
 

alfredeneuman

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Fullerton, CA
I use a type of outdoor cable that doesnt have gel but instead has a dry flat tape that when contacted by water turns to gel.

It is so much easier to work with as you dont get any goo on you.

I forget what brand it is but will look at the spool next time im at the shop.

BTW there is outdoor cable that is NOT flooded. UBNT's tough cable is one brand that comes to mind.... Many have run it underground but if water gets in it, it will become corroded...

:thumbup: Thanks :thumbup:
 

Dirtydan69

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San Tan Valley, AZ
Outdoor cable is also known as Flooded Cable. It contains a gel that's bitter tasting to rodents (as well as humans).

A precaution to be taken when working with it to wear gloves and wash your tools after you're finished. ;)
I didn't one time, and you won't soon forget the taste if you get it in you mouth.

That’s some funky stuff. I had no idea about it until I purchased some 4 conductor burial phone cable for a job. Never tasted it but it a pita to work with.
 

theoldwizard1

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SE MI
You could use outdoor Cat6... it's not that expensive. Probably looks better and is cheaper in conduit though.

This is what I would do !

I ran indoor grade Cat 5 to some bedrooms 20+ years ago. Easiest way to get there was go outside. Still works !
 

couch67

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Ontario Canada
might have missed it in the posts but do you happen to have vinyl siding? If so you may be able to use the corners as a chase to get to the attic. I have seen this done in a pinch.
 
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