Ethernet Patch Cable Confuson

[Mr onetwo]

Good morning all,
I have read thru several discussions about networking a house with Ethernet patch cords...does anyone have any current recommendations on the best quality cables to use.I have found Monoprice, but their offerings are a bit confusing.They have cables in 23,24,28 30 and 36 AWG. What AWG is appropriate for runs under 100ft? All wires will be buried inwall with brush type cover plates...no keystones. I have a Zoom docsis 3.0 modem on Spectrum !00Mbps right now and it is fine for my needs.Also what is a good quality 8 port un managed switch to use. I have no interest in buying bulk cable and building my own.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You are over thinking this ! Any Cat 5e patch cable from a reputable supplier is him. I use Amazon Basic. Buy in quantities of 5 for a discount.

The one advantage that Cat 6 has is they do use heavier gauge wire. Less likely to break when being abused like pulling through holes in wood.

 

[Mr onetwo]

why all the different AWG's?

 

[jkeyser14]

Different AWGs are needed if you are running POE or are running longer runs.

 

[couch67]

24 gauge is going to be most common for longer runs, I wouldn't go smaller. I buy from Amazon and Monoprice, and I like both their cables. CAT6 as wizard says would be best, more for future proofing (if you ever get faster speeds than what you currently have) but CAT5e is about half the price for finished cables (at least in my end of the world).

Edit: forgot to mention that a lot of patch cables are not rated for in-wall use. FYI to be code compliant you would need to source cables that have a CM rating I believe. You may have already come across this as you mention you have been reading up on other forums.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Good morning all,
I have read thru several discussions about networking a house with Ethernet patch cords...does anyone have any current recommendations on the best quality cables to use.I have found Monoprice, but their offerings are a bit confusing. They have cables in 23,24,28 30 and 36 AWG. What AWG is appropriate for runs under 100ft? All wires will be buried in-wall with brush type cover plates...no keystones. I have a Zoom docsis 3.0 modem on Spectrum !00Mbps right now and it is fine for my needs. Also what is a good quality 8 port un managed switch to use. I have no interest in buying bulk cable and building my own.

umm stranded wire patch cords are not designed for nor rated for in-wall use. you should be using solid copper core riser rated cable and if you dont want to use keystone jacks, terminate RJ45s on the ends.

patch cords are use in the rack to patch from the patch panel to the switch.

24awg is typically only used for CAT5e, CAT6 is almost always 23awg, 28/30/36 is used for very short "slim" patch cables in the rack to keep things tidy.

CAT5e riser is good for gigabit but if you want to future proof you could go with CAT6 riser 23awg.... just stay away from patch cords....

 

[nadogail]

When in doubt, I build for stout. Heavier gauge conductors generally give better electrical performance and are more resistant to damage.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

why all the different AWG's?

the thicker 23awg can run higher power for POE

Different AWGs are needed if you are running POE or are running longer runs.

24 gauge is going to be most common for longer runs, I wouldn't go smaller. I buy from Amazon and Monoprice, and I like both their cables. CAT6 as wizard says would be best, more for future proofing (if you ever get faster speeds than what you currently have) but CAT5e is about half the price for finished cables (at least in my end of the world).

huh? why would you use smaller wire for longer runs especially for POE?

 

[couch67]

huh? why would you use smaller wire for longer runs especially for POE?

I guess if someone didn't know what they were doing? Agreed on the 23 awg for POE.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I guess if someone didn't know what they were doing? Agreed on the 23 awg for POE.

Except you said it was most common to use smaller gauge wire for longer runs. That is actually not the case.

cabling jobs are spec’d out for one type of cable for the whole job (CAT5e, CAT6, etc). they’re not spec’d out based on the length of run.

In other words The same cable is used for the entire job, not mixed and matched based on run length.

 

[dogdog]

Never knew they have smaller than 23AWG cables, but standard spool I see are just 23/24 and 21/22 AWG I think...

But, there are different type conductor of cables apparently as in copper, or that CCA ( Copper Coated Aluminum) That **** is stiff and pokes you easily... bad for your teeth too (LOL).

There are different jackets or PVC coatings

and there are solid wires vs stranded.. Patch cable are usually stranded and more flexible.

 

[rlitman]

Never knew they have smaller than 23AWG cables.

Check out Cat6A SlimRun. They come in 30AWG. Not useful for everyone, but in the back of a busy server cabinet, bundles of these are much thinner, so they don't block airflow like regular cables.

Amazon.com

 

[Mr onetwo]

ok...cat6 cable and pass thru ends it is. This stuff is 23ga and riser rated

 

[DHCrocks]

its a little more expensive but I would recommend plenum not riser. Plenum cables are fire retardant and would be a safer alternative.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Never knew they have smaller than 23AWG cables, but standard spool I see are just 23/24 and 21/22 AWG I think...

But, there are different type conductor of cables apparently as in copper, or that CCA ( Copper Coated Aluminum) That **** is stiff and pokes you easily... bad for your teeth too (LOL).

