Category Cables CAT 6 Non-Plenum

Summary: Category Cables CAT 6 Non-Plenum

Category Cables — CAT 6 Non‑Plenum

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low‑voltage Category Cable in the United States for professional installations. Our CAT 6 Non‑Plenum line is engineered for dependable performance in non‑air‑handling spaces and is built to support data, voice, and PoE applications across commercial and industrial environments. As a direct partner to integrators, contractors, and distributors, we focus on delivering products and solutions that simplify installation, standardize projects, and help teams finish on time.

SmartWire CAT 6 Non‑Plenum offerings use 23 AWG, 4‑pair bare copper conductors and are available in both unshielded and shielded constructions. Select models are ETL verified to Cat 6e performance requirements, helping ensure consistent signal integrity across demanding runs. Stock jacket colors include white and blue, and custom jacket and stripe color combinations are available to support job standardization and quick on‑site identification.

Why choose SmartWire CAT 6 Non‑Plenum for your next project

• Built for professional use: 23 AWG bare copper conductors deliver stable terminations and consistent performance for structured cabling.
• Application ready: Suitable for data, voice, building controls, access control, IP cameras, Wi‑Fi access points, and other PoE devices.
• Options that fit the job: Available in unshielded or shielded constructions to meet installation environments with varying noise exposure.
• SmartWire Glide lubrication: Factory‑applied jacket lubrication reduces pulling friction by up to 70%, helping teams pull more cable with less effort.
• Trade‑focused supply: We partner directly with integrators, contractors, and distributors; we do not sell to end users.
• Lengths to match project needs: Available in 1000, 500, 250, and 100 ft options.
• Color control: Stock white and blue jackets, with custom jacket and stripe color options available to support your organization’s standards.

Whether you specify a single category 6 cable or need a mix of cat6 cables for different spaces, our cat 6 wire and cable portfolio provides consistent, low‑voltage performance across the job site. If you’re sourcing category 6 wire for a multi‑site rollout or a high‑density build, SmartWire helps standardize installation and reduce rework.

Available Constructions

• 23 AWG 4 Pair Bare Copper Solid Non‑Plenum Low‑Voltage: Unshielded Category 6 cable for general non‑plenum runs where EMI is minimal; rated Category 6 with ETL Cat 6e verification where specified.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Bare Copper Solid Non‑Plenum Low‑Voltage: Shielded Category 6 cable that helps mitigate external noise in higher‑interference environments; rated Category 6e where specified.

How this Category Cable adds value

• Consistency across worksites: Standard 23 AWG, 4‑pair construction simplifies design, installation, and testing procedures.
• Optimized installs: SmartWire Glide lubrication supports smoother pulls through conduits and trays, helping reduce labor time.
• Project flexibility: Choose unshielded for typical office and light industrial spaces or shielded where additional noise protection is required.
• Reliable terminations: Bare copper conductors help ensure stable connections and long‑term performance for network infrastructure.
• Professional support: Work directly with a U.S. manufacturer that understands the needs of commercial and industrial projects.

If you’re planning a new build or an upgrade requiring category 6 wire, our SmartWire CAT 6 Non‑Plenum lineup gives you a dependable, low‑voltage foundation you can specify across multiple sites and trades.

Solutions: Category Cables CAT 6 Non-Plenum

Category Cables CAT 6 Non‑Plenum

Windy City Wire supplies Category Cable solutions tailored for professional integrators, electrical contractors, and distribution partners who build reliable, code-compliant networks in non‑plenum spaces. Our CAT 6 Non‑Plenum offering features 23 AWG, solid bare copper conductors in a four‑pair construction, available in both unshielded and shielded versions to match the electrical environment of each project. This category 6 cable is designed for high‑density data and power delivery applications, supporting Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters and 10GBASE‑T over shorter distances in appropriate conditions. Select white or blue jacket options to align with site standards and cable identification practices. Standard put‑ups are 1000 ft to support typical project runs and pulls.

Where CAT 6 Non‑Plenum Excels

• Enterprise LAN and Wi‑Fi – Horizontal cabling to work areas, printers, conference rooms, and Wireless Access Points. CAT 6 performance helps ensure stable client connectivity and throughput.
• IP Security and Surveillance – Power IP cameras, encoders, and NVR edge devices with PoE/PoE+/PoE++ while maintaining signal integrity. Choose shielded versions in high‑EMI zones or near high‑voltage equipment.
• Access Control – Connect door controllers, readers, request‑to‑exit devices, and secure entry panels, consolidating data and power on one pull where design permits.
• Unified Communications – Support VoIP phones, intercom, and paging endpoints with dependable Category Cable runs.
• AV over IP and Video Extension – Use with encoders/decoders, DSPs, and protocols like HDBaseT within published limits to feed collaboration spaces, classrooms, and digital signage.
• Building Automation and IoT – Tie BAS/BMS controllers, sensors, and gateways together; ideal for HVAC controllers, metering, and environmental monitors in non‑plenum areas.
• PoE Lighting and Smart Building Devices – Deliver power and data to fixtures, gateways, and room controllers with solid-copper cat6 cables that help minimize voltage drop.
• Industrial Ethernet – Network PLCs, HMIs, and inspection cameras in manufacturing or warehouse zones; use shielded cable near VFDs, motors, or welders to mitigate induced noise.
• Retail, POS, and Kiosk Networks – Connect POS terminals, back‑office systems, and self‑service kiosks with reliable runs suited to non‑plenum spaces.

