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.
• Provide enough slack, approximately 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in), to provide proper strain relief as shown in Properly Installed and Bundled Cable.
• 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 2.5 cm (1 in) of the cable to avoid radio frequency (RF) interference.
• Discharge the RJ45 Ethernet cable before plugging it into a port on the switch.
  

  Caution

  Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable can build up electrostatic 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 RJ45 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.
  

  Properly Installed and Bundled Cable

  

  1 = Ensure adequate slack and bend radius