Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++ - Smooth FastReel

In this review the AiCat Cat 5e 500ft riser cable stands out as a practical upgrade for installers and small IT teams who need long, reliable runs without the usual hassle. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a solid 24 AWG bare copper conductor and the FastReel packaging that lets the cable unspool smoothly, reducing setup time and cable snarling on job sites. The review focuses on real-world use: performance up to 350MHz, PoE++ readiness, and certified flame resistance make it useful for both network and power-over-ethernet deployments.

Key Features

• Solid 24 AWG bare copper: Provides higher conductivity and tensile strength compared with CCA options, which helps sustained throughput and long-term reliability.
• FastReel box: A rigid, splash resistant reel lets the full 500ft flow out smoothly, cutting installation time and preventing snarls.
• Reduced crosstalk: Four twisted pairs with a PVC cross separator lower interference for cleaner signal and more stable connections.
• Performance to 350MHz: Exceeds typical Cat5e expectations around 250MHz, which supports better headroom for gigabit and PoE++ applications.
• CMR flame resistant and ETL/CSA certified: Meets traceable safety standards for riser installations, with lot tracking and barcode traceability for quality control.

Who It's For

The AiCat Cat 5e 500ft riser cable is aimed at IT technicians, installers, and small business networks that need a long, single-run cable for switches, access points, and PoE++ devices without frequent joins. The durable construction and FastReel make it particularly useful where time and tidy cable management matter, like office retrofits or multi-room camera installs.

Buyers who need shielded cable for extreme EMI environments or certified outdoor-rated direct burial cable should look elsewhere; this product is unshielded UTP with riser (CMR) flame rating intended for indoor vertical runs rather than harsh outdoor burial or industrial shielded applications.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid bare copper 24 AWG conductors for better conductivity and durability compared with CCA alternatives.
• FastReel packaging prevents snarling and speeds up installation of long 500ft runs.
• Higher performance ceiling at 350MHz and support for PoE++ use cases.
• CMR flame resistance plus ETL and CSA certification gives traceable safety assurance.

Cons

• Unshielded UTP may not be ideal in high EMI or outdoor burial scenarios where shielded or outdoor-rated cable is required.
• At 500ft a single long run can still experience signal loss vs shorter patched runs; plan endpoints accordingly.

Specifications

Length	500ft
Conductor	24 AWG solid bare copper
Cable type	Cat 5e Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Frequency	Up to 350MHz
Flame rating	CMR riser (IEC 60332-3)
Certifications	ETL, CSA; RoHS and TAA compliant
Packaging	FastReel rigid splash resistant box

Our Verdict

The AiCat Cat 5e 500ft riser cable is a solid choice for installers and small networks that value quick deployment and reliable copper conductors. With 24 AWG solid bare copper, a FastReel that prevents snarls, and certifications for riser use, it delivers good value for indoor PoE++ and gigabit runs while avoiding the compromises of CCA cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for PoE++?
Yes. The 24 AWG solid copper conductors and Cat5e specification support PoE++ (4PPoE) deployments for powered devices.

Can this cable be used outdoors or buried?
No. This is unshielded UTP with a CMR riser rating intended for indoor vertical runs; use outdoor-rated or direct-burial cable for exterior installations.

Does the FastReel really prevent cable snarling?
Customers and hands-on use indicate the FastReel box lets the 500ft spool flow smoothly and reduces installation tangles compared with loose coils.