Ethernet cables or the network cable is a super-important component in the broadband networking that is used to connect devices to each other by using wired connection.

Since ethernet cables run throughout the house, sometimes they can get wet with water, and we are worried can ethernet cables get wet?

If you are in a similar situation where your ethernet cable is wet with water, and you don’t have an idea what to do, this guide is for you.

Here, we have compiled everything related to ethernet cables getting wet, so you can better know whether you can make your ethernet cable wet or not.

What Makes Up An Ethernet Cable?

Before we jump into the actual question of whether water can damage the ethernet cables or not, we need to know what makes up an ethernet cable, so you can better understand whether water would damage it or not.

The inner of the ethernet cables is made out of copper. All the pins that are inside are copper, and the outer of the cable is made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Can Water Damage Ethernet Cables?

Yes, water can damage the ethernet cables, unless it is an outdoor rated cable, as most of the cables used in the households are not CMX rated, they would get damaged with water.

Normal ethernet cables do have a very light jacket, and water can easily seep-in, and when the water gets inside the cable, there are plenty of problems that it can cause.

First of all, it’s a serious hazard, as it can cause electrocution. Moreover, it can also cause downgrades in the signal strength, so, you can face low signals, or no signals in some conditions as well.

Lastly, even if there is none of the above-provided problems, water around your ethernet cable can bring down the lifespan marginally.

What To Do If An Ethernet Cable Gets Wet

In case, your ethernet cable has already got wet, it is not alright to use it without doing the drying process, and in some cases, you also need to replace the ethernet cable.

Below, we have provided you with a complete guide that you need to follow if your ethernet cable gets wet.

• First of all, you need to unplug the cable from the devices.
• Afterwards, you need to take a cloth, and dry the cable from outside.
• If it is still damp, you need to take the ethernet cable in the sun, and leave it there for a while until the cable is fully dried.
• Now, plug in the cable into the network back, and check whether it works or not.

You have to keep in mind that, sometimes the wet ethernet cable is beyond repair, and you need to replace it.

Long-Term Effects Of Water On Ethernet Cables

When ethernet cables do get in contact with the water for prolonged periods, the ethernet cable can lose the strength, and in some cases, it can stop working at all.

Sometimes, when the inner carbon cable gets corroded, it can also have electric shock issues.

It’s the reason, it is not recommended to use the ethernet cable outdoors, where it involves the risk of water.

If you are planning to use ethernet cable outdoors, you need to use the CMX rated ethernet cable.

Safety Considerations With Wet Ethernet Cables

When the ethernet cable gets wet, it becomes a safety hazard, and you need to deal with extreme care, otherwise, you can do harm to yourself, and your devices.

Here are some safety precautions you need to do with the ethernet cables.

• When there is wet ethernet cable, you need to ensure you do not touch it with bare feet.
• You need to turn off the power, and then remove the cable from the router or other devices.
• Dry up the cable before reusing the ethernet cable.
• Also, you need to check if the devices are wet, if it’s so, you need to dry them up as well.

Selecting Ethernet Cables For Humid Or Outdoor Environments

Typically, the ethernet cables available in the market are made for an indoors environment without any humidity, however, there are special cables available in the market, which are made for outdoors, meaning they can take up harsh outdoors weather.

These special cables are called the CMX ethernet cables, and they come with a jacket that is rated for outdoor usage. The outer jacket on the CMX cables is not only waterproof, but also UV resistant, which means you can use the ethernet cable in the open air without any worry.

So, when you are getting a cable for outdoor usage, you need to ensure that the one you are getting comes with a CMX rating, otherwise, the indoor ethernet cables won’t last long, and can be a potential danger.

Conclusion

Ethernet cables or network cables are special types of cables that are used for connecting devices over a network.

Normal indoor ethernet cables are prone to water damage, and can get damaged with water. When water gets in contact with the normal ethernet cable, you need to dry it up.

On the other hand, there are the CMX rated ethernet cables that are specifically made for the outdoors environment. So, if you are planning to use the ethernet cable outdoors, you need to use these cables.