Proper way to connect a telco NID to 110 block

[TheBull]

Hi all:

I recently replaced all the old daisy-chained phone lines in my house, so now I need to hook-up the new lines. My current situation is the NID is feeding an old-style block in my basement, and I would like to eliminate this, as I need to add more phone lines. I need to know the proper way to run UTP to the NID outside for about 3 ft horizontally. The NID was placed and connected to my house before I bought it. I purchased an SMC (structured media center) from Leviton as well as a 110, cat5e and RG6 panel. I also purchased a book: "Data, Voice, and Video Cabling" by Hayes/Rosenburg, which was very informative, but didn't include NID connections.

1. I didn't know what type of exterior wire I could/should use as well as how to ground it?
2. I could use regular cat5 and metal conduit and ground the conduit. (My existing phone line has its' own ground-rod)
3. Should I go with PVC conduit?
4. I live in PA, so we hit all weather possibilities, and its windy on my hill.

Basically, I really don't want someone to get shocked and I want to stay in code.

Sorry for all the questions, but in real-life I'm a DBA not a network engineer. I seached this forum, and I saw a lot of reasons not to use UTP outdoors, but no one with this particular issue.

Thanks

 

[ScottMac]

If you can get to the connection area of the NID (some have a security plate / posted torx screws), it should be as simple as locating the terminals opposite of where the telco line in screwed down, and connecting your pairs (make a hook, put it under the screw head, tighten it down).

The NID should have entry protection.

For a three foot run, just drill a hole and pull the cable through (or use the existing entry point), no conduit should be necessary.

If the stretch from the NID to the entry is exposed to the elements, get a short run of exterior-grade telephone wire from someplace like home depot (i believe they have it, and sell it cut-to-length). The extra short segment of non-Category UTP isn't going to make any difference in the performance...the stuff coming from the pole is not category rated.

If you're still shakey about the installation, call the phone company out to do it for you. The last time I called for something like this (installing ISDN to my apartment), Ameritech charged $70.00, which included the first hour of labor. Pulling and terminating the setup that you described is probably ~ half hour of labor.

Since the work is being done by the telco, it's their responsibility to follow code and common convention.

Ask the installer to terminate all four pair. I believe the Leviton termination has a break-out panel (you plug in the single four-pair RJ45, and the Leviton plate has four columns for RJ11 jacks, one column for each pair). The RJ31X jack is for a house alarm. If the alarm triggers, the RJ31X can preempt and take control of the phone line...don't use it for normal telephone stuff).

Calling in an installer is probably your best bet, IMHO. At least call 'em & get the rate. I'm not a real wire & cable guy, I just play one on the forums.....

I think that's it. If you have any other questions or concerns, re-post.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[Mucman]

<< I'm not a real wire & cable guy >>



Definitely fooled me! :Q

 

[m2kewl]

Fooled me too! :Q😉

 

[TheBull]

Thanks, Scott

That was my original plan (place a piece of cat5 as a jumper to NID), I just wanted some conformation from someone with more exp., before I connected my new wiring. I'll replace the cat5 with some exterior-grade phone cable.

I love learning and working with phone/lan wiring. It's so much more fun than working with databases.

Thanks again,
Jim

 

[JustinLerner]

I don't see anything wrong with adding conduit, either metal or PVC for the distance with proper box connections. This would only add protection to the cable (internal or external types) since everything ages faster with exposure to sun and other elements.