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Bulk CAT5 ( and CAT5E ), or Category 5, is simply a large spool, usually non-retail packaged, version of the popular CAT 5 Networking Cable, the 5th generation of twisted pair Ethernet cabling and the most popular of all twisted pair network cabling in use today and is designed for high signal integrity. Although CAT5 Cable usually contains four pairs of copper wire, Fast Ethernet / Internet Data communications only utilize two pairs. It is also used for telephone systems and . When used for the phone, it also only utilizes two pairs.
One of the major differences between bulk category 5 and the normal patch cables, or shorter length spools, is the bulk does not come with connectors and is often CL3 in wall (fire) rated. Like regular CAT 5, it also comes in an enhanced version. CAT5E networking cable is an enhanced version of CAT5 that adds specifications for far end crosstalk. It was formally defined in 2001 in the TIA/EIA-568-B standard, which no longer recognizes the original Category 5 specification. Although 1000BASE-T was designed for use with CAT5 cable, the tighter specifications associated with CAT5E cable and connectors make it an excellent choice for use with 1000BASE-T. Despite the stricter performance specifications, CAT 5e cable does not enable longer cable distances for Ethernet networks: cables are still limited to a maximum of 328 ft (100 m) in length (normal practice is to limit fixed ("horizontal") cables to 90 m to allow for up to 5 m of patch cable at each end). CAT 5E cable performance characteristics and test methods are defined in TIA/EIA-568-B.2-2001.
CAT 5 exists in both stranded and solid conductor forms. The stranded form is more flexible and withstands more bending without breaking and is suited for reliable connections with insulation piercing connectors, but makes unreliable connections in insulation-displacement connectors. ( The solid form is less expensive and makes reliable connections into insulation displacement connectors, but makes unreliable connections in insulation piercing connectors. Taking these things into account, building wiring (for example, the wiring inside the wall that connects a wall socket to a central patch panel) is solid core, while patch cables (for example, the movable cable that plugs into the wall socket on one end and a computer on the other) are stranded. It typically has three twists per inch of each twisted pair of 24 gauge copper wires within.
Purchase at the GIN Electronics Custom Install Store