By Eileen Harvey
Industrial Ethernet cables are engineered to handle the rigorous conditions found in manufacturing plants, outdoor facilities and other challenging environments. Unlike standard Ethernet cables, industrial versions offer enhanced durability, better shielding against interference and materials designed to resist environmental damage.
Standard indoor Ethernet cables will degrade quickly in outdoor conditions due to UV exposure, temperature swings and moisture ingress. For reliable outdoor use, you should choose cables with:
1. UV-Resistant Jackets
Outdoor-rated industrial Ethernet cables have UV-stabilized jackets (often made from polyethylene or UV-rated PVC) to prevent sunlight damage. Without UV resistance, the jacket becomes brittle and cracks in a few months.
2. Weatherproof and Moisture Protection
Look for gel-filled or flooded core cables to block water from migrating inside. Cables with IP67-rated connectors protect against rain, snow and dust.
3. Wide Temperature Range
Outdoor mining, oil and gas, and factory yard cables often face temperature swings of -40°C to +85°C. Industrial Ethernet cables rated for this range ensure stable performance without cracking or softening.
4. Rodent and Abrasion Resistance
In outdoor industrial yards, cables may be buried or run along structures where rodents and mechanical damage are risks. Armored industrial Ethernet cablesor those with PUR jackets offer extra durability.
5. Shielding for EMI
Outdoor environments near heavy machinery often have high electromagnetic interference. Shielded cables (STP or S/FTP) maintain signal integrity even with long runs.
Challenges of Using Ethernet Cables Outdoors
Before running Ethernet cables outside, it’s important to understand the risks. Let’s look at five of them. First is weather exposure. Outdoor cables face constant UV radiation from sunlight, rain and snow, which can degrade standard PVC jackets. A second risk is temperature extremes. Cables may expand or contract, impacting performance.
A third risk is moisture intrusion. Without proper sealing, water can seep into cable conductors, causing corrosion. A fourth risk is physical damage. Rodents, abrasion from wind movement or accidental impact can damage unprotected cables. A fifth risk is signal degradation. Environmental interference can cause packet loss or reduced speeds.
Outdoor-Rated Industrial Ethernet Cables
Not all industrial Ethernet cables are made for outdoor use. To ensure durability, look for four features. First is UV-resistant jackets. Materials like polyethylene (PE) or polyurethane (PUR) offer superior resistance to sunlight. Second is shielding and insulation. Foil and braid shielding protect against electromagnetic interference. A third feature to seek is moisture resistance. Water-blocking gel or tape inside the cable helps prevent damage from humidity or rain. A fifth feature is high-flex options. For applications requiring frequent movement, such as robotics, high-flex PUR jackets are ideal.
Standards and Ratings That Matter
When shopping for outdoor-rated Ethernet cables, look for these standards: IP ratings indicate protection from dust and water (e.g., IP67); UL/CSA outdoor ratings encompass CMX cables, which are approved for outdoor use; and TIA/EIA-568 & IEEE 802.3 compliance ensures performance consistency across Ethernet networks.
Best Practices for Outdoor Installation
Even with the right cable, poor installation can shorten lifespan and reduce reliability. Follow these tips:
- Route Carefully – Avoid sharp bends and areas prone to mechanical damage.
- Use Protective Conduit – For extra security, run cables through UV-stable conduit.
- Weatherproof Connectors – Use sealed connectors to prevent water intrusion.
- Elevate When Possible – Keep cables above ground to avoid water pooling.
- Regular Inspections – Check periodically for wear, corrosion or UV damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s briefly examine four mistakes that are made regarding outdoor Ethernet cables. The first is using indoor-rated Ethernet cables outdoors without extra protection. The second is neglecting UV resistance, leading to jacket cracking. The third common mistake is poorly sealing connectors, which invites moisture ingress. The fourth is skipping grounding for shielded cables in industrial environments.
Cost Considerations
While outdoor-rated cables may cost more initially, they provide long-term savingsby reducing downtime, replacement costs and maintenance efforts. Given that networking downtime in industrial settings can be expensive, the investment pays off quickly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I use a regular Ethernet cable outdoors if I put it in a conduit?
A: You can, but it's not recommended for long-term use. Outdoor-rated cables are specifically designed to handle UV, temperature changes and moisture—conditions that conduit alone can’t fully mitigate.
Q2: What is the difference between PVC and PUR jackets?
A: PVC is cost-effective and UV-resistant for fixed installations, while PUR offers higher flexibility and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for moving or vibration-prone applications.
Q3: How long do outdoor-rated Ethernet cables last?
A: With proper installation, they can last 10+ years, depending on environmental conditions and maintenance.
Industrial Ethernet cables can absolutely be used outdoors, but only if they are designed for it. Choose cables with UV-resistant jackets, shielding and weatherproofing features and follow proper installation guidelines for maximum reliability.
L-com offers a complete range of outdoor-rated Ethernet cables and accessories, along with over 50,000 electronic connectivity products—from Ethernet cables to Wi-Fi antennas, coaxial connectors, fiber optic gear, NEMA enclosures and more.
