Quincy Center for Technical Education
Computer Technology Department

CABLING RULES

1. Try to avoid running cables parallel to power cables.

2.  Do not bend cables to less than four times the diameter of the cable.

3.  If you bundle a group of cables together with cable ties (zip ties), do not over-cinch them.  It's okay to snug them together firmly; but don't tighten them so much that you deform the cables.

4.  Keep cables away from devices which can introduce noise into them.  Here's a short list: copy machines, electric heaters, speakers, printers, TV sets, fluorescent lights, copiers, welding machines, microwave ovens, telephones, fans, elevators, motors, electric ovens, dryers, washing machines, and shop equipment.

5.  Avoid stretching UTP cables (tention when pulling cables should not exceed 25 LBS).

6.  Do not run UTP cable outside of a building.  It presents a very dangerous lightning hazard!

7.  Do not use a stapler to secure UTP cables.  Use telephone wire/RJ6 coaxial wire hangers which are available at most hardware stores.

REFERENCES

David Hess and John Gold; A Practical Guide to Cable Selection, National Semiconductor Application Note 916, 0ctober 1993

Keneth M. True; Data Transmission Lines and Their Characteristics,, National Semiconductor Application Note 806, April 1992

Hubbell Premise Wiring

ConnectWorld Cable FAQ

Charles Spurgeon's Ethernet Web Site

Robert Grover Brown, et al; Lines, Waves, and Antennas, The Transmission of Electrical Energy, The Ronald Press Company, New York, 1973

And my thanks to many other Web sites I have visited while researching this article.