Connectix RJ45 Patch Cable, Cat5e UTP Booted, Black 1m 003-3NB4-010-09C

Overview

A patch lead is the short cable that makes the last connection in a network. It joins equipment to a wall outlet, or a patch panel to a switch.

Colour helps when a cabinet fills up. Many installers give each colour one job, such as cameras, phones or uplinks, so a lead can be traced at a glance.

Where to use it

One metre suits short hops inside a cabinet or from a desk outlet to nearby equipment. It is too short for most room-to-room runs, which belong in fixed cable.

If your job specifies LSZH cable, confirm the sheath with Connectix before ordering. Escape routes and shared areas often have their own rules for cable.

What the terms mean in practice

• Cat 5e: an enhanced version of Category 5, the cabling grade this lead is built to.
• UTP: unshielded twisted pair. The pairs are twisted to reduce interference, with no metal screen around them.
• Stranded cable: each conductor is made of fine strands, so the lead bends more easily than solid installation cable.

Installing it

• Handling: as a rule, avoid tight bends and do not pull on the cable to free the plug. Press the latch, then lift it out.
• Tidying: leave a little slack so the plug is not under strain, and do not overtighten cable ties.

Planning your system

Count one lead for each connection at both ends of a fixed run. A typical link uses a lead from the patch panel to the network switch, and another from the wall outlet to the device.

Standards explained

• ANSI/TIA-568-C: a cabling standard that sets out how Category 5e links should perform.
• ISO8877: the international standard for this style of modular plug.