Cat6 Installation Tips
Always study and document the required cabling layout and the distances between the equipment to be cabled before starting a Cat6 cable installation.
Refer to ANSI/TIA/ EIA 606 Document for color coding the different functions used in the system guidance. Use either PVC or plenum cable as required depending on where the cables are run. Fiber optic and/or copper cable may be required depending on the transmission speed and type of equipment.
For Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cat5e & Cat6 cabling, the horizontal cable will have up to 90 meters of UTP cable and up to 10 meters of patch cords according to TIA/TSB 67. Check the cable manufacturer’s installation instructions: if the cable is not run in wire cable trays, it should be supported at least every 4 feet. Avoid putting stress on the cable when pulling the cable runs.
Don’t:
- Bend the cable more than at a 90 degree angle
- Exceed the minimum 1 inch bend radius for a 4 pair cable
- Use more than 25lbs. maximum pulling tension on a 4 pair cable.
- Over tighten cable ties on cable bundles.
- Run hand trucks over the cable.
Do:
- Install telecom cables at least 5 inches from Power Lines
- Use loose Velcro to bind cable groups where possible
- Avoid unnecessary bends in the cable runs
- Make computer room connections with labeled patch panels
- Label wall plates to match the corresponding patch panel designation
- Maintain 568A or 568B color coding for the entire system
Color codes for either T568A or T568B should be maintained throughout the entire system so that the pair to pair connections are maintained.
Remember: Using even a single Cat 5e jumper in a Cat 6 system will lower the system to Cat 5e. Always terminate a Cat 6 system with Cat 6 jumpers.
