What are my chances of being able to pull Cat5 thru mains

[biffsevc]

I would like to install a Home Automation system, (CBUS) but will need to run Cat5 to the light switches. Most of this will be a retrofit, and I really don't want to have to redecorate.

So I was wondering has anyone pulled cat 5 through existing mains cable.

I'm guessing this is not possible, but it will make life a lot easier it it is.

The existing cable is twin and earth chased into the plaster.

what I'm wondering is...

Can I pull the live & neutral conductors out of the wall from above leaving the outer insulation in place, and pull some cat5 through it ?

 

[OwainDIYer]

No.

 

[sparkwright]

You mean the existing cables are not in conduit, and you want to use the inner cores as a draw wire to pull cat 5 cables through the sheath?

It'll never work.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[sergeantash]

I would like to install a Home Automation system, (CBUS) but will need to run Cat5 to the light switches. Most of this will be a retrofit, and I really don't want to have to redecorate.

So I was wondering has anyone pulled cat 5 through existing mains cable.

I'm guessing this is not possible, but it will make life a lot easier it it is.

The existing cable is twin and earth chased into the plaster.
4
what I'm wondering is...

Can I pull the live & neutral conductors out of the wall from above leaving the outer insulation in place, and pull some cat5 through it ?

Why not use an ethernet over mains type system, then branch from the electrics into a socket? That way you'll be able to use your existing electric cabling to run network traffic too.

Like this:
http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h2114.htm

 

[FDJ]

Can I pull the live & neutral conductors out of the wall from above leaving the outer insulation in place, and pull some cat5 through it ?

Absolutely no chance... sorry.

Why not use an ethernet over mains type system, then branch from the electrics into a socket? That way you'll be able to use your existing electric cabling to run network traffic too.

Like this:
http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h2114.htm[/QUOTE]

I suspect that this will be too costly due to the number required.

Put the cat5 in onece and for-all.
Frank

 

[electronicsuk]

Why not use an ethernet over mains type system, then branch from the electrics into a socket? That way you'll be able to use your existing electric cabling to run network traffic too.

Like this:
http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h2114.htm[/QUOTE]

I suspect that this will be too costly due to the number required.

Put the cat5 in onece and for-all.
Frank

Actually, I suspect it would be completely useless because we're talking about C-BUS, which despite using cat5 cable, is not the same as ethernet.

 

[Lectrician]

It's not for TCP/IP ethernet - It is for a C-Bus.

I am afraid you are going to have to chase the walls if no conduit is in place - When you do, make sure you fit a piece of 20mm conduit or larger for when the next home owner strips out what you have put in......

 

[maguire]

Why not use soup cans and wool, jeez !

 

[LoveRocket]

Not a hope in hell. If the cables are not in conduit then you're screwed.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[Monkeh]

biffsevc - ignore these naysayers, they lack experience and imagination, go for it.

Cat5e is 5mm diameter. 1.5mm T&E is 5mm thick. It's not going to happen unless you like blowing plaster.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[biffsevc]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I think I knew as soon as I'd typed my question in that it was a bad idea, but I thought it was worth asking just in case.

So it'll have to be back to the drawing board.

 

[ccam108]

biffsevc - ignore these naysayers, they lack experience and imagination, go for it.

Cat5e is 5mm diameter. 1.5mm T&E is 5mm thick. It's not going to happen unless you like blowing plaster.

Nonsense.

Got photos of it done? Or do you have that special rubber plaster?

Colin C