There are different jackets or PVC coatings

and there are solid wires vs stranded.. Patch cable are usually stranded and more flexible.

stay away from CCA. not only is it not listed by an NRTL nor code permitted but its a fire hazard if you use it for POE powered hosts

its a little more expensive but I would recommend plenum not riser. Plenum cables are fire retardant and would be a safer alternative.

waste of money. only needed if cable is ran through a PLENUM air handling space

 

[kbuhagiar]

ok...cat6 cable and pass thru ends it is. This stuff is 23ga and riser rated

Damn, when did the prices drop?

Back when I retired from the industry in 2015, 1000ft of Systimax CAT6 plenum was hovering right around $1000 a box.

 

[jblnut]

GenSPEED 6000 user here ..... both riser and Plenum depending on application. 23GA, wire colors are easy to distinguish from each other, fits well into a Cat6 EzRJ45 plug (202010J Platinum tools part number) and is available from most wholesalers (I use Anixter for most things). It is not the least expensive product that meets it's specs but it has been the most consistent one that is still mildly affordable. I've used lots of nicer quality cable products and this one is a decent one for the $$$$$$$

Like wyliesdiesel said, AVOID CCA like the plague.

Have fun and learn a new skill while terminating cables. Buy some faceplates and keystone jacks along with a punch down tool and learn more and have more fun. It'll look nice when it's done !!!

 

[couch67]

Except you said it was most common to use smaller gauge wire for longer runs. That is actually not the case.

cabling jobs are spec’d out for one type of cable for the whole job (CAT5e, CAT6, etc). they’re not spec’d out based on the length of run.

In other words The same cable is used for the entire job, not mixed and matched based on run length.

That's not what I said. Maybe my original post wasn't clear. I said 24 ga was common for longer runs,in reference to the OP's original question about the different gauges that ranged up to 36 awg.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

That's not what I said. Maybe my original post wasn't clear. I said 24 ga was common for longer runs,in reference to the OP's original question about the different gauges that ranged up to 36 awg.

The gauges above 24 are not uswd for horizontal cable runs.

Theyre used for patch cords to save on space in the rack

 

[couch67]

The gauges above 24 are not uswd for horizontal cable runs.

Theyre used for patch cords to save on space in the rack

Agreed on that, wylies. And that bulk cable is the only answer here, given its going in the wall.

 

[jkeyser14]

ok...cat6 cable and pass thru ends it is. This stuff is 23ga and riser rated

Make sure the pass thru ends are rated for 23 awg. Many are only rated for 24 awg.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Not sure why OP doesn't want keystone jacks. It makes a cleaner install.

 

[dcg9381]

Not sure why OP doesn't want keystone jacks. It makes a cleaner install.

Because he's buying already cut-to length "patch" cables. Probably doesn't want to be in the business of terminating and testing runs (which I'd agree is a little painful).

 

[wyliesdiesels]

ok...cat6 cable and pass thru ends it is. This stuff is 23ga and riser rated

be careful with monoprice cable...personally i wouldnt buy it. I'd stick to reputable brands

Monoprice Recalls Ethernet Cables Due to Fire Hazard

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cables and contact Monoprice to schedule a free installation visit to inspect and replace the cable at no charge.

www.cpsc.gov

Because he's buying already cut-to length "patch" cables. Probably doesn't want to be in the business of terminating and testing runs (which I'd agree is a little painful).

no he isnt using patch cables. read #13.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Because he's buying already cut-to length "patch" cables. Probably doesn't want to be in the business of terminating and testing runs (which I'd agree is a little painful).

you can get keystone couplers. If you can pull a patch cable, why terminate?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

you can get keystone couplers. If you can pull a patch cable, why terminate?

patch cords should NOT be used inside walls

 

[u3b3rg33k]

patch cords should NOT be used inside walls

why not? who cares? you can literally buy that as a product from Belden. I see zero downsides, and plenty of upsides.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

why not? who cares? you can literally buy that as a product from Belden. I see zero downsides, and plenty of upsides.

You obviously dont understand code and cable insulation ratings

It was already explained further up in the thread

Furthermore, the stranded conductors in patch cords is easily susceptible to breaking especially when pulling through attics and around framing.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

You obviously dont understand code and cable insulation ratings

It was already explained further up in the thread

Furthermore, the stranded conductors in patch cords is easily susceptible to breaking especially when pulling through attics and around framing.

so buy riser rated patch cords then. not like it's a specialty item. if you're installing after the fact, they'll be fine. if you can fish it, it'll work.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

so buy riser rated patch cords then. not like it's a specialty item. if you're installing after the fact, they'll be fine. if you can fish it, it'll work.

Patch cords are far more expensive than bulk cable.

A person who uses patch cords because they dont want to learn how to terminate bulk cable is pennywise-pound foolish and lazy.

 

[haveissues]

Agreed on using bulk cable for doing a whole house just for cutting the cable to length and not having a bunch of **** balled up alone. Plus it is cheaper, even after buying a couple of basic tools. If you do end up terminating to wall plates and a patch panel, and you should, stay away from monoprice jacks. 1 in 10 defective in my experience. Also if you poke around ebay you can often find deals on new boxes of Belden, Berk-Tek, Commscope etc. I have used cheaper brands of cable that certified fine but it kinked coming out of the box and was a pain in the *** to pull. Wherever you need a cable run 2. NO CCA!!!!

