Where to get patch leads for use in contact with polystyrene (non-migratory PVC insulation)

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Where to get patch leads for use in contact with polystyrene (non-migratory PVC insulation)

martinv

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#306847 27-Aug-2023 10:01

The subject kind of says it all.

I have a new man cave that is constructed primarily from Formance panels. These are SIPs made from two sheets of OSB with polystyrene in between. I've found workarounds for much of my networking (Wi-Fi LOL), but there is one place where I'd really like to run a patch lead inside a SIP (they came with channels from the factory). But I can't find where to buy a single lead. Any help appreciated.

toejam316

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#3120786 27-Aug-2023 11:43

https://www.prysmiancable.co.nz/insight/pvc-cables-recommended-installation-practices/

Seems like a good source on information. Simplest solution seems to be just wrap the cable in polyester tape, which'll protect it.

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Goosey

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#3120791 27-Aug-2023 12:16

EXPOL WireGuard

IF you cant find anything else?

martinv

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#3120845 27-Aug-2023 14:33

toejam316:

https://www.prysmiancable.co.nz/insight/pvc-cables-recommended-installation-practices/

Seems like a good source on information. Simplest solution seems to be just wrap the cable in polyester tape, which'll protect it.

Interesting article. I had a look for some suitable tapes. Polyester tape looks to be available at

https://shardlow.co.nz/shop/tapes-adhesives/pvc-electrical-joining-and-sealing-tapes/0315-nitto-polyester-electrical-tape/

It's typically used on the windings of transformers. Cool.

Polypropylene tape seems to be used as packing tape. For example

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/bear-48mm-x-75m-clear-polypropylene-packaging-tape_p1661555

Still, when I think of wrapping a patch lead in tape I can only imagine a big mess (well, if I do it it will not be pretty LOL). ... People who see it later might wonder what on earth has been going on. Still, this might be a fall back option.

In the meantime, while I still haven't found a suitable patch lead, I have found some CAT5e wire that would likely do the trick. It's LSZH (low smoke zero halogen), which I believe at typically free from PVC (PVC releases harmful gases when burnt).

https://www.digikey.co.nz/en/products/detail/lapp/2170299/12147895

I would still have to put connectors on the end though.

Since this doesn't seem to have a common solution, even in other countries where polystyrene walls are more common, I'm wondering if there are a lot of houses out there that simply have regular PVC network cables in the walls. (!) If there was the opportunity to use a conduit it would be fine but these panels are otherwise sealed except for where you cut a hole in the wall.

toejam316

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#3120846 27-Aug-2023 14:42

The much more realistic answer is that it simply doesn't happen. If you're running cables through a wall, you're probably comfortable installing some keystone sockets on the end of the cable. You could try one of these, if LZSH is going to be the solution you're happy with though, as they go up to 10m of LSZH CAT6A.

https://www.4cabling.co.nz/catalogsearch/result/?q=LSZH

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SomeoneSomewhere

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#3120868 27-Aug-2023 17:35

I have heard that the issues with PVC cabling and polystyrene mostly occur at higher temperatures, and with insulation that is free to move (think round balls or packing peanuts piled in the wall, not rigid sheets). That means that as the cable 'eats' the insulation it's in contact with, more falls down to replace it.

So probably not a major issue with non-PoE ethernet in a rigid foam wall.

Spiral cable wrap could also be an option.

MadEngineer

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#3120871 27-Aug-2023 17:54

Make a patch lead with suitably rated cable - some of the external cable is rated non-migratory. You’ll be buying solid core for ease of termination so make sure it’s a “permanent” patch lead.

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elpenguino

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#3121620 29-Aug-2023 15:32

You can run the cable inside hose / pipe / tube or some other sheath.

Makes it easier to replace as well.

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martinv

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#3145089 10-Oct-2023 20:12

Just to update everyone I ended up going with exterior cable as pointed out by MadEngineer. It's not PVC, so doesn't have the plasticiser migration issue.

To clarify why I couldn't use a conduit, or easily wrap regular cable, the following photo shows where the cable disappears into the panel to a depth of 80mm, does a 90 degree turn, then runs for a few metres through the panel, does a 90 degree turn, then runs for a couple more metres. All this to run a PoE camera.