Newbie about to run Cat5

["Hawes,Timothy Edward (GEG)" <haweste@xxxxxxx>]

[Also posted to UK_Selfbuild - apologies if any of you also subscribe to
that list]

I'm picking up a wall chaser tomorrow for my first foray into this Cat5
business. I'm going to be chasing walls and installing conduit now, but not
actually pulling cables for a month or so (various reasons why, but that's
the way it has to be).

I'm going to run Cat5, CT100 and speaker cable to many of the rooms in the
house, and build in provision for running cables to the remaining rooms. A
while ago James Hoye (I think) commented on the merits of different sized
conduit. I was originally planning on installing 25mm round, on the basis
that 20mm round was a bit tight for 4 cables, but am now considering
25mmx16mm with a snap on lid (but buried in the wall) since it's got more
useable cross-section. Has anyone installed this type, any comments on the
benefits (or otherwise) ?

I was planning on a 5-6mm plaster coat on top of the conduit - will this be
thick enough to prevent cracking etc ?

Also, in some locations, I may want to run Cat5 & speaker cable in same
conduit. I know mains & LV (Cat5) in the same conduit is a no-no, but
what
about Cat5 & speaker cable ?

One final question. While I'm hiring the tool and making the mess, I'd like
to put in provision for future (Cat5 based) keypads at light-switch height.
I can chase the wall, fit the conduit and plaster over, but what about the
backbox ? Ideally I'd like to fit this too, and completely hide it under
the
plaster (I'll know where it'll be when I come to use it). Is there a
problem
>from
that's completely hidden ?


Here's hoping you can help (and I'm doing the right thing :-) ),

Thanks,

Tim.

P.S. Any top tips for explaining to SWMBO why I need to run cable to _so_
many locations would be appreciated !

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