Introduction to the Rhino Guard CAT5e U/UTP PE Outdoor Cable
Rhino Guard CAT5e U/UTP PE Cable — 305 m boxed reel (ITM004951)is a heavy‑duty outdoor network cable designed for external and duct installations. Supplied on a 305 m (1,000 ft) boxed reel, this 4‑pair, 24 AWG solid bare copper cable features a PE/LDPE outer jacket that is UV‑resistant and durable in a wide range of temperatures. Intended for data and CCTV transmission, the cable carries the Cat5e U/UTP designation and is packaged for installers who need a reliable, economical outdoor wiring solution.
Key features at a glance
- Category: Cat5e U/UTP (unshielded twisted pair)
- Length: 305 m (1,000 ft) boxed reel — convenient for long runs
- Conductors: 4 pairs, 24 AWG solid bare copper with colour‑coded pair insulation
- Outer jacket: PE / LDPE outdoor (duct) grade with UV resistance and nylon rip‑cord
- Characteristic impedance: ~100 Ω (± tolerance)
- Operational temperature range: -20°C to ≈90°C
- CPR / Fire class: FCA
Detailed product specifications and benefits
The Rhino Guard ITM004951 reel provides a well‑specified Cat5e cable tailored for external deployments. Technical details are important when choosing cable for outdoor or duct use — here are the core specifications and why they matter to installers and end‑users.
- SKU: ITM004951
- Length: 305 m
- Category: Cat5e U/UTP
- Conductor: Solid bare copper
- AWG: 24 AWG
- Pairs: 4 pairs
- Jacket: LDPE / PE (outdoor/duct grade)
- Outer colour: Black
- Pair insulation colours: Blue/White‑Blue; Orange/White‑Orange; Green/White‑Green; Brown/White‑Brown
- Nylon rip‑cord: Yes
- Insulation: HDPE
- Conductor diameter: 0.485 ±0.05 mm
- Conductor DCR (20°C): <95 Ω/km
- Insulation thickness: 0.18 mm (nominal) — alternative spec 0.85 ±0.05 mm
- Jacket thickness: 0.5 ±0.3 mm
- Overall diameter: 5.0 ±0.03 mm
- Characteristic impedance: 100 Ω (±15 Ω)
- Operational temperature: -20°C to ≈90°C
- Application: External/duct network runs, CCTV transmission up to 100 Mb/s
- CPR / Fire class: FCA
- Outdoor‑grade PE jacket: The PE/LDPE outer sheath is formulated for duct and external use, providing resistance to UV exposure and environmental stress. This reduces risk of cracking or accelerated ageing when installed along gutters, ducts, or exposed trays.
- Nylon rip‑cord: Simplifies jacket removal for termination without knives, reducing the chance of nicking conductors during installation.
- Solid 24 AWG conductors: Solid conductors are preferred for permanent terminations and punch‑down or crimped connections in structured cabling; they provide reliable contact and stable electrical characteristics.
- Boxed 305 m reel: A full 1,000 ft boxed reel is convenient for long external runs and reduces the frequency of joins or couplers when planning installations.
- Cost‑effective: With a suggested price in the value range, this cable is offered as a practical choice for large deployments where cost per metre matters.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Rhino Guard Cat5e outdoor cable is aimed at common external networking and surveillance scenarios where robust mechanical protection and reliable signal transmission are required.
- External/duct IP network runs: Running between buildings via ducting or cable trays where an outdoor jacket and UV resistance are needed.
- CCTV camera installations: Typical analogue and many IP CCTV deployments use Cat5e cabling; the product is specified for CCTV and data up to the manufacturer guidance (note manufacturer rates application up to 100 Mb/s).
- Perimeter and site networking: For cameras, access control devices, remote switches, or network points on building exteriors.
- Temporary or semi‑permanent outdoor networks: Events, site cameras, or temporary sites where cabling may be exposed for months at a time.
