Introduction to the SFX CAT5e UTP LSZH Cable Reel 305m (Blue)
Product at a glance:The SFX CAT5e UTP LSZH Cable Reel (305 m) — SKU ITM001021 — is a dispensing reel of Category 5e unshielded twisted pair network cable finished in a blue low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) jacket. Designed for indoor structured cabling, office networks, data rooms and CCTV installations, this cable combines common Cat5e performance with safety-focused materials and practical onsite features such as metre-marked sheath and a dispensing reel for easy installation. The reel contains 305 metres of solid 24 AWG conductors and is a cost-effective choice for many internal network projects. Suggested retail price: 129.99 (cost price 106.50).
Key features
- Length & format:305 m dispensing reel with metre-marked sheath for accurate pull-off and measurement on site.
- Performance:Category 5e UTP performance rated up to 100 MHz, suitable for Fast Ethernet and typical surveillance/network runs.
- Conductor type:4 pairs of solid bare copper, approximately 0.50 mm diameter (24 AWG) with HDPE insulation.
- Safety jacket:LSZH outer sheath reduces smoke and toxic gases in the event of fire, making it preferable for indoor use, risers and enclosed spaces.
- Color coding:Blue sheath for quick identification among other cables and organized rack or ceiling runs.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The SFX Cat5e reel packs familiar, reliable cable construction into a practical dispensing format. From an electrical and mechanical viewpoint, it follows conventional Cat5e standards: 4 twisted pairs, nominal impedance of 100 ohms across 1100 MHz, and conductor and insulation dimensions optimised for stable signal transfer.
Conductor and insulation:Solid bare copper conductors (24 AWG) provide excellent long-term contact reliability when terminated into wall plates and patch panels. Solid conductors are preferred for fixed horizontal and vertical cabling runs because they hold terminations well and deliver lower DC resistance than many stranded alternatives. The HDPE insulation around each conductor pair maintains proper geometry and pair separation, which helps control crosstalk and attenuation across the rated frequency band.
Performance & rated frequency:As a Cat5e-class UTP cable, it supports frequency up to 100 MHz and is suitable for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and many PoE applications. While Cat5e is not the highest-performing category available, it remains a widely used, cost-effective option for many installations that do not require gigabit speeds over longer horizontal distances.
LSZH jacket advantages:LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheath is a critical safety feature for many indoor environments. In enclosed spaces—server rooms, corridors, lifts and public buildings—LSZH jackets emit significantly less smoke and no halogenated toxic gases if exposed to flame. This can improve occupant safety and protect equipment during a fire event. Compared to standard PVC jackets, LSZH is safer for confined installations and often required by local codes or building specifications where smoke toxicity is a concern.
Practical installation features:The metre-marked dispensing sheath reduces waste and speeds installation. Installers can pull and cut the exact length required without additional measuring tools. The 305 m reel format also minimises the number of joins and splices needed on larger jobs compared with purchasing shorter lengths.
Use cases and scenarios where this cable excels
- Office and commercial structured cabling:Horizontal and vertical cabling in offices, meeting rooms and open-plan spaces where Cat5e bandwidth is sufficient for everyday network traffic, VoIP and Wi-Fi access point backhaul.
- Data rooms and risers:Indoor backbone and patching runs where LSZH is preferred or required for safety, and where solid conductor cable provides reliable termination into patch panels and keystone jacks.
- CCTV and security systems:Analogue or IP surveillance camera installations that do not demand Cat6 or higher performance; Cat5e often provides a balance of cost and capability for single-camera runs including PoE-powered cameras.
- PoE applications:Many PoE and PoE+ devices (access points, cameras, VoIP phones) can be supported over Cat5e at typical run lengths. Always confirm power budgets and run lengths with the device manufacturer.
- Internal cabling in public buildings:Places with higher occupant density or ventilation constraints benefit from LSZH cable because it reduces harmful emissions in the event of fire.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing network cable, installers balance performance, safety, and cost. Here are key comparisons to consider:
- Cat5e vs Cat6:Cat6 cables provide higher frequency support, often up to 250 MHz, and typically better headroom for Gigabit Ethernet and longer-term network growth. Cat5e remains suitable for 10/100 Mbps and many Gigabit runs within short lengths, and it is often more economical. If you anticipate future-proofing for higher speeds or structured cabling standards that expect Cat6 or higher, Cat6 may be the better choice despite higher cost and larger conductor geometry.
- LSZH vs PVC jacket:LSZH is chosen for safety where smoke toxicity is a concern; PVC jackets are generally less expensive and more flexible in some formulations but release more toxic gases and thicker smoke during combustion. Many building codes now specify LSZH in enclosed or public-facing installations.
- Solid vs stranded conductors:Solid conductors (like the 24 AWG in this reel) are ideal for permanent installations and wall-plate termination. Stranded cable is more flexible, better suited for patch leads and repeated movement. For horizontal runs inside walls or conduit, solid core is preferred.
- UTP vs Shielded (STP/F/UTP):UTP is simpler to install and less costly, suitable where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is not a problem. Shielded cable is preferable in electrically noisy environments or where runs are parallel to significant power cabling, but requires careful grounding and termination to be effective.
Customer testimonials and reviews
Official testimonials:No specific customer reviews are provided with the product listing or supplier documentation. If you need user feedback, consider requesting site references from your supplier or checking third-party reseller listings where buyers sometimes leave ratings on performance and value.
Representative feedback themes:From typical use of similar 305 m LSZH Cat5e reels, common installer feedback includes faster installation due to metre-marked sheaths and dispensing reels; appreciation for LSZH materials in sensitive environments; and satisfaction with solid conductors for reliable terminations. Common caveats customers mention are to confirm cable category for future bandwidth needs and to consider Cat6 if higher headroom is required.
Conclusion Why the SFX CAT5e LSZH 305m reel is a great choice
The SFX CAT5e UTP LSZH 305 m blue reel is a practical, cost-conscious solution for many indoor structured cabling projects. It balances reliable Cat5e performance with safety-oriented LSZH materials and convenient installation features such as a dispensing reel and metre-marked sheath. Solid 24 AWG conductors offer durable, low-resistance connections for wall outlets and patch panels, while the 305 m reel reduces joins and speeds job completion for medium to large installations.
Choose this product when you need a dependable, safe cable for office networks, CCTV systems, data-room patching or any internal installation where Cat5e bandwidth suffices. If your project requires higher bandwidth, shielded cabling, or outdoor-rated runs, evaluate Cat6/Cat6A options or outdoor/duct-rated cable accordingly. For installers seeking good value, predictable Cat5e performance, and the benefits of LSZH safety, the SFX CAT5e LSZH reel (SKU ITM001021) is a solid, practical pick.
Quick reference:305 m reel, Cat5e UTP, LSZH jacket, 4 pairs solid 24 AWG, metre-marked, blue. Stock: 13 units (last updated 2025-09-11). For full electrical tables (NEXT, attenuation, DC resistance, delay skew) consult the supplier spec PDF and local wiring standards prior to installation.
