Cat6a Riser Cables

Tested and Certified Category 6A Riser Reels

• Meets the TIA ANSI/TIA-568.2-D Category 6A limits. This includes PSANEXT and PSAACRF alien crosstalk.
• Reels are bandwidth-tested up to 750 MHz. Links keep their margin after long vertical pulls.
• Installed channels can be certified to the Cat6A limit with a Fluke DSX analyzer. Our Fluke-tested and certified cables page explains how it works.
• Third-party listed options sit in our ETL-listed cables
• The materials are RoHS compliant. Restricted heavy metals stay out of the jacket and insulation.
• ISO 9001 quality systems hold the pair spacing steady. Alien crosstalk performance relies on it.

10G Across the Full Channel

• Runs 10GBASE-T across a 90 m permanent link and 10 m of patch cords.
• Cat6 can only hold 10G to roughly 55 m.
• Supports 2.5G and 5G under IEEE 802.3bz too.

CMR Fire Rating

• Passes UL 1666. Flame stays below 12 feet in a vertical shaft.
• NEC Article 800 allows CMR cable in shafts and walls. General indoor areas are fine too.
• Air-handling plenums still need CMP cable.

Built for Type 4 PoE

• Sends 90 W from the switch across four pairs. About 71.3 W reaches the device.
• 23 AWG copper keeps resistance and heat low in large vertical bundles.
• TIA TSB-184-A gives guidance on bundle size for high-power installs.

Spline and Pair Spacing

• A cross-spline keeps the pairs apart. It also helps the cable resist kinks on vertical pulls.
• The spline works with the larger diameter to keep NEXT and alien crosstalk within Category 6A limits.

Unshielded Riser Reels

This lighter build terminates faster than foil-shielded cable. It works for most shafts and in-wall runs. Our UTP solid bare copper riser reel is the usual pick for offices and apartment buildings.

Shielded F/UTP Riser Reels

A cat6a shielded riser cable has aluminum foil wrapped around all four pairs. It also has a drain wire. The foil blocks EMI from elevator motors and power feeders. Radio sources are blocked as well. In large bundles, it nearly removes alien crosstalk. The shielded F/UTP riser reel pairs have foil with a CMR jacket.

Grounding Shielded Cable

A cat6a shielded CMR riser cable blocks noise only when the shield is bonded the right way. Follow these steps:

• Use shielded jacks and patch panels
• Connect the drain wire at the rack
• Bond the rack to the building's telecom grounding system under ANSI/TIA-607

1000 ft. Bulk Reels

Bulk reels let installers cut each riser run to its exact length. There are fewer splices and fewer leftover spools. Multi-floor projects stay on budget this way.

Multi-Story Office Buildings

The network closet on each floor connects back to the main equipment room. Riser-rated Cat6A gives those links full 10G speed. Shorter backbones don't need fiber at all.

Apartment and Condo Towers

Residents expect fast internet in every unit. Riser Cat6A carries multi-gig service. It also powers these devices over PoE:

• In-unit access points
• Door entry systems
• Cameras

Homes and Home Offices

Cat6A in the walls is a good call for new homes and big renovations. It supports 10G internet plans and NAS storage. Multi-gig Wi-Fi works on it for years to come.

New Construction

Install riser-rated Cat6A while the building goes up. The building will be ready for faster switches later. Nobody has to open the walls again.

Schools and Campus Buildings

Classrooms, labs, and offices often spread over several floors. Each one needs steady speeds. Riser-rated Cat6A keeps every floor ready for Wi-Fi 7 access points and IP cameras.

What is a riser-rated Cat6A cable?

It is a Category 6A Ethernet cable with a CMR-rated jacket. It goes in vertical shafts and in-wall runs. It carries 10 Gbps over 100 meters.

How do riser and plenum versions compare?

Plenum has the stricter rating in the cat6a riser vs plenum choice. Air-handling spaces require it. Riser cable covers walls and shafts but it can't go in a plenum. Plenum cable can replace riser anywhere indoors.

When should I choose a shielded version?

A cat6a riser Ethernet cable shielded with foil makes sense near elevator equipment. It also helps near high-voltage feeders and radio sources. Very large bundles benefit from it too. Unshielded cable works well in a typical shaft.

Can riser cable go in a plenum space?

Riser jackets are not approved for those spaces. Air-handling spaces need CMP-rated cable that meets the NFPA 262 smoke and flame limits.

What connectors should I use?

Use Cat6A jacks and plugs rated for 23 AWG solid conductors. They also have to fit the cable's outside diameter. Shielded cable needs shielded connectors.

Is riser-rated Cat6A worth it in a home?

It is a smart long-term choice for new homes and major renovations. It supports 10G between rooms. Multi-gig Wi-Fi access points run on it too. It also uses the same riser rating as standard in-wall cable.

What does a full reel of riser Cat6A weigh?

An unshielded reel usually weighs around 40 lb. Shielded reels can be heavier. Plan for a reel stand or a second person on large pulls.

How is a riser-rated Cat6A link certified?

A field certifier like the Fluke DSX tests the installed link against the TIA Category 6A permanent link limit. Alien crosstalk can also be sampled between cables in the same bundle for full 10G sign-off. Save the LinkWare reports. You will need them for warranty registration and future troubleshooting. If a link fails, re-terminate the jack and test again. Most failures come from untwisted pairs at the connector.

How should floor penetrations be handled?

Seal every opening between floors with a listed firestop system once the cable is in. Support vertical bundles at regular intervals. This keeps the cable's weight from straining its own jacket.