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#33663 01/27/04 10:55 AM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 308
E
Edward Offline OP
Member
I would like to use CAT 5 cable for lowvoltage (24) volt control wiring.
I am planning to control 3Amp contact rating relays to operate window shutters. And am planning on using small N/O switches to control the relays.

Is the rating of the CAT 5 cable higher than 24 Volts?


Any other suggestions?


Edward


Thanks
Edward
#33664 01/27/04 12:44 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 1
C
C-H Offline
Member
Check the cable. I had a look at some of the patchcords in the office: 300V (sic!)

The other rating I commonly find on computer cables is 30V. I think it would be technically impossible to manufacture a cable that could not handle this.

#33665 01/27/04 06:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 886
H
Member
CAT5 as well as any of the other CAT cables are CL2 listed and as such are 150V. You will be fine.

#33666 01/27/04 10:18 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 38
B
Member
Just as a suggestion...
try using 18 gauge control wire.
phone wire is only about 22 gauge.

#33667 01/27/04 10:42 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 507
G
Member
I second Brian's suggestion for 18awg. Volt drop becomes an issue very quickly when you are starting with low voltage.

GJ

#33668 01/28/04 01:15 AM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 886
H
Member
That was my first thought also but after rereading the question I think I understood that the 24ga wire will operate the coils of the relays through the switches. Not much current there so voltage drop shouldn't be a problem. The 3A current rating is for the relay contacts, not the current through the control wire.

#33669 01/28/04 02:46 AM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 308
E
Edward Offline OP
Member
Thanks for the reply.

The contact rating is 3 amps.

The voltage problem should not be a problem. I just need to verify that using a CAT 5 cable is an acceptable method in this application which sounds like it is. And i am not violating NEC.

Edward


Thanks
Edward
#33670 01/29/04 12:18 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 119
C
Member
Last time I checked 5 mins ago cat 5E is 26 Guage Might want to get 20 or 18 Guage wire


Theres always enough room in the junction box.You just need a bigger hammer
#33671 01/29/04 12:32 AM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 308
E
Edward Offline OP
Member
It is 24AWG. I think i will use thermostat wire 18AWG.

Edward


Thanks
Edward
#33672 01/29/04 12:52 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 119
C
Member
The stuff I have is 26 AWG it came with my cable modem. but the newer stuff is 24 Guage


Theres always enough room in the junction box.You just need a bigger hammer
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