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CAT5 Cable- differences

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by mistergee

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I'm attempting to set up my company's (and my) first network, and I'm seeing that some boxes of CAT5 are labeled to not be used as patch cables. What's the difference. Since we're a small company, I was just going to buy one roll and use it for running through the ceiling OR making patch cables. What's the difference?

5 replies

by ann777

Depends on whether they are plunnum coated (the spelling is probably wrong). If they have a fire coating they are supposed to only be used within the crawl space above the ceiling.

by mistergee

Do you mean plenumn coating? Does that mean that plenumn coating is for fire proofing? I'm only left more confused

by thechas

In addition to the plenumn fire rating of the cables, the roll labeled not to be used for patch cables may have stiffer wires, and a lighter jacket. Either of these would result in short service life, and a support headache.

For safetys sake, and to conform with fire codes, and hidden wireing must meet fire code. For CAT5 cables, that generally means plenumn rated cable.

Don't scrimp on the cable. If you use good quality cable, it should last the life of the network. The last thing you want to do is have to re-run cable after a couple years because the cable is breaking down.

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