Introduction to the Haydon CAT5 Patch Lead and its key features
Haydon CAT5 Patch Lead m, Grey (ITM004693)is a short, practical Ethernet patch cable designed for tidy connections inside racks, between patch panels, switches and close-proximity networking equipment. This compact 0.5 metre grey lead offers a simple RJ45 plug-to-plug connection in a length that minimises cable clutter while keeping network ports accessible. Sold under the Haydon brand and listed as CAT5, this cable is a budget-friendly option for short in-rack or desk-side patching where long cable runs are not required.
Key features at a glance:
- Length:0.5 m ideal for short patching and in-rack use)
- Colour:Grey discreet and easy to label)
- Connector:RJ45 plug to RJ45 plug standard Ethernet interface)
- Typical use:short connections between patch panels, switches and network devices)
- SKU / internal code:CAT5PATCH/0.5M/GREY / ITM004693)
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The product record for ITM004693 provides a clear picture of the cables intended use and physical attributes such as length, colour and connector type, but notes limited technical detail in several important areas. Below is a breakdown of the available specifications and what they mean for users, along with the benefits this cable delivers in day-to-day environments.
- Brand:Haydon
- Product:CAT5 Patch Lead
- Supplier SKU:CAT5PATCH/0.5M/GREY
- Internal code:ITM004693
- Category:CAT5 (as listed)
- Colour:Grey
- Length:0.5 m
- Connector:RJ45 plug to RJ45 plug (typical patch lead)
- Stock:17 units (as listed)
Technical details marked as INSUFFICIENT DATA:conductor AWG, shielding (UTP/STP), jacket material (PVC/LSZH), impedance, bandwidth (CAT5 vs CAT5e clarification), gold plating, PoE rating, weight, packaging and country of origin. Because these items are not specified on the product record, they should be confirmed with the supplier before use in critical or regulated installations.
- Reduced clutter:0.5 m length is ideal for tidy in-rack patching where long cables create mess and airflow issues.
- Cost-effective:With a suggested price of 31.99, this lead is an inexpensive choice for straightforward short connections and spare patching needs.
- Ease of use:Standard RJ45 plugs make this lead plug-and-play for almost all Ethernet-enabled devices and network ports.
- Inventory simplicity:Small size and standard colour make it easy to keep spares on hand for fast swaps during maintenance.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Haydon 0.5 m CAT5 patch lead is targeted at specific situations where short length, low cost and standard connectors are primary requirements. Typical scenarios include:
In server racks and telecom cabinets, devices are often mounted side-by-side or in adjacent rack units. A 0.5 m cable is often the perfect length to connect a switch to a patch panel or to link two adjacent ports without excess cable hanging in front of equipment. Short cables help maintain airflow and reduce obstruction to front-panel access.
When a desktop or hot-desk area requires a short connection between a wall-mounted outlet and a device placed nearby, a half-metre patch lead avoids the loops and tangles caused by standard 1–3 m cables. This is especially useful for clean-looking office deployments or meeting rooms with constrained cable routes.
Network technicians and labs often need many short leads for patch testing and quick equipment swaps. The Haydon leads low price makes it convenient to use as disposable or semi-permanent test cabling when exact electrical characteristics are not the primary concern.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the Haydon CAT5 0.5 m lead against other options, consider these comparison points:
Although this product is listed as CAT5, the specification record lacks confirmation on whether it meets CAT5 or CAT5e standards. CAT5e and CAT6 cables offer better performance (higher bandwidth, lower crosstalk) and are commonly recommended for modern networks. For mission-critical or high-speed deployments, a confirmed CAT5e or CAT6 short patch lead is often the safer choice.
Some competitors supply explicit shielded (STP/FTP) options for environments with significant electrical interference, and state PoE power ratings for use with powered devices. Because shielding and PoE rating are not specified for the Haydon lead, choose shielded alternatives (from brands like Belkin, Ubiquiti, Commscope) if your environment demands it.
Many installations—particularly public buildings or escape routes—require LSZH jackets to reduce smoke and toxic gas in a fire. Vendors such as D-Link and Tripp Lite clearly list LSZH vs PVC options. The Haydon product record does not indicate jacket material, so customers needing LSZH should request confirmation or select a cable explicitly labelled LSZH.
Higher-end patch leads often specify gold-plated contacts for better corrosion resistance, snagless boots to protect RJ45 clips, and tested impedance and bandwidth ratings. These features improve long-term reliability and compatibility with high-speed networks; consider them if durability and guaranteed performance matter.
Customer testimonials and reviews
There are no verified customer reviews listed specifically for SKU ITM004693 in the product record. If you need real-world feedback, consider these generalized types of comments that customers typically report for similar short, low-cost patch leads:
- Positive:Perfect length for rack patching, tidy and inexpensive. Worked straight out of the box for connecting adjacent ports.
- Constructive:Good for basic patching but would like clearer technical specs (CAT rating, jacket type) before using in larger deployments.
- Negative:No datasheet available; buyer had to replace with a certified CAT5e lead for guaranteed performance on a PoE camera run.
These example sentiments reflect typical buyer experiences when using short, budget patch leads: they are convenient and inexpensive for non-critical tasks, but buyers planning wired infrastructure upgrades or PoE deployments usually prefer cables with complete datasheets and compliance markings.
Conclusion: Why choose the Haydon 0.5 m CAT5 Patch Lead
The Haydon CAT5 Patch Lead (0.5 m, Grey, ITM004693) is a practical, low-cost solution for short-distance Ethernet patching. It excels in reducing cable clutter in racks and workstations, provides a standard RJ45 connection for immediate use, and is affordably priced for bulk or spare inventories. For straightforward, non-critical connections where the exact electrical characteristics are not essential, this cable offers good value and convenience.
However, because several technical details are not supplied in the product record (AWG, shielding, jacket material, formal CAT classification and PoE rating), you should request the Haydon datasheet for ITM004693 and confirm CE/UKCA markings and any safety requirements before specifying it for regulated, public area or PoE-dependent installations. If your project requires confirmed CAT5e/CAT6 performance, LSZH jackets, shielding or gold-plated contacts, consider comparable short patch leads from established network cable manufacturers and request full datasheets to ensure compliance.
In summary: choose the Haydon 0.5 m CAT5 patch lead for tidy, budget-friendly short connections and spare patching. Confirm technical and compliance details with the supplier if your application demands certified performance, safety-rated jackets or PoE assurances.
