Introduction to the product and its key features
Cat5e Patch Cable, 3 m Grey, RJ45 8P8C, 26 AWG HAY-RJ45GR3MCAT5— marketed as the 3 m Cat5e RJ45 patch lead (grey) — is a straightforward, reliable networking cable designed for common Ethernet, voice and data patching tasks. It combines an industry-standard Cat5e specification with gold-plated 8P8C (RJ45) connectors, a moulded snagless boot for easier handling, and a 36-month return-to-base warranty. With a 3-metre length and a neutral grey jacket, it is intended for horizontal cabling, patch-panel connections, small data closets and home or office workstations.
Detailed description of the product's specifications and benefits
This patch cable follows the EIA/TIA-568B wiring standard and uses 26 AWG conductors terminated in gold-plated RJ45 contacts. Key specifications include:
- Length: 3 m — convenient for desk-to-patch-panel runs and typical desktop layouts.
- Category: Cat5e (enhanced) — supports up to Gigabit Ethernet in typical installations.
- Connector type: 8P8C (RJ45) male-to-male with gold-plated contacts — gold plating improves corrosion resistance and contact reliability.
- Conductor: 26 AWG — slightly thinner than the 24 AWG commonly found in some patch leads; still appropriate for short to medium runs.
- Jacket and boot: PVC jacket with moulded snagless boot — the snagless boot protects the clip during patching and helps prevent accidental unplugging in dense racks.
- Wiring: EIA/TIA-568B — standard pinout for Ethernet installations in many regions.
- Frequency rating: Supplier listing indicates up to 350 MHz — higher than the classical 100 MHz Cat5e baseline, which may indicate conservative manufacturer testing margins or improved construction.
- Warranty: 36 months (return-to-base) — shows manufacturer confidence and provides post-sale coverage for defects.
Benefits of these specs include dependable data transfer for everyday network needs, good contact longevity provided by gold plating, and easier handling thanks to the snagless moulded boot. The 3 m length is highly practical where devices are not directly adjacent to patch panels but also not widely separated — a common scenario in offices and small server rooms.
- Cat5e is rated for Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) under typical conditions; pairing this cable with quality switches and proper termination will support reliable gigabit links for most users.
- 26 AWG conductors are acceptable for patch leads; however, thinner conductors have marginally higher electrical resistance than 24 AWG alternatives, which can slightly increase attenuation over longer runs. For 3 m patching this is negligible.
- The cable listing does not specify shielding (supplied data notes "INSUFFICIENT DATA"). It appears to be unshielded UTP; avoid environments with heavy electromagnetic interference (near large motors or industrial equipment) unless shielded cabling is used.
- PVC jacket is common and durable for indoor use. If a low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) jacket is required by building regulations, confirm with the datasheet or supplier.
- PoE compatibility: The cable can be used with Power over Ethernet systems, but always verify that the power requirements and cable routing meet the specific PoE class and thermal considerations for your devices.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The HAY-RJ45GR3MCAT5 Cat5e 3 m patch cable is well suited to a range of environments where dependable short-run Ethernet connections are needed:
- Office desktop to patch panel: The 3 m length neatly bridges the distance from under-desk switches or wall outlets to workstations without excess slack.
- Patch panels and small data closets: Suitable for managing connections within a rack or small wiring closet where compact, snagless patch leads help maintain tidy cabling.
- VoIP phones and IP endpoints: Perfect for phones, IP cameras and other networked devices where stable 100 Mbps–1 Gbps connectivity is required.
- Home networks and media streaming: Gamers and streamers will find it reliable for connecting consoles, PCs and media players to routers and switches.
- Temporary setups and event networks: Affordable and easy to deploy for temporary network setups such as trade shows or training rooms.
Because the cable is economical (suggested retail price around 4.99), it is practical to keep a stock of spare patch leads for quick replacement, testing, or temporary changes to network layouts.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When choosing patch cables you typically compare Category (Cat5 vs Cat5e vs Cat6), conductor size (24 AWG vs 26 AWG), shielding (UTP vs STP/FTP), connector quality and jacket material. Here’s how the HAY-RJ45GR3MCAT5 stacks up:
- Cat5 vs Cat5e vs Cat6: Cat5e (enhanced) improves on Cat5 by reducing crosstalk and supporting Gigabit Ethernet. Cat6 offers higher performance and better headroom for 10 Gigabit over short distances, but usually at higher cost and thicker cables. For routine office and home use up to 1 Gbps, Cat5e remains a cost-effective choice.
- 26 AWG vs 24 AWG: 24 AWG is slightly thicker and offers lower resistance and better power-handling for PoE over longer patching runs. For a 3 m patch lead, the difference between 26 AWG and 24 AWG is marginal; 26 AWG saves a little on cable bulk and cost while remaining fit for purpose.
- Shielded vs unshielded: Shielded cables (STP/FTP) protect against electromagnetic interference and are advisable in electrically noisy environments. Most offices and homes do fine with unshielded UTP patch cables, which are more flexible and cheaper. The HAY cable appears to be UTP, so choose shielded options if your deployment requires it.
- Connector and boot quality: Gold-plated contacts and a moulded snagless boot are comparable with higher-quality patch leads. Some premium brands offer snagless boots plus latch protectors and thicker jackets; those may cost more but provide extra durability in high-use rack environments.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
No individual customer testimonials are provided with the product listing, but based on common feedback patterns for comparable Cat5e patch cables, typical user comments often highlight:
- Value for money — customers expect affordable, functional cables for bulk purchases or simple replacements.
- Reliable connections — gold-plated contacts and correct wiring usually lead to consistent plug-and-play behavior with network devices.
- Ease of use — the snagless boot is frequently praised for preventing connector damage when plugging into crowded patch panels.
- Durability — many users report long service life under normal office use; warranty support (36 months here) adds reassurance.
If you need verified customer quotes or ratings, check the distributor listing and reseller reviews on retail platforms where buyers sometimes leave performance notes about real-world use and longevity.
Conclusion: why this product is a great choice
The HAY-RJ45GR3MCAT5 3 m Cat5e patch cable is a practical, cost-effective component for everyday networking needs. It balances essential quality features — Cat5e performance, gold-plated RJ45 contacts, a snagless moulded boot and a 36-month warranty — with an affordable price point (suggested retail approximately 4.99). For office patch panels, home networks, VoIP phones and short-run PoE deployments where cabling runs are modest, this cable delivers reliable, tidy connections without unnecessary expense.
Always ensure the cable matches your installation requirements (for example, shielding or LSZH jacket if mandated) and consult the supplier datasheet for confirmation of conductor construction and any regulatory approvals like CE or UKCA. For most standard indoor environments, this Haydon Cat5e 3 m patch lead offers a sensible blend of performance, usability and value.
