Haydon RJ45 Patch Lead, Cat6e Blue 3m, Pack of 5 HAY-RJ45BL3MCAT6

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 network switch.

This Haydon lead comes ready-made with a plug at each end, so no crimping is needed. Buying a pack means the leads in a cabinet all match.

Where to use it

Three metres suits a device some way from its outlet, such as a desk across a small room, or a longer route inside a large cabinet. Measure the route first and allow for bends.

Longer room-to-room runs belong in fixed cable. If the job specifies a low smoke sheath, this PVC lead is not the one to use.

What the figures mean in practice

• 28 AWG CU: AWG is American Wire Gauge, a measure of conductor size. A higher number means a thinner conductor.
• 550 Mhz: the frequency figure. It is not a data speed.
• 568B: one of the two common colour orders for wiring a network plug. It matters when a lead is joined to something wired by hand.
• Snaggless boot: the moulded sleeve at the plug. It helps stop the plug catching when a lead is pulled through a bundle.

A note on the name Cat6e

Haydon calls this lead Cat 6e. The recognised cabling categories are Cat6 and Cat6A, so read Cat 6e as the maker's own name and not as a separate standard.

Installing it

• Handling: 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.

Colour helps when a cabinet fills up. Many installers give each colour one job, such as cameras, phones or uplinks.