repair of data (cat 5) cable

[sarahproperty]

Can anyone advise the best way to repair a damaged cable?

With ordinary cable i know you can use junction boxes or connector blocks, but i am concerned the position may be different with data cable, as there might be a loss of signal?

 

[Spark123]

You can get junction boxes specifically for cat 5 cable. http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=CN04645

 

[Belle427]

you could use a jb but twist and solder the cores together,then sleeve

 

[jwilliams]

If it is actually being used as an ethernet cable, then simple connector blocks will cause signal loss.

If it's cat5 being pressed into service as phone or LV control cable, then choc blocks are fine.

To put connectors onto the end of an ethernet cable, you normally need specialised tools. Punchdowns to a socket can be done with cheap little plastic tools if you're careful.

Edit: Spark123 beat me to it; I was trying to find a link to those

 

[RF Lighting]

twin cat5 socket and a short patchlead

 

[sarahproperty]

the cable is being used to run from a heating thermostat back to a control panel which supplies power to heating.

will i therefore need specialist soldering? or can i just join the two ends with connectors or by twisting the two ends together (this works with speaker cable)?

 

[Pensdown]

I hope the cable's not being used at mains voltage?

 

[sarahproperty]

no. the thermostats are all low voltage. the data cable purely sends the signal from the stat to the control panel.
all the power comes from the control panel via separate normal cables.

 

[Pensdown]

Phew!..as this is a diy forum I had to ask

You could twist them together and pop them in connector block. You could also use crimps if you already have a couple.

Take care when stripping the cable cores because they are very easy to damage.

 

[Adam_151]

I'd crimp RJ45 connectors on it and use a coupler, or at least I would if it was actually being used for ethernet, not sure that wouldn't lead to confusion in this case though :s

 

[MasterAbacus]

Just wondering how this cable got damaged..... it didnt over heat by any chance? this stuff is pretty robust normally....

If you worried about signal loss, it depends on the length of the cable..... but as you say its for a control pannel, it shouldnt matter....

Id be very tempted to install a new run either way.....


What make is the control pannel?

 

[sarahproperty]

it got damaged because my husband was chasing the wall next to it, it did not overheat.

we cant no run a new length to the control panel because all the floors and walls are sealed now.

do you think that normal connector blocks will suffice, or the crimpers (like the ones used on telephone wires), without causing problems to the signal/data?