Coax cable through heat ducts?

[jdag]

I am trying to install an off-air antenna in my attic. The only way I can easily get a coax cable from the attic to my basement is through the heat duct.

The cable would come into the basement through the heat duct about 4 feet from the furnace. So the duct is very hot. (I can probably exit the cable through the duct a bit higher up where it is slightly cooler.)

Is it an advisable method of running coax cable? I have heard suggestions that I should not do this period. Other suggestions are that it is OK as long as I use plenum rated coax. Still other suggestions are that regular coax is fine. Any ideas?

Thanks.

[Dusty Chalk]

I wouldn't do it. Not only because it gets hot, but also because you don't want to block your heat.

[Luvin Da Blues]

As an ex-electrician, plenum rated cables of any kind are for the toxic gasses that are expelled in case of a fire in the plenum and is not a heat rating. Most cable has a rating of 40 to 60 degree(Celsius) rating so I would check the temp. rating printed on the jacket.

As far as any signal degration due to heat I will leave that for others to comment on.

[blackraven]

How hot does the vent get close to the furnace? Heat does create more resistance, but the question is, how much heat does it take to affect the resistance to the point that you will be able to audibly notice it? Why don't you call a cable manufacturer like www.bluejeancable.com www.cobaltcable.com and www.bettercables.com they may have some answers for you. You might even try your local cable TV provider.

[Resident Loser]

...strongly advise against it...

jimHJJ(...very strongly...)

[jdag]

Thanks for the advice. I found another way to run (through the cold air returns).

[Resident Loser]

Thanks for the advice. I found another way to run (through the cold air returns).

...I hate to put a damper (no pun intended) on your new route but...use of cold air returns may be in violation of local zoning ordinances...Downstate in NYC, teflon/PTFE-type wiring is mandated in the common plenum...the larger equivalent of your cold-air return...Should, God forbid, anything happen, you may be seen as criminally liable and your insurance company will most likely disallow any claim that arises...

jimHJJ(...something to ponder...)

[jdag]

Wow...you got me thinking. I've made a number of phone calls today (electricians, electrical supply houses). Universally they say they they've used "regular" coax cable in such installations. One company that supplies the local cable company and indicated that they use regular cable and do run through cold air returns.

Others have said that for peace of mind it would not hurt to use the plenum rated cable.

[FLZapped]

Wow...you got me thinking. I've made a number of phone calls today (electricians, electrical supply houses). Universally they say they they've used "regular" coax cable in such installations. One company that supplies the local cable company and indicated that they use regular cable and do run through cold air returns.

Others have said that for peace of mind it would not hurt to use the plenum rated cable.

Sounds like a list of people I'd never hire!


-Bruce

[Resident Loser]

Wow...you got me thinking. I've made a number of phone calls today (electricians, electrical supply houses). Universally they say they they've used "regular" coax cable in such installations. One company that supplies the local cable company and indicated that they use regular cable and do run through cold air returns.

Others have said that for peace of mind it would not hurt to use the plenum rated cable.

...as stated, perhaps the NYC ordinances differ from your locality...and then again, plenum-rated wire is approx 5X the cost of conventional stuff (at least the last time I looked)...Maybe these guys are just playin' the odds and are more concerned with the bottom line...

jimHJJ(...you pays yer money and you takes yer chances...)