New condo Ethernet wiring

[Kisianik]

Hi
I am moving into new condo soon and started some remodeling. I am planning to make new, dedicated 20 AMP power wire (from electrical panel) for my major workstation, modem and router would be located there, my second workstation will be located in the opposite corner of my condo, close to the electrical panel. I am thinking about placing Ethernet wire along the power wire to run back to the electrical panel location and make Ethernet jack there (close to my second workstation location.

Question. Is there any interference I must worry about, as Ethernet cable will run alongside of 20 AMP power cable (in the wall), do I need purchase some special cable with heavy shielding of some type, or interference is not an issue.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[kanewolf]

You could run into code issues, but running data cable, parallel, and directly adjacent to electrical cables is bad practice. You want to stay in the next stud cavity or cross electrical cable at 90 degrees to minimize the noise. You could use shielded cable, but it is much less convenient than unshielded.

 

[Kisianik]

You could run into code issues, but running data cable, parallel, and directly adjacent to electrical cables is bad practice. You want to stay in the next stud cavity or cross electrical cable at 90 degrees to minimize the noise. You could use shielded cable, but it is much less convenient than unshielded.

Thanks for reply kanewolf.

I have only 1 alternative - WIFI, and it is not going to be easy, as signal will have to go through 3 walls and pass electrical panel (second workstation located on the opposite side of the wall). Make a separate route vs shielded cable, this is rather financial question, I think.

What types of shielded Ethernet cables are available, can you link some examples, or if you know more issue specific forum, where I can ask for help with shielded cable examples? I really don't want to rely on WIFI.

Thanks for help.

 

[kanewolf]

Are you planning on doing the low voltage (network cable) install yourself? I assume you will have to get an inspection for your electrical work. There are NEC codes which might come into play -- http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/22208/is-there-a-required-spacing-between-where-high-and-low-voltage-lines-attach-to-a There could be a 12 to 24 inch required separation.
Check with your local building inspector. You don't want to get red tagged for something like this.

 

[Kisianik]

Are you planning on doing the low voltage (network cable) install yourself? I assume you will have to get an inspection for your electrical work. There are NEC codes which might come into play -- http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/22208/is-there-a-required-spacing-between-where-high-and-low-voltage-lines-attach-to-a There could be a 12 to 24 inch required separation.
Check with your local building inspector. You don't want to get red tagged for something like this.

Thanks for this link, would not be able to finding this myself. Did not expected such answer here, at Toms, WOW.

I think, I will run Ethernet cable under the baseboard, along the walls, I hope there are no codes for this, if there are some other issues, you know about it, please share. For such application, do I need shielded cable or regular one.

And the last question.
I will have regular speed Internet, FTTN (and copper from the node to router) at best, with down speed no more than 30 mbps, I know the limitation of 328 ft, my distance would be much shorter, somewhere around 100 ft. Is Cat 5 or Cat 5e is enough for my needs. Maximum networking will include attaching printer, nothing fancy.

Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[kanewolf]

Pure copper Cat5e with TIA markings. DO NOT GET CCA -- copper clad aluminum cable. Use 568B color code. Get a good crimper and a $50 - $100 tester. Many keystone jacks have a plastic punchdown tool included with them. If not, you will want a punchdown tool.

 

[Ralston18]

Fully supporting kanewolf but will add a couple of comments.

The last thing anyone wants on/in a contruction site is a stop work order.

Baseboard running may be okay but find out! Do not just "hope". A few months back a family member had to tear out most of the framing and redo a home basement entertainment center because the drywall folks noticed (rightfully so) that there was no fire blocking installed as was required. They would not and could not do the drywall or their licensing was at risk. And the issue had been researched, the specifics uncertain, and the framing work was done with "hope".

Electricians also balked - because they too noted the problem. All the work was good quality materials and workmanship. Just did not meet the full scope of all the codes involved. (Also turned out that the floor plates needed to be treated lumber because of nearby water lines. "Nearby" being the issue.)

Some states do not permit homeowners to run their own ethernet cables/telephone cable even though they are low (< 50v) voltage. Apparently some folks did so in potentially unsafe ways so specially licensed technicians/electricians must be used. (Virginia is one such state as I understand it from friends there.)

And, as mentioned, watch the cable runs. Electrical cables require protective plates where they pass through the studs. That is to help prevent someone from driving a screw or nail into the electrical cable. Usually applies to standard 2 x 4's but the real guide is how far back into the middle of the stud is the cable located: 2 x 6 wall may not need the plate. Had neighbors that ran into that problem.

Point being that when you run the ethernet cable you must avoid placement where screws or nails (trim nails for baseboard) may be driven in. The consequences of hitting an ethernet cable are not as grim as an electrical cable of course. However, a lot of work will be necessary to undo any such damage.

Be sure to document and even photograph your runs - that may prove very useful sometime later.

Still - check the codes to be certain. Seconding Kanewolf again: most juristictions will be happy to have an inspector come out and look beforehand. He or she may also spot something else that may need attention. Most homebuyers are getting full home inspections nowadays and you do not want some future sale delayed or nixed because of a problem that could be avoided or fixed now. And checking for permits is becoming part of the home inspection process....