cat5 cables

[chrbb]

Is it OK to run a Cat5 cable (long patch cable) through a suspended ceiling to enable a computer to placed in a different part of the classroom? Due to superb forward planning (not!) our classrooms have 1 network socket at the front of the classroom in a really inconveiniant place.

[Nij.UK]

well i dont think that its best practice, but i guess you could, as long as the distance from the cab to the point + the length of the long patch lead dont extend 90M ( i know it says 100M) to maintain QOS

[webman]

There was a thread about this very same question last week. Ah yes, here it is

[chrbb]

cheers just read the other thread, so if you run a cable through a ceiling space it has to be supported then not just resting on the tiles? We can't run cable round skirting or doorways due to asbestos probs, and can't have a proper job done due to finance! Thought about a wireless access point but finance rears it's ugly head again!

[Andrew_C]

Probably not relevant in most cases, but some ceiling voids are used as a plenum for HVAC systems. If this is the case, LSF cables must be used!

HVAC = Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
LSF = Low Smoke & Fume

[CyberNerd]

Ideal world you should run in cable trays. I'd decide based on the age of your school - If its 1950's and due for a PFI replacement then I'd just run it anyway because the cost incurred for putting in a cable tray would be prohibitive. If the schools is going to be their in 20yrs then do it properly as its a long term investment. if your place is anything like ours you'll have loads of unsupported electrical/alarm/telephone cables from bodged contractor jobs over the years and with the asbestos problems, I wouldn't worry about a unsupported cat5e -just avoid the tube lighting and electrics from an RF pov.