Tips to Protect Your Outdoor Ethernet Cable

Cables, particularly ethernet cables, are a helpful and portable way to connect PCs, routers, and switches. And if you use an outdoor Ethernet cable, you have to provide it with added protection from water and different weather conditions. Taking measures to limit the UV, water, and lightning strike damage while securing their efficiency underground can help prevent long-term damage. With a few easy steps provided below, your cables will be safe and efficient in a more extended period.

Reduce the Lightning Strikes and Storm Risks Damage

• Have your Ethernet cable’s connector box weatherproofed. Weatherproofing your connector box can both lessen the possibility of strikes and the extent of damage endured during stormy weather. Use outer plating in place of the cover plate and use a silicone seal to the external edges to make it resistant to storm damage.
• Choose a waterproof cable from the best water proof cable manufacturer to help minimize damage during stormy weather. Waterproof cables are presumably to resist power surges and damage during storms. Although most outdoor cables are waterproof, some may not be that reliable— ensure that the cable has a waterproof coating before you install it.
• Pick an Ethernet cable that can resist surges of at least 6 kV. Though you won’t be able to control lightning strikes, you can control sudden electrical surges that may damage your cord. To limit damage during storms or power surges, choose a cable and connector that can withstand at least 6 kilovolts.
• Find cables that can endure extreme temperatures. To withstand harsh weather, pick cables that can work efficiently in both hot and cold weather and can handle temperatures down to −40 °C.

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Limit UV or Water Damage

• Pick an outdoor cable that has a UV-resistant coating. There are cables that have an outer coating protecting it from extreme sun exposure and UV damage. Make sure the cable you purchase is labeled “UV-resistant,” especially if you’ll be installing it outdoors and not underground.
• Do PVC piping with a UV coating. When you buy a PVC cable, make sure it is UV-resistant if you intend to use it in direct sunlight.
• Secure your Ethernet cord in place with the cable straps. You can use cable straps to hold your cable away from water sources or direct sunlight
• Drill 2 holes on each side of the cable and screw in the cable strap to secure it to a stable structure.

Bury Ethernet Cables Underground

• Burying the Ethernet cable underground is the safest option. Do not bury the regular Ethernet cables, as they are not made to run in underground conditions. See to it that the cable is labeled “direct burial” before you purchase it. This type of ethernet cables are made with more durable waterproofing materials and can withstand rodent or pest damage.
• Avoid running the cable more than 300 feet underground. Going beyond this limit can exceed the cord’s energy capacity and leave it at risk of external damage. If you have to cover an area of more than 300 feet, install multiple cables to cover all areas.
• Utilize a PVC conduit to run specific non-direct burial cables underground. Even if you do not have a direct burial Ethernet cable, using a conduit can still enable you to bury it underground. Do it by sliding the conduit over the cable before installing it to maintain your cable’s protection in underground conditions.