Cat 5E Cables
What are Cat 5E Cables?
Anyone who knows about data transmission knows about Category 5E Cables. Over the last few years these Data Cables, which were formally ratified in 2000, have very much taken over from Category 5 Cables (for computer networks running at 10 or 100 Mbps). Manufactured to tighter specifications with a larger bandwidth, Cat 5E (or enhanced Cat 5) Cables – and above – are now recommended for use in all new and existing installations. For installations requiring mechanical protection, Armoured Cat 5E Cable (or Cat 5E PE GSWB LSZH Cable) is recommended.
High performance Cat 5E Cables are everywhere. Used widely in airports, the telecommunications and building and construction industries, these Data Cables are suited to everything from Local Area Networks and entertainment systems to cash (ATM) machines.
How is a typical Cat 5E Cable constructed?
| 1 | Conductor | Class 1 solid copper |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Insulation | HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) |
| 3 | Sheath | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
By what other names is Cat 5E Cable known?
Cat 5E Cable is referred to more generally as Category Cable, Data/LAN Cable, Network Cable, Computer Cable and Structured Cabling. Specific terms are used to describe different types of Data Cable. Cat 5E PE GSWB LSZH Cable, for example, is also known as Armoured Cat 5 Cable.
How many different types of Cat 5E Cables are there?The standard Cat 5E Cable is Cat 5E UTP PVC Cable, which includes unshielded twisted pair conductors, and a PVC sheath. There are a number of variations, however, depending on the location and use of the cable. A low smoke zero halogen (LS0H) UTP version is available for use in public buildings – it emits low levels of Halogen gas when exposed to fire. Cat 5E FTP PVC Cable includes an Aluminium Foil (Al-Foil) screen around all of the pairs, which provides protection against external electromagnetic interference or cross talk. Cat 5E PE FTP GSWB LSZH Cable is a Halogen-free cable with an Aluminium Polyethylene Terephthalate (Al-Pet) screen and Galvanised Steel Wire Braid (GSWB) for locations requiring mechanical protection. And the UV resistant Cat 5E UTP PE External Cable, with its Polyethylene sheath (PE) to prevent water ingress, is suited to outdoor use.
What do the different types of Cat 5E Cables have in common?
Cat 5E Cables are multipair (usually four pair) cables with Class 1 twisted pair copper conductors and high density polyethylene (HDPE) insulation that meet the requirements of both ISO/IEC11801 and TIA/EIA 568B standards. These enhanced Category 5 Data Cables are designed for transmission speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gigabit Ethernet) and to support frequencies up to 100MHz.
Can you identify a Cat 5E Cable by the colour of its sheath?
Category 5E Cable comes in four different colours – depending on the specification of the cable. Cat 5E FTP PVC Cable and Cat 5E UTP PVC Cable are grey, both Cat 5E PE GSWB LSZH Cable and Cat 5E UTP PE External Cable are black and Cat 5E UTP LSZH comes in purple and orange. Cat 5E UTP PE External Cable, Cat 5E UTP LSZH and Cat 5E UTP PVC Cable also come metre marked.
Why are the pairs twisted?
Twisting the pairs reduces the amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI) or cross talk from external sources. When wires are placed next to each other in parallel there is usually some cross talk – signal interference between the cables. Twisting prevents this.
Are there any other Data Cables I need to know about?
For those looking to future-proof their structured cabling and computer installations, Cat 6 LSZH Cable is worth thinking about. This low smoke multipair cable is very similar to Category 5E but has more bandwidth and is manufactured to a higher standard. Cat 6a and Cat 7 are also available in some markets but are not yet ratified. Cat 6a has a bandwidth of 500mhz – a full end-to-end solution is available in the UK market. Cat 7 has been developed for high-end media systems and is mainly used in Germany at the moment.
What Data Accessories would I need for these cables?
Cat 5E and Cat 6 cables are suitable for use with a range of structured cabling accessories, including the following:
1U UTP and 2U UTP Patch Panels – these panels are Cat 5E/Cat 6 compliant and fit into standard 19" data cabinets.
Low Profile or LJ6C Modules – these modules are used for either data or voice networks in both domestic and commercial properties.
Single Gang or Dual Gang Bevelled Faceplates – these are used to hold the modules and to cover the back box.
1U Metal Cable Management Bars – these Management Bars will fit into standard 19" data cabinets.
Cat 5E UTP Moulded and Booted Patch Leads – these are fitted with a strain relief boot for applications that may need a small amount of stress relief applied to each cable — or for applications where continuous patching is necessary.
More info on Cat 5E
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