4 ms·

Eh, I ran preterminated point-to-point single mode fiber through my house, wasn't that hard, and I didn't find them very delicate. I ran smurf tube (ridged blue

by ericd 3y ago

Eh, I ran preterminated point-to-point single mode fiber through my house, wasn't that hard, and I didn't find them very delicate. I ran smurf tube (ridged blue plastic conduit) first, then just pulled them through by their ends using fish tape. Nothing broke, and I got rock solid 10 gbE links. I also found it to be cheaper than my copper (which I did in parallel, non-engineers are more likely to know what to do with it). The fiber 10 gbE SFP modules were cheaper, run WAY cooler, and 10 gbE SFP switches seem to be cheaper/better/run cooler than those with 10 gbE RJ45 jacks. The copper/RJ45 10gbit SFP modules I used can burn you if you touch them, and the switch manufacturer specifies that you should space them out with an empty slot in between. If you just want to run at 1 gbit, then I think copper is the clear winner for home use unless you need unusually long runs or something, but at that point, why wire at all? That said, I installed this stuff a year ago, so maybe there are better switch/SFP module options now.

ethbr1 3y ago
Is there a list of various recommended conduit types for low voltage / networking? Or is it really "what works"? I've never been able to figure out what I'm supposed to use for any given non-mains-electrical run.
- riskable 3y ago
  Technically you're supposed to use conduit that's made for the type of cable run that you're doing. Something that's certified for use in homes, that's fire-resistant and won't kill you with toxic gas when it burns. IMHO you don't really need long conduits in a normal home so you shouldn't worry about it. You just need the conduit to act as a "longer grommet" where you drill holes through wood/joists or need a 90° bend somewhere. For everywhere else just make sure to secure the cables to the rafters (or as high as possible) so no one accidentally steps on them. You can even use tiny cuts of PVC conduit for that purpose with plastic U-shaped fastener things to keep them where you want.
  - ethbr1 3y ago
    My main use case is vertical, through-floor runs. I know it's penetrating a fire barrier (e.g. normal flooring OSB), so should probably have some sort of break... but what's typically used there? Common recommendation seems to be "in-wall-rated whatever", but I'd rather do it right if I'm taking the time to do it.

by ericd 3y ago

ethbr1 3y ago

Is there a list of various recommended conduit types for low voltage / networking? Or is it really "what works"? I've never been able to figure out what I'm supposed to use for any given non-mains-electrical run.

riskable 3y ago
Technically you're supposed to use conduit that's made for the type of cable run that you're doing. Something that's certified for use in homes, that's fire-resistant and won't kill you with toxic gas when it burns. IMHO you don't really need long conduits in a normal home so you shouldn't worry about it. You just need the conduit to act as a "longer grommet" where you drill holes through wood/joists or need a 90° bend somewhere. For everywhere else just make sure to secure the cables to the rafters (or as high as possible) so no one accidentally steps on them. You can even use tiny cuts of PVC conduit for that purpose with plastic U-shaped fastener things to keep them where you want.
- ethbr1 3y ago
  My main use case is vertical, through-floor runs. I know it's penetrating a fire barrier (e.g. normal flooring OSB), so should probably have some sort of break... but what's typically used there? Common recommendation seems to be "in-wall-rated whatever", but I'd rather do it right if I'm taking the time to do it.