RE: Terminating Cable WAS ... Re: Sky+ at node zero

["Keith Doxey" <ukha@xxxxxxx>]

I agree with Alan that Stranded Alarm cable should be used for alarm panels
but IF installed and terminated PROPERLY there shouldnt be any problem
using
CAT5 or ordinary Telephone cable.

Prior to the introduction of IDC Punchdown terminations, ALL telephone
wiring was done using solid core cable terminated either on solder tags
where the wire was wrapped round a tag and soldered, or terminated under a
screw.

If you are going to connect a solid core cable under a screw head there are
three simple rules....

1. Go CLOCKWISE round the screw.
2. Dont overlap the wire

ie the cable should be like this

______________
_

not like this as it will cut through itself
______________
_

3. Dont overtighten the screw.

If it is going to have direct pressure applied from the thread of the screw
then you shouldnt use solid cable as it screw will bite through the wire.
If
it is a cage clamp terminal ( a small leaf spring actually grabs the cable
)
then it isnt a problem.

Likewise you shouldnt use stranded cable with an IDC connector. It can be
done but doesnt give a reliable termination.

Ideally you should use the correct cable type for the intended purpose.

Keith

www.diyha.co.uk
www.kat5.tv


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alancc [mailto:alan.cc@xxxxxxx]
> Sent: 05 July 2003 09:57
> To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [ukha_d] Re: Sky+ at node zero
>
>
> You should not use Cat5 cable for alarm systems, its not
> designed for the
> terminations and is prone to snapping off if you move it
> about a little.
> Also BS 4737 has a specification for the cable type to be
> used, that's why
> we have alarm cable. If you do use screened cable make sure
> you join the
> screen at any joints and earth it at the panel otherwise it
> acts like a big
> antenna to crap.
>
> Alancc
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Paul <p-gale@xxxxxxx>
> To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
> Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 10:27 AM
> Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Re: Sky+ at node zero
>