Hey everyone! I'm looking to upgrade my home network and could use some advice on the best practices and codes for wiring Ethernet cables. I'll be moving my router to the basement and need to run several cables from the router/network rack up through a closet and into the attic. Since the house is one story, I'll be using the attic for routing cables to outdoor cameras and adding a few network drops in nearby rooms. I'm estimating I'll need at least 8 cables to start, but I might expand to about 12 for wired indoor cameras in the future.
To pull these 12 cables into the attic, I'm assuming I need to drill 2 or 3 holes in the sole and top plate between the basement and attic. Can anyone tell me how large these holes can be? Also, what's the maximum number of holes I can have on the plates without compromising the structure? How far from the studs do the holes need to be?
3 Answers
Twelve cables might be more than you really need. Instead of running a separate cable for each device, think about using switches. That way, you can pull fewer cables without losing performance. I recommend getting an auger to help you run wires through the walls easily. You can use one that extends to reach between plates; just tie the cable to the auger end and pull it through. However, keep in mind if it gets really hot in your attic, a switch might not last long in there, so check the temperature considerations.
Check out these conduit fill estimators: calcpathways.commscope.com and cablify.ca. They can help you understand how to manage your cables better. Just a tip, when you’re pulling the wires, go slow, especially if there are other cables already in the same hole. This can help prevent any wear or melting on the sheathing of existing wires. Oh, and if you want to future-proof your setup, consider going with CAT6a or CAT7 cables since the price difference isn't huge and you'll get better performance with 10Gb capability.
For Ethernet cables, I typically use 19mm holes, which is the bare minimum. If you plan on using grommets or sleeves, you'll need slightly larger holes. A good rule of thumb for hole spacing is to keep it at least 10 times the diameter of the hole. Don’t drill through the studs if they’re 50mm wide or less—just drill nearby and use a cable clamp to secure the wire to the side.