Installing Ethernet Cables. Don't Know Which To Use.

zifaun · Jul 18, 2014

I am doing some renovating and am installing 4 ethernet cables throughout the house through walls and ceilings, each less than 20 meters. Some areas will contain power lines, telephone lines and coax cables. I was hoping to have my TVs and computers connected through a wired network to get the most out of my gigabit router. I figured Cat5e would be sufficient since I can't think of any product or service that would require anything close to or over 1 gigabit, but maybe the community here can give me some heads up on that. The main difference in two products that I am currently looking at is "Plenum" and "Riser" cables. I did some research for a couple of days but I amn't too confident with what I understand so far since this will more or less be a permanent decision. From what I understand, it has to do with fire safety. Thanks in advance.

Category 5e
Plenum
250 ft.
24/4 Gauge
Twisted Pair Cable
$85
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-1000-ft-24-Gauge-4-Pair-CAT5e-Cable-Gray-56917949/202316502#specifications

Category 5e
Riser
1000 ft.
24/4 Gauge
Twisted Pair Cable
$85
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-250-ft-24-4-Gauge-Category-5e-Plenum-Internet-Wire-Blue-271-0144G/202206487

abailey · Jul 18, 2014

Yes most building codes require plenum cable in businesses but not houses (yes it has to do with fire and heat). It is rare to see plenum in houses. I would use the less expensive Cat5e you have listed. Also it looks like your links are backwards.

bill001g · Jul 18, 2014

plenum cable is fire rated is pretty much the main difference. You are required to use it when you run it above the ceilings in businesses.

I doubt there are any building codes that require it for residential.

.......i promise even though it looks like it abailey is not my other sock puppet account

ksham · Jul 18, 2014

How long do you need? They may be the same price, but the Plenum one is only 250 ft long.

Anyway, it boils down to your local fire code. Unless they require Plenum, Riser is fine.

But yes; when Riser (aka PVC) burns, it releases toxic fumes, which makes it really bad in a fire.

zifaun · Jul 18, 2014

@abailey Sorry I didn't notice the linking mistake, my bad.

I can't find any info on New York City's requirements on the topic, I might have to call the department to find out.
But as for everything else, am I set?

ksham · Jul 18, 2014

If you're in an apartment building, I would go with Plenum. If it's your own house, PVC is probably okay. Still, Plenum can't hurt. But how much wiring do you need? Is 250 ft enough? Why did you pick 1000 ft for the other one?

bill001g · Jul 18, 2014

You may not want to look too hard you may find things you did not want to know. Lan cable is covered under what is called low voltage cables. Things like alarm cable and tv coax must follow the same rules. So if you REALLY want to find it look for low voltage cable in the codes.

What is really bad is that in some areas your need a special license to install this cable . Most make exceptions for home owners doing work on their own residential property but there are some cites owned by the unions that do not allow any form of electrical work. It does not matter if it is plenum cable , one even included fiber which carries no voltage.

Neither will start any fires it is just if you have a fire plenum cable does not put out toxic gases. If I have a fire in my house there are lots of other things that are going to be putting out toxic gases.

zifaun · Jul 18, 2014

ksham :

I live in a home, but the length of wiring that is involved would be more or less the size of an apartment. Both the 1000 ft/riser and 250 ft/plenum cost $85, I just wanted to know the best option for me. I plan on using power over ethernet for home security in the near future so the 1000 ft riser would come in handy.

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