Mercury Cat6a U/FTP Outdoor Network Cable Black 305m Reel

The Mercury Cat6a U/FTP outdoor network cable is built around eight solid oxygen-free copper AWG23 conductors arranged as four individually foil-shielded twisted pairs, rated to carry 10Gbps Ethernet over distances up to 100m with a bandwidth ceiling of 500MHz. The U/FTP construction wraps each pair in an aluminium/Mylar foil screen, isolating it from crosstalk and external interference without adding the weight and rigidity of an overall braided screen.

Designed for outdoor network infrastructure including IP camera runs, wireless access point backhaul, building-to-building links and perimeter security systems, the cable's LDPE sheath provides UV resistance and weatherproofing for direct burial or aerial installation. The 305m wooden reel allows continuous cable runs without mid-span joints, and metre markings on the sheath simplify distance calculation during installation. At 7.3mm diameter the cable remains flexible enough for conduit pulling whilst the solid copper core maintains lower DC resistance than stranded alternatives.

The sheath material resists moisture ingress and temperature cycling between -20°C and +60°C operating range typical of UK outdoor conditions. The solid conductor construction suits fixed installations where the cable will not be repeatedly flexed or coiled — for patch leads or fly-away applications a stranded conductor cable is more appropriate. The 17.4kg reel weight includes the wooden drum and full 305m cable length.

Can this cable be buried directly in the ground?

The LDPE sheath provides moisture and UV resistance suitable for direct burial in most soil types. For installations in rocky ground or areas with high rodent activity, running the cable through ducting provides additional mechanical protection. Avoid burying in waterlogged soil without additional drainage.

What's the difference between U/FTP and F/UTP shielding?

U/FTP means each of the four twisted pairs has its own foil shield, with no overall screen around all pairs. F/UTP means a single foil shield wraps all four pairs together, with no per-pair shielding. U/FTP provides better crosstalk isolation between pairs but requires proper grounding at both ends.

What connectors does it terminate with?

The cable terminates with standard RJ45 connectors rated for Cat6a. Shielded connectors are recommended to maintain the U/FTP shielding performance through to the termination point. Connectors are sold separately.

Is solid or stranded conductor cable better for outdoor runs?

Solid conductor cable like this Mercury model has lower DC resistance and is specified for fixed installations where the cable will not be repeatedly flexed. Stranded conductor cable is more flexible but has higher resistance and is better suited to patch leads or applications involving regular movement.