SFX CAT5 UTP 100m Drum – An introduction to the product and its key features
The SFX CAT5 UTP 100m Drum (ITM005699) is a straightforward, economical bulk network cable supplied as a 100 metre roll. Marketed as a Cat5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable with bare copper conductors, HDPE insulation and a grey PVC outer sheath, it is intended for everyday LAN, CCTV and telecom wiring tasks where Cat5 performance is acceptable. The cable carries a CPR reaction-to-fire rating of Eca and meets a number of common industry standards, making it a practical choice for installers, small businesses and DIY networkers who need a full drum of cable for structured cabling jobs.
- Length: 100 metres supplied on a drum for bulk run installations
- Category: Cat5 UTP (4-pair, unshielded) suitable for 10/100 Mbps networks
- Conductor: Bare copper conductors for reliable electrical conductivity
- Insulation: HDPE insulation around each conductor pair
- Outer sheath: PVC in grey, providing mechanical protection and a neutral aesthetic
- Safety & compliance: CPR reaction-to-fire rating Eca; standards include ISO/IEC 11801, ANSI/TIA-568-C.2, CE, LVD 2014/35/EU and RoHS2 2011/65/EU
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding what the SFX CAT5 UTP 100m drum offers requires looking at both the physical construction and the standards it complies with. The cable is described as having bare copper conductors insulated with HDPE and an outer PVC sheath. While the supplier page does not list AWG, conductor geometry or attenuation figures, the listed materials and standards indicate a cable designed to meet baseline Cat5 networking expectations.
- Bare copper conductors: Copper remains the standard for reliable signal transmission in Ethernet cabling. Bare copper (as opposed to copper-clad aluminium) provides lower resistance and better long-term reliability for data and power delivery over short runs.
- HDPE insulation: High-density polyethylene is a common insulation material that helps control characteristic impedance and limits signal loss around each conductor pair.
- PVC outer sheath (grey): PVC offers basic mechanical protection, flexibility for routing and a neutral finish that suits most residential and commercial installations. The grey colour is unobtrusive behind panels or in trunking.
- Eca reaction-to-fire rating: The CPR rating Eca indicates a baseline reaction-to-fire performance for non-specified exposed installations in many regions. This rating helps installers comply with basic safety requirements in building works where Eca is acceptable.
Standards listed for the product include ISO/IEC 11801 and ANSI/TIA-568-C.2, which are common references for structured cabling and Category performance. CE marking, LVD compliance and RoHS2 adherence indicate the product meets basic European safety, electrical and hazardous substance rules. These certifications help ensure that the cable is appropriate for typical installation contexts.
- Cost-effective bulk supply: A 100 metre drum is useful when running long cable paths, wiring a small office or stocking a van with a common cable length. Buying in bulk typically reduces per-metre cost versus pre-cut patch leads.
- Simplicity and compatibility: As Cat5 UTP, this cable supports standard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and common telecom uses. It is straightforward to terminate with RJ45 connectors or keystone jacks designed for solid conductors.
- Application flexibility: Suitable for LAN wiring, basic CCTV data and many telecom applications where Cat5 performance is sufficient. The PVC sheath makes it appropriate for concealed runs in trunking and accessible areas where Eca is accepted.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The SFX CAT5 UTP 100m drum is positioned for scenarios where economical, bulk cabling is needed and gigabit speeds are not a strict requirement. Typical applications include:
- Small office and home LAN installs— For 10/100 Mbps networks or where legacy equipment limits bandwidth, this cable provides an inexpensive way to install structured cabling between switches, patch panels and wall outlets.
- CCTV and low-bandwidth IP camera runs— Many CCTV systems operate at lower data rates or with compression; Cat5 UTP can carry camera data and PoE for many entry-level camera installations. Verify PoE power and distance requirements against cable spec before deployment.
- Temporary or ad-hoc networks— Events, site setups and temporary offices often require longer runs of cable without the cost of higher-category cable. A 100 m drum is easy to deploy and cut to length on site.
- Telecom and voice cabling— Cat5 UTP remains a serviceable choice for voice circuits and structured telephony cabling in installations where voice data remains the priority.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
Choosing network cable depends on performance needs, environment and budget. Here is how the SFX CAT5 UTP 100m compares with common alternatives:
- Cat5e offers improved specifications for near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and is the minimum recommended choice for reliable Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) over 100 metres. The SFX item is listed as Cat5; if you require consistent gigabit performance, consider confirming whether the cable is Cat5e or choosing a dedicated Cat5e product.
- Cat6 increases internal pair spacing, tighter twist rates and often thicker insulation; it supports higher bandwidth and better crosstalk performance for gigabit and multi-gig applications. Cat6 is more suitable for future-proofing but costs more and is less flexible to route in tight spaces.
- Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is generally cheaper and more flexible than shielded alternatives. Shielded cables add protection against electromagnetic interference in electrically noisy environments but require careful grounding. For most residential and standard office installs, UTP is adequate and simpler to terminate.
Customer testimonials and reviews
There are no published customer testimonials provided on the supplier page for this specific SKU. That said, common feedback themes from installers and buyers of comparable 100 m Cat5 drums typically include:
- Value for money— Buyers often cite bulk drums as economical for running multiple drops and stocking a cabling kit.
- Ease of use— Installers appreciate a neatly wound 100 m drum that can be unrolled and cut to size on site.
- Compatibility— Positive comments usually reference straightforward termination with common RJ45 punch-down tools and keystones designed for solid conductors.
- Requests for specification details— A recurring request from technicians is clearer electrical specs (AWG, attenuation, whether the cable meets Cat5e parameters). Before large deployments, pros often ask suppliers for a datasheet to confirm characteristics.
If you need verified customer reviews for this exact product, consider checking retailer pages, installer forums or requesting case studies from the supplier.
Important notes and practical advice
- The supplier page does not state AWG, overall diameter, attenuation or whether the item is Cat5e. For mission-critical or gigabit networks, consult the SFX datasheet or supplier to confirm electrical/mechanical specifications.
- Not intended as an installation guide. Ensure compliance with local wiring regulations and follow official installation guidance when terminating or routing cable.
- Consider environment and future-proofing: if you plan to upgrade to gigabit or multi-gig networking soon, a Cat5e or Cat6 cable may be a better long-term investment despite a higher upfront cost.
Conclusion — Why the SFX CAT5 UTP 100m Drum is a practical choice
The SFX CAT5 UTP 100m Drum (ITM005699) is a practical, cost-conscious option for installers and users who need bulk Cat5 cable for 10/100 Mbps networks, CCTV setups and basic structured cabling. Its use of bare copper conductors, HDPE insulation and a PVC sheath, combined with standard compliance and an Eca fire rating, makes it suitable for a wide range of everyday installation environments. While it does not advertise the more stringent electrical specifications associated with Cat5e or higher categories, its affordability and simplicity make it useful when gigabit performance is not required.
Before purchasing for larger or long-term projects, request the SFX datasheet to confirm AWG, attenuation and whether the product meets Cat5e parameters. If your installation demands gigabit throughput, improved crosstalk suppression or higher fire performance, compare this option with Cat5e, Cat6 or shielded cables to ensure the right balance of cost, performance and future readiness.
For straightforward LAN, voice and CCTV installations where reliable, low-cost bulk cable is the priority, the SFX CAT5 UTP 100m drum offers clear value and utility.
