There have been numerous attempts over the years to supply a 'strucutured cabling' solution. In the end it's cheaper and actually easier to install separate wires. Most of the time where the wires need to run isn't the same place. Power goes to one place, network another, audio, etc. That and the structured cables are far more bulky and more hassle to handle. Translating into increased labor costs. Finally, terminating the cable often required special connectors, adding more to the cost and labor expense. Thus running regular wire, separately, ends up being a better solution.
Eh, with proper insulation and connections it's possible. Trouble is that 'proper' aspect greatly raises the price.
How? By requiring larger holes and more difficult to pull cabling? And then needing more expensive connectors on the end to properly split it out to regular connections? And what if the long length of cable that was pulled has a problem? You'd still have to go back and pull more wire. In the end it's easier and cheaper (by a lot) to use separate cables.
Bill, we disagree on a lot of things, but you're 100% on the mark here.
Structured cable is an idea whose very short time has come and gone. It's stiff, hard to manage, impossible to staple, requires larger holes, requires much more time and bother if a segment fails and costs a hell of lot more than uncombined cables. The only place I see it used now is in huge installations where keeping associated wires together outweighs all the many deficits. Doesn't sound like it's the case here. While I might use it if I got a spool for free, I would never specify it for a new project. It's become so unpopular that it's probably possible to get structured cable for less than combined cables simply because vendors want to clear their inventory.
Even if the poster isn't sending Ethernet over the UTP, whatever he *is* sending (multiplexed video comes to mind) is still subject to the same problems that arise from running data cables too close to power ones. It could be OK if he is running cable to CCTV cams, because the power supply could be low voltage DC, and not likely to cause any interference problems. Without knowing what the wire is being used for makes this a guessing game. Maybe the OP can enlighten us.
One problem is there is so much deliberate misinformation (some people call it lying) on the part of the cable industry.
A few days ago I got a request for tech support from one of our online clients. He wanted to order riser cable for use in a house. I asked why riser cable. Someone convinced him it was safer and better than "ordinary" wire.
Well, riser cable is a code requirement in specific environments but not in his situation. I explained that it's not needed, will not benefit him and will cost several times what "ordinary" cable does. He was adamant. Nothing but the best.
We chatted for a while. He's a nice guy, determined to do the best job he can. Nothing I said would convince him, yet he did ask for tech support which me that implies he wants advice from someone who knows what's needed.
Ah, well. I helped him understand some other stuff and let him place the order online. I won't process an order over the phone for you if I know it's wrong. You have to make your own mistake. I haven't checked (I don't handle that part of the office any more) but I assume he got what he wanted.
This would never have happened if not for someone else telling the gentleman he needed it. The same thing happens every day with "structured" cable. Less than scrupulous marketers tell less than expert clients that they will have a better system because the cable is "special".
Look at the hype surrounding audio cable. People buy speaker wire with names of semi-precious stones, arrows on the jacket indicating which end points toward the speaker, braided with strands varying gauge so all the frequencies will get through.... faster.
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