Outdoor ethernet cable questions

[kickstart24]

1. About how long should the cable stick out of the wall? Looking at the attached picture, the cable seems too long to me. There is no way to push it in.

2. Should I be concerned if the RJ45 connector is exposed to water/humidity for a few months before camera install? Do they make some type of wire plug to protect it?

 

[Firefighter]

Previous installer here.

1. I wouldn't worry about the length, the final installer should cut it to length needed and put a new end on.

2. It shouldn't be exposed to the elements especially if they aren't going to cut it to length and put a new end on it.

If it were my home, I'd wrap it into a circle and put it in a zip lock baggie with a moisture pack. But surely they'll cut it and put a new end on.

 

[kickstart24]

Previous installer here.

1. I wouldn't worry about the length, the final installer should cut it to length needed and put a new end on.

2. It shouldn't be exposed to the elements especially if they aren't going to cut it to length and put a new end on it.

If it were my home, I'd wrap it into a circle and put it in a zip lock baggie with a moisture pack. But surely they'll cut it and put a new end on.

Thanks. If it is going to be cut, then I'm assuming being exposed to elements right now isn't a big deal?

 

[Firefighter]

Co

Thanks. If it is going to be cut, then I'm assuming being exposed to elements right now isn't a big deal?

Correct, the only thing that would corrode is in the connector. If they cut it half way or even a few inches behind the connector then they will get fresh copper and not have an issue. I'm 90% sure that's the plan. If we couldn't tuck it away we would do the same thing just to keep the jacket from filling with water.

 

[TonyR]

I'd protect the bare copper conductors in the CAT cable, even with no RJ-45, as moisture will wick up them much like osmosis and start the corrosion before the connector is crimped on and that's not good.

I'd do as firefighter said in post #2: at least bag it and seal the bag around the cable with a tight zip tie, possibly with a dessicant pack OR 2 tablespoons of uncooked instant rice.

I'd also smear some dielectric grease on any connector there now and wipe off excess. WASH HANDS AND KEEP AWAY FROM EYES.