Cat5e Riser Cables

Description

Cat5e Riser Cable for Vertical Network Installations

Cat5e riser cable is engineered for structured cabling systems where vertical runs between floors are required. It is built with flame-retardant jackets. This cable plays a major role in preventing fire from spreading through riser shafts. This is what makes it fully compliant with building safety codes.

Technical Specifications of Cat5e Riser Cable

Understanding the construction of the riser Cat5e cable is key to choosing the right product. These cables are manufactured under strict standards to deliver stable performance in data networks.

Conductor and Gauge

Most Cat5e riser cable 1000ft spools use 24 AWG solid bare copper conductors, although copper-clad aluminum (CCA) options are available. Solid copper is recommended for long-term stability and lower attenuation.

Shielding and Pairing

Riser Cat5e cable is generally unshielded twisted pair (UTP), but shielded riser variants exist for environments with heavy electromagnetic interference. The twisted pairs reduce crosstalk and preserve signal quality across long runs.

Flame Ratings and Jacket Material

The riser-rated PVC jacket complies with UL 1666 standards, ensuring flame resistance for vertical applications. Riser jackets are less expensive compared to plenum jackets, but are not rated for air ducts or HVAC spaces.

Bandwidth and Transmission

Cat5e riser cables support data rates up to 1 Gbps for Ethernet applications, with a performance rating of up to 350 MHz. They are backward compatible with Cat5. They also offer reduced signal interference.

Performance and Compliance Benefits

Cat5e riser cable foot purchases give installers flexibility. 1000 ft boxes serve large-scale projects. The technical advantages of riser-rated Cat5e make it the go-to for:

• Multi-story residential
• Office
• Commercial builds

Backward Compatibility

Riser-rated Cat5e works with older Cat5 networks, RJ45 connectors, and patch panels, making upgrades seamless without replacing existing infrastructure.

Safety Compliance

The riser is UL-certified for riser shafts but not for air plenums. This is what sets it apart from plenum. It meets NEC (National Electric Code) requirements for CMR-rated cabling. As a result, it can be great for keeping buildings safe and code-compliant.

Color and Identification

Options like red Cat5e cable risers help differentiate cable runs during installations. Clear labeling and foot markers simplify pulling and cutting for installers working on high-density wiring jobs.

FAQs About Cat5e Riser Cable

What is Cat5e riser cable used for?

Cat5e riser cable is installed in riser shafts or conduits between floors of buildings. It offers flame resistance and compliance with NEC CMR requirements.

What is the difference between Cat5e plenum and riser cable?

Plenum Cat5e uses CMP-rated jackets for air-handling spaces. Riser Cat5e cable has CMR-rated jackets for vertical shafts. Plenum has stricter flame and smoke standards than riser.

Is Cat5e riser cable solid or stranded?

Most Cat5e riser cable comes in solid 24 AWG copper for permanent runs, though stranded options exist for patch cords and shorter, flexible connections.

Can Cat5e riser cable support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

Yes, Cat5e riser cable supports PoE and PoE+ applications, provided the conductors are pure copper and the run length stays within 100 meters.

What standards does Cat5e riser cable comply with?

Cat5e riser cables typically comply with TIA/EIA-568-C.2, UL 1666 flame tests, and NEC CMR ratings to ensure safety and reliable gigabit data transmission.

What is the maximum length of a Cat5e riser Ethernet run?

The maximum channel length is 100 meters (328 feet), including patch cords. Exceeding this may cause signal loss, crosstalk, or degraded gigabit performance.