Cat5 phone/data installation

Re: Cat5 phone/data installation


Network cable is identified as anything between CAT 1 and CAT 10. CAT 3 and CAT 5 are the most common although CAT 5e is gaining more and more steam. You'd have to check your cable and see what level it's rated at.



No. Network (10-base-T) wiring uses 8 conductors (although 4 usually aren't actually used the standard requires that they be present and some hardware WILL need them!). You'll also need to figure out if your current wiring follow the TIA-568A or TIA-566B standard.
http://www.aptcommunications.com/ncode.htm



No. In fact you will most likely introduce MORE problems if you double up the wires.



You go to Radio Shack or other similar type of store and you buy an RJ-45 crimping tool.



The color doesn't really mean a whole lot in your type of an application. What you should check though is if the cable is "Plenum rated" or not. If it isn't you can't use it through air ducts or above suspended ceilings.

Re: Cat5 phone/data installation


Great info, thanks. I should have clarified something. I'm using the Cat5 as phone line, not network. I primarily use a wireless router for the DSL, so the Cat5 just has to supply phone service to my desk. I'll be running the wire above some exposed rafters in a loft; if its not plenum rated, should I avoid electrical conduit?

Electrical conduit isn't the issue. Plenum rated cable is designed so that if a fire breaks out in a plenum (air duct) it won't add toxic chemicals to the air being supplied by the plenum. It doesn't sound like that should be a concern in your case.

Ah, I get it. So should I just match up with cable colors that come into my jack in the loft and continue along my merry way? Then match up those same colors/positions at the new jack?

Thanks for all your help