Screened or unscreened Cat 6.

Hi guys

I have been asked to run in some data/ethernet cables in a domestic installation. Generally for faster internet. Not really my field.  The Cat6 cable that comes up a lot is not screened or shielded. I presume a screened cable would be better or does it make little difference.

Gary

  • For Domestic I would say that UTP (unshielded) will be fine - the runs tend to be short & not in an electrically noisy environment.

    Please be aware that you need the correct tools to terminate these cables into the correct jacks - just winging it & pushing the wires into the IDC with a screwdriver or other blade will lead to endless call backs & complaints of poor data rates. It DOES matter which wire connects to which terminal even if both ends are connected the same - the 'pairs' must be respected.

    Also, the pairs MUST remain twisted right up until the VERY last point before they mate with the connectors - I've seen some network face places that had several cms of untwisted wires before terminated and this is another recipe for data rate complaints.

  • If you're not going to be using screened outlets, there's no point in spending more on FTP, STP or SFTP cable.

    As   said, UTP is normal (and provided the cable is kept away from sources of noise such as fluorescent tubes and machines with inverter drives) more than adequate for most domestic indoor applications.

  • Awesome.  

    Thank you guys

  • Just to add I flood wired my house with unshielded CAT6 years ago - and it gets used for all sorts, ethernet, analogue phone lines, even as 1-wire "bus" to some temperature sensors - all bunched together, and never had any problems with it.

       - Andy.