Essential

Essential Cat5e and Cat6 network cable in South Africa

The Essential range is bulk network cable for installers, offices and homes. Indoor cable comes in grey Cat5e UTP and Cat6 UTP, while outdoor cable is black, UV-resistant Cat5 and Cat6 with SF/TP or FTP shielding. Lengths are 100m, 305m and 500m, supplied in pull boxes or on rolls.

Several Cat5e and Cat5 outdoor lines come in two versions: CCA (copper-clad aluminium) and solid copper. The Cat6 indoor and outdoor cables are solid copper.

Choosing the right cable

Cat5e is fine for gigabit runs in most homes and small offices, while Cat6 gives more headroom for faster equipment and busy networks. Use the UV outdoor cable for runs along walls, roofs or to cameras outside, as indoor cable breaks down in sunlight.

Solid copper is the better choice for PoE devices such as security cameras and access points, and for longer runs, because CCA has higher resistance and can heat up or drop power. CCA suits short, low-cost data runs. Keep each run within 100m between devices. A pull box lets the cable feed out without twisting, which makes it easier to pull through conduit.

Related collections

Find switches in network switches, connectors and patch leads in cables and accessories, or browse all WiFi and networking. Order online from Urbanise in Sandton, Johannesburg, with delivery across South Africa.