Introduction to SFX Cat5e UTP LSZH Reel (SFX/C5-UTP-LSZH-D-WHT-305)
SFX Cat5e UTP LSZH Reel, 305 m, White, HDBaseT (SFX/C5-UTP-LSZH-D-WHT-305)is a professional-grade Category 5e unshielded twisted pair cable supplied on a 305-metre pull reel. Designed for fixed installations, this cable combines solid bare copper conductors with HDPE insulation and a low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) outer jacket in white (RAL 9003). It is HDBaseT certified and specified to support Class D performance (≤100 MHz), making it suitable for gigabit Ethernet, AV distribution over HDBaseT, and general structured cabling applications.
- 305 m reel of Cat5e, 4-pair U/UTP cable with LSZH jacket.
- Solid bare copper conductors (0.47 mm) with HDPE insulation.
- HDBaseT certified for AV distribution and up to 1 Gbps data rates.
- CPR classification Dca-s2-a1-d2 for fire-safety performance.
- Supplied on a pull-reel with metre markings and a nylon rip-cord for easier installation.
- Suggested price: 129.00 (confirm local taxes and shipping); cost price recorded as 100.08.
This reel is aimed at network installers, AV integrators, facilities managers and contractors who need reliable, code-compliant cabling for office fit-outs, commercial premises, residential installations in buildings where low-smoke properties are required, and HDBaseT AV deployments.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps you match this cable to your installation needs. The SFX Cat5e reel includes details important for performance, installation and compliance.
- Conductor:Solid bare copper (0.47 ± 0.01 mm). Solid cores deliver excellent long-term conductivity and are the standard for fixed horizontal cabling runs terminating at patch panels and blocks.
- Insulation:HDPE with a thickness of 0.18 mm — provides consistent pair geometry and helps maintain signal integrity across the link.
- Pair colouring:Standard Blue/White-Blue, Orange/White-Orange, Green/White-Green, Brown/White-Brown for straightforward termination and fault finding.
- Overall diameter:4.80 ± 0.03 mm — compact size which eases cable management in ducts and trays.
- Jacket:LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), 0.49 ± 0.03 mm thickness, White (RAL 9003). LSZH reduces dense smoke and toxic gases in a fire, an important safety feature for enclosed public spaces and high-occupancy buildings.
- Rip-cord:Nylon 210D included, making jacket removal faster and reducing the risk of conductor nicks during termination.
- Category/Class:Cat5e / Class D — up to 100 MHz and suitable for 1 Gbps Ethernet (typical deployments up to the 90 m channel limit).
- Max DC resistance:<115 Ω/km @ 20°C — consistent with Category 5e expectations for solid conductors.
- Operating temperature:-40°C to +70°C — robust for typical indoor environments.
- HDBaseT certified:Suitable for AV-over-CAT deployments such as video, audio, Ethernet, control and power over HDBaseT links.
- CPR classification:Dca-s2-a1-d2 — meets European Construction Products Regulation requirements for reaction to fire.
- Datasheet:Manufacturer reference ITM005611_1.pdf (consult the datasheet for full mechanical and electrical test results and recommended installation practices).
Benefits of the SFX Cat5e LSZH reel
The combined specification brings practical benefits for installers and end users:
- Safety:LSZH jacket minimises smoke and halogen release in a fire — crucial in schools, hospitals, public transport, and high-density office environments.
- Installation friendly:Supplied on a pull-reel with metre markings and a rip-cord to speed up deployment and accurate measuring without additional tools.
- Performance-proof:HDBaseT certification and Class D performance make it a reliable choice for gigabit Ethernet and AV distribution without overspecifying for standard network cabling needs.
- Cost-effective:Typically lower cost than Cat6 while still supporting 1 Gbps networks and many AV applications — good value for large runs where 10 Gbps is not required.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The SFX Cat5e LSZH reel is versatile and particularly useful in the following scenarios:
For single-floor or multi-floor office installations that require reliable gigabit data connectivity, the SFX Cat5e reel provides a cost-effective backbone to populate patch panels and outlet points. The 305 m length per reel is convenient for medium-sized projects and reduces reel changes during install.
Installers deploying HDBaseT extenders for video distribution, digital signage, meeting-room AV, or point-to-point video links will benefit from the HDBaseT certification, ensuring predictable AV performance over the specified link lengths.
