Cat6 Armoured External Cable, F/UTP, SWA, Black PE, 250 MHz, per m, SFX/C6-UTP-SWA-PE-BLK-1

Introduction to the product and key features

Cat6 Armoured External Cable, F/UTP, SWA, Black PE, 250 MHz — sold per metre

The SFX/C6-UTP-SWA-PE-BLK-1 is an armoured Category 6 external data cable designed for outdoor, duct and mechanically exposed installations. It combines a 4-pair F/UTP (overall foil screen) construction with steel wire armour (SWA) and a UV-resistant black polyethylene (PE) outer jacket to deliver mechanical protection, environmental resistance and reliable Gigabit Ethernet performance up to typical channel lengths of around 90 m. Supplied cut-to-length and priced per metre, this cable is targeted at installers and contractors who need a robust Cat6 solution for external runs.

Detailed specifications and benefits

• Category: Cat6, 4-pair F/UTP (overall foil)
• Conductor: Bare copper, 0.54 ±0.02 mm diameter
• Insulation: HDPE, 0.29 mm
• Inner jacket: Grey PE (RAL 7004), Ø 7.00 ±0.20 mm; thickness 0.7 mm
• Outer jacket: Black PE, UV resistant, Ø 10.50 ±0.20 mm
• Armour: Steel wire armour (SWA) for mechanical protection

• Rated bandwidth: 250 MHz
• Data rate: Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) typical
• Conductor DC resistance: < 83 Ω/km @ 20°C
• Rated temperature range: -20°C to 80°C
• Typical channel length: Up to ~90 m (channel performance dependent)

• CPR (reaction-to-fire): Fca
• LSZH variant: Available (supplier listing)
• Supplier datasheet: ITM002555 (refer to supplier for full details)
• Product code: SFX/C6-UTP-SWA-PE-BLK-1 — sold per 1 metre (cut-to-length)

• Mechanical protection:Steel wire armour provides robust resistance to crushing, rodent damage and incidental impacts compared with unarmoured cables.
• Outdoor suitability:Black PE outer jacket is UV resistant, making the cable suitable for exposed external runs and duct installations.
• Network performance:Meeting Cat6 250 MHz performance enables reliable Gigabit Ethernet links in many real-world installations.
• Installation flexibility:Supplied per metre for cut-to-length convenience — useful for custom routing and reducing waste.
• Regulatory awareness:CPR Fca rating and LSZH option give choices for compliance in different environments.

Use cases and scenarios where the product excels

This armoured Cat6 cable is aimed at installations where both network performance and mechanical protection are required. Typical scenarios include:

• External building-to-building links:When running Ethernet between separate structures across exposed routes or in shallow trenches, the SWA layer helps protect the core pairs from mechanical stress.
• Duct and conduit installations:The rugged jacket and armour allow the cable to be pulled through ducts or conduits without excessive concern for damage, provided correct pull tensions and installation practices are followed.
• Direct burial (where permitted):In projects where direct burial is allowed by local regulation, an armoured PE-sheathed cable can provide added protection; check local codes before burial.
• Industrial and perimeter networks:Where cables might be subject to incidental knocks, rodent exposure or higher mechanical risk, the SWA provides a protective barrier that unarmoured cables lack.
• Temporary and semi-permanent site installations:Construction sites, event spaces or temporary campuses can benefit from the durability of an armoured cable that still supports Gigabit Ethernet.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

Understanding how this armoured Cat6 cable compares to alternative solutions helps specify the right product for each project. Key comparisons are below:

• Protection:Armoured Cat6 provides superior mechanical protection and environmental resistance. Unarmoured Cat6 is lighter, more flexible and easier to terminate but is vulnerable to crushing and rodent damage outdoors.
• Use cases:Choose SWA armoured cable for exposed external routes and ducts; use unarmoured cable indoors or within protected conduits.
• Cost:Armoured cable is typically more expensive per metre due to extra materials and handling — the suggested price for this product is 2.28 per m (cost price 1.91), reflecting the added protection.

• F/UTP (overall foil):Provides an overall screen that reduces external EMI and is suitable for many outdoor and commercial environments.
• S/FTP or PiMF:Offers pair-level screening plus an overall screen for higher immunity to NEXT/EMI and is better for high-noise environments; such cables are more expensive and may be stiffer.
• When to choose F/UTP:For standard Gigabit Ethernet in outdoor and duct settings where overall screening and mechanical protection are the priority, F/UTP is a practical choice.

• Bandwidth and futureproofing:Cat6A supports 500 MHz and 10 Gbps at full channel lengths up to 100 m. Armoured Cat6 (250 MHz) is fine for current Gigabit needs but not for guaranteed 10 Gbps at 100 m.
• Cost and handling:Cat6A armoured cable is thicker, heavier and typically more expensive. For many outdoor Gigabit links, Cat6 armoured provides a balance between capability and cost.

Customer feedback and reviews

No verified individual customer testimonials are available at the time of writing for this specific product code. However, installers and contractors who choose armoured Cat6 solutions commonly report the following practical benefits in field use:

• Greater confidence when deploying cables in exposed or high-risk areas due to the steel wire armour.
• Reduced rework and call-backs caused by physical damage or animal interference when compared with unarmoured outdoor cables.
• Satisfactory Gigabit performance in typical site deployments when paired with proper terminations and compliant installation practices.

For customer-specific reviews, ask the supplier for references or case studies, or request sample runs to validate performance in your own environment.

Practical installation notes and compliance

When planning installations, remember these practical points:

• Follow the manufacturer datasheet (ITM002555) and local regulations such as BS 7671 for electrical safety and cable routing guidance.
• Observe maximum recommended pull tensions and bend radii for armoured cable to avoid conductor or armour damage during installation.
• Use appropriate glands, armour clamps and earth bonding where required — SWA armoured cables often need the armour bonded to earth at termination points to maintain safety and screening effectiveness.
• Consider the LSZH variant for enclosed spaces where low smoke and halogen-free performance is required; the black PE variant is ideal for exposed outdoor use.

Conclusion: Why this product is a strong choice

The SFX/C6-UTP-SWA-PE-BLK-1 armoured Cat6 external cable offers a pragmatic balance of mechanical protection, outdoor suitability and Gigabit-capable network performance. Its combination of F/UTP screening, steel wire armour and UV-resistant black PE jacket makes it well suited to external runs, ducted installations and other environments where cables face mechanical risk. While Cat6A and pair-shielded (S/FTP) designs offer higher bandwidth or additional immunity in specific cases, this armoured Cat6 is often the most cost-effective and practical choice for many outdoor Gigabit Ethernet applications.

Supplied per metre with a clear product code and datasheet reference, it is a convenient option for contractors who need cut-to-length cable and straightforward specification. For deployments requiring higher bandwidth or full 10 Gbps over 100 m, consider Cat6A alternatives; for enclosed spaces where smoke and halogen concerns matter, choose the LSZH variant. Otherwise, this armoured Cat6 cable is a durable, well-specified solution for robust external networking projects.