The Do's & Don'ts of Installing Ethernet Cable Wiring

Over the years, Ethernet cables have become essential in our world of changing technology, especially because of the Internet of Things (IoT) and now the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The concept of IoT suggests the development of the Internet of things which is used every day with a network connection, allowing them to send and receive data.

A properly data cabling installations reduces downtime and allow data to flow continuously, connecting your data systems and network devices such as routers, modems, power adapters, and is everything else that should be connected to your entire company.

Planning Your Network Cable Installation

Now that you know the central route where all your cables will terminate, you can start planning your network cable layout. Keep in mind that this hub for your cable needs to be large enough to accommodate your current workload and any future data network expansion plans in your company. If the cable will be placed in a harsh environment, choose a cable with industrial strength characteristics such as long life and resistance to UV rays, cuts, abrasion, oil, chemicals, and high temperatures.

Choosing Ethernet Wiring

PROFINET: This industrial Ethernet cable uses foil and braid shielding to protect signals from the noise expected on plant floors.

CAT6: These cables are backward compatible with all previous CAT cables, have larger gauge wires, can be run in longer lengths, support up to 10 Gbps and 250 MHz bandwidth, and are longer-lasting.

CAT6A: This Ethernet cable wiring doubles the capacity of the CAT6 by performing up to 500 MHz and can accommodate longer distances — up to 100 meters.

CAT7A: CAT7A Ethernet wiring supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet, frequencies up to 1000 MHz, and is a viable alternative to fiber optic cabling.

How To Install Ethernet Cable

Do: Cross Power the Cable at a 90-Degree Angle

If you do need to or happen to cross your data network cabling, they should be kept at a 90-degree angle in order to avoid interference.

Don’t: Run Cable in Unsafe Locations

At some point, you may need to run the cable in the ceiling or wall. Make sure the cable doesn't touch the ceiling tiles and do not run the cable over the electrical conduit, water pipes, or any other pipes, as it is unsafe and may not pass inspection. Do not run any data cable beneath the floor.

Do: Use Different Color Schemes

Separating cabling colors is convenient and keeps your data lines organized.

Don’t: Bundle Cables Too Tightly

The kinked cable can have a negative effect on the network and reduces the quality of the cable.

Cables that are bound too tightly are difficult to troubleshoot, should there ever be an issue.

Do: Label the Cable

Ask yourself the following questions to help with the labeling process:

Which location is the cable destined for?

How was it terminated?

Is the cable for Ethernet or a jack?

Don’t: ‘Over-Cable’ Your Racks

Having too much cable in your data center will create excess heat, which isn't good as the racks need to stay cool.

Prepare Your Data System For A Smarter Future

 IoT describes a world where (almost) everything can be connected and communicate effectively. Reduce downtime and prepare your plant data systems for a better communication future. Start your network cable installation plan today by downloading TPC Wire & Cable®'s Ethernet Cable Installation Do's and Don'ts sheet, including the "Build It Yourself" sheet.