In: Civil Engineering
For Copper Cables
The following guidelines are recommended during the installation of copper cables:
• Avoid placing multiple cable bundles over each other, or over bundling the cables, as it leads to performance degradation of the cables below.
• Ensure that the copper cables are twisted together for canceling out Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from the external sources that are not exposed even partially, as it results in EMI issues.
• Avoid the following actions that can stress the cable:
– Applying extra twists.
– Pulling or stretching beyond the specified pulling load rate.
– Creating tension in the suspension runs.
– Stapling or applying pressure with the cable ties.
• Preserve the same density of twists in the cable pairs till its termination for horizontal and backbone twistedpair cabling as applicable.
• Avoid using patch cables, which are used to connect data networking equipment to patch panels that are constructed using a solid core STP cable with stranded core RJ-45 connectors, because this can cause failure of the individual cables over a period of time due to connector differences and core size (with no metal to metal connection between the blades of the connector and the core of the cable). Even though connectivity is initially established, the risk of failure increases due to the movement or flexing of cables and/or stress between the cable and connectors.
Best practices for copper cable within networking field
The following best practices are recommended during the installation of copper cables:
• Install higher cable categories to meet the application requirements that may arise in the future.
• Use thin and high-density cables as necessary to enable more cable runs in tight spaces.
• Use the Velcro-based ties every 1 to 2 meters for bundling or securing the cables, and avoid using zip ties as they apply pressure on the cables.