Long-term outdoor usage of Cat5e without conduit

[redalert 0]

If I run Cat5e cables without conduit but protected under siding should I be concerned with long-term degradation and reliability? Would rg59 be the better option?

[yakky 0]

5 years, no issues. 10... I dunno. The big thing is sunlight, that will destroy the cable faster than the temp swings and rain.

[jakesoundels 0]

If I run Cat5e cables without conduit but protected under siding should I be concerned with long-term degradation and reliability? Would rg59 be the better option?

 

3 years here...and it is regular cat5 running up the outside of the house. Still works like a charm; is getting faded though

[buster74985 0]

They do have direct burial and cables with UV protection. In Texas the UV and intense heat will make regular cables brittle very quickly.

[redalert 0]

They do have direct burial and cables with UV protection. In Texas the UV and intense heat will make regular cables brittle very quickly.

 

 

Like I said, it's going to go under vinyl siding so UV won't be an issue though I suppose moisture might.

[jakesoundels 0]

If you can work the wire under the siding you will be okay. Like I said, Cat5 has been exposed for a while now in all sorts of Pennsylvania weather. Other runs around the house are in conduit but I never got around to placing the run up the side in it. Besides, if you have problems you know what needs to be done.

[Ken Layton 0]

The wire can be painted for protection from weather.

[jeromephone 6]

The best solution is the outdoor rated cable even if the uv does not get it any water getting inside can cause a problem the outdoor stuff has a gel filling the blocks water from wicking through the cable. Painting the cable might help with the uv problem but wont help if there is a break in the jacket.