Introduction: Meet the SFX CAT6/PE 305m Duct Grade External Cat6 Cable (ITM001022)
SFX CAT6/PE 305m — Duct/External Grade Cat6 Cableis a purpose-built networking cable designed for outdoor duct runs and external trunking. Supplied in a convenient 305 metre easy-pull box, this Category 6, 4-pair U/UTP cable combines solid 23 AWG copper conductors with a polyethylene (PE) outer jacket that resists UV and moisture. It’s aimed at installers, integrators and contractors who need a weather-resistant, duct-grade cable for gigabit Ethernet backbones, CCTV/IP camera feeds and other outdoor or semi-exposed data links.
Key features at a glance:
- Category:Cat6, rated to 250 MHz for reliable Gigabit Ethernet support.
- Conductor:Solid bare copper, 23 AWG for stable signal transmission.
- Jacket:Polyethylene (PE), black, UV-resistant and suitable for duct/external runs.
- Packaging:305 m easy-pull box (SKU ITM001022) for fast on-site deployment.
- Application focus:Duct and external installations including network backbones and camera runs.
Outdoor and duct-installed cables face a different set of challenges than indoor patch cables: sunlight, moisture, temperature swings and the physical constraints of conduit or ductwork. The SFX CAT6/PE is engineered to meet those demands while preserving the performance characteristics expected of a Cat6 cable. It offers a straightforward choice for projects that need duct-rated, UV-stable cabling without moving up to more costly shielded or gel-filled direct-burial products.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The SFX Cat6 External PE cable specification sheet (ITM001022) highlights the following technical attributes and practical advantages:
- Cable type:Category 6 (Cat6), 4-pair U/UTP — suitable for structured cabling where shielded cables are not required.
- Length & packaging:305 m easy-pull box — trade-friendly length for many commercial jobs and large residential installations.
- Conductors:Solid bare copper, 23 AWG (~0.56 mm) — offers low attenuation and consistent performance for termination into RJ45 jacks or patch panels.
- Insulation:HDPE insulation around each conductor pair and a central cross/filler — preserves pair geometry to reduce crosstalk and maintain NEXT performance.
- Outer jacket:PE (polyethylene), black, UV and moisture resistant — suited to duct runs and routes with potential outdoor exposure.
- Bandwidth / Data rate:Rated to 250 MHz (Cat6) — supports Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) over full distances. 10GbE may be achievable over short runs depending on installation quality and vendor guidance.
- Markings & features:Typically includes metre markings on the sheath and a rip-cord for easy jacket removal; check the spec sheet for exact metre-mark spacing.
- Compliance:Many external PE Cat6 cables are listed as CPR class Fca; confirm UKCA/CE marking and CPR/fire rating on the delivered SKU prior to installation.
Benefits in practice:
- Durability for duct work and outdoor routes thanks to the PE jacket.
- Consistent Gigabit performance for backbone and camera systems.
- Installer-friendly packaging with an easy-pull box and common on-sheath markings.
- Cost-effective choice vs. fully shielded or direct-burial cables when conduit or ducts provide sufficient mechanical protection.
- Confirm CPR/fire rating and UKCA/CE markings before quoting or installing.
- Protect the cable from sharp edges and mechanical abrasion; use innerduct or conduit where required.
- Respect manufacturer bend-radius guidelines to avoid degrading performance.
- Terminate using appropriate Cat6 components and follow T568A/B wiring standards to maintain category performance.
- For direct burial or prolonged soil exposure, consider a gel-filled direct burial cable instead — PE jackets protect against moisture but may not be sufficient where water ingress is likely without conduit.
Use cases and scenarios where the SFX Cat6/PE excels
This cable is especially useful in scenarios that combine outdoor exposure with the need for structured network performance:
- Campus and multi-building links:Run through ducts between buildings for backbone Ethernet connectivity where a weather-resistant jacket is required.
- CCTV and IP camera deployments:Long camera runs in conduit or trunking benefit from the PE jacket and Cat6 performance for PoE power and gigabit streams.
- Telecommunications and utility ducts:Ideal for installers pulling long lengths through ducts that protect the cable from direct sunlight and mechanical damage.
- Temporary outdoor events:Quick deployment where the cable may be exposed for limited periods yet must handle high-speed data traffic.
- Residential external trunking:Linking outdoor network points (e.g., garden buildings, garages) back to an indoor switch/router via ducting.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Choosing the right external cable depends on environment, budget and performance needs. Here’s how the SFX Cat6/PE compares to common alternatives:
- Indoor Cat6 U/UTP (PVC jacket):Indoor patch or riser-rated Cat6 cables are cheaper but lack UV and moisture resistance. Use indoor cable only inside buildings; the SFX PE version is superior for duct or outdoor-facing runs.
- Cat6a (shielded or unshielded):Cat6a provides higher frequency performance (500 MHz) and consistent 10GbE support over 100 m. If 10GbE is a firm requirement across long distances, Cat6a or 10G-rated outdoor cables are the better choice — but they are typically thicker and more expensive than Cat6/PE.
- Shielded Cat6 (F/UTP or S/FTP):Shielded cables help in high-EMI environments (near electrical equipment or large motors). The SFX Cat6/PE is U/UTP and is appropriate where EMI is not a concern or where conduit provides separation.
- Direct-burial/gel-filled outdoor cable:These are designed to be buried without conduit and include water-blocking gel. If you need to lay cable in soil, a direct-burial choice is safer; SFX Cat6/PE is intended for duct/external trunking rather than direct burial unless manufacturer guidance permits it.
Customer feedback and representative reviews
While specific customer reviews for ITM001022 may vary by reseller, typical feedback from installers and site technicians choosing duct-grade Cat6/PE cables often highlights:
- "Easy-pull box makes long runs painless — reduces time on site for big pulls and keeps the coil tidy."
- "PE jacket stands up to UV exposure and the cable doesn’t feel brittle after months outside in a duct."
- "Good value for a duct-grade Cat6 cable; we use it for camera runs where Cat6a would be overkill."
- "Check CPR on delivery — we always confirm the spec sheet before fixing in place."
Note: these are representative comments commonly reported by installers for similar products and should be taken as indicative rather than verbatim reviews of a single purchase.
Conclusion: Why choose the SFX CAT6/PE 305m (ITM001022)?
The SFX CAT6/PE 305m duct-grade cable is a practical, cost-effective solution when you need a weather-resistant Cat6 cable for ducted outdoor runs and external trunking. With solid 23 AWG copper conductors, HDPE pair insulation, and a UV-resistant PE jacket, it delivers reliable Gigabit Ethernet performance and installation-friendly packaging in a trade-length box.
Choose this cable when you need:
- Protected external runs that won’t be direct-buried,
- Dependable Gigabit performance for backbones and camera systems, and
- A budget-conscious option that avoids the extra cost and thickness of Cat6a or shielded variants where they aren’t necessary.
Before installation, confirm the delivered SKU’s CPR/fire rating and UKCA/CE markings, and follow standard installation best practices (bend radius, mechanical protection, correct termination) to ensure the cable meets the expected performance. With a suggested retail price around A3155.00 per 305 m box (check local pricing and availability), SFX CAT6/PE offers a strong balance of durability, performance and value for a wide range of outdoor ducted networking projects.
Specifications reminder:Category 6, 4-pair U/UTP; 305 m box; solid 23 AWG copper; HDPE insulation; PE outer jacket (black, UV resistant); 250 MHz rating; SKU ITM001022; commonly CPR class Fca — confirm with spec sheet.
