How to Read Ethernet Cable Jackets
Ethernet cables are engineering marvels in and of themselves, with their minuscule conductors transmitting data at breakneck speeds to provide ultimate connectivity. While the buyer's attention has remained focused on the electrical properties of bulk Ethernet cables, one critical component frequently goes unnoticed: cable jackets.
When you go to the market to buy ethernet cables, you must be familiar with all of the acronyms and terms found on the ethernet cable's jacket. It will assist you in making an informed decision and ensure that you receive the best value for your money. There is no need to be concerned if you are unfamiliar with these acronyms. You've just arrived at the correct location. All you have to do is stick around until the end!
These details, which are printed on the jackets of high-quality ethernet cable, inform us about everything we need to know about cables. These acronyms indicate whether the cable is shielded or unshielded, whether it is made of pure copper or copper-clad aluminum, and whether it is suitable for plenum spaces or outdoor installations, among other characteristics.
Therefore, without further ado, let us get straight to the point and decode this perplexing terminology.
CM CM provides specific information about the jacket rating of a high-quality ethernet cable. For example, if CMP is imprinted on the jacket, it indicates that the cable's jacket is plenum-rated, meaning that the ethernet cable is suitable for use in plenum spaces. Similarly, if CMR is imprinted on the cable, it indicates that the jacket is riser-rated, and the cable is ideal for use in riser spaces.
AWG 24 (American Wire Gauge)
The abbreviation AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. It is a standard unit of diameter measurement for electrical conductors. It enables customers to determine the capacity of electrical conductors to carry current. The name implies that this unit of measure is used in North America.
Cat6 cables are 22AWG to 26AWG in diameter.
UL is an acronym for Underwriter's Laboratories (UL)
UL is a non-profit organization that regulates the design and manufacture of Ethernet cables. While UL certification is not a mandatory requirement under federal law, some businesses require insurance purposes.
UTP
This abbreviation refers to an unshielded twisted pair. It indicates that while a high-quality Ethernet cable is shielded against crosstalk and EMI, the inner four twisted pairs are unshielded or lack an additional layer of protection.
STP
STP is an acronym for shielded twisted pair. When STP is imprinted on bulk ethernet cables, it adds a layer of protection against crosstalk, EMI, and noise. This additional protection is provided by screening or shielding material wrapped around each twisted pair; the shielding material may be a copper braid or foil wrapping.
PVC
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is frequently used as the jacket material for bulk ethernet cables designed for outdoor use. It is relatively inexpensive, so PVC cables are significantly less expensive than riser-rated or plenum-rated Ethernet cables.
CPVC
CPVC refers to chlorinated polyvinyl chloride on the jacket of the cable. If a cable's jacket is imprinted with CPVC, it has a much higher temperature resistance. Cables labeled with CPVC are fire retardant and will halt the spread of a fire if one occurs.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. In the event of a fire, this material will burn with little smoke and emit no halogen.
FEB
Fluorinated Ethylene Polymer is a type of plastic that is used to make plenum-rated Ethernet cables. Additionally, it is used in PVC cables that emit little smoke when exposed to fire.
568 TIA/EIA
It demonstrates that the Ethernet cables in bulk conform to the Telecommunications Industry Association's industry standards. This standard establishes requirements for the installation and planning of structured cabling systems in commercial buildings.
XLPE
It is an acronym for polyethylene that has been cross-linked. It is a suitable substitute for PVC and is ideal for applications involving high temperatures.
This imprinting indicates that if you expose your ethernet cable to temperatures above that threshold for an extended period, it will begin to degrade.
If printed, it indicates that the testing laboratories have verified the bulk ethernet cables.
A Cat (5,6,7)
The Cat denotes the category, while the number indicates the generation; the higher the number, the more recent the age.
We hope this article has answered all of your questions about how to read the ethernet cable jacket. After reading this article, we are reasonably confident that you will make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase Ethernet cables.
