Cat5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Purple - Solid Copper CMR FastReel

In this review the AiCat Cat5e 500ft purple ethernet cable stands out as a practical upgrade for installers and small IT teams who need a long, reliable run without fuss. The biggest reason to buy is simple: a 24AWG solid bare copper conductor and a FastReel design that reduces snarling make long runs easier to install while preserving signal integrity for PoE++(4PPoE) devices. Reviewers who value traceability and flame resistance will also appreciate the certified CMR rating and ETL/CSA traceability noted on the box.

Key Features

• Solid bare copper conductors: 24AWG solid copper wires improve conductivity and durability compared with CCA alternatives for consistent Gigabit performance.
• FastReel box: The rigid, splash-proof reel reduces tangles and lets the cable unspool smoothly, saving installation time on long runs.
• PVC cross separator: Four twisted pairs with a cross separator lower crosstalk and keep signals cleaner for uninterrupted connections.
• Higher bandwidth: Rated up to 350MHz, it offers headroom above typical Cat5e expectations for demanding traffic and PoE++ deployments.
• Safety and traceability: CMR flame resistance, ETL and CSA certifications, and lot barcode tracking provide compliance and peace of mind for commercial installs.
• PoE++ ready: Specified for 4PPoE use, suitable for powering higher-draw devices over long cable lengths.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network installers, small to medium business IT staff, and hobbyists running long backbone or outdoor-to-indoor runs who need a tangle-free reel and reliable copper conductors. The solid 24AWG core and PoE++ compatibility make it a sensible choice for powering cameras, access points, and other high-draw devices without resorting to thicker or more expensive cable categories.

Casual users who only need short patch cables or those with environments requiring shielded cable should look elsewhere; this is an unshielded UTP Cat5e that shines on long, clean runs where flexibility, certification, and installation speed matter most.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid 24AWG bare copper provides better conductivity and durability than CCA alternatives.
• FastReel packaging prevents snarls and speeds installation on long runs.
• 350MHz performance and reduced crosstalk via the PVC cross separator improve signal quality.
• CMR flame resistance and ETL/CSA certification add compliance and traceability for commercial use.

Cons

• Unshielded UTP design is not ideal for installations with heavy EMI or where shielding is required.
• As a long-run box cable it is less convenient for short lab or desktop patching needs without cutting and terminating.

Specifications

Length	500ft
Conductor	24AWG solid bare copper
Category	Cat5e Unshielded (UTP)
Bandwidth	Up to 350MHz
Certifications	ETL, CSA, RoHS, TAA; CMR flame resistant
PoE Support	PoE++ (4PPoE) compatible
Packaging	FastReel rigid, splash-proof box

Our Verdict

The AiCat Cat5e 500ft purple cable is a strong value for installers who need long, reliable copper runs with minimal fuss; its solid 24AWG conductors, FastReel packaging, and compliance certifications combine to reduce install time and signal issues. For anyone fitting cameras, access points, or powering PoE++ devices across long distances, it offers a practical, cost-conscious choice, though those needing shielded cable should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for PoE++?
Yes, the cable is specified for PoE++ (4PPoE) use and uses 24AWG solid copper conductors suitable for higher PoE power delivery.

Does the box prevent cable tangles?
The FastReel rigid box and core are designed to let the cable flow freely and reduce snarling during pulls and long runs.

Is this cable flame resistant and certified?
Yes, it is CMR flame resistant and carries ETL and CSA certifications, plus RoHS and TAA compliance with lot tracking.