How hard is it to get Cat6 cabling correct?

bremen1874 · 3 Sep 2011 at 04:17

I’ve only ever installed Cat5 cabling.

I’ve got access to a real cable tester for Cat5, and it’s very rare for it to identify any problems. It’s so rare that a basic connectivity tester would be adequate in 99.99% of cases.

I was wondering if there’s anyone out there that works with Cat6 and uses the applicable test equipment? If there is, how hard is to get Cat6 correct?

kg648 · 3 Sep 2011 at 07:46

very easy sir, just make sure you have a decent crimper and you will be fine.

Locky · 3 Sep 2011 at 10:41

No different from Cat5 to be honest, you will be fine.

Yamahahahahaha · 3 Sep 2011 at 11:48

Besides the bend radius, the only real difference is leaving the minimum amount of wire untwisted when you terminate it. 2 - 4mm at most.

Sin_Chase · 3 Sep 2011 at 15:45

Harder to work with but not hard.

bremen1874 · 3 Sep 2011 at 16:04

So assuming you're careful it's rare for a cable analyser to pick up any problems?

Is it rare enough to be able to confidently install Cat6 without using a cable analyser? I could certify a Cat6 installation to Cat5 standards, but I haven’t got access to a Cat6 capable analyser.

Sin_Chase · 3 Sep 2011 at 17:27

Unless there was an inherent issue with the parts you are using then there is no reason cat6 would be any more susceptible to errors due to install than cat5e.

It's just as easy to punch down so assuming you have not messed up anything any errors would be due to defects. I would be happy with an install using regular testers which test point-to-point connectivity only.