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Cat5 cable outdoors?

Can Cat5e wire be run outside (between buildings)? If so, what would the maximum length allowable?

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Yes it can, but it must be run inside conduit. The bare cable itself is not designed to be exposed to the elements. If there is a significant amount to cabling between buildings than you could buy high pair count armor-coated cable (i.e. 300 pairs) designed for outdoor use, but this cable is very expensive. Conduit is cheaper. As for distance you will be limited the TIA/EIA spec for Cat5e, which is 90 meters (300ft.)

This was first published in April 2002

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