Under Eaves: Standard LAN cables may be used provided they are not directly exposed to sunlight or extreme heat; the use of conduit is recommended. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation-Do not deploy cables lacking UV protection in environments subject to direct sunlight.
On Exterior Walls: Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and protect against physical damage. Heat-Temperatures within metal conduits or cable trays can become very high; many polymeric materials experience a reduced service life when subjected to such temperatures.
Inside Conduits (Plastic or Metal): When routing cables through conduits, be mindful of potential damage to plastic conduits and the heat-conducting properties of metal conduits. Mechanical Damage (Repair Costs)-Repairing fiber optic cables is extremely expensive, typically requiring at least two terminations for every single break point.
Suspended Applications / Overhead Cabling: Account for cable sag and tensile stress. Verify whether the cable will be directly exposed to sunlight.
Direct Burial in Underground Trenches: This environment presents the fewest opportunities for environmental control. Underground trenches should be inspected periodically to monitor moisture levels (whether dry or damp). Grounding-If the shielding of the control cable requires grounding, all relevant standards and regulations must be strictly observed.
Underground Conduits: Installing cables within underground conduits is a preferred method, as it facilitates future upgrades and cable replacements while providing isolation from surface pressures and the surrounding environment. However, do not assume that the conduit will remain dry indefinitely; this assumption will influence the appropriate selection of the control cable type. Water-The presence of moisture within LAN twisted-pair cables increases cable capacitance, thereby lowering impedance and potentially causing Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) issues.
