Need a roll of cat5e network cable - too good to be true?

[Whiffle]

Hello.

As per the title, I am in the process of wiring my house up with cat5e.

I need a big roll of the stuff and came across this, for a great price:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CACAT5Eslash100.html

TLC are a reputable company, but I cannot help think that this price is too cheap (i.e. there has to be a compromise, somewhere). What do you think?

 

[bremen1874]

It's CCA (Copper Clad Aluminium) AKA complete junk.

 

[wonko]

Beaten to it... just about to say that the reason is:
"Conductor: CCA - Copper over 0.5mm Aluminium"

 

[Glanza]

For the love of god don't install CCA

Get some Excel cat5e cable.

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks for that - I definitely seem to have dodged a bullet, here (as always, if seems to good to be true, it always is).

What should I be looking out for - i.e. what is non-CCA called?

 

[bremen1874]

If it doesn't say it's solid copper assume it's CCA.

https://www.comms-express.com/products/ce-cat5e-cable-u-utp-eca-pvc-100mt-reel/ would do.

I've usually used Excel cable, but I don't think it comes in lengths shorter than 305m.

 

[SupraWez]

I use the following and never had an issue :-

Internal runs - BT XCM90 CAT5e Solid U/UTP LSZH Ethernet Cable Reel, Purple, 305m, Boxed
External runs - BT XCM90 CAT5e Solid U/UTP Outdoor/External PE Ethernet Cable Reel, Black, 305m, Boxed

 

[Avalon]

Have a look on the bay of thieves, I was about to order some Connectix F/UTP from a known supplier for over twice what I paid for a full reel in a slightly scruffy box. Any decent brand solid copper cable will do nicely as long as it’s properly terminated and a suitable spec for your intended purpose.

 

[Caged]

£11 for 100m isn't especially cheap. 300m boxes are normally around the £45 mark, so you'd only be saving £12 to get CCA garbage.

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks everyone - having read some more about network cables, generally, I cannot believe I cannot believe that I almost bought CCA.

I also didn't realise that I need to go with solid core, rather than stranded, for cable that is to be permanently run inside walls.

I had a look on the "bay of thieves" (that made me laugh out loud) and found this stuff, which is also available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CAT5e-COPP...srs=3183586031&ie=UTF8&qid=1548855706&sr=8-19

Seems pretty good value - what do you think (expensive enough to suggest that it is the real deal)?

 

[SupraWez]

Not a brand I have used or heard of, have you checked if you should be using low smoke if doing an install in a residential property?

I normally stick with LMS and BT :-

https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/store/ethernet-cables/cat5e-cable-reel-box/?sort=3&page=1#content

 

[Avalon]

The last two I purchased from the bay of thieves had slightly scruffy boxes and the most expensive was the Connectix LSZH stuff in a fetching shade of purple cost me £32 delivered. It retails north of £70, if you aren’t in a hurry, then a few days waiting can net you a reasonable saving.

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks for that - hadn't realised that I should be aiming for the LSDH stuff too (I had no idea that ethernet cables were so varied).

Was that £32 for 305m of the Connectix?

 

[bremen1874]

You're fine using standard PVC at home (and in most places).

LSZH/LSOH does tend to come in prettier colours though.

 

[Caged]

Afaik low smoke cables are only a requirement in air handling spaces, like in an office where the space above a ceiling might be used for return air if it's not ducted.

 

[Avalon]

Thanks for that - hadn't realised that I should be aiming for the LSDH stuff too (I had no idea that ethernet cables were so varied).

Was that £32 for 305m of the Connectix?

Yep, a box is 305m, other brands have gone in the £20-30 range.