-- Ethernet cables are installed in most homes and offices and yet people do not even give a second thought. When they are installed, they simply work, or at least that is what they are expected to do. However, ethernet cables also grow old just as any other component in your network. They are not printed with an expiry date, but they do wear off with time.
In this guide, we will discuss the lifespan of ethernet cables and factors that may impact them, as well as situations when it is time to replace cables to ensure stable operation of a networking setup..
Do Ethernet Cables Expire?
Ethernet cables do not have the concept of expiration date but their working life is finite. Performance deteriorates due to physical stress, heat, moisture and low quality of materials. The internal conductors will naturally degrade with time, or the insulation may crack on the cable. When neglected, a bad cable will result in poor speeds, connection losses, or an entire network shutdown.
Not every ethernet cable is going to degrade in the same manner. Copper-clad aluminum does not last as long as pure copper cables. Plenum jackets are better at withstanding heat than PVC. The aspect of environmental exposure is also important such as sunlight, humidity, and physical stress accelerate the process of cable aging.
What Affects Ethernet Cable Lifespan?
The life of a cable depends on a number of important aspects. Under the best of circumstances, an Ethernet cable made well can survive over ten years. That lifespan reduces when you use it roughly or when it is not installed properly.
The quality of materials is one of the largest factors. The pure copper conductors are more conductive and not likely to break down. Copper-clad aluminum (CCA) cables on the other hand are less expensive and much weaker. They tend to overheat and are not reliable in supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE).
The other factor is the environment of installation. A cable in a temperature controlled office ceiling will have a much longer life than a cable in the sun or buried in the ground. It can also be damaged early by sharp turns and tight pulls during installation, even though it may not be noticeable at first.
Finally, the quality of connectors counts. Data can be lost or disconnected due to bad crimping of RJ45 connectors. Such continual unplugging and replugging can dislodge connections and cause unreliability over time.
Signs It’s Time to Replace a Cable
With the passage of time, cables can begin to experience performance problems, despite appearing to be in good shape on the exterior. Among the most frequent symptoms, one can distinguish slow network performance, random drop-outs, or inability to power the equipment via PoE.
In other instances, you may realize that the insulation has become stiff or brittle, which indicates that the jacket of the cable has become degraded. When you notice copper exposed or when a cable seems to be unusually warm to touch when in use, it is a warning sign. Unsuccessful or weak outcomes of a cable tester are also evident indications that it is time to change it.
How Long Do Ethernet Cables Typically Last?
The answer varies, but the following is a general rule of thumb by cable type and environment:
- Indoor Cat6 or Cat6a cables made of pure copper and installed correctly can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
- Outdoor-rated cables that face UV and moisture exposure may last 5 to 10 years.
- Low-quality or improperly installed cables may begin to fail after only a few years.
- Patch cables that are constantly bent or unplugged might only last 1 to 3 years, depending on use.
When you see the signs of slowdowns or problems with the device, it is a good idea to check the cable or replace it to eliminate the effects of degradation.
Preventing Early Cable Failure
Proper installation of ethernet cables is one of the best methods that one can use to prolong the life of the cables. Do not put them in heat or bend them too tightly, or strain them too hard. Stress can be reduced by use of cable trays, clips and proper connectors.
Select the proper jacket type of cable to the environment; CMP plenum cable in ceilings, CMR riser inside walls, and CMX rated cables for outside runs. Above all, prefer pure copper conductors for long-term performance and safety.
When Should You Replace, Even If It Still Works?
Even when an older Ethernet cable appears to be still working, it might be a good idea to replace it only if your network requirements have changed. As an example, when updating to a multi-gigabit router or installing PoE++ cameras, the performance limits of older Cat5e or marginally-good Cat6 cables might no longer suffice or support power delivery.
Cables that have been used to support 1 Gbps may not be reliable in supporting 10 Gbps speed. Likewise, old cable runs might not hold signal integrity over new, high-powered devices.
In these cases, replacing a cable is more about future-proofing than repairing a failure.
Conclusion: Know When to Let Go
Ethernet cables do not have an expiry label on them but they have a life span. Being aware of the symptoms of cable failure, and how a cable can be degraded early by certain environments, will keep you ahead of the game before the issues affect your network.
If you are upgrading your system or replacing old cables, consider NewYork Cable's selection of pure copper, UL-listed Cat6 and Cat6a ethernet cables. Our cables are built to last and perform the way your network needs them to.
Contact Info:
Name: James
Email: Send Email
Organization: NewYork Cables
Address: New York, United States
Website: https://www.newyorkcables.com/
Release ID: 89164950
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