Cat5e Ethernet Cable 115ft Plenum Red - High-Speed Network

In this review of the Cat5e Ethernet Cable 115ft Plenum Red, the bottom line is simple: this cable is aimed at installers and IT pros who need a long, plenum-rated run that meets commercial safety codes while delivering reliable gigabit performance. The reviewer found the cable's solid 24 AWG copper conductors and CMP plenum jacket to be the single biggest reason to choose it for building and commercial installations where in-ceiling or air-handling space runs are required. Assembly in the USA and gold-plated RJ45 connectors add practical durability for repeated terminations.

Key Features

• Plenum CMP Rating: Provides a fire-resistant, low-smoke jacket required for running cable in commercial plenum and air-handling spaces, improving building safety compliance.
• Solid 24 AWG Copper: Solid bare copper conductors maintain stable signal transmission and support high-speed networking without relying on cheaper copper-clad aluminum.
• 350MHz Performance: Category 5e specification supports gigabit Ethernet and bandwidth up to 350MHz for typical LAN and streaming needs.
• EZ Pass Through RJ45: Gold-plated connectors with strain relief boots make terminations more durable and help secure consistent connections at jacks and devices.
• 115ft Length, Red Jacket: Long run length and distinctive red color help identify critical network runs and reach distant patch panels or equipment rooms without splices.
• Assembled in USA: Cable is assembled domestically from foreign and domestic parts, which can simplify logistics for projects requiring US assembly.

Who It's For

This cable is designed for network installers, AV technicians, and facilities managers who must run cable through plenum spaces and need a dependable, long Cat5e run for switches, routers, VoIP phones, and PoE devices. The red jacket is useful for labeling important runs or dedicated systems in server rooms and entertainment setups.

It is less suitable for outdoor use or for installers who require Cat6 performance for higher future-proofing; if your project demands higher bandwidth headroom or outdoor/weatherproof jackets, consider a different category or specialty cable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plenum CMP jacket meets commercial building requirements for air-handling spaces.
• Solid 24 AWG copper conductors ensure consistent signal quality over long runs.
• Gold-plated RJ45 EZ Pass Through connectors with strain relief boots provide secure, durable terminations.
• 115ft length covers long runs without splices, and the red color aids identification.

Cons

• Cat5e level may be less future-proof than Cat6 for higher bandwidth needs.
• Designed for indoor plenum use only, so it is not intended for direct outdoor exposure.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Cat5e 115ft plenum cable is a practical, value-minded choice for commercial and AV installations that require a plenum-rated run and reliable gigabit networking. For installers who need an identifiable, long-length indoor cable assembled in the USA and built with solid copper conductors, it offers sensible durability and code compliance, though buyers seeking higher future bandwidth should look at Cat6 alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable safe to run in plenum spaces?
Yes. It is CMP plenum rated, which means it has a fire-resistant, low-smoke jacket intended for air-handling spaces.

Will this support gigabit Ethernet and PoE?
Yes. The Cat5e specification and 24 AWG solid copper conductors support gigabit Ethernet and common PoE devices.

Can I use this cable outdoors?
No. This cable is intended for indoor plenum installations; outdoor or direct burial requires cables with weatherproof jackets.