UTP Cable Installed in Metal Conduit
If you want to install UTP cabling in a grounded metal conduit, consider the following:
Use conduit composed of ferrous metal. Aluminum conduit is unacceptable as it provides little or no protection from EMI.
Use conduit throughout the system from junction box to junction box to ensure an adequate ground return path.
PVC Conduit
When cables are buried below the floor level, the use of PVC Conduit is permitted. When using PVC conduit in concrete flooring, the following guidelines apply:
Locate the PVC conduit at least six inches below the surface of the floor.
Locate the PVC conduit at least six inches from other nearby conduits.
Cable Damage
The possibility of mechanical damage to cables is generally apparent at the time of installation. This includes outdoor runs of cable, as sunlight, rain and mechanical flexing due to wind causes the cable to deteriorate. Do not kink or tightly bend the cable; the bend radius should be at least four times the outside cable diameter.
Lightning
Lightning does not need to directly strike the cabling to cause damage or disruption to the system. Nearby lightning strikes produce strong electromagnetic fields that can induce voltages on the data transmission cables causing disruptions or damage. Use a grounded ferrous metal conduit for installations in geographical areas subject to frequent thunderstorm activity. In cases where shielded cables are used, reduce the effects of lightning by placing the cable runs as close to ground level as possible.
Electrical Motors
Motors of various sizes are found in a typical restaurant or hotel site. Us a grounded ferrous metal conduit when running cabling at distances less than two feet from motors that are 1/4 horsepower or smaller, or less than six feet from motors larger than 1/4 horsepower.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
The probability of RFI varies in accordance with many factors, including transmitter power, location, construction materials used in the building, and the physical placement of the power and data transmission cables.