I am currently renting a flat, which prevents me from making modification to the walls. However, I still would like to run ethernet cables between rooms. Between all the rooms, there are AC vents connecting them together. Assuming that the ducts are simple air ducts without any moving parts inside (need to check), would a normal ethernet cable "survive" the conditions? I think the maximum air temperature would not exceed 60 degrees celsius.
Lastly, the the building is located in Spain.
Outdoor rated cat5/6 has temperature ranges from -5 to -15 F to 160-170 F. I know that I have seen cable ran through commercial ducts. Do I know if it passed local inspection? No.
That being said a home duct would come no where close to 150 degrees F - not talking about duct work from ovens. I guess you would worry about the casing becoming soft and sticking to the duct. I don't see the fire hazard though.
Basically the issue is - is this code or law abiding where you live? In the US that is a no. I don't know about other countries though.
I was just answering the question asked. Not trying to start a controversy - would I run it in my home through ducts? No. If I did I would use a variant of fireproof cat5.
No you cannot. This is a code violation.
Furthermore, your insurance company can take this as a willful violation and deny a claim.
You can use the cold air return ducts, but you must use plenum rated cable.
This is a bad idea as everyone has mentioned already. Search for "cable raceway" and your problem of aesthetics and cable management are solved without violating your agreement with the landlord.
