Main > Main Forum
cat 5 cable
<< < (3/5) > >>
boesiii:
cat 5 cabel can be either stranded or solid.
Darkstalker:
"at 5 cabel can be either stranded or solid."

You're right, you can buy CAT 5 in either stranded or solid, it has nothing to do with the pre-made cable type.  I personally prefer to use stranded cable in general when wiring electronics, because electrons travel on the outside of wires.  That means you will get better contact overall with stranded because it's made up of lots of little solid core wires.  Not to mention solid core wiring doesn't handle bending very well which has already been mentioned.

"So people like cat5... I happen to have like 1000ft of cat6 in my basement... any comments on that?"

Given the fact that you are just putting voltage on the lines and not worrying about any sort of electrical signals, CAT 6 (Or CAT 5e) is more or less a waste of resources.  If it's free and just sitting around, hey why not.  You just don't get any benefit from the extra twists.  Better off saving it for a gigabit LAN IMO.

If you are going to use Ethernet cable, I would recommend getting the Plenum rated variety even though it does cost a little more (Usually $10-20 per roll).  The main difference is the fact that it uses a kevlar sheath for the wires instead of the PVC style plastic.  Point being is in the extreme unfortunate event that the cabinet catches on fire, Plenum rated cable doesn't release toxic chemicals when it burns.
NoOne=NBA=:
I have seen patch cables with solid wire, so you do need to check when buying them.

And, just a thought here--if my cabinet is on fire, IN my house, I think toxic fumes will be pretty low on my list of worries.
Doc-:
Only use the stranded stuff (used for patch cables) and don't use the solid stuff.

I've used it successfully on my modular control panels and it has been pretty robust despite daily handling.  I did however twist it with other wire or double it over in most cases to give the crimp connection more to grab onto.

Here's a detailed description of wiring for both the panels and my RJ45 patch panel - which allows for quick panel swapouts.  It also contains some tips:

   http://www.beersmith.com/mame/wiring.htm

Doc-
Nefesis:
i have about 50 ft of cat5e patch cable. if it bends pretty easily, does that mean it's stranded? or do i have to actually cut it open?  :P
Navigation
Message Index
Next page
Previous page

Go to full version