Hi,

Can I use Cat5e cable for low power consumption components such as LEDs, and sensors? The reason that I want to use Cat5e is because I want a cable with 8 wires and having a small diameter.

Also, this cable will be passing beside a motor. Can this interfere with the data passing through the cable? If yes, is there a way to eliminate this problem?

 

If you not using a lot of current, it will be fine. Also, most catagory 5e cable is not shielded so it probably will pick up noise from the motor. I would make sure that the cable is shielded since you know there might be interference.

 

It's unclear what you want, op. Do you want to use a couple pairs for 100BaseT data transmission? (100Mb speed), and the remaining for power? You can only draw about 700ma@12v I believe over CAT wire.

If you are only sending power down the cable, the motor won't interfere.. but if you are sending data, it probably will at least somewhat. Use shielded in that case, or re-route the wire so it is at least a few inches away from the motor windings.

 

700ma will run a lot of LEDs!

Cat5 does have some twisting of the conductors to reduce outside interference, but a "real" shield would work better. +1 on keeping the cable some distance from the motor. A few inches will make a difference and a few feet will probably eliminate the problem.

Strip a foot of cable to see which wires are arranged as twisted pairs.

 

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I cannot re-route since I am limited with space. So if i buy a cable like the one in the link below, will this eliminate any noise/interference ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10m-Black...uting_NetworkingCables_RL&hash=item2ec736d490

 

No12 has already mentioned the parameters, a shield can help but distance is better.
However you could sleeve the cable in metal tube or erect an earthing sceen plate where the cable passes the motor if you still get trouble.

You didn't describe your app as requested.

Here is some POE wiring advice from Google.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=p...AXmhYH4CQ&sqi=2&ved=0CEYQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=559

 

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I cannot re-route since I am limited with space. So if i buy a cable like the one in the link below, will this eliminate any noise/interference ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10m-Black...uting_NetworkingCables_RL&hash=item2ec736d490

That's good cable, but, "eliminate" is a bad word. It's always a matter of decibels. Noise reduction goes down to very small amounts, but zero point zero zero rarely happens.

 

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I cannot re-route since I am limited with space. So if i buy a cable like the one in the link below, will this eliminate any noise/interference ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10m-Black...uting_NetworkingCables_RL&hash=item2ec736d490

That particular item doesn't have the RJ45 plugs, which is fine if you are making your own connections. Also it seems a little pricey since these have the RJ45 plugs and are half the price.

 

Also it seems a little pricey since these have the RJ45 plugs and are half the price.

However the blue cables suggested are not external grade cable so may not be suitable for the use.

I find external grade cable about 50% more expensive.

Many are not aware that building codes may also require the use of low smoke cables, particulary if they are hidden.

 

Building codes? We don't need no stinking building codes.

 

Building codes? We don't need no stinking building codes.

Unfortunately you have to obey them in many fixed isntallations.

But then I've long been tussling with those pesky laws of mechanics about what holds my building up.