s about Cat 6 cable for underground conduits leading to a garage.
s about Cat 6 cable for underground conduits leading to a garage.
Hello, your question about installing PoE devices in your garage is clear. For burying cables below the frost line at about 3 feet, you’ll need cables rated for underground use. There’s typically no strict limit on the number of PoE runs per conduit, but following local codes and best practices is wise. Let me know if you need more details!
PoE operates at low voltage, so relevant low-voltage standards would apply, though avoid running it with high voltage power. It’s safest to use underground cabling just in case the conduit is damaged.
Consider testing it using the POE runs. If issues arise, install a CAT6 cable underground without POE and connect a POE injector switch in your garage to supply power for your various devices over shorter distances.
There’s potential in the garage. The device placements would need new wiring too. It’s simpler to use PoE instead. I already have a PoE switch at home, but thinking about an injector could be useful. Either way, I’ll still need to lay at least two separate cables between the two buildings. @Allan B I’ll remember this idea, thanks.
It's best practice to run underground rated wire even though you are using conduit. Most likely you will get moisture exposure. There's no need to have the conduit below the frost line. 18 inches is minimum depth for non metallic conduit, but it could be even shallower since it's low voltage. I don't think there's a limit to how many low voltage cables you can have in a conduit.
Since a PoE connection between buildings isn't necessary, fiber optic could be a better option. It eliminates the danger of lightning damaging everything.
Thank you for the idea. If I approached this from the beginning, I’d think about this way. Right now it looks like a waste of money. One injector for the garage isn’t costly. Two new switches would be needed for the fibre setup. I already have everything required for PoE except the cable. Switching to fibre would mean replacing the current cables and switches, which adds more expense. If the situation forces me to cut everything, then fibre could be a reason. For now, I’m sticking with what’s available.
They produce Ethernet surge protectors. If you're concerned about lightning.