Introduction to the Haydon Cat5e Patch Cable — 3 m, Red
Haydon Cat5e Patch Cable 3m Red (ITM001094)is a straightforward, cost-effective networking patch lead designed for everyday network connections. With standard RJ‑45 terminations and a 3 metre length, this red Cat5e cable is ideal for connecting switches, routers, desktop PCs, IP cameras and other Ethernet devices in offices, small server rooms and home networks. It supports Cat5e performance (up to 100 MHz) and, where used with compatible equipment and good installation practices, can carry Gigabit Ethernet traffic (up to 1 Gbps).
Its standout practical feature is the bright red jacket, which makes cable identification and structured cabling management easier—particularly useful when you want colour-coding by service, area or priority. The Haydon Cat5e 3m patch lead targets customers who need reliable, inexpensive patch cables for patch panels, workstations and general network patching.
Specifications and key features
The following highlights summarise the published product details and the notable points to check before specifying this product for mission-critical installations.
- Product name: Cat5e Patch Cable 3m Red
- Brand: Haydon; Supplier SKU: ITM001094; Vendor code: CAT5PATCH/3M
- Length: 3 m — common length for rack-to-desk and patch-panel runs
- Category: Cat5e (supports operation up to 100 MHz; suitable for Gigabit Ethernet where equipment permits)
- Connector: Standard RJ‑45 male to RJ‑45 male (straight-through patch lead)
- Colour: Red — ideal for visual identification and cable management
- Stock: 23 units (as supplied) — check availability for bulk needs
- Warranty: Not specified by supplier (warranty = 0 in supplied data) — confirm warranty terms before purchase
Technical notes and verification: several technical details were not included in the supplier data: conductor AWG, whether the cable is UTP or STP (shielding), boot style, jacket material and independent test results beyond Cat5e class. The product listing advises confirming these details with the manufacturer or datasheet before specifying, especially for PoE, long runs or electrically noisy environments.
- Cost-effective: low unit price makes this cable economical for bulk deployments and simple patching tasks.
- Practical length: 3 m covers common patch-panel to desk/switch distances without excess slack.
- Colour-coded management: bright red jackets simplify identification, troubleshooting and documentation.
- Cat5e performance: suitable for Fast Ethernet and, in many installations, Gigabit Ethernet when used with compatible hardware.
- Standard RJ‑45 connection: works with any standard Ethernet ports, enabling plug-and-play installation.
Detailed product description and benefits
The Haydon Cat5e 3m patch cable is built for simplicity and broad compatibility. Category 5e cabling remains ubiquitous in many commercial and residential networks; it offers reliable performance for VoIP phones, general data traffic, IP cameras and wireless access points. A 3 metre lead is typically long enough to bridge patch panels or switches to wall outlets and desk-mounted equipment without leaving excessive cable length in the rack or on the floor.
Colour-coding is often under-appreciated until you need to trace a connection in a crowded cabinet. Using red leads for a specific function (for example, uplink, security cameras or critical services) speeds fault isolation and reduces human error when adding or removing patch connections. That operational advantage alone can justify choosing colour-coded patch leads over plain grey leads in larger installations.
Be aware that the Haydon listing does not include conductor AWG or shielding type; these are important when planning for PoE or electrically noisy environments. If you intend to power devices (PoE cameras, access points), confirm that the cable is full copper and has the conductor gauge recommended for the power level required. Also confirm jacket material and temperature ratings if cables will be routed through ceiling voids or exposed areas.
Use cases and scenarios where this product excels
The simplicity and colour-coded design of the Haydon Cat5e 3m make it well-suited to a number of common scenarios:
- Patch panel to switch/desk connections:A 3 m length is often perfect for tidy horizontal cabling in racks and wall-mounted network closets.
- Small office and home offices (SOHO):Affordable enough to provide spare leads for troubleshooting and replacement without large expenditure.
- Temporary or event networks:When you need many labelled cables for a pop-up environment, coloured patch leads speed setup and teardown.
- IP camera and PoE devices (with verification):If the cable is confirmed as full copper and suitable AWG, it can carry PoE to feed cameras and access points for short runs.
- Cable identification schemes:Use red for a particular service or priority traffic so administrators can visually trace connections under load.
In environments where runs are short and there is limited electrical interference, the cable will perform to the expectations of Cat5e. For longer runs, shielded cables or higher-category cabling (Cat6/Cat6a) may be more appropriate to ensure consistent Gigabit throughput and reduced crosstalk.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing patch leads, buyers typically weigh price, performance category, build details and special features such as snagless boots or shielded connectors. Here’s how the Haydon Cat5e 3m compares to common alternatives:
- Standard unbranded Cat5e leads:The Haydon cable aligns with many low-cost unbranded leads in price and intended usage. Its advantages are brand traceability and the supplier SKU for easier reordering.
- Cat6/Cat6a patch cables:Cat6 and Cat6a leads offer higher tested frequencies (250 MHz and 500+ MHz respectively) and better headroom for Gigabit and multi-gigabit links. If your network requires 10 Gbps over short distances or you want to future-proof, Cat6a is preferable; however, Cat5e remains adequate for many 1 Gbps networks and is typically cheaper.
- Shielded (STP) vs unshielded (UTP) leads:The Haydon product’s shielding status is not specified—many comparable market leads are UTP to save cost. For electrically noisy environments or runs near power cabling, shielded cables reduce interference but add cost and require proper grounding.
- Premium leads with snagless boots or moulded strain relief:Some brands include enhanced boots, gold-plated contacts or lifetime warranties. These extras can improve durability in high-use patch fields, but for occasional re-patching the basic Haydon lead is a practical choice.
Overall, the Haydon Cat5e 3m sits in the value segment: affordable, functional and easy to identify by colour. Decide between Cat5e and higher-category cables by considering current bandwidth needs, future growth plans and the installation environment.
Customer feedback and reviews
Supplier data did not include formal customer testimonials. Typical feedback for similar Cat5e patch leads tends to focus on the following points:
- Positive: Good value for short runs, easy colour identification, reliable plug-and-play performance for standard office tasks.
- Neutral: Adequate for 1 Gbps when used with quality connectors and short runs; not suitable where 10 Gbps is required.
- Negative: Some low-cost patch leads lack detailed technical specs (AWG, shielding), and customers who need PoE or heavy-duty use request confirmation of conductor material and mechanical durability.
If you rely on a third-party review platform or reseller feedback, look for comments about durability (boot and connector strength), confirmation of full-copper conductors for PoE use, and any issues with connector fit in high-density panels. If possible, request datasheets or sample units to validate fit, finish and electrical performance before a large purchase.
Conclusion: Why choose the Haydon Cat5e 3 m red patch cable?
The Haydon Cat5e Patch Cable (3 m, red) is a sensible, budget-friendly choice for everyday patching needs. Its Cat5e rating and standard RJ‑45 connectors make it compatible with the vast majority of existing Ethernet equipment, while the red jacket provides clear operational benefits for cable identification and structured cabling management. For short runs, office patching and temporary networks where 1 Gbps performance is sufficient, this cable delivers practical value.
Before deploying in mission-critical or power-over-Ethernet environments, confirm missing technical details—conductor gauge, shielding and jacket specification—with the supplier or manufacturer datasheet. With that verification, the Haydon 3m red lead is an efficient addition to any network administrator’s toolkit, offering a low-cost, easy-to-organise option for everyday network connectivity.
