Installing Cable

• Examine cable for cuts, bends, and nicks.
• Support cable using a cable manager that is mounted above connectors to avoid unnecessary weight on the cable bundles.
• Use cable managers to route cable bundles to the left and right of the network equipment to maximize accessibility to the connectors, as shown in the following figure.
  

  Properly Installed and Bundled Cable for an E4G-400 Router

  
• Provide enough slack, approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm), to provide proper strain relief as shown in the following figure.
  

  Properly Installed Cables, Showing Slack for Proper Strain Relief

  
• Bundle cable using hook-and-loop straps to avoid injuring cables.
• If you build your own cable, be sure that connectors are properly crimped.
• When installing a patch panel using twisted pair wiring, untwist no more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) of the cable to avoid radio frequency (RF) interference.
• Discharge the RJ-45 Ethernet cable before plugging it into a port on the switch.
  

  Caution

  Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable can build up ESD charges when being pulled into a new installation. Before connecting any category 5 UTP cable to the switch, discharge ESD from the cable by plugging the RJ-45 connector into a LAN static discharge device or use an equivalent method.
• Use plenum-rated cable when it is necessary for safety and fire rating requirements. Consult your local building codes to determine when it is appropriate to use plenum-rated cable, or refer to IEC standard 850.
• Keep all ports and connectors free of dust.