Introduction to the product and its key features
Rhino Guard CAT5e U/UTP-PE — 100 m (ITM005530)is an outdoor-rated Cat5e network cable designed for installers, security professionals and anyone needing a reliable external network run. Supplied on a 100 m boxed reel with a black polyethylene (PE) jacket, this cable delivers the familiar Cat5e performance (up to 100 MHz) using four solid 24 AWG copper pairs in an unshielded twisted pair (U/UTP) configuration. It is targeted at outdoor and duct installations where UV resistance and a tougher outer sheath are required compared with standard indoor patch cords.
- Category: Cat5e (U/UTP) — up to 100 MHz bandwidth.
- Conductors: 4 solid pairs, 24 AWG, copper.
- Jacket: PE (polyethylene), black — external grade and UV resistant for outdoor use.
- Length & packaging: 100 m boxed/reel — installer-friendly handling.
- Typical Ethernet support: 100BASE-TX and typical 1000BASE-T (Gigabit) where installed per standards and within run limits.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The Rhino Guard Cat5e outdoor cable combines proven Cat5e transmission characteristics with mechanical protection suitable for external environments. Below is a practical breakdown of the product specifications and what they mean for deployments.
- Product code:ITM005530
- Length:100 m boxed reel
- Conductor type:Solid copper, 24 AWG — preferred for permanent in-wall or duct runs and reliable contact in punch-downs and keystone jacks
- Pairs:4 pairs — standard for Ethernet
- Shielding:U/UTP — unshielded pairs, no overall shield
- Jacket material:PE (polyethylene) — external grade for UV resistance and better outdoor durability than indoor PVC jackets
- Bandwidth:Up to 100 MHz (Cat5e)
- Ethernet support:Typical Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) when cabling practices and run length meet standards
- Outdoor durability:The PE jacket is formulated to resist sunlight (UV) and weather exposure, making it suitable for exposed runs, external trunking or protected conduit/duct installations.
- Installer-friendly packaging:A 100 m boxed reel reduces kinks and tangles and is easy to transport on site, saving time for installers.
- Cost-effective performance:Cat5e delivers reliable Ethernet performance for most CCTV, access control and standard network needs without the cost premium of higher category cables.
- Solid conductors for permanence:Solid 24 AWG wires are better suited to long, permanent runs terminated at jacks or punch blocks rather than frequent flexing.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
Rhino Guard Cat5e U/UTP-PE is designed for situations that require a balance of outdoor durability and proven network performance. Here are common use cases where this cable is a strong choice.
Many security camera systems use Ethernet cabling either for data-only connections or with Power over Ethernet (PoE) when using active PoE equipment. For distances within Cat5e limits, Rhino Guard Cat5e provides a robust outdoor-rated option for linking cameras mounted on building exteriors, poles or rooftop locations, provided terminations and glands are chosen to weatherproof PoE devices.
When connecting two buildings across a short campus, this cable is useful where runs are placed in ducting or conduit. Its PE jacket offers weather resistance, but best practice is to route it in grounded conduits or ducts rather than leaving it fully exposed to mechanical hazards.
Where installation quality (correct terminations, minimal untwist at connections, and adherence to length limits) is maintained, Cat5e commonly supports Gigabit Ethernet. For cost-sensitive links that don’t demand Cat6 headroom, this cable is an economical option.
For events, temporary CCTV deployments, or temporary site offices that need an outdoor-capable cable without the expense of fiber or shielded cabling, this product offers a practical compromise.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
Choosing the right cable depends on performance requirements, environment and budget. Here’s how Rhino Guard Cat5e compares to some alternatives.
- Cat6 offers higher bandwidth and better alien crosstalk performance, making it a better long-term choice for future-proofing and dense cable bundles. However, Cat6 outdoor cables typically cost more and have thicker conductors, which can make installation in small conduits harder. Rhino Guard Cat5e is more cost-efficient for current 100/1000 Mbps needs where future higher-frequency margins are not required.
- Shielded cables reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and are preferred in electrically noisy environments or where the run is adjacent to power cabling. The Rhino Guard U/UTP cable is unshielded, so it should be routed away from power lines and heavy electrical equipment. In noisy areas or runs near power conduits, choose a shielded outdoor cable instead.
- PE jackets are more resistant to UV and moisture than indoor PVC jackets. For any permanent outside exposure or rooftop runs, PE is the appropriate choice. For protected indoor runs, PVC is adequate and often more flexible.
Rhino Guard Cat5e is positioned as a budget-friendly outdoor cable. With a suggested retail price of 34.99 for a 100 m reel (check local currency and availability), it represents a lower-cost option compared with outdoor-rated Cat6 alternatives. For installations where Gigabit headroom isn’t critical, it offers strong value.
Customer testimonials and reviews
No verified customer testimonials are included with this product listing. If you are considering this cable, look for feedback in installer forums, distributor listings or review sections where the product is sold. Typical feedback you might expect for this type of product includes comments on:
- Ease of installation from the boxed 100 m reel (positive if the reel unspools cleanly).
- Robustness of the PE jacket in outdoor conditions versus indoor cables.
- Performance when used for CCTV and short gigabit links (satisfactory where best installation practices are followed).
- Requests for clearer compliance/datasheet information and fire rating (CPR), which is important for building installations—customers often ask suppliers for the official datasheet before large projects.
When buying, check the seller’s review history and request technical datasheets or certifications (CE/UKCA and CPR class) if your installation requires regulatory compliance.
Installation, safety notes and compliance
Before deploying any outdoor cable, consider these practical tips:
- Avoid running unshielded cable adjacent to high-voltage power cables or sources of electromagnetic interference to reduce noise and potential performance degradation.
- Use appropriate conduit, trunking, or ducting where possible; even outdoor-rated cables benefit from additional mechanical protection.
- Weatherproof all terminations with appropriate IP-rated connectors, junction boxes or weatherproof glands, particularly for PoE devices.
- Obtain the manufacturer datasheet for electrical parameters, CPR/fire classification and any regulatory markings (CE/UKCA) required for your project. The listing notes insufficient data for full compliance—do not proceed with critical installations without the official datasheet.
- No warranty information is provided in the listing; confirm warranty and return terms with the supplier before purchase.
Conclusion: Why choose Rhino Guard Cat5e outdoor cable?
If you need a cost-effective, outdoor-rated network cable for CCTV, short to medium external runs, or temporary site connections,Rhino Guard CAT5e U/UTP-PE (ITM005530)is a sensible option. Its PE jacket provides the durability and UV resistance required for many external applications, and the 100 m boxed reel format suits installers and technicians. While Cat5e does not offer the headroom of Cat6 or the interference protection of shielded cables, it covers a large range of practical uses at a lower acquisition cost.
Before deployment, verify your project’s compliance requirements and request the official datasheet and any applicable certifications from the supplier. When installed according to good cabling practice—kept clear of noisy electrical sources, terminated correctly and routed in appropriate ducting—this Rhino Guard cable offers reliable, economical performance for many outdoor networking needs.
