Are you thinking of installing an ethernet cable outdoors but aren’t sure which cable to choose? The article below will discuss ethernet cable outdoor rated in depth to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Scenarios in Which an Outdoor Network Cable is Required
- Why do you need the Ethernet Cable Outdoor Rated?
- Types of the Ethernet Cable Outdoor Rated/CMX Rated and Their Application
- When Running Ethernet Cables Outdoor
- Conclusion
Scenarios in Which an Outdoor Network Cable is Required
There are a number of scenarios in which you will definitely require the assistance of an outdoor ethernet cable.
Some of these scenarios include;
- In case you need to connect two or more campus buildings.
- When installing surveillance cameras that are internet enabled.
- When setting an outdoor WiFi access point.
- When installing an IoT-enabled outdoor appliance.
Why do you need the Ethernet Cable Outdoor Rated?
The main jacket for all outdoor applications is CMX rated, which is waterproof and can withstand snow, ice, and sunlight.
When applied underground, they are capable of being buried underground even without the presence of a conduit.
The CMX-rated jacket is significantly different from your standard indoor cable jacket for example plenum or riser.
Plenum and riser jackets made of PVC will let moisture vapor seep in and out as the temperature varies.
Running a plenum or riser cable outside isn’t a good idea even if you’re placing them in a PVC conduit.
The PVC conduit will still let moisture vapor seep in, store the vapor, and convert to liquid once temperatures drop.
In such a case where you thought the PVC conduit was there to help, it actually causes damage. Because most of the time your cable will end up submerged in liquid.
CMX-rated cables have a jacket constructed of either linear low-density polyethylene as the protective choice or PVC as the more budget-friendly choice.
They are popular for the following abilities;
- Resistance to temperature swings.
- Blocking not only water but also moisture vapor.
- Ability to remain operable and workable even in extremely low temperatures without cracking.
- Ability to shrug off ice, snow, and many other natural elements.
- It prevents degradation as a result of UV light.
- Shielding against radio frequency interference.
Types of the Ethernet Cable Outdoor Rated/CMX Rated and Their Application
| Description | Features | Direct Burial | Above Ground, Run Along, and Attached to Structure | Above Ground, Suspended Between Two Structures |
| Cat 5e Unshielded Direct Burial | Yes but with the risk of damage | Yes | Yes but with risk of damage | No |
| Cat 5e Shielded Direct Burial | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection; Suitable for residential indoor and outdoor use; Foil shield to protect against EMI and RFI. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cat 5e Unshielded Outdoor | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection;Waterproof Tape; Foil shield to protect against EMI and RFI. | No | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection;Waterproof Tape; Suitable for residential indoor and outdoor use. | No |
| Cat 5e Shielded Outdoor | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection; Suitable for residential indoor and outdoor use. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cat 6 Unshielded Direct Burial | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection;Waterproof Tape. | Yes | Yes but with the risk of damage | No |
| Cat 6 Shielded Direct Burial | Yes but with the risk of damage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cat 6 Unshielded Outdoor | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection;Waterproof Tape; Foil shield to protect against EMI and RFI. | No | Yes but with the risk of damage | No |
| Cat 6 Shielded Outdoor | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection; Foil shield to protect against EMI and RFI; High tensile strength. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cat 6 Shielded Outdoor With Messenger | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection; Foil shield to protect against EMI and RFI; High tensile strength. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cat 6 Unshielded Gel Filled Direct Burial | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection;Waterproof gel. | Yes | Yes but with the risk of damage | No |
| Cat 6A Unshielded Direct Burial | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection;Foil shield to protect against EMI and RFI; High tensile strength. | Yes | Yes but with risk of damage | No |
| Cat 6A Shielded Direct Burial | Snow, rain, and sunlight protection; Waterproof tape. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best Type of Ethernet Cable for Outdoor Use
CMX-rated Cat 6 cables are the most widely used outdoor-rated cable because of their superb characteristics, for example;
- Cheap
- LLDPE Jacket
- Shielding for Electrostatic Discharge
- UV Coating
- Waterproof with a flooded gel core
- Better quality, faster speeds, efficiency, and durable
When Running Ethernet Cables Outdoor
CMX-rated Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a ethernet cables can connect local area networks between buildings or houses.
Above Ground
If you plan to place the ethernet cable above ground, you need to get one that has a UV protective jacket to prevent damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
This is especially important when you’re planning on running the ethernet cable on the roof or beside your house.
Also, another way to protect your cables from UV light is by using a UV-resistant conduit.
In addition, any ethernet cable above ground must be waterproof by using either a flooded gel core or waterproof tape.
Failure to do so will result in power surges when there’s a storm, which could even completely damage your cable.
Caption: Conduit
You should never expose your above-ground cable to the ground level.
Always make sure you elevate the cable using galvanized straps.
Also, a necessary precaution is never running your above-ground cables next to any surrounding cables or power lines because they will cause interference and signal loss and generate some noise.
Instead, ensure your cable is running perpendicular to your power lines.
Underground
With underground applications, the two main categories include;
Traditional Burial
Standard Ethernet cables have a thin plastic casing; therefore when exposed to the elements they quickly deteriorate.
The best thing to do when using a standard cable outdoors is to put the cable in a PVC conduit or plastic pipe designed to be waterproof.
Proceed to bury the conduit about 6 – 8 inches deep in the ground and about the same distance away from any power lines or any sources of electromagnetic interference.
However, this is not a long-term solution because with time water, moisture, and humidity will find a way into the cable.
Therefore, even if you plan on using a conduit, it’s always best to use a weatherproof cable capable of handling outdoor applications.
Conduits will disappoint you when faced with harsh weather such as sub-freezing cold or heavy rainstorms.
Direct Burial
If you’re looking for a long-term option, it’s best to use a direct burial-rated cable that a manufacturer has specifically designed for direct burial.
Manufacturers specifically create direct burial ethernet cables with extra protective shields and layers that you can directly bury in the ground without having to use a conduit.
However, it’s important to always adhere to all the regulations while burying a cable because you are subject to the law especially if you’re using a public place or building.
Furthermore, standard and burial ethernet cables to some extent attract lightning and burying the cable deep in the ground doesn’t necessarily eliminate the risk completely.
Therefore, it’s best to install surge protectors when setting up your outdoor ethernet network to prevent damage to the connected equipment.
Lastly, in order to run an outdoor cable safely, it’s best to consider direct burial as it safeguards the labor, time, and investment, plus it’s long-lasting and has little environmental effect.
Conclusion
There you have all you need to know about outdoor-rated ethernet cables. In case you have any queries or require assistance of any form, feel free to contact Cloom Tech.