FireFold blog

Click here to view how to Punch down a Cat5e Keystone Jack

The EZ-Grip Puck is a simple tool that assists you by giving you a non-skid base to rest a Keystone Jack while punching down the individual wires.  This prevents you from hurting your hands and knees or the area on wall from missed punches.

The EZ-Grip Puck fits in the palm of your hand giving you extra support and protection while pulling or pushing cables and ropes through compact holes. This handy little tool prevents having raw hands, allowing you to give yourself a hand for a job well done.

Don’t think twice about this life saving tool!  You can purchase the EZ-Grip Puck here at FireFold, where we always come to the rescue making technology DIY easier.

CMX—–Cat5e/Cat6

• Covered in a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) jacket
• Has insulation around the conductor wires surrounded by a jacket
• Above ground use
• Ex. Running a Cat5e cable above ground in a conduit.

CMXF—–Cat5e/Cat6

• Covered in a PVC Jacket and flooded core
• The flooded core is a gel fill which protects the twisted pair inside the jacket for extra protection
• Underground use
• Ex. Running a Cat5e cable underneath a walkway.

CMXT—–Cat5e/Cat6

• Covered in a PVC Jacket, AL Foil, and a water proof tape
• Direct Burial w/ water proof tape (dry)
• Underground in wet conditions use
• Ex.  Running a Cat5e cable underground in flood prone area.

Who said that the number of devices you can have connected is limited to the number of ports on your television?  Everyone wants the ease of having their satellite, DVD player, cable, Blue-Ray Player, Tivo, surround sound, Xbox, Wii, PS3, Slingbox, computer and antenna (just for back up reasons) all hooked up.  SIGH.  But what if you wanted to display one device on multiple televisions, how do you know whether to use a switch or a splitter?

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Switches

A switch is needed when an individual wants to use one television, but has multiple devices to plug into the television.  A switch would be used for devices like the cable box, surround sound system, DVD or Blue-Ray players, and video games to all be plugged into one television without switching out the plugs when one device is needed.  A switch is used to  manage multiple input signals traveling to one output signal.  This makes switching between over devices easier without unplugging them when they are not in use.

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Splitters

A splitter is required to connect one device to display the same image on multiple televisions.  An example would be if you wanted to hookup a satellite box and watch it in multiple rooms.  A splitter could also be used when setting up a home theater room.  Instead of buying two DVD or Blue-Ray players you can easily just purchase one and add a splitter to connect a television and the projector, which will save you money on not purchasing the second player.

If you are like me you probably always wonder if you are buying the right cable for the job.  Did you know that if you plan on having network cables run in a plenum rated ceiling that you need a specific network cable called Cat5e Plenum (also found in Cat6)?  If you plan on running HDMI cable across the ceiling then you will need a Plenum HDMI cable.  According to the NFPA 262 and outlined in the NFPA 90A the wiring has to meet fire safety standards.

Since these cables are used in air circulation spaces, plenum cables are coated in a flame retardant to meet the fire safety standards.  The materials making up the insulation on the wires and jacket on the cable must be capable of withstanding a specified amount of heat for a specified amount of time without combustion or contributing significantly to the sustenance of a fire.  In case of an event causing the wiring to begin to burn it will not produce harmful fumes.

The majority of the houses built in the United States are not plenum rated ceilings.  If you are still unsure if your project requires buying plenum cables, please check with your local inspector or builder before starting any installation.