RE: Terminating Cable WAS ... Re: Sky+ at node zero

["Graham Howe" <graham@xxxxxxx>]

My approach was to put structured (CAT5 solid core) wiring throughout
the house. I have about 90 cables, all terminated in normal face plates
in the rooms and a patch panel in node zero. I then use CAT5 solid core
for most of my PIRs, cameras, KAT5 units, phones, IR distribution etc
etc. Everything works fine and everything can be moved anywhere simply
by plugging it in and making the corresponding connection at the patch
panel. Wires from the patch panel to Comfort are almost all solid CAT5
too.

*A few things worth noting, I do not use screened CAT5 and for the
Comfort keypads I have used proper alarm cable (though it is still
terminated at the patch panel and the faceplates) so I am not 100%
structured wiring. I certainly do follow Keiths rules when screwing down
solid cable. I only use stranded CAT5 for fly leads and not in any of
the IDC connections. So I guess I am agreeing with Keith really ;-)

Graham

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Doxey [mailto:ukha@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 05 July 2003 11:04
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: RE: Terminating Cable WAS ...[ukha_d] Re: Sky+ at node zero


I agree with Alan that Stranded Alarm cable should be used for alarm
panels but IF installed and terminated PROPERLY there shouldnt be any
problem using CAT5 or ordinary Telephone cable.

Prior to the introduction of IDC Punchdown terminations, ALL telephone
wiring was done using solid core cable terminated either on solder tags
where the wire was wrapped round a tag and soldered, or terminated under
a screw.

If you are going to connect a solid core cable under a screw head there
are three simple rules....

1. Go CLOCKWISE round the screw.
2. Dont overlap the wire

ie the cable should be like this

______________
_

not like this as it will cut through itself
______________
_

3. Dont overtighten the screw.

If it is going to have direct pressure applied from the thread of the
screw then you shouldnt use solid cable as it screw will bite through
the wire. If it is a cage clamp terminal ( a small leaf spring actually
grabs the cable ) then it isnt a problem.

Likewise you shouldnt use stranded cable with an IDC connector. It can
be done but doesnt give a reliable termination.

Ideally you should use the correct cable type for the intended purpose.

Keith

www.diyha.co.uk
www.kat5.tv


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alancc [mailto:alan.cc@xxxxxxx]
> Sent: 05 July 2003 09:57
> To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [ukha_d] Re: Sky+ at node zero
>
>
> You should not use Cat5 cable for alarm systems, its not designed for
> the terminations and is prone to snapping off if you move it
> about a little.
> Also BS 4737 has a specification for the cable type to be
> used, that's why
> we have alarm cable. If you do use screened cable make sure
> you join the
> screen at any joints and earth it at the panel otherwise it
> acts like a big
> antenna to crap.
>
> Alancc
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Paul <p-gale@xxxxxxx>
> To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
> Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 10:27 AM
> Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Re: Sky+ at node zero
>



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