Cat5e Ethernet Cable 120ft Direct Burial - Gel Filled Outdoor

In this review the focus is on the 120ft Cat5e Ethernet cable designed for outdoor, direct burial use. The bottom line: this cable suits installers and homeowners who need a long, reliable wired run outdoors and want the assurance of a solid pure copper conductor and gel-filled jacket for moisture resistance. The reviewer found the cable straightforward to deploy for networking between buildings, offering consistent gigabit-capable performance while being rugged enough for underground conduit or direct burial placement with attention to connector protection.

Key Features

• 120ft length: Provides a long single-run solution that removes the need for intermediate splices for many yard-to-building or site runs.
• Solid 24AWG copper: Pure solid copper 24AWG conductors deliver stable signal integrity and lower attenuation compared with CCA or stranded alternatives.
• Direct burial rating: The gel-filled jacket and construction are intended for underground installation, helping protect the cable from moisture and soil contact.
• Booted RJ45 plugs: EZ pass through RJ45 connectors with strain relief boots reduce stress at terminations and simplify punching through patch panels or keystone jacks.
• Up to 350MHz performance: Supports high gigabit speeds and meets EIA/TIA-568B wiring expectations for Cat5e installations.
• UL ETL listed: The UL ETL rating provides a recognized safety and compliance mark for installed cabling.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at IT technicians, contractors, and homeowners who need a robust outdoor Ethernet run up to 120ft and prefer a solid-core cable for fixed installations. It is especially useful where the run will be buried or routed in exposed outdoor areas and when installers want connectors that are easier to terminate on-site.

Those who need to submerge cable for long periods or require indoor flexible patch leads for frequent moves should look elsewhere; the cable is optimized for fixed, direct burial or outdoor conduit use rather than constant flex or prolonged underwater exposure.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid pure copper 24AWG conductors provide reliable signal quality for Ethernet runs.
• Gel-filled direct burial jacket helps protect against moisture when installed underground.
• Booted RJ45 EZ pass through connectors and strain relief improve termination reliability.
• UL ETL and EIA/TIA compliance adds confidence for code-aware installations.

Cons

• Not recommended for long-term submersion in water, so fully submerged runs are not appropriate.
• Being a solid-core cable, it is less flexible than stranded patch cords and not ideal for frequent re-routing.

Specifications

Cable Type	CAT-5E 4-Pair UTP
Length	120 ft
Conductor	24AWG solid pure copper
Performance	Up to 350MHz, EIA/TIA-568B compliant
Connector	RJ45 EZ pass through with strain relief boot
Cable Rating	Direct burial for underground application, gel filled
Certifications	UL ETL Listed

Our Verdict

The 120ft Cat5e direct burial cable is a practical choice for anyone needing a long outdoor Ethernet run with dependable signal quality and moisture resistance. It is good value for fixed outdoor installations where solid copper conductors, UL ETL listing, and gel-filled protection matter, though those needing flexible patch leads or underwater-rated cabling should select other products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable be buried directly in the ground?
Yes; it is rated for direct burial and is gel filled to resist moisture when placed underground, but follow local codes and installation best practices.

Is this cable suitable for gigabit Ethernet?
Yes; the Cat5e construction and up to 350MHz performance support gigabit Ethernet over the specified run length.

Can the ends be submerged in water?
No; the manufacturer notes these cables are not recommended for long-term submersion, so keep connectors and ends dry and elevated where possible.