Should I use conduit for running outdoor-rated Cat 6 line underground to a barn/guesthouse, and how far should it be from aluminum wire and a 125 amp sub panel?
Asked by Iván Nazario 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 28, 2024
I’m currently setting up a Cat 6 line running from a face plate under a crawl space, going underground for about 150 feet to my barn/guesthouse. The cable is weathertight and outdoor rated. I’m wondering if I should use conduit for extra protection. Also, how far away should I keep it from 2/0 aluminum wire and a 125 amp sub panel? Has anyone done something similar and can offer some advice? Thanks in advance!
If it were me, I’d run it through some PVC conduit, whether it’s rated for underground use or not
My suggestion would be to run PVC conduit for the flexibility of future upgrades and to minimize interference from electrical devices and other potential sources.
You might want to swap out the Cat6 for Cat8 or fiber at some point.
It’s a good idea to run it through conduit. Try to keep it at least three feet away from any power sources. If that’s not possible, it’s usually not a major issue. I once saw 300 feet of cat5 cable laid directly above a hallway filled with fluorescent lights and it worked just fine.
By the way, if you go with conduit, my advice would be to go bigger and avoid 90 degree turns. In case you decide to switch to fiber later, you don’t want to risk damaging it by squeezing it through tight corners.
I would suggest using conduit now, but down the line you might consider upgrading to fiber
When you’re installing conduit, make sure to run a pull string while you go along – it makes long runs much easier. If you’re not sure what I mean, check out some videos on YouTube. Fish tapes can go up to 100 feet but they can be pricey, so we usually stick to using pull string for underground commercial electric conduit.
If it’s not for direct burial.
Our general guideline was to keep communication lines 18″ away from power sources. Interference decreases as the distance increases. The higher the voltage, the greater the separation needed for communication lines. We were using 480 3-phase power. Your data cable should not exceed 300 feet in total length, and using conduit is recommended. It can be a hassle to dig a new trench to replace a directly buried cable. Wires are prone to accidents and can easily be damaged, especially by backhoes. With conduit, there is a chance to repair it if it gets cut. Consider obstacles like sidewalks, driveways, or sprinklers that may stand between you and the barn.
‘t worry if you can’t find the string or if it breaks – the vacuum and pig trick can save the day. Just attach a small piece of sponge to twine and tape the other end to the vacuum nozzle.
Try using shielded direct burial gel filled cat 6. You shouldn’t have any problems.
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If you’re set on burying the cable directly, go with shielded direct burial cable and ground the shield on one end. It should be fine if you follow the instructions in the first sentence. PVC pipe might actually be cheaper than direct burial cable and allows for easier repairs or replacements later on 🤷♂️
Run the wiring through conduit to prevent rodents from chewing through it and keep it about 12-18 inches away from your electrical lines to avoid any interference.
Nicholas riffin, just a friendly reminder about possible wire upgrades in the future.
One reason I like using conduit, either 3/4 inch or 1 inch. It’s an easy upgrade – when they come out with new technology like Cat 45, you can attach the new wire to the old and pull it through without digging. This is especially helpful if you’ve already laid concrete.