Black Box CAT6 550-MHz Solid Bulk Cable UTP 1000FT - High-Speed Riser

In this review of the Black Box CAT6 550-MHz Solid Bulk Cable UTP, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical choice for installers and IT teams who need a reliable, high-frequency Cat6 riser cable in long runs. The reviewer found the cable's 550 MHz testing, solid 23-AWG conductors and UTP 4-pair construction deliver the headroom and stability required for demanding digital video and high-speed data links, while the CMR-rated PVC jacket suits riser installations where flame retardance is required.

Key Features

• 550-MHz testing: Provides ample bandwidth for high-performance networks and digital video, helping maintain signal integrity over long runs.
• 23-AWG solid conductors: The solid copper construction and cross-member keep pairs separated for consistent performance and strength in termination.
• UTP 4-pair design: Unshielded twisted pairs support common Ethernet standards including 100-Mbps TP-PMD and 155-Mbps ATM without extra bulk.
• CMR PVC jacket: The PVC-rated violet jacket is flame-retardant for riser applications and withstands typical cable-pulling stresses in building runs.
• Polyolefin insulation: Insulation around each conductor helps reduce crosstalk and preserves transmission quality at higher frequencies.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network installers, systems integrators, and IT managers laying long backbone or horizontal runs in commercial or multi-floor residential buildings where riser-rated PVC is required. Its 1000 ft pull-box format is convenient for jobsite deployment and long continuous runs without splicing.

It is less suitable for applications that explicitly require plenum-rated cable, shielded cable for extreme EMI environments, or short patch-cord use where stranded conductors are preferred for flex. Home users who need short, flexible patch leads should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-frequency rating to 550 MHz supports bandwidth-hungry digital video and data applications.
• Solid 23-AWG copper with a cross-member preserves pair spacing and termination reliability.
• CMR PVC jacket makes it suitable for riser installations between floors and in wall runs.
• 1000 ft pull-box provides value and convenience for larger installs with minimal joins.

Cons

• Not plenum-rated, so it cannot be used in air-handling spaces where plenum cable is required.
• Unshielded design may not be ideal in environments with high electromagnetic interference.

Specifications

Product type	GigaTrue CAT6 Solid UTP Bulk Cable
Length	1000 ft pull-box
Frequency rating	Tested to 550 MHz
Conductor	23-AWG solid copper, 4 pairs with cross-member
Jacket	CMR flame-retardant PVC (violet)
Insulation	Polyolefin
Intended use	Cat6 PVC riser applications, digital video and high-speed data

Our Verdict

The Black Box CAT6 550-MHz Solid Bulk Cable is a solidly engineered choice for commercial riser installs and long runs where high bandwidth and reliable terminations matter. For installers needing a 1000 ft pull-box of high-frequency Cat6 with a flame-retardant PVC jacket, it offers good value and dependable performance, though those requiring plenum rating or shielding should consider alternate options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable plenum-rated?
No. This cable uses a CMR flame-retardant PVC jacket intended for riser applications and is not plenum-rated.

Can it support gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. The cable is designed for Cat6 performance with testing to 550 MHz and 23-AWG solid conductors suitable for gigabit-class networks.

Is the cable shielded for high EMI areas?
No. This is an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable; shielded alternatives are recommended if electromagnetic interference is a concern.