Need to run some ethernet cables

[Flibb]

I need to run some ethernet cables around the house, one stretch will be outside.
First question is are the cheap ebay tools reasonable, either
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RJ45-RJ11-...sAAOSwLN5WlbP5
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Network-Ca...4AAOSwDNdVy0sj
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RJ45-RJ11-...3D381300889916
or any other suggestions (budget for tools is £50), not bothered if they are a kit or seperate

Second question, is there any difference in the cables marked as outside use? I was looking at Cat5e UTP solid core cable for the main runs between wall boxes.

Cheers

[deejayburnout]

I suppose either kit would do. As long as they let you terminate the ends OK and the tester is some use.

As for the outside cables, how far are they running/under or overground. Might be worth putting them in containment as well as running a second one as a spare.

[peterb]

Cables for external use have a more robust and UV resistant outer sheath. The sheath tends to be less flexible as a result. However, if you are running he cables underground, you should run them in conduit, 32 or 40 mm waste pipe is quite good, but depending on length, you will need some string as a pull through.

As for the tool kits, difficult to tell, generally you get what you pay for, but for light duty use, you will probably be OK with those. The tester, while basic, does test continuity and also detects cross or reversed connections, which is good for end to end testing. I assume you have done your research into the cabling standard.

You can use T568A or B, but you must be consistent. 568B is the more common standard in Europe. (A cable wired to 568 standards will work on a 568B wired system, but you may get problems at high speeds)

http://www.ertyu.org/steven_nikkel/ethernetcables.html

[[DW]Cougho]

For home use, those tool kits are fine. I have similar stuff and have used it for 10+ years around the house with no issues, including wiring up a whole house with face plates. I would recommend the tester as they are very handy.

Regarding running cable externally, technically you should use external grade but it's significantly more expensive - back in my parents house I ran a standard Cat 5e (belkin I think) black cable along the side of the house, this cable got direct sunlight and a good beating from the elements. It was used for 9+ years and still held a solid gigabit signal until I moved out last month.

[MrComputerSaint]

I got a cheap crimper from ebay in my last job. It broke after a good 10's of cables and wouldn't crimp one point down. It was rather annoying. The "prong" that crimped that point down broke off and I had to buy a new crimper.

The cable you get in those cheap kits is often bad, not the standard colours and some isn't even twisted pair!

Oh I've had problems with the cable testers also, but I was able to do a deal on a new one with the seller. You'll need a 9V battery for the cable tester.

[Flibb]

Plan is to buy a reel of reasonable cable, and get the tools separately. The outside run is up a wall, into the loft. Its a temporary fix, unfortunately Ethernet over powerline, and its sort of temporary. Hopefully do it properly in the next place.

[bledd]

External cable
http://www.netstoredirect.com/cat5e-...er-sheath.html

Internal cable
http://www.netstoredirect.com/cat5e-...er-sheath.html


We've tested loads of different makes in work, it's well worth buying this stuff over the ebay crap!

We only buy CCS gear in work now. Never had a module fail, installed hundreds of them.




Get your modules and ends from there too.



Cable tester, this will do..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Network-Et...gAAOSwoydWiXu-

Personally I'd use backboxes and modules rather than RJ45 jacks.

How many cables are you running? Do you need a patch panel?

[peterb]

I'd certainly agree about buying cables with a reputable name. Some of the cables I've seen on e bay would communicate over two tin cans tied together. You are going to go to a lot of trouble installing the cables, so it pays to use decent stuff.

The same is true to some extent with the terminations. I have usually bought from RS, but Screwfix do a range of sockets made by LAP, which are OK. If you aren't going down the cabinet/patch panel toute, you can use a pattress box and mount face plates and jacks in those, once you have decided where the router and or switch is going to be.

As for the plugs, again, I buy from RS, not the cheapest, but I know what I'm getting, and I have assurance of supply.

[Flibb]

Thanks for the info. Not going to need a patch panel, going to run the cable to wall sockets, as I said early its a temporary fix in a rented house. Next time I will do it properly with everything running to a switch in the roof.

[waypoint]

I'd recommend Black Box cable. I've done my whole house in it and have had great performance and no issues. It may be more than your budget CCA stuff but its brilliant.

[peterb]

Poundland had some 15meter belkin cables in store last time ideal for smaller runs

I think we are talking more about quality cables.

[Zico]

Looking to setup IP CCTV cameras on our house in the near future.

The external cable suggested above looks ideal for what I will need.
http://www.netstoredirect.com/cat5e-...er-sheath.html
It doesn't appear that Scan sell external cable as I was pricing up some kit tonight.

Which crimper tool did you get Flibb??

[Flibb]

Ended up getting one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Structured...IAAOSwLVZVzfnw

so far so good