Introduction to the product and its key features
SFX Cables SFX/C6-UTP-LSZH-PUR-305is a 305 metre bulk reel of Category 6 (Cat6) U/UTP four-pair network cable finished in a distinctive purple LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket (RAL 4005). Designed for horizontal LAN and telecom installations, this reel combines the performance expected of Cat6 cabling with installer-friendly features: an easy-pull box with metre markings for tidy deployment, solid bare copper conductors insulated with HDPE, and a nylon rip-cord for quick and safe sheath removal.
Key features at a glance:
- Category 6 (Cat6) performance suitable for Gigabit Ethernet.
- 305 m easy-pull reel with metre markings for accurate cable runs.
- LSZH purple jacket for reduced toxic emissions and colour-coded installations.
- Solid bare copper conductors with HDPE insulation and nylon rip-cord for easier stripping.
- Characteristic impedance 100 Ω, rated for −40°C to +70°C operation.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
This product brings together construction choices that are common for reliable horizontal network cabling while addressing safety and practical installation needs:
- Product code: SFX/C6‑UTP‑LSZH‑PUR‑305 (ITM003721)
- Type: Category 6 (Cat6) U/UTP, 4 pair
- Length: 305 m reel, metre-marked for convenience
- Conductor: Solid bare copper — offers low DC resistance and reliable connection when terminated correctly.
- AWG / diameter: Record lists AWG 23 / 0.565 ±0.020 mm; datasheet lists ≈0.53 ±0.01 mm — please confirm with your supplier for precision-sensitive designs.
- Insulation: HDPE, approx. 0.18 mm — provides stable dielectric characteristics across the Cat6 frequency range.
- Pair colours: Standard Blue/White-Blue, Orange/White-Orange, Green/White-Green, Brown/White-Brown for straightforward terminations.
- Rip cord: Nylon rip-cord under the jacket to speed up and simplify stripping without nicking pairs.
- Jacket: LSZH, Purple (RAL 4005) — ideal for colour-coded cabling or where halogen-free materials are mandated.
- Jacket thickness: ≈0.55 ±0.03 mm
- Overall diameter: ≈6.10 ±0.03 mm
- Reel type: 305 m easy-pull box with metre markings for neat deployments and reduced waste.
- Characteristic impedance: 100 Ω ±15 Ω (1–100 MHz)
- Max DC resistance: <95 Ω/km @ 20°C
- Frequency / class: Cat6 — typically up to 250–550 MHz depending on test criteria; suitable for Gigabit Ethernet.
- Temperature rating: −40°C to +70°C
- Standards: Typical ISO/IEC 11801 and ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 compliance for Category 6 installations (confirm specific test reports for your batch).
- Reaction to fire (CPR): Important discrepancy — the product record lists B2ca (-s1a -a1 -d1), while the downloadable datasheet lists Eca. CPR classification materially affects allowed uses in buildings and pricing; confirm the correct classification with the supplier before specifying or quoting.
Practical benefits:The LSZH jacket improves safety in enclosed or public spaces by reducing smoke and toxic gases during combustion. The metre-marked easy-pull reel speeds installation and reduces cable waste, particularly on long horizontal runs. Solid conductors provide stable performance for fixed installations, and the colour-coded pairs make terminations straightforward.
Important quality note:The record and datasheet differ on conductor diameter/AWG and CPR class. These affect electrical performance, compliance, and permitted use. Always confirm the final specification with your supplier or manufacturer before purchase or specification.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
This Cat6 LSZH bulk reel is aimed at installers, contractors, and facility managers who need reliable, safe, and easily deployable horizontal cabling. Typical scenarios include:
- Office horizontal wiring: Use the 305 m reel to wire multiple workstations or an entire floor in a single colour-coded run, simplifying maintenance and future changes.
- Education and healthcare facilities: LSZH jackets are preferred or required in schools, hospitals and care homes where smoke and toxic emissions must be minimised in the event of fire.
- Public buildings and transportation hubs: Colour-coded LSZH cabling helps with identification in large, complex infrastructures and meets stricter safety codes.
