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usb cable in wall?

post #1 of 8
10/23/08 at 12:07pm
Thread Starter 
I am having cables run in wall behind built-ins that are being built. I can not find an "in wall rated" usb, as I can for hdmi, speakers, etc. Although I'm guessing a usb cable would not pose a fire hazard, I want to avoid anything that could potentially cause problems with my insurance (should I have a fire). Is anyone aware of an in wall rated usb cable? FWIW, I want to run cables from my computer to a Popcorn or other media tank, and to a printer a few feet away (both in other cabinets). Any help is appreciated.

OMeany
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post #2 of 8
10/23/08 at 1:40pm
You wont find any "in-wall" rated usb cables because they are limited to 15ft. But you wont have to worry about it in the wall. If you want to be super safe run it through conduit or flex pipe.
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post #3 of 8
10/23/08 at 3:03pm
Quote:
You wont find any "in-wall" rated usb cables because they are limited to 15ft.

Agree.

Quote:
But you wont have to worry about it in the wall.

Disagree. The OP has legitimate concerns. It's not the electrical power levels that are an issue. It's the flammability of the plastic insulation jacket and the toxic smoke it can create. Will a fire in one room spread to other rooms because of the flammability of the cable jacket (like a fuse cord)?
So if the cable is not rated for in-wall use, then avoid putting it in the wall.

Quote:
If you want to be super safe run it through conduit or flex pipe.

Still questionable.
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post #4 of 8
10/26/08 at 9:48am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies. Your help is appreciated.

OMeany
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post #5 of 8
10/26/08 at 10:23am
You might want to consider a wireless USB solution.
Google on

wireless usb

You will find both wirelss USB hubs and single connection options.
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post #6 of 8
10/26/08 at 10:23am
Cat5 is a much better in-wall solution than USB. You can use Cat5 without problem to hook up your 2 computers, you might need a networkable printer, but you might be able to use a wireless usb stick for it.
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post #7 of 8
10/26/08 at 10:43am
alternatively, use in wall rated CAT cabling, and these:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...93288&csid=_25

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post #8 of 8
10/27/08 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nosaj! View Post

You wont find any "in-wall" rated usb cables because they are limited to 15ft.

Not true at all
Probably everyone of the USB cables I come across on a daily basis are rated for in-wall use. You do know that a simple UL CM rating is all that is needed, right?
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