Mercury Cat5e U/UTP Network Cable Grey 305m Box - Solid CCA

The Mercury Cat5e U/UTP is a 305m reel of unshielded twisted pair network cable with solid copper-clad aluminium (CCA) conductors, supplied in a pull-through dispensing box with metre markings printed on the outer sheath. The cable carries eight conductors arranged as four twisted pairs in HDPE insulation, enclosed in a 5mm diameter grey PVC sheath.

Designed for structured cabling installations in residential, commercial and light industrial environments, the cable supports Gigabit Ethernet data transmission up to 1000BASE-T at distances of 100m between terminations. The solid conductor construction suits permanent installation runs between patch panels and wall outlets, while the dispensing box format simplifies pulling cable through conduit, trunking and ceiling voids without kinking or tangling.

The cable passes Cat5e fluke testing at 100m and 100MHz, with impedance held at 100 Ohms ±15, DC resistance below 35 Ohms per 100m, and NEXT performance above 40dB at 100m. The metre markings on the sheath allow installers to measure cable runs during installation without external measuring tools. At 6kg per 305m box, the reel is manageable for single-person handling on typical domestic and office fit-out projects.

Copper-clad aluminium conductor reduces material cost compared to solid copper while maintaining the electrical performance needed for Cat5e certification. The grey sheath provides a neutral finish that blends with ceiling tiles, skirting trunking and conduit in most commercial interiors.

What's the difference between CCA and solid copper?

Copper-clad aluminium (CCA) has an aluminium core with a copper coating, reducing material cost while maintaining Cat5e performance specifications. Solid copper offers marginally better DC resistance and is preferred for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications, but CCA meets Cat5e certification for standard data transmission.

Does this support Gigabit Ethernet?

Yes. The cable supports 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet at distances up to 100m between terminations, provided it is correctly terminated with RJ45 connectors and tested to Cat5e standards.

What are the metre markings for?

The outer sheath is printed with metre interval markings, allowing installers to measure cable runs during installation without a separate tape measure. This speeds up estimating remaining cable length and documenting installed run distances.

Is this suitable for outdoor installation?

No. The PVC sheath is rated for internal use only. For outdoor or underground runs, use cable rated for direct burial or with UV-resistant outer sheath.