Laws for running network wires?

Question

I have a couple familys that want me to install a wired network in their houses. 3 familys. 1 of which has not had drywall put up yet so it should be easy. I know network wires arent nearly as restricted as wires for outlets and such. because cat 5's cant kill you, unless you eat them or hang yourself with them. regardless, what laws, or rules should i be aware of when wiring these houses?

Answer 1

use shielded cables. maybe called screened

Answer 2

There really aren't any building code issues here.  Ethernet cable is in the same category as doorbell or thermostat wires.

The trick is terminating the cables.  It's not hard, just takes some eye-hand coordination and the right tools.  Get a good 110 punchdown tool.

Answer 3

You don’t need any license to install network cable, because they are under low voltage cable category.

Do not use the same hole on the beam with pipe, or 110v electric cable in it. Make you own holes to run cat-5 cables in the wall, and keep a good 12 inch or more away from the them otherwise you’re going to have cross-talk problem.

Answer 4

You need to call your LOCAL DHEC Office, or whatever office issues the building permits for contractors, and find out if they have any restrictions or approval requirements for you to do that.

It would be different for different areas, so no one here can give you a difinitive answer.  Only the office as I told you above.

And you DO want to get that permission of go-ahead, because you wouldn't want the home owner to have any excuse in the future to require you to go into the wall and redo

or worse sue you if there was some kind of electrical outage or fire.

Yeah, I know it is not a fire issue, but PEOPLE can be weird.  You know that.

CYA always.

And get the people to sign a waiver of your responsibility in any case.

Remember when it come to such things, your own family or best friends can suddenly turn on you.

Get the waiver.

^j^