Introduction to the SFX Cat7A S/FTP LSZH Network Cable
Product:SFX Cat7A S/FTP Cable — 100 m reel, Orange (LSZH). This high-shield network cable is built for modern LAN and data-centre environments where signal integrity, interference rejection and safety in occupied spaces matter. With Category 7A design, per‑pair foil plus an overall braid (S/FTP), 100% bare copper conductors (23 AWG) and a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) outer jacket in orange (RAL 2003), this cable is intended for professional structured cabling installations that demand robust electrical performance and improved fire-safety behaviour.
Key features at a glance
- Category: Cat7A (4 pairs, S/FTP) for high-frequency performance up to approximately 1000 MHz.
- Shielding: AI‑PET foil per pair (≥115% coverage) plus Al‑Mg braid overall (≥40% coverage) with tinned-copper drain wire for reliable grounding.
- Conductor: 100% bare copper, 23 AWG (0.56 ±0.01 mm) with skin‑foam‑skin PE insulation for low DC resistance and stable transmission.
- Jacket: LSZH, 0.55 ±0.05 mm, orange (RAL 2003) — suitable for occupied or public buildings where low smoke and no halogen are required.
- Size: Compact overall diameter of ~7.80 ±0.50 mm to simplify routing in trays and containment.
- Length: 100 m reel — standard length for horizontal and patch cabling runs.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The SFX Cat7A S/FTP LSZH cable combines construction choices that are focused on signal quality, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and installation practicality.
Each conductor is 100% bare copper at 23 AWG (0.56 ±0.01 mm). Copper offers excellent conductivity compared with copper-clad alternatives, reducing insertion loss and improving power-handling characteristics where PoE is used. The skin‑foam‑skin PE insulation (approx. 0.18 mm) provides consistent dielectric properties across pairs, which helps control impedance and crosstalk — key for sustaining high data rates across 100 m links.
Shielding is a central strength of this cable. Every twisted pair is individually wrapped with AI‑PET foil (specified at ≥115% coverage), and the whole cable is enclosed in an Al‑Mg braid with ≥40% coverage. This S/FTP topology dramatically reduces near‑end crosstalk (NEXT) and alien crosstalk from neighbouring cables, plus it rejects external EMI sources such as motors, fluorescent lights or nearby power cables. A tinned copper drain wire provides an easy and reliable path for shield termination when using compatible screened connectors.
The LSZH jacket (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) significantly reduces toxic gas and dense smoke emission in the event of fire compared with standard PVC jackets. Its orange colour (RAL 2003) improves visibility in patching areas and helps with cable identification in multi-cable environments. Rated for a wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 70°C) and classified to CPR Eca, the cable suits typical internal cabling conditions in offices and data centres. Note: LSZH improves indoor safety, but the cable is not intended or certified for external burial.
This Cat7A S/FTP cable is specified for 10 Gbit/s up to 100 m — and Cat7A cabling architectures can support higher frequencies (up to around 1000 MHz) which allow headroom for future higher-speed applications within constrained distances. The build quality and shielding make it especially well suited for environments where reliable high-speed links are required next to sources of interference.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The combination of high shielding, robust conductors and LSZH jacket make this cable a strong candidate in a number of common and demanding scenarios:
- Data centres and server rooms:Short to medium horizontal runs, cross-connects and patching where immunity to EMI and consistent signal performance under heavy traffic are essential.
- Commercial office buildings and public spaces:LSZH jacket reduces smoke and halogen hazards in occupied spaces — useful in schools, hospitals, airports and other public facilities.
- Industrial or mixed‑use buildings:Where network cabling runs alongside power circuits or near electrical equipment, the strong shielding reduces the risk of interference-related errors.
- High-density networking closets:The relatively compact 7.8 mm diameter helps fit more cable into trays and containment without sacrificing shielding effectiveness.
- Future‑proofed LAN deployments:If you anticipate upgrades to higher-speed equipment or need more headroom for bandwidth-hungry applications, Cat7A gives greater frequency margin than Cat6A.
Comparisons with similar products
Choosing the right cable comes down to balancing performance, cost and installation complexity. Here’s how the SFX Cat7A S/FTP compares with common alternatives:
Cat6A is widely used and more cost-effective for many standard enterprise networks. It supports 10 Gbit/s to 100 m but typically operates at lower frequencies than Cat7A and may use less robust shielding (U/FTP or U/UTP) which makes it more susceptible to EMI. The SFX Cat7A offers better alien crosstalk rejection and higher frequency headroom, at a higher price and with slightly stricter connector/shield termination requirements.
Cat7 cables share similar shielding topologies; Cat7A extends frequency capability further. Differences between vendors can be in conductor quality (solid bare copper vs CCA), shield materials and braid coverage. The SFX offering uses 100% bare copper and quantifies pair and braid coverage (≥115% and ≥40%), which typically outperforms lower-spec or lower-cost alternatives that economise on materials.
Cat8 is designed for 25/40 Gbit/s over short distances (typically up to 30 m) and uses heavy shielding and tight tolerances. If your primary requirement is 40G short‑patch links in data centres, Cat8 may be appropriate. For standard 100 m horizontal runs and balanced price/performance, Cat7A like the SFX cable gives a better fit where 10G across 100 m and strong EMI protection are the goals.
LSZH is preferred in occupied or safety-critical installations because it emits far less smoke and no halogenated acids during combustion. PVC-jacketed cables may be slightly cheaper and more flexible, but PVC poses higher health risks in the event of fire and is sometimes disallowed by building rules for indoor use.
Installation considerations and safety
To realise the full benefits of S/FTP shielding, make sure terminations use compatible screened connectors and that the cable shield is properly grounded at suitable points in the installation. Avoid tight bends — respect the recommended bend radius to prevent mechanical stress that alters impedance. Keep the cable separated from high-voltage power runs where possible. The product is intended for internal structured cabling; it is not suitable for direct burial or outdoor use without further protective measures.
Pricing, warranty and purchasing notes
A reference cost price is listed as 88.50 and a suggested retail price of 119.99. The provided data does not specify the currency for these amounts — confirm whether these values are GBP, EUR, USD or another currency before finalising budgets or margins. No manufacturer warranty information is included in the supplied data (warranty=0), so we recommend confirming warranty and return terms with the supplier prior to purchase.
Customer testimonials and reviews
There are no verified customer testimonials provided with the product data here. In the absence of direct user reviews, typical feedback installers and network engineers report on cables with this specification: appreciation for strong EMI rejection in noisy environments, easier cable identification thanks to the orange jacket, and satisfaction with the compact diameter making high-density routing simpler. Common installer notes also emphasise the need to use screened connectors and pay attention to shield termination to avoid losing the benefits of S/FTP construction.
Conclusion: Why choose the SFX Cat7A S/FTP LSZH cable?
The SFX Cat7A S/FTP LSZH Cable is a compelling solution when you need a robust, high‑performance cable for internal structured cabling environments. Its full copper conductors, individual pair shielding plus an overall braid and LSZH jacket combine to provide excellent EMI immunity, predictable high-speed performance up to 10 Gbit/s over 100 m and improved safety in occupied buildings. The compact overall diameter helps with routing in dense installations while the orange jacket improves visibility and identification.
That said, the cable commands a premium over basic Cat6A solutions and requires proper screened termination to unlock its full potential. Confirm pricing currency, warranty terms and compatibility with your termination hardware before purchase. For data centres, commercial buildings, hospitals or any application where interference rejection and indoor fire-safety characteristics are priorities, the SFX Cat7A S/FTP LSZH 100 m reel is a strong, future‑minded choice.
