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Amphenol TPC Wire & Cable Blog

The Do's & Don'ts of Installing Ethernet Cable Wiring

Posted by TPC Wire & Cable Corp. on June 15, 2017


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As each year passes, Ethernet cable wiring becomes increasingly important in our world of constantly evolving technologies, especially because of the Internet of Things (IoT) and now the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The concept of IoT proposes the development of the internet in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data. 


Properly installed Ethernet network cable reduces downtime and allows for the constant flow of data, connecting your data systems and network devices such as routers, modems, adapters, or whatever 'thing' needs connecting throughout your facility.

Planning Your Network Cable Installation

Given that you have previously identified a central location where all of your cables will terminate, you can begin planning your network cable installation. Keep in mind that this central location for your cable should be large enough to accommodate your current project as well as any future data network expansion plans in your plant. If the cable will be subjected to any harsh environments, choose a cable that has industrial strength properties such as high flex life and resistance to UV light, cutting, abrasion, oil, chemicals, extreme cold or extreme heat.

 

Choosing Ethernet Wiring

  • PROFINET: This industrial Ethernet cable uses foil and braid shielding to protect signals from the noise expected on plant floors.
  • CAT6: These cables are backwards compatible with all previous CAT cables, have larger gauge wires, can be run in longer lengths, support up to 10 Gbps and 250 MHz bandwidth, and are longer-lasting.
  • CAT6A: This Ethernet cable wiring doubles the capacity of the CAT6 by performing up to 500 MHz and can accommodate longer distances — up to 100 meters.
  • CAT7A: CAT7A Ethernet wiring supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet, frequencies up to 1000 MHz, and is a viable alternative to fiber optic cabling.

How to Install Ethernet Cable

Do: Cross Power the Cable at a 90-Degree Angle

If you do need to or happen to cross your data network cabling, they should be kept at a 90-degree angle in order to avoid interference.

Don’t: Run Cable in Unsafe Locations

  • At some point, you may need to run the cable in the ceiling or wall. Make sure the cable doesn't touch the ceiling tiles and do not run the cable over electrical conduit, water pipes, or any other pipes, as it is unsafe and may not pass inspection.
  • Do not run any data cable beneath the floor.

Do: Use Different Color Schemes

  • Separating cabling colors is convenient and keeps your data lines organized.

Don’t: Bundle Cables Too Tightly

  • Kinked cable can have a negative effect on the network and reduces the quality of the cable.
  • Cables that are bound too tightly are difficult to troubleshoot, should there ever be an issue.

Do: Label the Cable

Ask yourself the following questions to help with the labeling process:

  • Which location is the cable destined for?
  • How was it terminated?
  • Is the cable for Ethernet or a jack?

Don’t: ‘Over-Cable’ Your Racks

Having too much cable in your data center will create excess heat, which isn't good as the racks need to stay cool.

Do: Use an Effective Wire Management System

  • Use a safe and effective wire bundling device (like Velcro® or cable ties) to organize patch cabling between racks.
  • Space your wires out in a patch panel.
  • Dress your cabling without diving or cable-crossing.
  • Create a simple map layout of cable locations that will serve as a quick and easy reference for locating cable for repair or replacement.

Don’t: Leave Wires Exposed by Terminations

Leaving the Ethernet cable wiring exposed by terminations runs the risk of damaging the wire inside the termination and can break inside the plug.

Do: Purchase Connectorized Cable

Buying pre-connectorized cable makes it easier for plug-and-play installation and will provide you with the exact assembly needed.

Prepare Your Data Systems for a Smarter Future

The IoT describes a world where (pretty much) anything can be connected and will communicate in an intelligent manner. Reduce downtime and prepare your plant's data systems for a much smarter future in communications. Begin your network cable installation plan today by downloading TPC Wire & Cable®’s “Do's & Don'ts of Installing Ethernet Cable” sheet, including the “Build Your Own Ethernet Cord Sets” sheet.

Download Now

 

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