Good deal on 1000ft bulk CAT5 (plus question about ratings)

[nbarb99]

I'm looking to buy this bulk CAT5 bundle from CompGeeks:
http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=CAT5E-1000-SK

It comes with 1000ft of 100MHz CAT5, 100 RJ-45 connectors, a crimper, and a cable tester.. all for approximately $55. :Q

One thing caught my eye though:

CM or CMG (general purpose): Cables may be used only within a
single floor, i.e. in the horizontal run. May not be used to
penetrate floors or ceilings, nor used in air handling spaces.

I always string my CAT5 runs up through the attic and between the walls... is that "illegal"?
I never noticed any rating info on any of the pre-made CAT5 cables I've purchased in the past..

Also, is there a significant difference between 100MHz and 300MHz cables? (I'm running a 10/100 network, no gigabit here ) AFAIK 100MHz is fine for 100MBps.

 

[Matthias99]

Many networking cables are not recommended for running through walls, ceilings, etc. (due to flammability) or for use in ventilation areas (because they may give off fumes when burning). Whether or not it's spec for fire code is up to how strict your local jurisdiction is. For a home networking run with 1-2 wires, I wouldn't worry about it. It's more of an issue with wiring closets, etc. in businesses, or runs where you have lots and lots of cables in one bundle.

 

[Garion]

Well, code is code. What this means is that it's not plenum-rated cable. This means that it's not approved by most local building codes to be run in places which carry breathing air - If this stuff burns, the fumes are highly toxic. Not what I'd want in my house, in case of a fire!

One other note - Keep in mind that this is solid core cabling. It's designed to be run in walls and terminate on patch panels or keystone jacks - Solid core is too brittle to be used as patch cables that get moved around much at all. Chances are, wires will break and cause intermittent (and maddeningly-annoying and hard to troubleshoot) network issues.

In general, if you're looking for patch cables, you can get them REALLY cheap if you shop around a bit - < $2 for most lengths. It's not worth the hassle of making your own. What this WOULD be good for is running wires in your house. But, if you do that, you shouldn't be putting RJ45 ends on it - Premis cabling should always terminate on keystone jacks or patch panels.

Before you buy, check out Home Depot - You can probably get spools of cable there cheaper than you'd expect.

- G

 

[nbarb99]

Thanks for the info. You're right about Home Depot, they do have some good prices!

The only thing you don't get is the crimper and tester I can buy those from CompGeeks seperately, though.

Thanks again!