Where local regulations or building owner preferences demand low-smoke materials (apartment blocks, communal corridors), the LSZH jacket increases occupant safety and may be a compliance requirement.
Solid-core Cat5e is ideal for permanent horizontal runs to patch panels and distribution frames. Its conductor size and insulation make it well-suited for reliable punch-down terminations on LSA/krone and IDC blocks.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing cable, installers often weigh Cat5e against Cat6, LSZH against PVC jackets, and solid vs stranded constructions. Here’s how the SFX Cat5e reel compares:
- Performance:Cat6 supports higher frequencies and better alien crosstalk characteristics, making it more futureproof for 10 Gbps over short distances. Cat5e (like this SFX reel) is specified to 100 MHz and is suitable for 1 Gbps, which remains the dominant speed in many networks.
- Cost:Cat5e is generally less expensive per metre than Cat6. For installations where 10 Gbps is not required, Cat5e delivers sufficient performance at lower cost.
- Safety:LSZH dramatically reduces toxic gases and dense smoke during combustion compared to standard PVC jackets. This makes LSZH the preferred choice in public and high-occupancy buildings.
- Price and flexibility:PVC cables can be slightly cheaper and marginally more flexible; however, the safety benefits of LSZH often outweigh these minor differences in professional installations.
- Solid:Preferred for fixed installations and terminations on patch panels and blocks — better DC resistance and mechanical stability in long runs.
- Stranded:Used for patch cords and flexing applications; not suitable for permanent horizontal cabling. The SFX reel uses solid cores, which is appropriate for its intended use.
Bulk reels like this one provide flexibility and cost savings on long runs and when terminating on-site. Pre-terminated options save time on termination but can be more expensive and less flexible for mid-project changes.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
The supplied record did not include individual customer reviews. Below are representative comments and common feedback themes from installers and integrators who choose Cat5e LSZH reels in similar deployments. These are generalized observations based on typical industry experience:
- Ease of use:Installers often report that reels with metre markings and a rip-cord speed up installation, reduce waste, and lower the risk of damaging conductors during jacket removal.
- Compliance peace of mind:Customers appreciate LSZH jackets for installations in hotels, schools and public buildings, noting that it simplifies compliance with local fire-safety policies.
- Value:Many purchasers state that Cat5e meets their current needs for gigabit networks at a favorable price point compared with Cat6 alternatives.
- Reliability:Solid conductors and clean pair geometry are frequently cited as reasons for reliable termination and stable link performance when properly installed.
If you require verified customer reviews for marketing or procurement decisions, request recent customer feedback from the supplier or check product listings on reseller sites where installers commonly post ratings.
Installation tips and considerations
- Adhere to the 90-metre channel limit for Ethernet runs (including patch cords) to ensure reliable gigabit performance.
- Avoid running data cabling parallel and close to high-voltage power cables to minimise electromagnetic interference; where crossing is required, do so at right angles.
- Maintain manufacturer-recommended bend radius to prevent impedance changes and possible degradation of signal quality.
- Use appropriate termination tools and follow T568A/T568B wiring standards consistently across the installation.
- Confirm CPR, CE/UKCA markings and any local regulatory requirements with the supplier before installation; verify stock availability and lead-times as the supplied record indicated zero stock at the time of listing.
Conclusion: why choose the SFX Cat5e UTP LSZH Reel
The SFX Cat5e UTP LSZH 305 m reel (SFX/C5-UTP-LSZH-D-WHT-305) is a practical, safety-conscious choice for structured cabling where gigabit performance, low smoke characteristics and cost-efficiency are priorities. It offers installer-friendly features such as metre markings and a rip-cord, and its HDBaseT certification makes it suitable for AV distribution projects as well as standard data networks.
For projects that do not require 10 Gbps throughput, this Cat5e reel delivers dependable performance, a reduced total cost compared with higher-category cables, and enhanced safety through its LSZH jacket. Before ordering, verify stock levels, confirm compliance markings for your jurisdiction, and evaluate whether Cat5e meets your future bandwidth needs or if Cat6 or higher would be a more futureproof option.
Bottom line:If you need a reliable, installer-friendly, HDBaseT-certified Cat5e cable with low-smoke properties for fixed indoor installations, the SFX/C5-UTP-LSZH-D-WHT-305 reel represents a sensible balance of performance, safety and value.
