Network cables sleeve markings - new build

darkcloudi

darkcloudi

darkcloudi

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10 Aug 2018
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I have asked for this in another forums (moneysavingexpert) which isn't specialised in computer networking, so hopefully someone in networks will know the answer to this question.

Do all networking cables have markings on them to certify what they are? i.e. Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7, etc

I am buying a new build house and they have installed the following (written on cabling sleeve):
LanCOMCable Network Cable CCA ISO9001, FLUKE CHANNEL TESTED, RoHS, REACH, CE, 29/10/2017 170 metres

I visited other plots on site and noticed they have the Cat 5e markings on the network cable sleeve but my plot doesn't.

I asked for extra CAT 5 to be installed (they installed some to the house) and was limited to what the company would install (they would not install CAT 6 or 7); hence they are advising me they have installed Cat 5 but have found no markings on the jacket sleeve to prove this.

From what I am aware Cat 5 is obsolete, with the date of the cable sleeve stating 2017 I am assuming its 5e? Unless anyone knows, can you still buy CAT 5 cabling, I know the cable installed has 4 pairs. Is anyone familiar with the above cable brand?

I know its Copper-Clad Aluminium (CCA) which a lot of people are telling me its poor, if I asked for CAT 5 I am assuming the builder should have satisfied EN 50288-1:2003 where it suggests CCA shouldn't be used or is CCA fine?

Thanks
 
Thanks for the response. Do you know if with just this on the sleeve LanCOMCable Network Cable CCA ISO9001, FLUKE CHANNEL TESTED, RoHS, REACH, CE, 29/10/2017 170 metres what it is?

I thought all network cabling should be able to have something that states what it is. Whether its Cat 5, 5e, 6, etc. I'm guessing I can't buy any Cat 5 now.

Not sure if CCA satisfies Cat 5 standards and whether the builder should have used this.
 
Yep, thats all it says across the entire sleeve and repeated. Thats what I am very surprised about. I've told Taylor Wimpey this to, that although your electrician has advised its Cat 5, the cabling doesn't state this.
 
Agree, thats the bit I am struggling with. I am unsure if all network cables state what they are, I thought they did. Electrician says its Cat 5 but no mention of this on the sleeve.

I looked at other plots and it has different cabling and states Cat 5e. The sales advisor told me on my plot its come from another newer reel which is why it doesn't say Cat 5e, which I think is nonsense.
 
@bremen1874 so you can still buy Cat 5 today? I thought it was obsolete since 2009.

I'm thinking as the cable is dated 2017 they don't mark them CAT 5e anymore, but since other plots have cabling marked as 5e, its not given me great confidence in what has been installed. (Wish I knew)
 
bremen1874 said:
I think you'd have to try very hard to buy Cat5 (if it's possible at all).

If the builders are calling it Cat5 get them to confirm that they actually mean Cat5e.

The most important thing is whether it works or not. If they've buried the cable in the walls they aren't going to replace it without a compelling reason.
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Agree, my argument at the moment is I don't know what the cable is as it doesn't specify this on the sleeve. There is a lot of cabling out in the store / server room, left coiled and nothing in there states what it is.

Not sure if I can make the builder change it as I asked for Cat 5 and the cabling doesn't satisfy EN 50288-1:2003 standards or argue the sleeve doesn't give me confidence on what is installed.
 
bledd said:
Anyone installing using CCA needs to have a word with themselves.

You should ask for cat5e solid core as your minimum spec.
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I wish I researched this before I told them to install Cat 5. Didn't even realise there was a CCA type until it was installed :( I only ever thought solid core Cat 5 existed.
 
Caged said:
It's all academic anyway - you aren't going to get the house builder to replace it, the very most they will do is refund you for the work after a drawn out battle.
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Now that you say this, I got a feeling its going to end that way :(

Thanks everyone, I have learnt something from this, hopefully it will help others in the future when deciding on what cables to install by a home builder (be specific on the cable type)
 
Thought I give an update the cabling has now been replaced with Cat 5e (Excel is the manufacturer of the cable) and its solid copper, all the relevant standards appear to be written on the cable.

They still need to replace two lines that lead into the house, the builder has notified the electrician to replace these. So good result overall.

Nagging helped :)

Can't test these until I move in, any good tips on how I could go about testing between two lines / points. End to End testing.
 
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