| Question: Can I use
CAT 5 cable outdoors?
 Answer:
CAT 5 Cable is constructed using a PVC jacket as the standard
covering material. This is equal to and superior in many cases
to the jacketing on the voice lines that run outside of most of
our homes. In many cases, you can use standard PVC jacket CAT 5
or CAT 5e cable outdoors, without any complications. Just be
aware of the obvious considerations:
Location - If cable is constantly
exposed to sunlight and moisture, it will degrade faster than
cable that is protected by an overhang or some other location
that would keep it away from the elements as bad.
Traffic - If the cable is on the
ground, being stepped on and having vehicle or equipment
traffic, it obviously will not be expected to last very long.
Temporary VS permanent - Is this a
long-term, or temporary project? If it is temporary, even the
cheaper cable material would be able to survive outdoor use for
a short period of time.
You can now purchase outdoor rated cable, that
is designed specifically to resist sunlight, moisture, and most
other things. It is also a little more resistant to foot traffic
and getting "beat up" a little.
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