MacroAir CAT5 Requirements (Public)

All CAT5 cables for MacroAir products must meet the following standards:

1. CAT5 Specifications

• CAT5e shielded stranded at a minimum. The "e" is important; it cannot be just CAT5. CAT6 is acceptable, but must be shielded.
• CAT5 must be pinned out in the 568B configuration shown below.

• It is recommended to only use CAT5 from MacroAir. CAT5 may be purchased elsewhere if it meets these minimum requirements, but if there are any issues with communication, the first thing that Technical Support will ask is to eliminate any non-MacroAir product from the chain. It is strongly recommended to test all components with MacroAir cables before installing 3rd party cables.

2. Distance Limitations

• Standard Touchscreen: 200' maximum CAT5 length from the touchscreen to the control panel (current models, older models may differ)
• Controller 4: 200' maximum length from the Controller 4 to the first fan, 400' between control panels, 4000' total network length without a repeater
• Controller 30: 4000' total network length without a repeater
• AirLynk: 4000' total network length without a repeater
• Analog Remote: 600' from the remote to the control panel

The shorter distance limitation for standard touchscreens and Controller 4s is because they are powered over the CAT5 by the brown and brown/white wires. 

3. Installing the CAT5

• Route wires as far away as possible from high voltage AC cables, fluorescent lights, arc welders, and other equipment that transmits EMI (electromagnetic interference). 
• Do not run CAT5e in conduit with high voltage AC cables.
• It is best to use one continuous length of CAT5 cables instead of cutting and splicing multiple cables to achieve a desired length. Cat5 should only be spliced if using an AirEffect sensor or repeater.
• Repeaters are required if a network is over 4000' or on older networks utilizing onboard circuit board drives. If fans with these drives are on a network, a repeater is required for every 5 of these drives. Repeaters should be spaced as evenly between fans as possible.
• Network MacroAir fans must be connected in one single line, referred to as a “daisy chain”. The characteristics of a proper daisy chain are: one beginning (Controller 4, 30, or AirLynk) and one end (last fan or control panel). If the fans are not connected in one line/chain, there will be a degradation of the communication signal and the network may not function as intended (fans in the network may not operate).
• Each fan has a unique address, which is noted on a sticker on the control panel. It is important to mount the fans in the correct order.

• With noise being emitted throughout a typical industrial/commercial environment, extra cable should not be coiled up as the coil itself will create noise/interference in the communication signal. There should be no more than two feet of excess cable at each connection point. If more than two feet of cable is needed for future relocation of the fan, run the cable up toward the ceiling and back down in a horseshoe shape.
• ALWAYS AVOID SHARP BENDS OF THE CABLE.