Using Cat5 cable in Echo systems
Introduction
Echo systems can use Cat5 or Cat5e cable as an alternate conductor to Belden 8471 (or equivalent), but there are a couple things to keep in mind:
- The total wire length is reduced to 1000' (305m)
- Cat5 must be adapted using additional kits that are not included with the Echo stations and power products
ETC offers the following termination kits for Cat5 in Echo systems:
| Kit Name | Current Kit Part Number | Old Kit Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| EchoConnect Cat5 Station Termination Kit (connects to station or zone controller pigtail) |
7186A1237 | 7186A1207 |
| EchoConnect Cat5 Panel Termination Kit (includes one 6' length of Belden 8471 to connect to ERP/ERP-FT/SIQ panel products) |
7186A1238 | 7186A1208 |
| NOTES | Current kit includes a blue 8-pin clamp-style connector | Old kit includes an orange 8-pin IDC connector |
Both the Station and Panel Termination Kits have two connectors creating a passive "in and thru" allowing multiple stations/controllers/panels to be daisy-chained on a single run. The Echo devices still connect directly to their included pigtail or Belden 8471, which also lands on the termination board adapting to Cat5.
ETC also offers an Echo Cat5 Termination Box enabling up to 16 runs of Cat5 to be connected to a central location, which in turn distributes the signal across the Echo system. The Cat5 Termination Box does not include termination kits. Those need to be ordered separately in the quantity needed for a given system.
- 7186A1235 = Current blue connectors
- 7186A1205 = Old orange connectors