- Ducted installations: Intended for use in ducts where gel‑filled direct burial cable is not required but a robust outdoor jacket is preferred.
- Check environment: This cable is designed for duct and exposed outdoor use but is not a gel‑filled direct burial cable. For direct burial, consult the manufacturer or choose cable specifically rated for burial.
- Termination: Use appropriate outdoor‑rated connectors, weatherproof enclosures, and grommets where the cable enters equipment or buildings.
- Distance and speed: Follow manufacturer guidance and site testing. While many Cat5e cables perform well for higher speeds, the product notes suitability up to 100 Mb/s in CCTV/data applications — verify requirements for Gigabit links and perform link testing after installation.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When selecting outdoor network cable, buyers typically compare several attributes: category (Cat5e vs Cat6), shielding (U/UTP vs FTP/STP), jacket type (PE vs PVC vs gel), conductor type (solid vs stranded), and installation packaging (boxed reel vs bulk coil). Here’s how the Rhino Guard Cat5e stacks up.
- Performance: Cat5e is commonly specified for 100 Mb/s and frequently supports Gigabit over short runs depending on installation quality. Cat6 provides better crosstalk control and higher bandwidth headroom for sustained Gigabit or 10G over short distances, at a higher cost and slightly larger diameter.
- Cost: Cat5e reels are generally more economical per metre than Cat6. For installations where 100 Mb/s is sufficient (CCTV or legacy networks), Cat5e is often the most cost‑effective choice.
- U/UTP (this product): Suitable for environments with limited electrical interference and typical outdoor noise levels; easier to terminate and generally cheaper.
- Shielded variants: Preferred where there’s significant EMI/RFI (near heavy machinery, radio transmitters, or long parallel power runs). Shielded cable requires proper grounding and different termination practices.
- PE jackets: UV‑resistant and suitable for duct and exposed installations; not inherently water‑blocking for direct burial unless specifically gel‑filled.
- Direct burial cables: Include water‑blocking materials and tougher jackets to withstand soil chemistry — choose those for buried runs.
- PVC jackets: Less UV resistant and generally for indoor use; avoid for prolonged outdoor exposure.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
Specific user reviews for this SKU may vary by supplier, but common themes from installers and system integrators using similar outdoor Cat5e boxed reels include:
- "Reliable outdoor jacket — holds up well in duct and along facades."
- "Nylon rip‑cord saves time when terminating lots of ends."
- "Good value for long runs where Cat5e performance is adequate."
- "Make sure to test link performance if you expect Gigabit speeds; this product is specified for CCTV/data up to 100 Mb/s by the manufacturer."
If you require verified user reviews, check retailer listings or installer forums where the SKU ITM004951 is sold — installers often post performance notes related to real‑world deployments.
Conclusion — why choose Rhino Guard CAT5e Outdoor PE Cable?
The Rhino Guard CAT5e U/UTP PE outdoor cable (ITM004951) is a practical, cost‑conscious choice for external network and CCTV cabling where robust outdoor jacket properties and a full 305 m boxed reel are desirable. Its PE/LDPE jacket provides UV resistance and suitability for duct and exposed installations, while the solid 24 AWG conductors and colour‑coded insulation make termination straightforward for installers. The inclusion of a nylon rip‑cord is a small but valuable convenience that speeds installation and reduces the risk of conductor damage.
Compared with Cat6 or shielded alternatives, this cable offers competitive value for projects where 100 Mb/s data or CCTV transmission is the norm. For sites that demand higher bandwidth, stronger EMI protection, or direct burial capabilities, alternative cables should be considered. As always, confirm application suitability, follow local regulations and best practices, and perform post‑installation testing to validate link performance.
At a suggested retail price of approximately 80.50 (per 305 m reel), Rhino Guard’s Cat5e outdoor cable represents an economical option for many external cabling projects — delivering the durability and installability that on‑site professionals appreciate.
