lon

[squirrel68]

I have done quit a bit of lon and never ran in to this before iIm being told that its ok to use 18/2 stranded with a shield for the lon net work. I have never used it before and do not belive this will work. i need to know where to find documentation on this to back me up. CAN ANY ONE HELP

[sysint]

You can use almost anything. Whether you want to is would be the question.

Actually, look up the Lonworks specifications --- there is instructions on different approved cable with gauge.

[squirrel68]

where can i find that at online. I gave up and came home to reserch this

[nikko]

I'd stay away from the shield - it causes weirdness sometimes.

Nikko

[tlp261]

See first item under Media and Wiring.

http://www.echelon.com/support/documentation/bulletin/default.htm

[dapper]

You can use 18/2 with shield. In fact, Tranes 'purple' wire is just that. It works fine but I was told by a Trane tech support guy that they found that the instance of comm problems increases dramatically when a shield is used even though the shield is the preferred wire. Reason is poor installation practices create ground loops and other problems with the shield.
The important thing to consider is the number of twists in the wire. If you are looking to use some old 18/2 shielded cable that you have laying around, I dont recommend it. Whether it is 18/2 or 22/2 or4, be sure that it is 'LON' wire. The twists per inch are more important than the shield. Cat5 cable is approved as well.

[yroy]

Here is the reference from the Echelon Web Site

The cable requirements and/or cable sources for the these channels are found in the 'Junction Box and Wiring Guidelines' engineering bulletin at http://www.echelon.com/support/documentation/bulletin/005-0023-01M.pdf (http://www.echelon.com/support/documentation/bulletin/005-0023-01M.pdf) The bulletin also contains a list of cables (along with manufacturer/supplier information) that comply with Echelon wire guidelines.

[yroy]

I also agree with Dapper. The problem with shielded wiring is that it is often not connected to a true ground. Or worse, connected to ground at both ends, causing a ground loop.

It is so that lots of different wire can be used, but the maximum length may decrease dramatically. If you are not equipped to measure the maximum length with a good margin of safety, then stay away from unapproved cables.

Unapproved cables used over innapropriate distances without routers or repeaters and poorly tightened end connectors cause more than 95% of all Lonworks network communication problems. That's my 2 cents after 10 years of experience with Lonworks TP/FT-10.