In some situations, you may need to run your Ethernet cables outside, such as when you’re connecting devices in separate buildings. Without the roof and walls of a structure, your cables are at an increased risk of sustaining damage. Since you don’t want them to malfunction, employ these ways to protect an outdoor Ethernet cable as you set it up.
Hold Them Using Cable Straps
You might have placed your cables perfectly so that they don’t come into contact with any hazards that could hurt them. However, if they’re prone to shifting, this won’t matter much. Thus, you should secure them in place with cable straps, which you can screw into a building’s outer walls. These simple items are easy to find at your local hardware store, and they’ll help you keep your Ethernet cords dry and shaded from the sun.
Pick a Suitable Jacket Type
Cable straps aren’t the only ways to protect an outdoor Ethernet cable from the elements. The jacket that surrounds each cable’s wiring can also serve as a safe barrier against perils. Different Ethernet cable jacket ratings will provide resistance to various forces. Look for CMX-rated jackets in particular, as these are designed with the outdoors in mind. They’re waterproof and resistant to UV rays, so you can run them without fear for their safety. You can also bury CMX cables directly in the ground, where they’re less likely to be tampered with.
Protect the Connector Box
The connector box is where the cable heads inside a building through a wall. Although your cable may be secure against the elements, the connector box might remain vulnerable to storms and insects. If it becomes damaged, this might compromise your cable as a whole. Protect your connector box by adding on a waterproof cover plate in place of its default one. You should also seal the cracks along its edges with silicone so that water and insects cannot get inside and wreak havoc.
