CAT5E Ethernet Cable 17ft Red - Plenum CMP, Solid 24 AWG

In this review of the CAT5E Ethernet Cable 17ft Red, the bottom line is simple: this cable is for anyone who needs a reliable, plenum-rated LAN connection with solid copper conductors and pass-thru RJ45 plugs. The reviewer finds the cable performs as expected for fast gigabit networking up to 350MHz and is a sensible choice where building codes require CMP plenum jacket. For home AV racks, office patch runs, or PoE devices that will be routed through air handling spaces, this cable combines dependable electrical performance with the safety features required for commercial installations.

Key Features

• Solid 24 AWG Copper: Solid bare copper 24 AWG conductors maintain stable signal integrity for gigabit Ethernet and minimize attenuation on short to medium runs.
• Plenum CMP Jacket: The CMP plenum rating means the jacket is fire resistant and low smoke, suitable for runs through plenum and air handling spaces in commercial buildings.
• EZ Pass Thru RJ45 Connectors: Pass-thru modular plugs with gold-plated contacts make termination quick and help ensure consistent contact and low loss at the connector.
• 350MHz Performance: Category 5e enhanced construction supports performance up to 350MHz, which is adequate for most LAN, VoIP, and media streaming needs.
• Assembled in USA: Cables are assembled in the United States using foreign and domestic parts, offering local quality control and consistent builds.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network installers, AV technicians, and IT professionals who need a plenum-rated Cat5e option for short to medium indoor runs where CMP compliance is required. It is also a practical pick for home users who want solid copper conductors and reliable RJ45 terminations for gaming consoles, smart TVs, and media players.

Casual buyers who need ultra-long backbone runs, shielded cable for noisy environments, or the highest Category standards (Cat6/Cat6a) for futureproofing may want to look elsewhere. For those strictly seeking a non-plenum patch cord for consumer use, less expensive jackets without CMP may be adequate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid 24 AWG copper provides dependable electrical performance for gigabit LAN use.
• CMP plenum jacket meets code for air handling spaces and reduces fire/smoke risk.
• EZ Pass Thru RJ45 connectors with gold plating make reliable terminations and low contact resistance.

Cons

• As a Cat5e cable, it is not as futureproof as Cat6 or Cat6a for higher bandwidth needs.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CAT5E 17ft plenum cable is a practical, code-compliant choice for installers and AV professionals who need solid copper conductors and reliable pass-thru RJ45 terminations for indoor and plenum runs. It offers sensible value when CMP rating and stable gigabit performance are priorities, though buyers seeking the highest future bandwidth should consider Cat6 alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable safe for use in plenum spaces?
Yes. The jacket is CMP plenum rated, designed to be fire resistant and low smoke for air handling spaces.

Can this cable handle Power over Ethernet devices?
Yes. The solid 24 AWG copper conductors and Cat5e specification support PoE for common VoIP and PoE devices on typical runs.

Is the connector durable for multiple re-terminations?
The EZ Pass Thru RJ45 connectors have gold-plated contacts and are built for reliable terminations, though frequent re-terminations can wear any modular plug over time.