I’m curious—did you just use regular ethernet cable or did you go for that outdoor-rated stuff? I keep reading mixed things about whether it actually matters. Also, any issues with critters chewing on the cable? My neighbor’s squirrels seem to have a personal vendetta against anything plastic...
- Outdoor-rated (CMX) cable really is worth it if you’re running anything exposed. The UV resistance and thicker jacket stand up to sun, rain, and even the odd weed whacker.
- For underground runs, direct burial cable with gel filling helps keep moisture out—regular indoor cable just doesn’t last long in wet soil.
- As for critters...yeah, squirrels can be relentless. I’ve seen folks use split loom tubing or even cheap PVC conduit for extra protection. Not foolproof, but it slows them down. A friend wrapped his in metal mesh after a raccoon chewed through his line—overkill maybe, but it worked.
- Mixed reviews online are usually from folks who haven’t had their cable outside for more than a season or two. Long-term, outdoor-rated is less hassle.
As for critters...yeah, squirrels can be relentless. I’ve seen folks use split loom tubing or even cheap PVC conduit for extra protection. Not foolproof, but it slows them down.
Yeah, those little guys are a menace. I ran outdoor-rated cable to my greenhouse last year and thought I was set, but the squirrels still managed to gnaw through the first section. Ended up using leftover PEX pipe as a sleeve—worked better than I expected. Honestly, I wouldn’t bother with indoor cable outside at all. It’s just not worth the hassle or the waste when you have to replace it after one winter.
Honestly, I’ve seen way too many folks try to save a few bucks by running indoor cable outside, and it just never ends well. Even with conduit, the critters find a way unless you go heavy-duty. PEX is a solid call—tougher than most people realize. I usually recommend rigid PVC or even metal conduit if someone’s really worried about squirrels. It’s a bit more work up front, but you only want to do this once, not every season.
Even with conduit, the critters find a way unless you go heavy-duty.
That’s been my experience too, though I’ll admit I underestimated just how determined squirrels can be. Years ago, when we were renovating our pool house, I thought I was clever running Cat6 through some basic PVC conduit. Looked tidy, felt solid. Fast forward a year and I’m out there troubleshooting spotty internet, only to discover a squirrel had chewed right through both the conduit and the cable. Never would’ve guessed they’d bother with plastic.
Since then, I’ve gone with metal conduit for anything exposed, even if it’s a pain to install. It’s not just about the critters either—weather and UV can do a number on regular cable over time. PEX is interesting, though. Haven’t tried it myself but I’ve heard good things. Still, for peace of mind, I’d rather overbuild once than patch things up every spring.