I am planning to wire my new condo for Ethernet, but unfortunately I don't have the usual basement/attic access that homeowners enjoy. Barring that, the easiest way to route cables where I need them to go is through the air ducts, terminating a few centimeters inside the duct, where the cable goes into the wall and down to a socket.
However, I've been getting conflicting information about whether or not this is permitted under the building code. In Canada (specifically Quebec) is it permitted to run plenum-rated Ethernet cable through ventilation ducts? I've seen conflicting answers online as to whether this is permitted or if the only wires permitted inside ducts are those related to the ventilation system. I can't access the building code myself without paying several hundred dollars for the privilege.
Barring that, can anyone recommend a good guide to running network cable through finished walls? All of the how-to guides I've seen crow about how easy it is but assume that you can go in through an unfinished basement or attic. Unfortunately, not only do I not have that luxury, the floors and most of the ceilings are concrete.
Best Answer
In Ontario, Rogers spent years running their coaxial cables through duct work. The only downside was that the heat caused the wires to wear more quickly. I don't have access to codes here, but if Rogers did it then it's probably allowed.
Ethernet cables aren't shielded as well and would suffer the heat more. Maybe run them through the cold air return?
As an alternative, if you can get he cable to the right floor, stapling them to or behind baseboards worked well for me.
Hope that helps a little.