Network Patch Cables
Network patch cables are leads with RJ45 plugs that link network devices, such as a switch to a PC, for data and network connectivity. This page holds Connectix Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6A patch leads in a choice of lengths and colours, with LSZH or PVC jackets, shielded Cat6A leads for 10GBASE-T and external leads for linking outbuildings, plus TRENDnet M12 to RJ-45 industrial cables and Dahua Technology Cat6 patch cables.
Choosing Network Patch Cables
Choose by category, then by sheath, boot and where the lead has to run.
Cat6A shielded leads
The Connectix 003-010 leads are made from shielded Cat6A cable terminated with high performance modular plugs, and the fully shielded cable increases signal isolation and helps to prevent contaminant noise from entering the lead. The 003-010-020-01 and 003-010-050-01 add an overall braid with individually foiled pairs, straight through wiring and a low profile plug with latch protection, on LSZH shielded cable.
Cat6 leads and boots
The Connectix 003-3B5-005-01C has a moulded strain relief boot that helps prevent the cable from damage or being pulled out of the plug, and its low profile boot design suits high density installations. On the 003-3B5-100-03C the boot does not provide latch protection, for ease of installation, while the 003-3B5-010-02C has an LSOH latch protection boot that protects the plug and socket from dust. The PQ-3B5-010-01C has a low smoke zero halogen jacket and minimal packaging.
Cat5e leads: LSZH or PVC
The Connectix 003-3NB4-015-09C and 003-3NB4-100-03C Cat5e leads have a moulded style boot that provides strain relief and prevents the cable becoming loose from the plug. In the 003-3NB4-030-09C range, LSOH leads have a latch protection boot and PVC leads a short boot with no latch protection. The 003-3NB4-500-01 is a long lead made with grey solid Cat5e UTP cable.
External and industrial leads
The Connectix 003-023 external RJ45 patch leads, from the 003-023-100-01 at 10m to the 003-023-750-01 at 75m, are designed to run externally and suit linking outbuildings. They use Cat6 connectors and black solid LDPE Cat6 UTP cable, and each lead is individually tested and bagged. For industrial networks, the TRENDnet TI-CD02 and TI-CD05 have one M12 8-pin A-code interface and one RJ-45 interface, are IP67 weather rated, and are designed to connect a PoE device to the TRENDnet industrial M12 railway switch.
| Model | Category | Construction | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 003-010-020-01 | Cat6A | S/FTP, LSZH | 2m, latch protection |
| 003-3B5-200-09C | Cat6 | UTP, stranded | Moulded boot, no latch protection |
| 003-3NB4-030-09C | Cat5e | PVC or LSOH sheath | Latch protection on LSOH leads |
| 003-023-400-01 | Cat6 | Solid LDPE UTP | Runs externally |
| TI-CD05 | M12 to RJ-45 | IP67 | 5m, industrial M12 switch |
Related categories
See the Cat6 network cable and Cat6A network cable ranges, with patch panels and RJ45 network connectors for terminating runs.
Brands we stock in Network Patch Cables
Bosch, Comelit PAC, Connectix Cabling Systems, Dahua Technology, Securi-Flex, TRENDnet and Vanco.
Frequently asked questions
What does a patch lead connect?
A patch lead is a cable with an RJ45 plug on either end that links network devices, such as a switch to a PC. The Comelit PAC 1449 is a 2 metre RJ45 lead for connecting the 1440 switch to a PC, and the Connectix 003-3B5-200-09C is a Cat6 UTP lead with a moulded boot for strain relief. Connectix 003-023 external leads are designed to run outside, to link outbuildings.
What is a Cat6A patch lead used for?
It completes a Cat6A cabling channel, supporting very high-speed applications including 10GBASE-T. Connectix Cat6A leads such as the 0.5m 003-010-005-01 and the 10m 003-010-100-03 are made from shielded Cat6A cable with LSZH jackets and are rated for 10Gbps. The 2m 003-010-020-01 is an S/FTP lead terminated with high performance modular plugs.
Do Cat5e patch leads have latch protection?
Yes, some do: a latch protection boot gives the clip on the back of the plug extra protection and helps stop snagging when many leads are bundled. The Connectix Cat5e 003-3NB4-005-09C has an LSOH jacket with a latch protection boot, and the 003-3NB4-005-20C also has a latch protection boot. Leads such as the 003-3NB4-050-05C have a moulded boot without latch protection, suited to high-density installations.
What is an external patch lead used for?
It is a patch lead designed to run outdoors, for example to link an outbuilding to the main network. Connectix 003-023 external lead lengths include 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m and 75m, such as the 003-023-100-01 and 003-023-750-01, so choose one that covers the whole run. They use Cat6 connectors and black solid LDPE Cat6 UTP cable.
Why choose an LSZH patch lead?
Choose an LSZH patch lead where safety and reduced toxic emissions are priorities, because its low smoke zero halogen jacket is made for those environments. The Connectix PQ-3B5-010-01C is a Cat6 UTP lead with an LSZH jacket, and the Cat6A 003-010-020-01 has an LSZH jacket on shielded Cat6A cable. The Cat5e 003-3NB4-005-09C has an LSOH jacket with a latch protection boot.
Why buy from West Midlands Electrics
- Established 1975
- Birmingham trade counter
- UK-only supply
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