Mercury Cat7 S/FTP LSZH Network Cable - Orange (305m)

The Mercury Cat7 S/FTP network cable is a 305m reel of shielded twisted-pair data cable rated for 10 Gbps transmission at frequencies up to 600 MHz. The cable uses AWG23 solid oxygen-free copper conductors arranged in four twisted pairs, with each pair wrapped in aluminium/Mylar foil screening and the entire bundle protected by a braided aluminium-magnesium alloy outer shield. The orange outer sheath is low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) compound rated to RoHS standards.

Designed for commercial, institutional and residential network installations where fire safety standards require LSZH cabling, the Mercury Cat7 supports 10GBASE-T Ethernet over distances up to 100m when terminated with compatible Cat7/Cat6A keystone jacks or patch panels. The dual screening (individual pair foil plus overall braid) reduces alien crosstalk from adjacent cables and electromagnetic interference from nearby power lines or wireless equipment. The cable arrives on a sturdy wooden drum reel with length markings printed every metre along the sheath.

The solid copper conductors have a 0.560mm diameter, giving the cable a 7.2mm overall diameter including the LSZH sheath. The orange sheath colour aids visual identification in multi-cable runs and low-light environments. The LSZH sheath minimises toxic fume and smoke production in fire conditions compared to standard PVC-sheathed cable, making it suitable for enclosed spaces, plenum installations and public buildings where fire regulations prohibit halogenated materials.

The cable meets ISO/IEC 11801 Class F specifications and delivers measured performance of less than 1.92dB attenuation at 100 MHz, greater than 81.17dB NEXT (near-end crosstalk) suppression, and DC resistance under 9.38 Ohms per 100m at 20°C. The PE insulation on each conductor is 1.30mm thick, and the outer LSZH sheath adds 0.50mm of protection. The entire 305m reel weighs 17.5kg including the wooden drum.

What is the difference between S/FTP and UTP cable?

S/FTP (Shielded/Foiled Twisted Pair) adds two layers of electromagnetic screening: individual aluminium foil around each twisted pair, plus a braided aluminium shield around all four pairs. UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) has no screening. The dual screening in S/FTP reduces crosstalk and interference, making it better suited to environments with nearby electrical equipment or where multiple network cables run in parallel conduits.

Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?

No. The LSZH sheath is designed for indoor installations where fire safety regulations require low-smoke materials. For outdoor network runs, look for Cat7 cable rated for direct burial or UV-resistant outdoor use.

What connectors are needed to terminate Cat7 cable?

Cat7 cable is typically terminated into shielded Cat7 or Cat6A keystone jacks, patch panels, or shielded RJ45 connectors that maintain the cable's screening throughout the connection. Standard unshielded Cat5e/Cat6 connectors can physically fit but will not preserve the cable's full screening performance.

Does the cable need to be earthed?

Yes. The braided aluminium shield should be earthed at one or both ends of the cable run to provide effective electromagnetic screening. Without earthing, the shield may act as an antenna and actually worsen interference rather than reduce it. Consult a qualified network installer if unsure about earthing requirements.