Outdoor ethernet cable run

[Dblock]

Hi guys, 

 

I'm new here but it seems like a nice forum. Anyways I'm after some advice if you would. 

 

So I need to run a few runs of ethernet cable outdoor. I need to extend a phone line and run an ethernet cable as well. 

 

Instead of buying some exterior phone line to extend the line in the last I've used cat5e or cat6 as it surpasses what BT's specification for the line basically it's a thicker awg and has more twists. So I normally use that. I've never done an external run though. 

 

In Linus's video about running cat5e outside be used gel filled cables. I've seen exterior telephone cables that are gel filled also. Basically do I need gel filled cable? I've seen outdoor cat5e which means the sheath won't degrade with UV and is tougher than interior grade. So should I get that or gel filled? 

 

Thanks guys. 

[W-L]

1 minute ago, Dblock said:

-SNIP-

Welcome to the Forums!

 

I would suggest to run the cables within conduit especially if it will be going into the ground, and use regular CAT5e or exterior grade if you want extra assurance. For phone line these days just due to the low cost of CAT 5e that is used instead and can easily be converted over in the future if ever needed. 

[Dblock]

Thanks for the welcome. It won't be going under ground or anything just along a brick or stonewall. I'm worried a conduit or trunking might look a little out of place. On the inside I will have both wires in trunking for neatness. 

 

So I won't need gel filled but exterior grade without gel filled is cool? That's awesome saves me a few quid. 

 

I need to work out the route it's going to take also as if it's not a crazy long run cat6 would nicer. 

[W-L]

8 minutes ago, Dblock said:

Thanks for the welcome. It won't be going under ground or anything just along a brick or stonewall. I'm worried a conduit or trunking might look a little out of place. On the inside I will have both wires in trunking for neatness. 

So I won't need gel filled but exterior grade without gel filled is cool? That's awesome saves me a few quid. 

I need to work out the route it's going to take also as if it's not a crazy long run cat6 would nicer. 

As long as you are putting it into a conduit or something to protect it on the exterior elements regular CAT cable is fine but if it's just bare cable say under the eaves or in a somewhat sheltered area then an exterior cable would be best. Just make sure the cable you get is solid copper and not copper clad aluminum (CCA).

 

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Waterproof-Ethernet-Direct-Shielded/dp/B002L7M4ZY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1495937504&sr=8-7

 

[Dblock]

I'm getting a 305m reel as there is always a use for ethernet. I've got ends and crimpers too so it's just easier to make my own. But I agree stranded CCA isn't very good especially in long runs. 

 

 I'll put up some of my set ups soon. I'm making an office for my brother (why I'm running this cable) and I'm putting in a 12 camera 4mp ip camera at my shop. Should be interesting. Will update once I start. 

 

Thanks again. 

[W-L]

1 minute ago, Dblock said:

I'm getting a 305m reel as there is always a use for ethernet. I've got ends and crimpers too so it's just easier to make my own. But I agree stranded CCA isn't very good especially in long runs. 

 I'll put up some of my set ups soon. I'm making an office for my brother (why I'm running this cable) and I'm putting in a 12 camera 4mp ip camera at my shop. Should be interesting. Will update once I start. 

Thanks again. 

Yeah if that is the case a spool would be best with some crimper tools, a good one I know of is Ubiquiti's TC-pro stuff. A little more than some of the others out there but very good quality from what I've heard.  

 

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-TC-CARRIER-TOUGHCable-Shielded/dp/B00HXT8PHG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495938344&sr=8-2&keywords=tc-pro+ubiquiti