Ethernet cable outdoors
Posted by: jsaudio on 14 November 2018
I had to run my ethernet cable almost 50 feet with a 10 foot segment outdoors to go from my router and switch to my 272. Seems to work fine but does anyone see this as a potential problem especially in the sub-freezing winter weather.
It should be fine. I've got an outside run of bog standard CAT5e which has in been in place for over 10 years now with no problems. Just make sure it's securely clipped to the wall so it doesn't move about and respect cable bend radius. Over time the outer will get brittle due to UV exposure but otherwise it will be fine. If concerned then run it in conduit over the external run.
James
I also have had a standard ethernet cable running outside for several years and it’s fine. It’s all as James says. If it’s in a location that is very exposed to UV then you could buy external grade ethernet cable which is UV resistant. It doesn’t cost much more, but now it’s there I should just leave it be.
best
David
Ordinary ethernet such as used in domestic installs are not intended for outdoor use & will deteriorate over time. Temperature extremes - both hot & cold - & solar radiation will shorten the life over time. The cables PVC casing & internal insulation can deform (melt) in high temperatures & over time will become brittle when exposed to solar radiation. Having them in a conduit or under a capping cover solves the solar problem & reduces the temperature extremes. PVC or similar makes suitable conduits with either pipe or capping, & don't forget waterproofing or water draining - thinking about winter ice damage.
However, if the cable run is not exposed to direct sunlight, & your local ambient is inside the cable spec temperature range (most cables are rated around -20'C to +75'C) it could well last for many years.
Will be OK, I have NACA5 speaker cables outside, run inside conduits stained to match the brickwork. An advantage for speaker cable is that, with the correct size conduit it's easy to concertina the cable outside. Rich