Ethernet Cabling Behind Walls

[tiecollector]

I'm about to start installing some CAT6 behind some walls for someone at a business but I'm not sure exactly which cable I need. My work is pretty much a warehouse type building so everything is run with conduit along the walls, so I've never had experience running cable behind walls.

Does anyone know (I'm in California), if I would be breaking any fire codes by not using plenum cabling? I am not actually going to string the cables, the business owner is going to have the guy who is putting up his sheetrock do it. I'm pretty sure the guy plans on running it down through the ceiling for much of it though.

Seems that I will need at least a solid cable, not sure what type of shielding I should go for, I'm thinking I don't really want to use STP, and I don't want to use plenum either if I can avoid it.

 

[gamelan]

i would go with the plenum cabling. it'll cost you a little more per ft but peace of mind in IT is worth its weight in gold. and i'm just guessing that it's the cost concern you're talking about regarding plenum vs non-plenum.

as for STP, i didn't know that you could buy non-STP cabling for copper-based networks.

oh, i should add, i'm in CA and our cabling installer recommends plenum cabling for the plenum and inside walls.

-Jeff

 

[tiecollector]

Thanks for the reply. I was reading about it and it seems you only need plenum for plenum spaces in HVAC ducts and ventilation and stuff like that.

In the end, my client wanted to go for whatever was cheaper and would get the job done. So I opted for a Solid CAT6 UTP/PVC. STP is the stuff you have to ground yourself and I don't think it will be necessary for 50ft runs. He is having the drywall guy run the cabling while he is putting the drywall up and says that he will space the wiring far away from any existing cabling or run conduit where needed.

 

[mbc]

Originally Posted by gamelan

as for STP, i didn't know that you could buy non-STP cabling for copper-based networks.
STP = shielded twisted pair. The cheaper alternative is UTP, unshielded twisted pair, which is what most ethernet cables you buy retail are. STP is really only needed for very long runs or other conditions where the likelihood of significant electromagnetic interference is high.

 

[Renty]

Originally Posted by tiecollector

Does anyone know (I'm in California), if I would be breaking any fire codes by not using plenum cabling? I am not actually going to string the cables, the business owner is going to have the guy who is putting up his sheetrock do it. I'm pretty sure the guy plans on running it down through the ceiling for much of it though.
.

As you already know now, it's only needed for HVAC spaces. No one ever uses it though unless they know the installation is going to be inspected (remodels, new installations, etc.) I worked for a telecom company doing wiring for 2 years and only used plenum once.

 

[tiecollector]

Originally Posted by Renty

As you already know now, it's only needed for HVAC spaces. No one ever uses it though unless they know the installation is going to be inspected (remodels, new installations, etc.) I worked for a telecom company doing wiring for 2 years and only used plenum once.

Yeah, the only thing I was worried about is the fact that it is an old building and the electrical wiring might get pretty hot and without the plenum, the cable burns pretty fast. But, in the end, I'm like screw it.