Cat 5 Cable

Cat 5 Cable

By Anne Ahira

Cat 5 cable is a pair of twisted high signal cable that is also referred to as Category 5 cable. The twisted cables are presented in one single wrapping or jacket.

Cat 5 cable is used for ethernet and connecting computers in a network. These cables are utilized for carrying basic voice and ring signals over shorter distances.

The cable has usually three twists and they have four pairs of wires for a total of eight in all. The reason the cables are twisted together is to eliminate any interference of the signal being sent.

The more twists that are provided, the better the signal will be. Different methods are used to send data signals to the wire.

Cat 5 cable is available in solid cores or as stranded cores. Every core of wire in the solid Cat 5 has one wire that is a 24 gauge. This solid cable is resistant to being harmed by moisture and it is much stiffer. This type of solid cable is perfect for wiring inside walls.

The more flexible stranded cable will not wear out from being bended and the stranded cable is made to be used only with cables that are shorter than nine feet. Be very careful that you purchase the correct kind of cable you will need and double check that they are verified as being Cat 5 cables.

The normal Category five cables have a jacket covering that will give off fumes that are toxic if they burn. When you purchase a plenum rated Category five cable, you can rest assured that the cable will not give off these dangerous fumes in the case of a fire.

Most building codes state that the Cat 5 cables that use plenum be used for commercial buildings. This same requirement is not made for residential buildings because homes are evacuated quicker and so the risk is much less of being subjected to these harmful fumes.

You can make your own cables if you have the proper information and know-how. You must have testing equipment in order to make the cable and the proper tools required to do the job correctly.

You must have a professional grade crimper to ensure that the contacts are in place correctly. If not, you will damage the device you try to plug in to. You must also use a test meter. If you are not experienced, it is a much better idea to purchase your cable rather than attempt to make your own.

The cables are readily available at most audio/video outlets, electronics stores and can be found easily online. The costs vary depending on the quality and length. The cable is relatively inexpensive to buy and should last you a good long time.

Here's Cat 5 Cable Selections:

WHITE 100FT CAT5 CAT5e RJ45 PATCH ETHERNET NETWORK...	Customer Review: At Radio Shack, a 100' ethernet cable with ends costs about $70. This cable was under $10 and works as it should. Don't hesitate.... Read More	(19)
RiteAV - Cat5e Network Ethernet Cable - Blue - 50 ...	Customer Review: I am very pleased with the item , delivery time and price. I would buy again from this vendor... Read More	(64)
White 50FT CAT5 CAT5e RJ45 PATCH ETHERNET NETWORK ...	Customer Review: Used this product to extend the placement of our wireless router from the cable modem. It works like a charm and for a great price.... Read More	$25.99 (23)
Belkin A3L791-S 3-Foot RJ45 CAT 5e Snagless Molded...	Customer Review: Well constructed cable, it is very flexible making it easy to run where you want it.... Read More	(22)
Cables To Go - 31341 - 5ft CAT6 550Mhz Snagless Pa...	Customer Review: Hard to really review a cable. Either it works or it doesn't and then you just have to add price as the only variable. Well this scores 100% on all accounts. My system is blue so it was a bonus that they even had the shade of blue that my case is.... Read More	(4)