In outdoor installations, in most cases, outdoor cables are needed to maintain the performance of the cables standards. But other types of cables can be added to mix such as security or access control. When those are added, what are the specific guideline that would need to be followed? When should outdoor or indoor cables be installed?
Outdoor Cables:
An outdoor-rated cable should always be used, whether its networking, security, fiber, in conduit if the cable will be exposed to the following elements:
- Sunlight
- Moisture
- Humidity
- Weather elements
- Rapid Temperature changes
For example, when installing a cable in an outdoor venue, it is always smart to use an outdoor-rated cable. Even if the area the cable is being installed is covered under a roof or in a parking structure outdoor cables should be used. Just because a location can offer protection from wind and moisture doesn’t mean the cable can withstand high humidity levels or temperature fluctuations.
In some cases, some cables offer a water blocking tape to protect the cable. Even if water were to penetrate the cable, the water blocking tape offers another layer of protection for the cable. Click to learn more about our Aquaseal cables here. There are also cables that offer a thicker, more resistant jacket, to protect the cable from environmental factors.
What about Indoor Cables?
When installing a cable for a large building, residential, office, etc., if the cable will not be exposed at all to any outdoor elements, then an indoor cable would be the right choice. Outdoor cables can offer a cost difference depending on the protection level, so sticking with an indoor cable would be easier and more cost-effective in that scenario.
Want to learn more about Wet Location cabling?
Related Cables:
- Aquaseal Cables: Direct Burial Vs. Inconduit
- What are the benefits of Aquaseal & Wet Location Cables?
