atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Cat 3 vs. Cat 5e for Voice

Okay, guys, per justbill's request, here is the question and thread .....

Is Cat 5e better than Cat 3 for Voice and why ?

Go for it !!!

CAT5 because the tighter twists reduce crosstalk?

Grrrrrr :bang: :bang: :bang:

-Hal

For those who missed it, this discussion sprouted up from this thread: https://www.sundance-communications.com/forum/ultimatebb.php?/ubb/get_topic/f/24/t/000230.html

I don't think the question should be "Is Cat 5e better than Cat 3 for Voice and why ?" I don't think we'd see many "yes" votes, at least not with supportive arguments.

A better question might be "Does it make sense to run all Cat5e or better cable for voice as well as data?"

Here's my 1/2 cent........... For POTS lines it makes no difference. Howsomever{like that new word?}, if you ever want to use the remaining pairs in that cable CAT 3 may not do the job. If you run CAT 5 or CAT 6 you can always use the remaining pairs for data,video,alarm, or .....who knows. As Avaya used to say "reserved for future use".

In this day an age if I were pulling cable for future I'd put a voice cable and a network cable and probably RG6, there's no reason to use one cable for both unless there is absolutely no choice due to poor planning on someone's part in the first place.

I know you are just trying to make a point but I would highly recommend against using cat 5e for any alarm application (with the exception of providing dial tone to the panel which should be a dedicated home run anyway) especially if you are "stealing" a spare pair.

I think Bill nailed it. For a residence, I Pull at least one cat 5e preferable two to each location along with a two pair cat 3 run and at least 1 rg6 (again preferable two). This covers voice, data, and video with a spare cat 5 for "future use".

And last but not least if it is new construction or the place is gutted I try to run "smurf tube" as often as possible, that way if you ever need a change...no problem.

I would actually sat CAT 5 is WORSE for voice. The added twists add to your loop limit for a digital or analog phone. Understand CAT5E CAT6 etc was designed for 100 meter runs not 1000' runs.

On the other hand, CAT 6E & 6A cables use 23 gauge wire as opposed to 24 gauge used by CAT 3 & 5.

Be careful what you mix. If you try to run a POTS trunk through the same cable with many digital phone systems, the ring voltage will choke the data and drop the call.

Oh, and to sum up Hal's growl, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.