14 • Cresnet® Network
Design Guide — Doc. 9292A
Wiring and Connectors
The following sections provide information about Cresnet wiring and connectors within a
Cresnet network system.
NOTE: To view and download drawing packages that show common Cresnet wiring
scenarios, refer to
Crestron Online Help article 1001565
Overview
Observe the following about Cresnet wiring and connectors:
l
All wire is calculated in American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes
l
All network wire must consist of two twisted pairs and a drain wire:
o
One twisted pair of 24VDC power and ground (GND) conductors
o
One twisted pair of Y and Z data conductors wrapped in a foil shield
o
One stranded jacketless conductor (for drain wire)
l
Standard Cresnet wire uses the following specifications:
o
18 AWG (0.82 mm
2
) red/black twisted pair is used for 24VDC power and ground.
o
22 AWG (0.33 mm
2
) blue/white twisted pair is used for data (Y and Z) with
aluminum/polyester foil shield (providing 100% coverage)
o
24 AWG (0.20 mm
2
) stranded tinned copper drain wire
l
High-Powered (HP) Cresnet wire uses the following specifications:
o
12 AWG (3.31 mm
2
) red/black twisted pair is used for 24VDC power and ground.
o
22 AWG (0.33 mm
2
) blue/white twisted pair is used for data (Y and Z) with
aluminum/polyester foil shield (providing 100% coverage)
o
24 AWG (0.20 mm
2
) stranded tinned copper drain wire
l
Cresnet cables are rated for low-voltage (60VAC/VDC or less) applications.
CAUTION: Cresnet cables should never be used within high-voltage (60VAC/VDC or
more) applications.
l
The following connectors are used by Cresnet-supported devices. Each connector type
supports wire termination for Cresnet power, data, and ground.
o
Black 4-pin terminal blocks with 5 mm spacing
o
Green 4-pin terminal blocks with 3.5 mm spacing
o
RJ-11 style Cresnet distribution ports (legacy installations only)
