Data Cables Conduit - DOB?
I need to put several data (low voltage) cables through the house. So I went ahead and bought 3/4″EMT and conduit bender. Do I need permit/etc to put conduit in place? Do I need permit/etc to put cables in it? I mean these are not power cables. Just CAT6 network cable, A/V security camera cable…
I need to put several data (low voltage) cables through the house. So I went ahead and bought 3/4″EMT and conduit bender. Do I need permit/etc to put conduit in place? Do I need permit/etc to put cables in it?
I mean these are not power cables. Just CAT6 network cable, A/V security camera cable and thermostat cable for next year’s heating system replacement.
Am I in danger to get $5K fine from DOB? Do I need to ground the conduit and if yes – then how? Can I run any of these cables outside of the conduit?
A data cable is any media that allows baseband transmissions (binary 1,0’s) from a transmitter to a receiver.
Yeah it would be required in a plenum, which seldom exists in a residential setting. Since he’s installing in conduit he should save the extra $50 a roll.
Make sure you purchase plenum rated Cat5/6 cable. It costs more, but is required on certain runs for fire resistance. In a drywall wall, it wouldn’t be necessary, but basement, dropped ceiling etc yes. better use all plenum to be safe.
There is no permitting required for low voltage work. Even if it is in conduit. You do not have to ground the pipe as it is only for low voltage. However if your wiring is shielded you will want to maintain the continuity of the shield wire and bond one side to ground. Get lots of extra EMT if this is your first time as you will screw up (I used to constantly put the offset on the wrong side). Bending is art form and at best and an acquired skill at a minimum.
masterbuilder – thanks for the answer. What If I want to put it in conduit. I want to protect the cables from damage in basement and yes, I just want to play with bender :).
Do I need to ground the conduit and if yes – how?
You do not need to run low voltage cable through conduit in New York. I’ve managed the install of miles of low voltage cable – in brownstones and airports such as JFK and La Guardia, and even Grand Central Terminal. I had to pull permits for the airports, but not with the DOB – with the port authority.