When you’re planning to create a home internet connection or an office/business work, you’ll need an ethernet cable to help in the installation process. This cable ensures strong internet connectivity that enables you to communicate with others without a single hitch. Leaving your ethernet cable on the floor would cause tripping hazards and also make your place look disorganized. These are some of the reasons why ethernet cables usually run through the ceiling.
So, how do you run ethernet cable through the ceiling?
With a few tips and techniques, you can run ethernet cables through the ceiling after the building construction. However, the best time to do it is during the building construction. First, ensure that you prevent any damage to the ethernet cables before you begin working. Also, have the right tools such as an electric tape, tape measure, stud finder, etc., in place.
Before you can get how to run an ethernet cable through the ceiling, it’s only right that you first know what an ethernet cable is and what it does.
What Is an Ethernet Cable and What Does It Do?
Ethernet cable is an exceptional cable used to transfer data from one computer device to the next. An ethernet cable works best with the ethernet ports found on TVs, routers, switches, and desktops. Though you can use a wireless internet connection to transfer data, the wired network has several benefits, such as;
- Reliability
- Ensures high internet speed
- Some computer devices may not allow wireless/Wi-Fi connection.
So, if you need a reliable and solid network, then you should consider wiring up in your home or at the office. There are various types of ethernet cables, including straight through and crossover Ethernet cables. The crossover cable can connect two or more desktops, while the straight-over type connects your desktop to the main network switch.
How to Prevent Damage to the Ethernet Cables
When the cable installation doesn’t happen as it should, there could be some potential damage to the Ethernet cables when you run them through the ceiling. This is known as a cable fault, which can happen when the power cable’s insulation deteriorates. Therefore, the power cable no longer has the strength to hold voltage, leading to an electric short.
A cable fault comes about due to many reasons. But the most common cause is the environmental changes, like excess grit or moisture. As a result of too much pressure on the cable during installation, damage occurs.
Imagine how frustrating and tiring it would be for an installer to run the ethernet cables through the ceiling, only to realize cable faults later. Cable faults can put you both over the budget and behind schedule if you don’t prevent it early.
To prevent damage to your ethernet cables, you should select cables insulated with long-lasting materials. These are tough and resilient materials that can withstand extreme environmental changes, cuttings, abrasion, oil, and chemicals. Also, avoid exerting too much pressure on the cables and bending sharply on the corners during installation.
Planning an Ethernet Cable Run Through the Ceiling at Home or In the Office
Once you’ve prevented any damage to the ethernet cable from happening, the next step should be planning the run. It could be at home, especially now that most people work from home due to covid 19 or office.
Remember, the ceiling run must have a few penetrations on the wall and practicable sharp bends to reduce causing cable damage. These two also ensures a smooth and easy ethernet cable installation. You must also consider the possibility of adding a few extra ethernet cables in the future should the need arise, especially in the office.
Your safety is the most important thing when working with an electric cable. For this reason, you need to ensure that you have a live jacket on and any other thing that may prevent an accident from happening.
Getting the Suitable Ethernet Cable
There are several things to consider when choosing a suitable ethernet cable. This is a challenging and time-consuming task, most specifically because there are multiple types available today.
The first consideration is the length of your ethernet cable. Pick for the proper length that will run freely and easily through the ceiling down to the walls. Remember, the length of an ethernet cable doesn’t in any way affect its signal strength. Ethernet cable’s standard size is 100m, which is the Cat5e cable.
The maximum size, on the other hand, depends on the cable’s quality and equipment configuration. For instance, Cat6 and Cat7 ethernet cables are more extended, and their wires range from 324 feet to 700 feet. This tells you that you shouldn’t go to the market to buy any ethernet cable available. Instead, purchase the one that suits your unique installation requirements.
Here are other tips that will lead you to a suitable ethernet cable.
Your Environment
Where will you install the ethernet cable? Note that some ethernet cables are waterproof, meaning that you can put them outside. Others are only meant for indoors. Once you know where you’ll install them, you can pick the best quality that fits your needs.
Network Hub
If you connect your computer device directly to a network hub, you should purchase a straight-through cable.
Speed
Here, you should buy the most excellent ethernet cable as per the budget. So, if you must make some adjustments to the infrastructure to reduce the required ethernet cable’s length, please do it.
Running Your Cable Through the Ceiling
With all the above factors in place, it’s about time you run your ethernet cables through the ceiling.
Step1: Find the Right Spot
The first step is to find the correct entry point. The roof may have some hidden ductwork, piping, and electrical conduit. Even so, you’ll still have enough space for the cable.
Step2: Drill Hole in Ceiling
You may need to drill through the ceiling to create a hole for the ethernet cable to pass.
Step3: Use Fish Tape
A fish tape, for instance, can be used to find the best route for the ethernet cable through the electric conduit and the wall. You only need to put it in the ceiling and lead it across to the other end to find the intersecting hole.
Check Fish tape on Amazon: Click here
Step4: Pull cable Across Ceiling
To make your work easier, have someone to help you guide the ethernet cable through the holes as you pull it across the ceiling. Once done pulling the cable across, you need to cut it from the fish tape. Do this after pulling several feet of the ethernet cable through the intersecting hole. Then, you can finish up the network installation.
Hire or Not Hire A Professional Help
You can get a certified professional to do the work for you, though this is also a DIY task. They know how to run the cable through the ceiling and have the right tools for the job. Therefore, an expert would do it smoothly and quickly.
This means that you get to save time and also minimize the risks of accidents. Remember that there is a higher risk when installing or pulling the ethernet cables through the roof.
Conclusion
When you’re thinking about a wired network, be it at home or in the office, think of ethernet cable since it’s the backbone of wired networks. Follow the tips above to run an ethernet cable through the ceiling properly.
Once you do that, you’ll be able to send or receive information from one device to the next fast and with ease.
