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Cabling Infrastructure Considerations

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by kslove

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I am going to cable a church that is in construction, and wanted to use CAT 5 cable. From the discussion groups, 1' to 3' from electrical cabling was recommended. Should I use plastic hosing for better shielding, and what kind? If we want to have audio and video, what type of cable should be used? Any type of recommendations will be appreciated.

3 replies

by mgriffin

The feet-from-electrical suggestions are valid, but unless the church has significantly out-of-date wiring, it's not really that big an issue. I've wired many buildings, and it just isn't that important. Try not to cable tie directly to an electrical conduit, of course, and avoid flourescent lights, but don't sweat it if you have to run a wire six inches away for a few feet.

As far as audio and video, CAT 5 will support your needs. The real cost and considerations come when you buy the switches and routers that will be handling the traffic.

You need to determine if the area you are running the wiring is a plenum (air recirculating) space, and use the correct cabling to meet building code. PVC can be poisonous when it burns, so you use a different type of CAT5 in plenum spaces. (Called plenum CAT5, appropriately enough.)

Also, if the wiring spaces are difficult to access (even a little bit) I recommend running pull cords with your wiring. This GREATLY reduces effort for future jobs.

Hope this helps.

by mowen

I know this response is not an answer but it is a question that runs the same line.

I have run across a little problem and was wondering if anyone had info for me. I know what the problem and solution are I just need some distancing or shieldinginfo.

I have 2 star LANs and an uplink between them. The problem is the cable for the uplink between the 2 hubs is running parallel to a 220-power line.

What I need to know is how far away from 220 to run the cable or if anyone knows what kind of piping would be good to use for best shielding standards.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

by kslove

Dependent on the cable, whether CAT5, or coax, I recommend the following that you could use: Aluminum foil is the most cost effective shielding you can use for the cable. I recently cabled and there was one point of intersection with an electrical cable that was made by the electrician. I will only know if this works when I test as my project completes. PVC piping is good, and goes for 1.88 for a 6' length and 1 1/2 diameter. I know lead, though it is bad will definitely provide shielding. If it can protect Superman, it can protect you.

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