Can I use CAT 5 cable outdoors?

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Question: Can I use CAT 5 cable outdoors?

Answer: CAT 5 Cable is constructed using a PVC jacket as the standard covering material. This is equal to and superior in many cases to the jacketing on the voice lines that run outside of most of our homes. In many cases, you can use standard PVC jacket CAT 5 or CAT 5e cable outdoors, without any complications. Just be aware of the obvious considerations:

Location - If cable is constantly exposed to sunlight and moisture, it will degrade faster than cable that is protected by an overhang or some other location that would keep it away from the elements as bad.

Traffic - If the cable is on the ground, being stepped on and having vehicle or equipment traffic, it obviously will not be expected to last very long.

Temporary VS permanent - Is this a long-term, or temporary project? If it is temporary, even the cheaper cable material would be able to survive outdoor use for a short period of time.

You can now purchase outdoor rated cable, that is designed specifically to resist sunlight, moisture, and most other things. It is also a little more resistant to foot traffic and getting "beat up" a little.

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