Mercury Cat6a S/FTP LSZH Network Cable - Lilac (305m)

The Mercury Cat6a S/FTP LSZH network cable is a 305m reel of professional-grade data cabling constructed from AWG23 oxygen-free copper conductors in four twisted pairs. Each pair is individually foil-shielded and the entire bundle sits under an aluminium braid (S/FTP configuration), providing dual-layer protection against electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. The cable supports 10Gbps Ethernet transmission and frequencies up to 500MHz, meeting ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA-568.2-D standards for Cat6a performance.

Designed for data centres, commercial network installations, broadcast studios and AV environments where electrical noise is present, the dual shielding maintains signal integrity over cable runs up to 100m. The LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) outer sheath produces minimal smoke and no halogen gas in a fire, complying with BS EN 50288-6-1 and European building regulations that require low-toxicity cable in public spaces, high-rise buildings and enclosed areas. The lilac sheath colour allows rapid visual identification in mixed-infrastructure installations.

The 305m cable arrives on a sturdy wooden reel with 1m interval markings printed on the sheath, allowing installers to measure cuts accurately and track cable usage across a project without separate measurement tools. The 7.5mm cable diameter and 0.55mm LSZH sheath thickness balance flexibility for routing through conduit and trunking with mechanical durability for permanent installation. The reel weighs 17.4kg when full.

The oxygen-free copper conductors minimize resistance (less than 9.38 Ohms per 100m at 20°C) and maintain consistent impedance of 100±15 Ohms between 100-250MHz, ensuring stable Power over Ethernet delivery and reducing packet loss on high-bandwidth links. The aluminium/Mylar foil on each pair and the outer aluminium braid require earthed termination at both ends to function correctly as EMI shielding.

What does S/FTP mean in Cat6a cable?

S/FTP means Screened/Foiled Twisted Pair. Each of the four twisted pairs has its own aluminium/Mylar foil shield, and the entire cable bundle sits under an additional aluminium braid screen. This dual-layer shielding provides superior protection against electromagnetic interference compared to UTP (unshielded) or FTP (foil-only) cable.

Does the shielding need to be earthed?

Yes. The foil and braid shielding only function correctly when both ends of the cable are terminated with shielded connectors (such as shielded RJ45 plugs) and connected to earthed network equipment. Un-earthed shielding can act as an antenna and worsen interference rather than reduce it.

What's the difference between LSZH and PVC sheath?

LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheath produces minimal smoke and no halogen gas if it burns, reducing toxicity and visibility issues during a fire. PVC sheath emits dense black smoke and chlorine gas when burned. LSZH is required by building regulations in public buildings, high-rise residential, underground installations and enclosed spaces across Europe.

Can this cable be used outdoors?

Not directly. The LSZH sheath is not UV-stabilised and will degrade under sustained sunlight exposure. For outdoor runs the cable should be installed inside UV-rated conduit, trunking or ducting. For direct burial or aerial installation between buildings, use outdoor-rated Cat6a cable with UV and moisture protection.