Communications: Voice, Radio and Data - Cat 5: Surface mounting?

If CAT 5 is to be run for long distances (~40-50'), does it have to be run inside a wall, or can it be run outside (and secured to) a wall (along baseboard and over casings)?

If it can be run outside a wall, other than care with avoiding sharp bends, are there other issues to consider? Also, whats the safest way to secure the wire to the wall?

Thanks,
Guy

Yes, you can run the cat 5 cable on the surface but it will look ugly. As you know, you can't make sharp turns but you also need to avoid pinching the cable so don't run it through doorways where it could be pinched if the door is ever closed. As for fastening...again remember to not pinch the cable. Do NOT use a staple gun, even the type that has rounded staples designed for wire and do not use any kind of nailing straps or "zip ties" that might pinch the cable. The straps that encircle the entire cable and have a screw hole off to the side are acceptable.

there are a couple of staple guns that you can use just fine for data cable

arrow is one
Arrow T59 staple gun uses insulated staples.
Great for Cat5, Cat6, video & fiber (http://www.phonegeeks.com/art59stapgun.html)

I use the powerfast like this , its available at Home depot works great for data cables

PowerFast Pro 31000 Staple Gun Heavy Duty Stapler Coax Cable Tool Tacker for 5/32" and 1/4" Fastener Straps for Data and Audio Video Wire, Spring Action Hand Clip, Part # 31000: Oak Entertainment Centers and Home Office Furniture, TV Antennas, Audio/ (http://www.summitsource.com/powerfast-pro-31000-staple-gun-heavy-duty-stapler-coax-cable-tool-tacker-for-532-and-14-fastener-straps-for-data-and-audio-video-wire-spring-action-hand-clip-part-31000-p-4830.html)

Cable raceway is another option

Cable Raceways, Plastic Surface Raceways, Cable Covers, Cable Duct, cable routing, Pan-Way, Infostream (http://cableorganizer.com/cable-raceway/)





they sell it at HD

Thanks for the correction, Mango. I have an Arrow T-25 from my telephone days and I sure wouldn't use that for data cables.

I also second the use of the cable raceway that Mango linked to, a good product.

your right on the t25 and t18

fine for cat 3 but no no for data

I have a couple somewhere that I havent used in a few years

I came across a couple dozen box's of t-25 staples the other day ...I suppose I really should list them on eBay

the power fast does a good job for both cat 3/5

Thanks for all replies.

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Now that's more than 25 characters.