Mercury Cat6 U/UTP Outdoor Network Cable - Black 100m

The Mercury Cat6 U/UTP is a 100m reel of outdoor-rated network cable built with solid oxygen-free copper conductors and a UV-resistant LDPE outer sheath. The cable supports Gigabit Ethernet with a bandwidth capacity up to 250MHz and meets TIA/EIA-568 Cat6 standards for NEXT, attenuation and impedance performance across the full frequency range.

Designed for outdoor CCTV runs, IP camera installations, weatherproof access points and permanent exterior network links, the cable carries an LDPE (low-density polyethylene) sheath that resists UV degradation and moisture ingress without requiring additional conduit in most outdoor installations. The U/UTP (unshielded twisted pair) construction keeps the cable lighter and more flexible than shielded alternatives, making it easier to pull through trunking or clip to exterior walls. The 100m reel is supplied in an easy-pull dispensing box with metre markings at 1m intervals for accurate cable runs.

Each of the four twisted pairs uses 0.53mm solid copper conductors insulated with HDPE (high-density polyethylene), giving a total cable diameter of 6mm and a DC resistance below 9.38 ohms per 100m at 20°C. The solid conductor design maintains consistent impedance over long runs and suits permanent installations where the cable is terminated into keystone jacks, patch panels or field-pluggable RJ45 connectors. The black LDPE sheath blends with most exterior building finishes and hides dirt accumulation better than lighter-coloured cable jackets.

Does this cable need to be run in conduit outdoors?

The LDPE sheath provides UV and weather resistance for direct outdoor exposure in most UK conditions. Running the cable in conduit or trunking adds mechanical protection and may be required by local installation standards, but the cable itself is rated for outdoor use without additional sleeving.

Can this be used for Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

Yes. The solid copper conductors and DC resistance specification support PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ standards. The cable can carry power to IP cameras, access points and other PoE-powered devices over the full 100m length.

What's the difference between solid and stranded cable?

Solid conductor cable like this Mercury Cat6 uses a single solid copper wire per strand, giving better performance over long runs and lower DC resistance. It's designed for permanent installations where the cable is terminated into jacks or patch panels. Stranded cable uses multiple thin wires per strand, making it more flexible for patch leads but less suitable for long fixed runs.

How is the cable marked for measuring runs?

The cable carries metre markings printed on the sheath at 1m intervals. This allows accurate measurement of cable runs during installation without needing a separate measuring tape.