Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum

Summary: Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum

Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage Category Cable for commercial and industrial projects that demand consistent performance and efficient installation. Our CAT 5e Non-Plenum options are built in the United States and available to integrators, contractors, and distributors who need dependable, bulk cat5e wire for voice, data, and IP device connectivity. These network cables support Category 5e performance up to 350 MHz and are designed to streamline quoting, deployment, and long-term maintenance.

Why choose SmartWire CAT 5e Non-Plenum for your next project

• U.S.-manufactured SmartWire brand cabling that meets Category 5e performance requirements for reliable Ethernet and device communications.
• Available in both unshielded and shielded constructions to align with your site environment and network planning needs.
• SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied during manufacturing to reduce friction by up to 70% during pulls, helping crews work faster with fewer re-pulls.
• All options are low-voltage and suitable for a wide range of commercial pathways where non-plenum cabling is appropriate.
• Standard 1000 FT lengths, with select items also available in 500 FT to match project scale and installation phasing.
• Extensive jacket and stripe color options are available to standardize identification across your organization; custom color requests are supported.

Whether you are upgrading existing infrastructure or building out new drops, our CAT 5e Non-Plenum Category Cable delivers the consistency and availability that keeps schedules on track. Pair these cables with your preferred connectivity to serve phones, workstations, cameras, access control, and other low-voltage endpoints as specified.

Available constructions

• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid Bare Copper Non-Plenum PVC Low Voltage: Unshielded Category 5e (350 MHz) for general-purpose UTP runs in non-plenum spaces. A dependable choice for horizontal cabling where EMI exposure is minimal.
• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid Bare Copper Non-Plenum PVC Low Voltage: Shielded Category 5e (350 MHz) for runs near potential noise sources or when additional signal protection is required. Helps mitigate interference in demanding environments.

How our CAT 5e Non-Plenum adds value

• Consistent performance across large deployments supports predictable design and testing outcomes.
• SmartWire Glide lubrication aids in smoother pulls through conduits and pathways, helping reduce installation time and labor costs.
• Choice of UTP or shielded constructions ensures the right fit for each pathway, equipment room, and device location.
• Flexibility in lengths (1000 FT and select 500 FT) supports rollouts from single floors to multi-building campuses.
• Custom jacket and stripe color options promote cleaner documentation and quicker identification for service and future expansions.

Typical applications

• Horizontal data and voice cabling in commercial offices, education, healthcare, light industrial, and retail environments.
• Low-voltage device connectivity for IP cameras, access control readers, sensors, and building management systems as specified.
• Back-of-house and equipment room patching where non-plenum cable is suitable by code and design.

Partner with Windy City Wire

We work directly with integrators, contractors, and distributors to supply SmartWire CAT 5e Non-Plenum network cables that support efficient installs and long-term reliability. Contact our team to discuss project specifications, color standardization, and to request a quote for your next rollout.

Solutions: Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum

Category Cables CAT 5e Non‑Plenum

Windy City Wire manufactures commercial‑grade Category Cable designed for integrators, contractors, and distributors who need dependable performance across a wide range of low‑voltage systems. Our CAT 5e Non‑Plenum series uses 24 AWG, 4‑pair solid bare copper conductors and is performance rated to 350 MHz, making it a reliable choice for 10/100/1000BASE‑T Ethernet and many IP‑based building technologies. This non‑plenum construction is intended for general‑purpose spaces and inside conduit where local codes allow. For air‑handling spaces, choose a plenum‑rated cable.

Where CAT 5e Non‑Plenum fits your project

• Enterprise LAN drops: Workstations, printers, VoIP phones, and building services that rely on stable network cables
• Wi‑Fi access point backhaul: Power and data for APs over PoE/PoE+, subject to distance, bundling, and power class considerations
• IP Video Surveillance: Cameras, NVR connections, and peripheral devices in offices, manufacturing floors, and warehouses
• Access Control: Door controllers, readers, and PoE‑enabled locks (verify device power requirements during network planning)
• Intercom, Paging, and SIP Endpoints: Voice, signaling, and network connectivity for distributed communications
• Audio‑Video over IP and HDBaseT (1080p typical with CAT 5e): Digital signage players, conference room endpoints, and collaboration spaces
• Building Automation and Controls: BMS/EMS, HVAC controllers, and IP‑enabled sensors using protocols such as BACnet/IP or Modbus TCP
• Point‑of‑Sale and Kiosks: Reliable connectivity for registers, payment terminals, and self‑service stations
• Industrial Ethernet: PLCs, inspection stations, and line‑side devices where Ethernet/IP is used (evaluate shielding needs near high EMI)
• Parking, Security, and Perimeter Systems: Gates, stations, and networked controllers

Industries we support

• Commercial office and multi‑tenant buildings
• Education: K‑12 and higher education campuses
• Healthcare (non‑patient care areas), clinics, and admin spaces
• Retail and mixed‑use environments
• Hospitality: Hotels, convention centers, and event venues
• Manufacturing, industrial plants, and utilities
• Warehousing, distribution centers, and logistics facilities
• Government and municipalities
• Transportation hubs and public infrastructure

UTP vs. Shielded options in this category

• Unshielded (UTP) CAT 5e Non‑Plenum: The everyday choice for most office and education environments. Easy to install, cost‑effective, and supports 1 Gbps Ethernet with typical 100 m channel distances.
• Shielded CAT 5e Non‑Plenum: Recommended near variable‑frequency drives, generators, elevators, or dense AV/lighting control where electromagnetic interference is a concern. Shielding helps protect signal integrity and can reduce retransmissions in electrically noisy spaces.

