Can I just run Cat6, no Cat5e?

[DotNetDog]

I'm planning my wiring for a to-be-built home. I am not a professional installer (OK, that was obvious, huh?) so I would favor simple over saving a few dollars. OK, on to my question...

Is there any reason (other than cost) why I couldn't just run Cat6 and never run any Cat5e? In other words, are there any technical reasons why some runs really need to be Cat5/Cat5e?

I can buy 1000' feet of Cat5e for around $50 from here:
http://sewelldirect.com/CablesandAdapters/BulkCable?pbc=1

I can buy 1000' feet of Cat6 for around $100 from here:
http://sewelldirect.com/CablesandAdapters/BulkCable?pbc=1

Now, I have no idea how much Cat6/5e wire I will need..how many spools. I think that for a $50 difference I would be willing to run all Cat6. I have to run some anyways.

Thoughts?

 

[BryanE]

On new installs I always recommend Cat6. Can’t think of any reason, other than cost, you wouldn’t go this route.

 

[TXFlatLander]

IMO, you are making an excellent decision going with cat6. Will cat5e probably do for many more years for the average homeowner? Yes, but if you are going to be doing the work anyway just go with the latest and greatest if you can afford it.

You need to calculate how many runs you will put in each individual location and that will help you calculate how many boxes you need plus account for waste and service loops. I leave about 3 feet at the demarc and 18-24 inches at the far end. If you are using cat6 for more than just network, you may consider using different color jackets for each application, i.e. blue for network, red for video, white for security cameras, yellow for lighting. Label your wires after they are ran. Something to consider is when you are actually doing more than one run at a particular location, it is very nice to have that many boxes available so you can pull it all at one time. Going back and forth with the same box over the same path gets old really quick.

Since you are doing new construction, most people will tell you to plan-plan-plan & research-research-research and put in more than you think you will need and where you think you might want to put stuff in the future. It is way easier to run with the drywall and ceiling down, then when it is up. If you look through the forums, you will find how-to's and other's experiences. You will find lessons people learned the hard way, tips, and things that you may have not even thought about doing.

Also, consider everything you might want to do in the future. Thought about a security system? automated lighting? distributed HD video? Even if it isn't on the radar in the next few years after the house is built, again, it is easier to do it while the walls & ceiling are exposed. If you never do it and sale the house, it could be a selling point that it has cat6 for each switch for automated lighting that supports it (i.e. ALC).

BTW, Welcome to CT.com

 

[signal15]

Most Cat5e is 24AWG, and Cat6 is 23AWG, which makes Cat6 better for "non-network" usages that send power over the wire.

Also, Sewell is a bit higher than Monoprice on pricing:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepar...amp;cp_id=10234

I've bought a ton of bulk cable, premade cables, and adapters from Monoprice, and it's all top notch stuff. In fact, the Monoprice Cat6 is the only Cat6 I've found that I can tell the difference between the brown and the green since I'm colorblind. Their price went up. The 1000ft spools were $72 about 3 months ago, now they are $92. Make sure you buy solid core stuff for in wall usage. I've had issues with stranded popping out of the 110 punchdowns.

Don't forget to wire your bathroom so you can have a touchscreen for reading material while you are recreating Le Penseur.

 

[Neurorad]

+1 Monoprice, for bulk cat6

I use Leviton brand connectors, though, and not Monoprice. Leviton products are easy to get at HD/Lowes.

Cat6 connectors are still fairly pricey, but the cost is dropping. Wait as long as you can to buy connectors - 1-2 years, ideally. Terminate the cables as you need them (though if a cable is damaged, you won't find out until you need it).

Get copies of the floor plans, CAD/Visio/whatever they have.

The cocoontech wiki has the Wiring Your New Home 101-102-103 Guides (wiki link top of page), which you should study now.

 

[MikeB]

I've used these guys for my Leviton QuickPort connectors in the past. $5.75 for a Cat6:

https://www.tselectronic.com/leviton/61110.html

 

[DotNetDog]

Man, you guys a awesome! Thanks!
I found this site just a few weeks ago and I'm lovin' it! We just put a bid on a lot so I'm definitely getting an early start on my planning. Once we get the lot then we'll meet with builders to pick a floorplan...which I will definitely request a copy of.

On new installs I always recommend Cat6. Can’t think of any reason, other than cost, you wouldn’t go this route.

Thanks...that's what I thought.

IMO, you are making an excellent decision going with cat6. Will cat5e probably do for many more years for the average homeowner? Yes, but if you are going to be doing the work anyway just go with the latest and greatest if you can afford it.
...
BTW, Welcome to CT.com

I can't imagine the cost difference will be that much. Especially considering that I absolutely plan to use some Cat6 (for all my network runs). Great advice. Thanks. I'm glad I found this place.

Most Cat5e is 24AWG, and Cat6 is 23AWG, which makes Cat6 better for "non-network" usages that send power over the wire.

Also, Sewell is a bit higher than Monoprice on pricing:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepar...amp;cp_id=10234

I've bought a ton of bulk cable, premade cables, and adapters from Monoprice, and it's all top notch stuff. In fact, the Monoprice Cat6 is the only Cat6 I've found that I can tell the difference between the brown and the green since I'm colorblind. Their price went up. The 1000ft spools were $72 about 3 months ago, now they are $92. Make sure you buy solid core stuff for in wall usage. I've had issues with stranded popping out of the 110 punchdowns.

Don't forget to wire your bathroom so you can have a touchscreen for reading material while you are recreating Le Penseur.

Thanks for the link. And I think the touchscreen in the bathroom is a good idea...for those extended stays.

+1 Monoprice, for bulk cat6

I use Leviton brand connectors, though, and not Monoprice. Leviton products are easy to get at HD/Lowes.

Cat6 connectors are still fairly pricey, but the cost is dropping. Wait as long as you can to buy connectors - 1-2 years, ideally. Terminate the cables as you need them (though if a cable is damaged, you won't find out until you need it).

Get copies of the floor plans, CAD/Visio/whatever they have.

The cocoontech wiki has the Wiring Your New Home 101-102-103 Guides (wiki link top of page), which you should study now.

I already downloaded the wiring guide from this site. WOW! What a resource. Thanks.

I've used these guys for my Leviton QuickPort connectors in the past. $5.75 for a Cat6:

https://www.tselectronic.com/leviton/61110.html

Thanks for the link.


Once this project gets moving I'll consider a thread in the Showcase forum to document things. And I'll definitely be posting lots more questions. Thanks again, guys!