Is it possible to run cat 6 cables outdoors?

[TazExprez]

I am thinking about running a cat 6 cable from my bedroom, on the second floor of my house, to the basement, two floors down. I am thinking about running it outside the house and read that it could be a lightning hazard. I wonder if this is true and if there are any special outdoors cables? Thanks for your help.

 

[Greenman]

It would be best to run it through conduit, pvc is cheap and easy to install. Water won't hurt cat5 cable, but the sun will ruin the outer sheathing.

 

[n0cmonkey]

It's stupid to do. Get wireless or fiber.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

Yes, but it will be damaged by sun, water, and freezing/thawing. As said above, PVC is a good option.

 

[TazExprez]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
It's stupid to do. Get wireless or fiber.

I currently have the basement PC with a usb 802.11g adapter. I just wanted to stop using a wireless connection with it.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: TazExprez

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
It's stupid to do. Get wireless or fiber.

I currently have the basement PC with a usb 802.11g adapter. I just wanted to stop using a wireless connection with it.

Why?

 

[TazExprez]

To transfer files faster.

 

[dev0lution]

Use an outer cover, like PVC, and go with plenum rated cable. Better insulation and jacketing for use in air ducts, etc.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: dev0lution
Use an outer cover, like PVC, and go with plenum rated cable. Better insulation and jacketing for use in air ducts, etc.

Don't forget to properly ground the cable every where it enters the house.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: TazExprez
To transfer files faster.

Fiber, it's safer.

 

[TazExprez]

How much would fiber cost? I am thinking of using about 20-25 feet. What kind of equipment would I need to use this type of connection?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: TazExprez
How much would fiber cost? I am thinking of using about 20-25 feet. What kind of equipment would I need to use this type of connection?

2 fiber cards and the appropriate length of cable.

 

[TazExprez]

Could I use two of these and this pair?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: TazExprez
Could I use two of these and this pair?

I'd guess that you could, but I can't be positive. I don't have enough experience with fiber equipment.

 

[TazExprez]

Thanks a lot for all your help. I will do some more research on this, but I'll probably go with fiber.

 

[htne]

Telephone installers run Cat3 (or more recently Cat4) cable along the outside of the house all of the time. And it seems to hold up remarkably well for many, many years, despite exposure to the sun and rain and cold. If I were you, I would try the Cat5 and see how well it holds up. After all, it will cost almost nothing to try, so what do you have to lose?