Yes, it's against code to lay CAT5 on a suspended ceiling. I've seen a licensed electrician do it, though. Maybe that is not the right pro for this work? I stopped doing the cabling when our IT dept was cut in 1/2 anyway. Moving a computer across the room because it "feels better there" is discouraged. David Isham Network Administrator Grand Isle Supervisory Union 5038 US Rte 2 North Hero, VT 05474 802-372-6921 vox 802-372-4898 fax ________________________________ From: School Information Technology Discussion on behalf of Craig Lyndes Sent: Fri 7/25/2008 6:45 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: A heads up... How timely. I just finished spending the day running wires at SACS. The only rationale I can see for this rule change is to keep the "amateurs" from stealing the work from the business men. This is low voltage! There is no fire danger! OK, in the construction trades there are lots of rules that make everything work if everyone follows them. For all the IT people out there a few questions; Do you ever run cable over the hanging ceiling? I mean just let it lie on the ceiling? If you are an HVAC contractor this makes your blood boil, because they have to take down the ceiling to add/replace duct work. The rules say all wires are suspended independently of everything else. However, today as I was running wires I noticed at least 3 other wiring projects where they just lay the wires on the hanging ceiling. I try to suspend it whenever I can, usually wire tying it to the wires that support the ceiling, but I don't have the tools to drive J-hooks into the pre-stressed concrete above the ceilings, so sometimes it just lays where it falls. We're all careful to use plenum rated wire where it is required, right? Even though it is twice as expensive. While we're running wires we never stress, move or disrupt the intercom, phone, TV, alarm, HVAC or power wiring that is in the same spaces do we? The buildings I work in were constructed before technology became as pervasive as it is today. The electric outlet issue is very painful. But if you make it so expensive to do it right that it just isn't possible, then people work around it in even worse ways. Daisy chained power strips, extension cords across walk ways, extension cords looped up through the ceiling. If you place in the wall data wiring out of reach too then the same thing will happen. A note to the contractors that think they will benefit from the school maintenance and IT people not being able to run low voltage. You will not get any more business unless you can convince your neighbors to pay higher property taxes and better support the schools. Come to think of it, I really wouldn't mind never running wires again, just calling someone else and having them do it. It is dirty messy work. If the state can legislate this away from us, does that mean they have to fund the schools hiring contractors to do low voltage wiring? If so - bring it on!!! Sincerely Craig Lyndes