Mercury Cat6a U/FTP Network Cable Grey 305m - Solid OFC AWG23

The Mercury Cat6a U/FTP network cable is a 305m reel of twisted-pair data cable built around eight solid oxygen-free copper conductors (AWG23), grouped into four pairs with individual aluminium/Mylar foil screening on each pair. The cable carries a grey PVC outer sheath and passes Cat6a fluke testing at 500MHz across a 100m run, making it suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet installations, structured cabling backbones, and high-bandwidth IP camera networks.

Designed for permanent installation in commercial buildings, data centres, schools, hospitals and residential developments, the cable complies with TIA/EIA-568 Cat6a standards and supports data rates up to 10Gbps over distances up to 100m. The U/FTP construction (unshielded overall, foil-screened pairs) provides crosstalk isolation between pairs while maintaining a manageable 7.3mm outer diameter for conduit runs and cable trays. The cable is supplied on a sturdy wooden drum reel and marked at 1-metre intervals to simplify cut-to-length installation.

The solid oxygen-free copper conductors deliver lower DC resistance than copper-clad aluminium alternatives (less than 9.38 Ohms per 100m at 20°C), reducing signal loss on longer runs and improving power-over-Ethernet performance. The polyethylene insulation on each conductor maintains the 100-Ohm impedance needed for Ethernet signalling between 100MHz and 500MHz. At 17.4kg for the full 305m reel, the cable requires two-person handling but the wooden drum allows controlled dispensing during installation.

What's the difference between Cat6 and Cat6a cable?

Cat6a supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet at the full 100m distance and is tested to 500MHz bandwidth, whereas standard Cat6 is rated to 250MHz and typically supports 10GbE only up to 55m. Cat6a also has stricter crosstalk specifications (NEXT, ELFEXT) to maintain signal integrity at higher frequencies.

Does U/FTP screening require earthing on installation?

Yes. The aluminium foil screen on each pair must be earthed at one end (typically at the patch panel or switch) to drain electrical interference. Use shielded RJ45 connectors and ensure proper bonding to the rack or cabinet earth point.

Can this cable support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

Yes. The solid oxygen-free copper conductors support PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ (IEEE 802.3af/at/bt) with lower DC resistance than copper-clad aluminium cable, reducing voltage drop and heat buildup on longer runs or higher-power devices.

What termination connectors are needed for Cat6a?

Use Cat6a-rated RJ45 connectors, keystone jacks or patch panels designed for the larger conductor diameter (AWG23) and foil screening. Standard Cat5e or Cat6 connectors may not maintain the 500MHz performance or accommodate the thicker wire gauge reliably.