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Ethernet Cable
- Use For:
Unshielded: Data; Category 3 can also be used for Telephones
Shielded, Double Shielded: Data, Interference Shielding - Flexible
- Insulation:
Outer: PVC Plastic
Inner: See table
Send data between computers, printers, servers, and switches. Ethernet category standards describe the cable’s performance capabilities. Higher category numbers mean faster speeds, superior data transfer, and better signal strength. Category cables are backward compatible, so you can mix and match, but your speed will only be as fast as the lowest-rated cable.
Unshielded cable is the choice for day-to-day wiring, such as connecting your desktop computer to an ethernet port.
Shielded cable has a layer of foil that blocks signal interference from nearby equipment, such as variable frequency drives or small motors. It has an uninsulated ground wire that is not counted in the number of wires.
Double-shielded cable has a layer of braid and foil shielding for the best protection against signal interference. Use it in areas with high signal distortion, such as near transformers, generators, and heavy duty motors.
CM and CMR cable prevent the spread of flames down the length of the cable. CMR is more flame resistant than CM cable.
Inner Insulation | Per Ft. | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet Cable Category  | Transmission Frequency | Wire Ga. | No. of Wires | Cable AWG | Max. Temp., °F | OD | Industry Designation | Material | Color | Choose an Outer Insulation Color | Length, ft. | 1-499 | 500-Up | |
Unshielded Solid Wire | ||||||||||||||
| 6 | 100 MHz | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 165° | 0.22" | CMR | Polyolefin Plastic | Blue Blue/White Brown Brown/White Green Green/White Orange Orange/White | 0000000 | 00000 | 00000 | ||
Shielded Solid Wire with Uninsulated Ground Wire | ||||||||||||||
| 6 | 250 MHz | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 140° | 0.29" | CMR | Polyolefin Plastic | Blue Blue/White Brown Brown/White Green Green/White Orange Orange/White | 000000 | 000 | 000 | ||
Double-Shielded Solid Wire | ||||||||||||||
| 8 | 2,000 MHz | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 165° | 0.32" | CM | Polyethylene Plastic | Blue Blue/White Brown Brown/White Green Green/White Orange Orange/White | Blue | 0000000 | 0000 | 0000 | |
Duct-Rated Ethernet Cable
- Use For:
Unshielded: Data
Shielded: Data, Interference Shielding - Flexible
- Insulation:
Outer: PVC Plastic
Inner: See table
Also known as plenum cable, this CMP cable has flame-resistant, low-smoke insulation and can be used without conduit in duct work and above a drop ceiling. Use it to send data between computers, printers, servers, and switches in an office. It’s backward compatible so it works in networks that meet the same or a lower category. Choose cable with a higher ethernet cable category for a clearer signal.
Use unshielded cable in applications where signal interference is not a concern.
Shielded cable has a layer of foil that blocks signal interference from nearby equipment and devices. It has an uninsulated ground wire that is not counted in the number of wires.
Per Ft. | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet Cable Category | Transmission Frequency | Wire Ga. | No. of Wires | Cable AWG | Max. Temp., °F | OD | Inner Insulation Material | Inner Insulation Color | Features | Choose an Outer Insulation Color | Length, ft. | 1-499 | 500-Up | |
Unshielded Solid Wire | ||||||||||||||
| 6 | 350 MHz | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 165° | 0.23" | FEP/Polyolefin Plastic Blend | Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, White/Blue, White/Brown, White/Green, White/Orange | __ | 0000000 | 00000 | 00000 | ||
Shielded Solid Wire | ||||||||||||||
| 6 | 250 MHz | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 140° | 0.29" | FEP Plastic | Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, White/Blue, White/Brown, White/Green, White/Orange | Uninsulated Ground Wire | Gray | 000000 | 0000 | 0000 | |
Oil-Resistant Ethernet Cable
- Use For:
Unshielded: Data
Shielded: Data, Interference Shielding - Flexible
- Max. Temperature: 165° F
- Insulation:
Inner Insulation: See table
Outer Insulation: PVC Plastic
From mines and factories to robotics, this rugged Ethernet cable sends data between sensors and switches in the grimiest places. The PVC outer insulation is treated to stand up to oil and coolants where typical PVC insulation would become brittle and crack. To make sure it doesn't kink and snap, this cable was tested under repeated bending and rubbing with little signs of wear. Higher numbers for the Ethernet category standard mean faster speeds, superior data transfer, and better signal strength. Category cables are backward compatible, so you can mix and match. However, your speed will only be as fast as the lowest-rated cable.
Choose unshielded cable for most applications. When working with variable frequency drives or small motors, choose shielded cable, which has a layer of foil that protects from signal interference. It has an uninsulated ground wire that is not counted in the number of wires.
Inner Insulation | Per Ft. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet Cable Category | Transmission Frequency | Wire Ga. | No. of Wires | Cable AWG | OD | Material | Color | Outer Insulation Color | Features | Length, ft. | 1-99 | 100-Up | |
Unshielded Solid Wire | |||||||||||||
| 6 | 600 MHz | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 0.34" | Polyolefin Plastic | Blue Blue/White Brown Brown/White Green Green/White Orange Orange/White | Black | __ | 000000 | 00000 | 00000 | |
Shielded Solid Wire | |||||||||||||
| 6 | 250 MHz | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 0.27" | Polypropylene Plastic | Blue Blue/White Brown Brown/White Green Green/White Orange Orange/White | Black | Uninsulated Ground Wire | 00000000 | 0000 | 0000 | |
Duct-Rated Oil-Resistant Ethernet Cable
- Use For: Data
- Flexible
- Max. Temperature: 300° F
- Insulation: FEP Plastic
Also known as plenum cable, this cable is designated CMP, so it has low-smoke insulation and can be used without conduit in duct work and above a drop ceiling. The oil-resistant FEP insulation protects wires as the cable moves from duct to equipment or machinery. It also resists UV light. It’s backward compatible so it works in networks that meet the same or a lower category.