- Data closets and communications rooms: Solid conductors are ideal for permanent horizontal links between patch panels and wall outlets, providing consistent attenuation and impedance matching.
- Audio-visual and specialised cabling: The purple jacket aids identification for AV or management networks that need separation from standard data runs.
Installer-focused features such as the nylon rip-cord and metre markings reduce labour time and the likelihood of mistakes during termination and testing. The cable’s temperature rating and electrical characteristics also make it a reliable choice across a wide range of building environments.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When choosing cabling, installers commonly weigh Cat6 U/UTP LSZH against alternatives like shielded (STP/FTP) Cat6, Cat6A, stranded patch leads, or PVC-jacketed cables. Key comparisons:
- Cat6 U/UTP vs Cat6A: Cat6A provides higher frequency performance (typically up to 500 MHz and beyond) and is often specified for 10 Gigabit Ethernet over longer runs. For typical Gigabit Ethernet and many horizontal runs, Cat6 (as in this product) is a cost-effective choice. If future-proofing for widespread 10Gb over copper is a priority, Cat6A may be more appropriate.
- LSZH jacket vs PVC jacket: LSZH reduces smoke and toxic gas emissions, which is critical in occupied or enclosed spaces. PVC is often cheaper but not acceptable in many public installations or buildings with strict fire-safety requirements.
- UTP vs shielded cable: UTP is simpler and cheaper to install and is adequate where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is not excessive. In environments with significant EMI (near heavy machinery, elevators, or fluorescent ballast), shielded cables (FTP/STP) may offer better immunity but require careful grounding.
- Solid conductor vs stranded: Solid conductors are preferred for permanent in-wall or horizontal cabling due to lower attenuation and better terminal contact in jacks and patch panels. Stranded cabling is used for patch cords where flexibility is needed.
- Bulk reel vs pre-terminated solutions: Bulk reels provide flexibility and economy for custom-length runs and large deployments, while pre-terminated assemblies speed up deployment when lengths are standard and labour cost is high.
Overall, SFX Cables’ Cat6 U/UTP LSZH reel occupies a practical sweet spot for safety-conscious installations that require reliable Gigabit performance at a competitive price.
Customer testimonials and typical installer feedback
There are no formal customer testimonials included in the official product record provided here. However, based on typical field feedback for similar Cat6 LSZH bulk reels, installers and project managers often highlight the following:
- "Metre markings and the easy-pull reel saved time — fewer trips to the cable store and less waste when measuring runs."
- "The purple LSZH jacket made it simple to identify dedicated networks during commissioning and maintenance."
- "Solid copper conductors terminated cleanly and gave stable test results for our horizontal links."
- "We appreciated the LSZH jacket for installations in a hospital environment where safety standards are strict."
These representative comments reflect common strengths of this product class: installation efficiency, easier identification, and compliance with safety-conscious environments. For verified customer reviews, ask your supplier for reference installations or case studies.
Conclusion: why this product is a great choice
The SFX Cables SFX/C6-UTP-LSZH-PUR-305 reel is a practical, safety-conscious choice for contractors, installers, and facility managers who need dependable Cat6 performance with the added benefits of LSZH sheathing and installation-friendly features. It combines solid conductor stability, metre-marked easy-pull packaging, and a colour-coded jacket that simplifies large or complex installations. For typical Gigabit Ethernet deployments and horizontal cabling in public or safety-sensitive buildings, this reel offers a strong balance of performance, safety and value.
Before specifying or ordering, confirm critical details that affect compliance and use: the CPR (reaction-to-fire) classification and exact conductor diameter/AWG, both of which differ between the product record and the downloadable datasheet. Verifying these points with your supplier will ensure the cable meets your project’s regulatory and performance requirements.
In short: if you need a reliable Cat6 solution with LSZH safety, straightforward installation aids, and clear colour coding for identification, the SFX/C6-UTP-LSZH-PUR-305 is worth consideration. It delivers the features most installers value while meeting the practical demands of modern horizontal LAN installations.
