As you have decided to run ethernet cables through the walls, it is equally essential to familiarize yourself with the process and appropriate toolkit required for the completion. The improper running or installment of ethernet cables can often result in crippling network performance, requires laborious efforts in maintenance and many a time, adds up your expenses. However, to avoid the pool of problems, this article will dig deeper into the intricacies of how to run ethernet cables through walls. Even if there isn’t any cable line running into your home, there are plenty of ways to run an ethernet cable through walls without drilling into the electrical wires, plumbing, or HVAC ducts. To understand the whole procedure in detail, read the article till the end.
Step-by-step Guide on How to Run Ethernet Cable Through Walls
Follow the step-by-step procedure to understand the application of how to run cable lines through walls:
1: Find the Distribution Point
- With the assistance of the correct studs for the cabling panel, slid the stud finder to find the appropriate stud size.
- To check obstruction behind the stud area, drill a hole between the studs and remove the intersecting hole.
- In case of no obstructions, carry forward the process on the drywall with stud points till the distribution point and join the wiring panel to sort cables.
Pro tip: Turn off the main switch of the house to avoid mishaps, especially during the drilling and wiring process.
2: Drill Holes
After creating your distribution point, follow the instructions below to make holes for the cables:
- Select a vicinity above the distribution factor and reduce the wooden to create a connection from the distribution factor.
- Drill holes in from the attic to your rooms to achieve ethernet connection and begin running cables via the walls.
3:Ethernet Cables Labeling
- This is only the case when you have to use wire in multiple locations and rooms as it becomes easier in case of any disturbance to track it.
Best Way to Run Ethernet Cable through walls:
The quickest and simplest way to run ethernet cables is through the cables concealers including baseboard
PVC or raceways. However, if not a floor cable, enclosures can also work great.
PVC Concealers
Known to be extremely effective at managing communication cables, PVC Concealers can be customized and are available in different colors and sizes. Additionally, you can paint them to match your living space.
Baseboard Concealers
Concealing ethernet wires naturally, the Baseboard Concealers are especially for easy corners as they hold a D-shape structure and can be attached to the corner walls easily. Paint it with latex-based paint to match the place’s aesthetics
Cable Concealer Raceway
Ideal for corner walls, cable raceway concealers are used on vertical wires, where PVC has a limitation. Therefore, you can use them with glues for secure installation.
Mistakes to Avoid Before Running Ethernet Cable Through Wall
To ensure a secure and stable connection, avoid doing the same mistakes that the majority of people do, and later regret or blame the inefficiency of the ethernet cables.
1: Never run an Ethernet cable parallel with electrical cables:
The generation of low voltage from the magnetic field through the cable is essential for secure communication of energy. However, running ethernet cables simultaneously to the electrical wires can certainly disrupt the flow of the energy leading to noisy and mix-up communication. Additionally, if not properly installed, it can also slow down the communication speed, making the situation worse. Besides this, if you’re planning to non-shield the cable, then remember to keep at least 8 inches difference between both the cables to avoid future mishaps.
2: Not fixing Noisy devices before the running the cable:
The interruptions in the communication are always annoying, and oftentimes, they are a result of faulty installation or when the wires are close to the noisy devices that shed similar magnetic energy including the FCL’s lights, generators, induction heaters, motors, transformers or any other object. The garbling of communication can break the signal, further damaging the well-curated infrastructure. Therefore, it will be advisable to plan your cable location before to avoid these hazards.
3: Leaving Wired Naked:
A proper installation sheet is essential after the complete installation process as it not only prevents signal loss but also provides a high-speed connection throughout the place. Additionally, ethernet wires are one of the most expensive wires and can certainly be dangerous for your kids and pets in the home, if left open after running the cable through the walls.
4: Use a combination of Tools:
All the above-mentioned ways could be used to run ethernet cable through the wall, however, be careful while using the toolkit to secure the communication cable. The utilization of nails and adhesive glue would work if you haven’t had anything handy with you. However, you can use professional tools including Fish Tape, Ethernet Switch, Stud Finder, Patch Panel, Drill, Ethernet Socket, Ethernet Wall Socket, Crimping tool and many other professional tools if you are aware of their applications and procedures.
5: Cable Type:
No doubt, the communication cable is considered the fastest wire, however, not all the ethernet wires are durable for heavy communication. It is advisable to minimize the use of copper-clad aluminum as it often results in second-filler quality. Whereas, using aluminum will heat up within seconds and have a higher chance of destruction. On the contrary, the use of copper cables is highly preferred as they won’t heat up soon and produce high power.
Conclusion:
Running ethernet cables through the wall requires effective planning and the whole process should be followed step-by-step to avoid last-minute confusion. Therefore, it is as simple as cutting a hole in the wall and passing the wire through, but all you need to do is understand the installation prerequisites, essential tools and procedures to avoid mistakes.