Technical characteristics that support dependable installations

• 24 AWG solid bare copper conductors (no CCA), 4 pair
• Category 5e performance to 350 MHz
• Non‑plenum jacket for general‑purpose areas; gray jacket for consistent identification
• Standard pair color code for fast terminations: white‑blue/blue, white‑orange/orange, white‑green/green, white‑brown/brown
• Compatible with industry‑standard RJ45 connectors; for field terminations, MOD‑88RL connectors with the MOD‑MCT68 tool may be used

Lengths and project flexibility

• Available in 1000 ft and 500 ft options to match your pull sizes and reduce waste across varied job scopes

Network planning guidance for CAT 5e deployments

• Plan for a maximum 100 m channel (including patch cords). Shorten runs or upsize cable category as required by the application.
• Power over Ethernet: Consider total power draw, bundle size, ambient temperature, and pathway fill to manage heat and maintain performance.
• Pathway and separation: Maintain recommended separation from power conductors and sources of EMI; use shielded cable where interference is unavoidable.
• Bend radius and pull tension: Follow best practices to protect pairs and preserve return loss and NEXT performance.
• Termination: Use T568A or T568B consistently end‑to‑end and test to Category 5e requirements after installation.

When CAT 5e Non‑Plenum is the right choice
For many commercial systems, CAT 5e provides the bandwidth, reach, and reliability required without overspecifying materials. It’s an efficient option for large device counts like cameras, phones, sensors, and signage where 1 Gbps is sufficient. If your network planning calls for higher throughput, longer distances, or advanced AV formats, consider using higher category network cables or fiber uplinks where appropriate.

Partnering with Windy City Wire
Windy City Wire works directly with integrators, contractors, and distributors to support design, procurement, and installation needs. If you’re evaluating Category Cable choices for a specific application, our team can help you align product selection with code requirements, performance targets, and installation methods. Reach out to discuss your bill of materials, PoE device counts, or to standardize on cat5e wire for recurring deployments.

Frequently Asked Questions: Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum

• What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum?

  These cat5e SmartWire Category Cable options are built with 24 AWG, 4-pair bare copper conductors. They are available in both unshielded and shielded non-plenum constructions for flexible network planning across a range of network cables and environments.

• What other colors are these SmartWire Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum available in?

  In addition to our standard offerings, SmartWire cable supports a wide range of jacket and stripe combinations. Available colors for this category include: White-Blue/Blue, White-Orange/Orange, Blue/White, and Orange/White. Custom jacket and stripe colors are also available to standardize your installations and make cat5e wire identification easier on-site.

• Are these SmartWire Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  These cat5e Category Cable products use solid bare copper conductors, ideal for permanent in-wall horizontal runs and reliable, standards-based performance.

• What lengths are these SmartWire Category Cables CAT 5e Non-Plenum cable sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire Category Cable in a standard 1,000 ft length. Additional 500 ft lengths are also available for projects that require shorter pulls or precise network planning.

• How is your SmartWire low-voltage Category Cable cables sold on spools or in boxes?

  Our SmartWire Category Cable is packaged in our patented RackPack carton to help maximize labor savings and jobsite efficiency. It also features FastFIND Footage Markers for quick footage calculations and SmartWire Glide lubrication to reduce pulling friction. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

• What are the main differences between CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, and CAT7 cables?
  • CAT5e: Typically up to 1 Gbps to 100 m; often rated 100–350 MHz depending on construction. Cost-effective and widely used for general data drops with cat5e wire.
  • CAT6: 250 MHz; supports 1 Gbps to 100 m and 10GBASE‑T up to about 37–55 m (environment-dependent). Improved crosstalk performance over CAT5e.
  • CAT6A: 500 MHz; designed for 10GBASE‑T up to 100 m with superior alien crosstalk control. Recommended for new 10G network planning.
  • CAT7: 600+ MHz, typically shielded (e.g., S/FTP). Supports 10G up to 100 m, but uses non‑TIA connectors in many implementations and is more common under ISO/IEC standards; in North America, CAT6A is the mainstream choice for 10G.
• What are some popular Category Cable colors and what do they stand for?

  While color meanings can vary by organization, common practices include:

  • Blue: General data drops/user network cables
  • Gray/White: Standard office/data or administration
  • Yellow: PoE devices (e.g., cameras, phones) or WAN
  • Red: Critical systems, voice, or restricted VLANs
  • Green: Security systems or management networks
  • Orange: Demarc/ISP handoff or alarm circuits
  • Purple: A/V distribution or special purpose
  • Black: Wireless access points or general patching
  • Brown: Backbone/interconnect or specialty use

  Establish a documented color scheme for consistency and faster troubleshooting across your Category Cable infrastructure.

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