Industries We Serve

• Commercial offices and corporate campuses
• Education (K‑12 and higher education)
• Healthcare facilities and clinics
• Hospitality, entertainment, and gaming
• Retail and mixed‑use developments
• Warehousing, distribution, and logistics
• Manufacturing and light industrial
• Public sector, municipalities, and transportation hubs
• Stadiums, arenas, and event centers
• Multi‑family, MDU, and senior living

Why Choose Our CAT 6 Non‑Plenum

• Solid Bare Copper, 23 AWG – Supports consistent electrical performance for data and PoE, helping reduce power loss compared to alternatives that use copper‑clad materials.
• Unshielded and Shielded Options – Match the EMI profile of the jobsite; UTP for standard office and commercial runs, FTP/STP for electrically noisy environments when proper grounding is available.
• Designed for PoE – Solid conductors and tight pair geometry help manage heat and deliver stable power for PoE/PoE+/PoE++ devices across typical horizontal distances.
• Third‑Party Verified Performance – Built to meet Category 6 transmission requirements for bandwidth and crosstalk control, supporting Gigabit Ethernet to 100 meters in standard channel designs.
• Installation-Friendly – Consistent round geometry aids routing, dressing, and termination. Available in white or blue jacket to support clear pathway and endpoint identification.

Shielded vs. Unshielded: Selecting the Right Build

• Choose Unshielded (UTP) for typical commercial spaces with standard electrical noise profiles, open office layouts, classrooms, and administrative areas.
• Choose Shielded where EMI is present: machine floors, elevator/control rooms, near generators, VFDs, large motors, or dense PoE lighting arrays. Ensure bonding/grounding follows best practices for shield continuity and system performance.

Deployment Notes for Integrators and Contractors

1. Follow TIA‑568 installation practices for Category 6 wire termination, bend radius, and pathway fill.
2. Plan PoE projects with bundle size, ambient temperature, and pathway ventilation in mind to manage thermal rise.
3. Maintain separation from power conductors where required and use shielded variants near high‑interference sources.
4. For 10G uplinks over category 6 wire, respect distance limits and environmental factors that influence alien crosstalk.

Specifications at a Glance

• Category 6 performance, four‑pair, solid bare copper conductors
• Non‑plenum rating for use in non‑air‑handling spaces where permitted by code
• Options: Unshielded or Shielded builds
• Standard length: 1000 ft
• Jacket colors: White or Blue

Whether you need Category Cable for data networks, security, AV over IP, or building controls, our CAT 6 Non‑Plenum portfolio helps streamline low‑voltage projects from rough‑in to closeout. Contact your Windy City Wire representative or authorized distributor for assistance with project takeoffs, submittals, and selecting the right cat 6 wire and cable for each application.

Frequently Asked Questions: Category Cables CAT 6 Non-Plenum

• What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Category CAT 6 Non-Plenum cables?

  These category 6 wire options use 23 AWG, 4‑pair solid bare copper conductors. Both unshielded (UTP) and shielded non-plenum variants are available within this Category Cable family.

• What other colors are these SmartWire Category CAT 6 Non-Plenum cables available in?

  Available color options include White-Blue/Blue and White-Orange/Orange to help you color‑code and standardize installations.

• Are these SmartWire Category CAT 6 Non-Plenum cables made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  They are made with solid bare copper conductors (23 AWG), ideal for permanent in‑wall and horizontal runs typical of cat6 cables. Stranded patch cords are separate products.

• What lengths are these SmartWire Category CAT 6 Non-Plenum cables sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire category 6 cable in 1,000 ft as the standard length. Additional stocked lengths include 500 ft, 250 ft, and 100 ft. FastFIND Footage Markers appear every two feet on the cable jacket for quick remaining‑length checks and point‑to‑point measurements, helping reduce waste. All stock SmartWire cables also include SmartWire Glide lubrication to reduce pulling friction by up to 70%.

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

  Our SmartWire category 6 cable is packaged and sold in our patented RackPack carton as part of the complete RackPack Field Systems Solution. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

• What are the main differences between CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, and CAT7 cables?
  • CAT5e: Up to 1 Gbps at 100 MHz over 100 m. Common for basic data networks; typically unshielded. Good for everyday Ethernet but limited for higher‑speed uplinks.
  • CAT6: Up to 1 Gbps at 100 m; supports 10 Gbps up to about 55 m (environment dependent) at 250 MHz. Tighter twist and separator improve crosstalk performance. A popular balance of performance and cost for cat 6 wire and cable.
  • CAT6A: 10 Gbps to 100 m at 500 MHz. Improved alien crosstalk control; often larger OD. Preferred for high‑bandwidth applications, PoE++ density, and future‑proofing.
  • CAT7: Typically 10 Gbps to 100 m with 600–1000 MHz bandwidth, using individually shielded pairs and overall shielding. Based on ISO/IEC standards and often uses non‑RJ45 connectors in native form; less common in North American commercial deployments.

  In short: CAT5e is gigabit‑ready; category 6 cable boosts noise immunity and limited 10G; CAT6A delivers full‑distance 10G; CAT7 emphasizes heavy shielding and higher bandwidth. Choose based on speed, distance, environment, and EMI considerations.

• What are some popular Category Cable colors and what do they stand for?
  • Blue: General data/patching drops.
  • White: Open‑area or ceiling runs; general labeling clarity.
  • Gray: Generic data or office drops.
  • Yellow: PoE devices, cameras, or video feeds.
  • Orange: Demarcation, interconnects, or special circuits.
  • Green: Network infrastructure, management, or crossover designation.
  • Red: Critical services, security, access control, VoIP, or emergency circuits.
  • Purple: AV/broadcast or specialty networks.
  • Black: CCTV, staging, or exterior runs.
  • Pink: Guest networks, test circuits, or temporary links.

  Color conventions vary by organization and AHJ—always follow your site standards. SmartWire category 6 wire can be specified in colors/stripes to match your scheme.

Additional Links:

• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
• The RackPack - Our patented cable delivery solution
• Our Transporters - RackPack Transportation Devices
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