Is there a special code for this project

[wanabehandymom]

We live in ID and are remodeling and attempting to wire the shed for internet with cat 5 networking cable and a networking hub/router. There is a cable that will run from outside the house to the shed. The cable will run about 10-15ft long. However, I am curious about code and height restrictions outside. If any, how do I go about this installation to insure that we maintain insurance and not incur any errors. I am posting at various sites because I am not sure where it should be posted. Thanks for any info.

[lefty]

wanabehandymom,

I don't know about any codes that will govern a CAT 5 cable, HOWEVER, the only way that cable will be of any use to you is if you also have power to the shed. There are CERTAINLY codes that will govern that!!

Forget the 'net -- go ask your local bldg. dept.!! I can tell you what I would have to do to get power into an outbuilding here in CA, but that would be of no use to you. What the City of Redding, Shasta County, or even the State of CA would require is totally different (in all probablility) than what you'll be required to do in Idaho.

[Pilot Dane]

So, the real question is... are you being kicked out of the house and forced to live in the doghouse???

[wanabehandymom]

:D That was really funny. No, my husband is an artist and we are converting the shed into an art studio. He's an art teacher with hobbies that includes photography, printmaking and oil painting. I want him to have a studio, so his artwork stays private and away from our 2 yr old little sausages. Your question was very funny.

[lefty]

wanabehandymom,

Glad you saw the humor in Pilot Dane's post. (Robert says were not supposed to add humor in our posts, and 99% of the time, we don't.)

Seriously though, you really need to check with your LOCAL bldg. dept. and find out what THEIR rules are. Those are the one's that govern what you can do, and how to do it.

[wanabehandymom]

I wondered why no one makes joke or everyone seems so stiff upper lip. On your first reply, we are in the process of adding electricity right now. Slow process and very delicate. We are getting the permit for it right now and will have the state inspector come after we're all done.

[Pilot Dane]

Yes, wanabehandymom like you I too am surprised at most peoples lack of a funny bone.

I recently replied to a post where someone wanted to know how to get rid of an old leaking hot tub. After suggesting a Sawzall I said that if they wanted to get some exercise and vent some frustrations they should start bashing with a hammer. Well it didn't take too long before the first post came back seriously warning how dangerous a hammer could be.... Well I've smashed my finger more than a few times and I have to say it was "operator error" every time.

But back to serious business and no funny stuff. My inlaws are in the process of running electricty, phone & data to several old tobacco barns on their property. He is a photographer and is building several studios. They are burrying a 3" PVC drain pipe from the house to each of the barns and will snake the wires through the conduit. They went with the larger size pipe to leave room for any future expansion.

[mitch17]

Pilot Dane - I know the reason why humor is discouraged as I almost hurt myself laughing at your hammer line. Thanks.

[syakoban]

As mentioned... it's always the local inspector that has the final ruling, but the NEC (Natl. Electrical Code) does classify Class 3 circuits as remote control, signaling, and power limited under article 725. There are issues as to how and where you run phone wires, CATV, alarm wires, etc. I.E. you can't run phone wires along electrical circuits.

I recommend that you get some background before talking to the inspector to minimize headaches and conflicts.

[DavidJ]

You mentioned someone runing 3" drain pipe to remote buildings as conduit for electrical and communications cables. Putting electrical and communication cables in the same conduit is against the NEC (electrical code). Think of what could happen if the communications cables ever got energized. There is also the issue of the electrical interfering with the communications cables. A 12" separation is considered minimum. In addition, drain pipe is not approved as an electrical conduit. There are other issues such as voltage drop and electrical disconects that should be understood before wiring a remote building. I suggest that you direct your inlaws to the electrical forum here at DIY so they can get a better understanding of the code requirements for their project.

[wanabehandymom]

We have the electrical worked out and the cable worked out ( hopefully )

Right now we are installing the electrical conduit in ground with nothing else. That's 18 inches deep. The networking cable will be attached to our roof ( i think ) and will run across outside about 7 ft. The height will be 15 ft. The closest wire to that is the power and is 20 ft away. We have help from a neighbor and somehow he told his friends and those friends were there. Last night it looked like a committee. Nothing got done and everyone got their word in, yet everyone thinks something was accomplished. Men. :D

[wanabehandymom]

Everything worked out and we now have power to the shed. No, the husband is not moving out there.

Thanks for all the advice and help!!

Much appreciated!