We live in the Wi-Fi age, but sometimes, the plain old wired service comes handy. Wired networks are safer and can extend across two buildings without compromising the strength of the signal. Their resistance to interference is another factor that makes them really reliable.
However, running an Ethernet cable through exterior walls is a challenge. Some call it labor-intensive as well, but we think it is not all that bad when you do it properly. We have put together a guide to help you with this.
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Can I run an Ethernet cable outside?
This is the most common question we hear. In general, you can run an Ethernet cable outside, but the type of cable matters a lot here.
Common Ethernet cables are Cat 5, Cat 6, and Cat 5e. Cat 6 cables are not hardy enough to withstand the outdoor elements. This is why we encourage you to use other options. However, if you are hellbent on using Cat 6, you should use a PVC or plastic casing to waterproof it. After this, you can bury the conduit under the ground to hide it from view. We suggest a depth of around 8 inches so that it is at a safe distance from electrical interference, such as power lines.
How To Run Ethernet Cable Through Exterior Wall
The market has cables for this specific purpose. We advise you to choose them. When you search, you will find two options. The first option is waterproof but not really resistant to other elements. These cables are ideal if you are going to bury the cable. The second option has a UV protective jacket to ensure that the sun and other factors don’t cause damage. These cables are perfect if you don’t want to bury it or if you want to run the cable from the roof.
The most important thing here is to never interchange these cables. Those meant for burial will attract lightning if you use them on the roof. That’s a risk, we are sure you do not want to take under any circumstance. The risk remains even when you bury them, but it is minimal. To avoid it altogether, we recommend that you use a surge protector. That will definitely keep you safe. The most important thing here is to never interchange these cables. Those meant for burial will attract lightning if you use them on the roof. That’s a risk, we are sure you do not want to take under any circumstance. The risk remains even when you bury them, but it is minimal. To avoid it altogether, we recommend that you use a surge protector. That will definitely keep you safe.
An important point to remember
Before we wrap up, we want to give you a very important piece of advice.
Always test a cable before installing it. Burying it is time-consuming and tedious. To find out after all the hard work that it is faulty can be very annoying. Avoid this hassle by ensuring that you are using the right cable, and it is working well.
While this may seem like a fun DIY project, unless you are experienced, it is best to leave it to the electrical experts. It is a routine job for them, and it will only take a few bucks to install. In return, it will save you a lot of time and effort. That’s money well-spent. Think about it!
When it comes to running an Ethernet cable through exterior walls, it is all about the cable and the protective casing. That’s the right way of doing it.
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