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Patch cords are far more expensive than bulk cable.

A person who uses patch cords because they dont want to learn how to terminate bulk cable is pennywise-pound foolish and lazy.

bulk cable is only cheaper if you need the whole box. overpaying for 1kft of bulk cable when you need 100'-200' total isn't economy. if you've never done terminations, and aren't going to do this over and over, the likelihood you'll do something wrong is very high. It can work at line speed and still be technically wrong. hard to hide those mistakes from a Fluke.

it's REALLY hard to screw up plugging in a patch cord. I've seen it done, but it's much harder than screwing up a termination - even if it works, if you do it wrong, you might not end up with a "cat 6" installation, but have "cat 5" bandwidth.

I mean you can literally buy pre-term cords to made to length from Belden. for professional installation.

I terminated copper and fiber professionally for years. there's no shame in doing something that installs quickly if it works and complies with standards.

 

[Mr onetwo]

The reason I was going to stay away from keystones and short patch cords is because I thought it would be better to have the cable come out of the wall and connect directly to the device on one end and into the switch on the other.I just don't feel it makes much sense to invest in tools and materials that I will never use again. Is this flawed thinking?The longest run is actually only around 75 ft. there will be 2 around 30 ft and 2 more around 50 ft. Where can I get pricing on the Belden riser rated made up cables. Also thanks for the tip on Monoprice....I thought there must be a reason that 250 ft coil was so cheap.Still looking for a reliable 8 position un managed switch.If keystones are the way to go is the parts and tools from Truecable any good... https://www.truecable.com/collections/keystone-jacks/style_cat6#

 

[Mr onetwo]

There will be 3 TV locations, 1 for camera system and 1 PC in the house and one line over to my unattached shop underground.It is in sch40 pvc with pressure fittings not conduit, so it is not subject to water infiltration.

 

[Mr onetwo]

any thoughts on this video?

 

[Mr onetwo]

Are these the Belden cables you are referencing? https://www.anixter.com/en_us/products/C601109050/BELDEN/Copper-Cable-Assemblies/p/MM50-BNTEC6-01

 

[dscheidt]

The reason I was going to stay away from keystones and short patch cords is because I thought it would be better to have the cable come out of the wall and connect directly to the device on one end and into the switch on the other.I just don't feel it makes much sense to invest in tools and materials that I will never use again. Is this flawed thinking?The longest run is actually only around 75 ft. there will be 2 around 30 ft and 2 more around 50 ft. Where can I get pricing on the Belden riser rated made up cables. Also thanks for the tip on Monoprice....I thought there must be a reason that 250 ft coil was so cheap.Still looking for a reliable 8 position un managed switch.If keystones are the way to go is the parts and tools from Truecable any good... https://www.truecable.com/collections/keystone-jacks/style_cat6#

No, it's not better to have cords going through the wall to the device. Terminating in a keystone jack lets you easily change what's hooked up, and where it's located. If you get rid of a tv, you just have jack in the wall. It's also much easier to properly punch down into a keystone or patch panel than it is to terminate a male plug. Much better to let the robots do that.

There's nothing wrong with monoprices cable or cords. they're exactly what they claim to be. I've had 1000s of feet of cable and hundreds of patch cables, with zero problem. monoprice operate on high volume, low margin business.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Monoprice does not have riser rated solid conductor terminated patch cables on their website. I do not want to become a network tech, I just want the right stuff in the walls so I can finish things up. I do not see why it is better to have a keystone jack with a wall plate connected to a patch cord which is then attached to the device.Why not have a couple of ft of cord that can be tucked up inside the wall cavity directly connected on both ends? You can get the Belden cables referenced above pretty inexpensively.

 

[dscheidt]

Monoprice does not have riser rated solid conductor terminated patch cables on their website. I do not want to become a network tech, I just want the right stuff in the walls so I can finish things up. I do not see why it is better to have a keystone jack with a wall plate connected to a patch cord which is then attached to the device.Why not have a couple of ft of cord that can be tucked up inside the wall cavity directly connected on both ends? You can get the Belden cables referenced above pretty inexpensively.

Riser rated patch cables are not a thing. No one runs path cables from floor to floor. that's what structured cable is for.

It's better to have keystone jacks for the same reason you don't plug your tv into the breaker box.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Monoprice does not have riser rated solid conductor terminated patch cables on their website. I do not want to become a network tech, I just want the right stuff in the walls so I can finish things up. I do not see why it is better to have a keystone jack with a wall plate connected to a patch cord which is then attached to the device.Why not have a couple of ft of cord that can be tucked up inside the wall cavity directly connected on both ends? You can get the Belden cables referenced above pretty inexpensively.

CMR = PVC jacket.
CMP = plenum rated for use in air duct spaces (plenums)

both ratings are related to breathing the smoke while the cable is on fire. if your walls are on fire in a home, one patch cord in it isn't going to matter. if you're evac-ing an office building that's got a fire in a plenum space where 40,000CFM of air are being pumped through, maybe you care about the 500 cables running through the same space.

FYI: non plenum patch cords: also PVC jacket.