sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Cat3 and Electrical Conduit question

On site today I seen where someone ran along and tied down a Cat3 run from the NID to the wall biscuit onto the flexible steel conduit that was being used for the 4 port electrical box. It was tied down externally for about 20 feet then down a drop ceiling to the NID.

I know for networking this is not acceptable, but for general DSL telco I am wondering if it would effect transmission throughput and what the standards are for this type of install.

Is it proper to run a Cat3 along a flexible steel conduit for a DSL circuit?

Shouldn't hurt anything. As far as acceptable goes, if I had a choice I'd probably find some other way to attach it.

The proximity of the cable to the conduit will not affect the performance of the DSL circuit since the conduit provides sufficient shielding from AC power interference.

This is a violation of NEC requirements. It is not legal to use any type of electrical conduit as a support means for any type of cable.

I wasn't aware of that Ed, thanks. I've sure seen lots of stuff ty wrapped to electric conduit.

I know for networking this is not acceptable...

I defy you to find one instance where this practice has caused a data problem.

As to your question the only problem is with the NEC which prohibits attaching LV wiring to really anything other than it's own supports.

-Hal

Bill, it only matters in places where the NEC is actually enforced. I agree that it goes on everywhere, but it has been illegal with regard to the electrical code for quite some time.

If I recall from what I've read here, Ohio doesn't play around with NEC enforcement, so I'd say that it is better to be safe than sorry.

I know a couple electricians around here that either don't know that, or ignore it. I know you and Hal always keep us straight on the codes. :thumb:

I know a couple electricians around here that either don't know that, or ignore it.

I'm sure that's just the tip of the iceberg.

-Hal

800.154(B)?

Jack

I've seen DOZENS of inspections flunked for this over the years.

Not MY work, mind you - I actually READ the NEC - but "existing nonconforming", as they say in the trade. It never mattered. We'd have to fix the old stuff as well.

Many inspectors told me they'd seen this trick abused to the point of conduits "falling off the wall or ceiling", so they just adopted a no-tolerance policy on it.

My advice: if there's an inspector anywhere in the future of the project, don't do it!

I mean, come on, you've got a hammerdrill and some spastic anchors, don't you? Ty-raps and mounting bases, right? At least, tell me you've got some Bridle Rings and Caddy clips for the ceiling, huh?

BTW, when I DO have to run stuff properly, where no man has run stuff [properly] before, I take pictures - at least with my cellphone - to prove the pre-existing WAS pre-existing.

And to show off. Before-and-After pix, as well as Side-by-Sides are great for your Promo and your Project Scrapbook.