Category cables are designed to carry high bit rate signals in LAN (Local Area Network) based systems using Ethernet protocols defined by IEEE.
Originally designed to operate at 1 MB these systems have evolved over time to the point where they are now able to communicate at bit rates of 1000 MB (also called Gigabit-Ethernet) and above.
Category cables are often employed in a STAR network topology. Such cabling is often referred to as Structured Cabling or Structured Wiring and involves using fixed solid conductor cable in horizontal runs radiating from a central MDF to workstation outlets. Category patch cable that has stranded conductors is then used for the last 5 metres of the run to connect the work outlet to the computer or workstation.
Standards such as AS/NZS 3080, ISO 11801 and EIA/TIA 568 specify the requirements for the cable and the subsequent channel or link. Typical protocols include 1Base5 (IEEE 802.3e), 10Base-T (IEEE 802.3i), 100Base-TX (IEEE 802.3u) and 1000Base-T (IEEE 802.3ab).
Garland category cable is designed to meet or exceed the necessary standards with many of the products being third part verified for performance by UL or ETL.
General | |
Pack Size | 305m |
Applicable Standards | AS/ACIF S008, UL444, TIA/EIA 568 C.2 |
Suitable Applications | For communication network applications needing up to gigabit networking speeds. |
No. Pairs | 4 |
Conductor Characteristics | |
AWG | 23 |
Stranding (mm) | 1/0.57 |
Area (mm2) | 0.255 |
Diameter (mm) | 0.57 |
Material | BC |
Insulation | |
Material | PE |
Nominal Thickness (mm) | 0.22 |
Nominal OD (mm) | 1.025 |
Filler | |
Material | Jelly Filled |
Outer Sheath | |
Material | PE |
Colour | Black |
Nominal Thickness (mm) | 1 |
Nominal OD (mm) | 7.3 |
Physical Characteristics | |
Insulation - Elongation at BBA | >300% |
Outer Sheath - Elongation at BBA | >400% |
Electrical Properties | |
Max. Conductor DC Resistance @ 20°C | 86Ω/km |
Max. Mutual Capacitance @ 1KHz | 56 pF/m |
Max. Pair-pair capacitance unbalance | 330 pF/100m |
Nom. Characteristic Impedance @ 1MHz | 100±15Ω |
Min. Insulation Resistance @ 20°C | 10000MΩ.km |
Voltage Test: Conductor to core | 2.0 KV ac/1min |
Voltage Test: Core to sheath | 4.5 KV ac/1min |
Mechanical Properties | |
Operating Temp Range | -15 to 70°C |
Max. Recommended Pulling Tension | 143 N |
Min Bend Radius (Install) | 91mm |
Approximate Mass(kgs/100m) | 8.0 kg/100m |