atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Picture of Good Work

And the difference between CAT3 and CAT5e PLENUM is like 50% or more. If CAT5 costs you a fraction more then you have been paying too much for CAT3. Try dealing with some telecom supply houses, they stock CAT3. Only reason Graybar and others no longer stock CAT3 is because they cater to the sparkies. "Duh, gimmie a box of CAT5, ya know dat blue wire. Gotta wire up a doorbell and thermostat."

-Hal

We just went through the warehouse here and found a ton of older cat 5 utp and stp cable. We are going to be using that for voice runs to use it all up.

Hal, have you had issue with Graybar not stocking voice/CatIII? As we still order it from our Graybar in Columbus and haven't had any mention of an un-stocked item.

The cost is MUCH cheaper than Cat5e and we have always used it for voice.

so true , so true :rolleyes:

(probably wondering if they should really be using cat6 for that doorbell...future and all )

I just ordered a bunch of CAT3 from CSC day before yesterday with no problems whatsoever. I did request gray and they only had white in stock at this location, but other than that, I've never had any trouble getting it. It's also a good 25-30% cheaper even in small quantities.

I did speak with my rep at Target distributing that same day and he told me that they are not stocking CAT3 anymore, but only due to low demand. I guess I won't be buying wire from them anymore.

We usually buy 20K to 50K feet at a time. I look around for the best pricing every week. Graybar, Electric Supply / Data Com, New Tec, Target and a few others. I guess here in central Florida there must be a little difference. Most of my suppliers are from Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Etc.

Yes Hal, Graybar does cater to the sparkies, but we have been dealing with them for over 20 years and have had a great relationship.

I work my rep weekly and sometimes daily for the best pricing on wire. I have found in the last year I am pricing wire from 2,3 or 4 sources to get the best pricing, shipping is also a consideration. Some companies will ship for free if x amount is purchased and some won't.

Thank for listening,

Cosmo

Graybar is our primary supplier and they have all the CAT3 you could want, 3 and 4 pair. I like them because they are a 1 stop shop usually. I can get whatever EMT stuff I need at the same time I get the datacom products. They will work with you on pricing for large orders but you can do better, that much is for certain.

CG=Cable gods

CG=Cable gods

In their minds maybe.

-Hal

This CG is no Cable God. in fact anytime I can learn from a phone guy, I'll watch and learn all I can.