Cat5e Outdoor Waterproof Ethernet Cable 250ft - Direct Burial Shielded

Our review of the Ultra Spec Cables 250ft Cat5e Outdoor Waterproof Ethernet Cable finds it best suited for installers and homeowners who need a long, durable run outdoors or underground. The single biggest reason to buy is its direct burial rating combined with shielded 24 AWG pure copper conductors, which deliver consistent connectivity and physical resilience in harsh conditions. Reviewers repeatedly noted strong build quality and reliable long-distance performance, making this a practical choice when longevity and outdoor suitability are priorities.

Key Features

• Direct burial ready: The polyethylene jacket is designed for placement in the ground without additional conduit, simplifying outdoor installations and landscaping runs.
• 24 AWG pure copper: Solid copper conductors provide stable signal transmission and are compatible with POE and POE+ devices for powered network equipment.
• Foil shielding: The foil shield helps reduce electromagnetic interference on longer cable runs, improving connection quality in mixed wiring environments.
• Compliant cabling standard: Built to TIA/EIA568-B.2 guidelines to meet common Cat5e performance expectations for Ethernet networks.
• Weather resistant jacket: The PE jacket resists moisture and temperature extremes, improving durability for outdoor and winter installations.

Who It's For

This cable is ideal for network technicians, security camera installers, and homeowners who need a long outdoor Ethernet run that can be buried directly and will tolerate weather and seasonal extremes. People deploying POE cameras, wireless access points, or other powered devices outdoors will appreciate the pure copper conductors and shielding.

Those who need ultra-high gigabit performance beyond Cat5e or futureproofing for multi-gig links should look at Cat6 or Cat6a alternatives. Also, if local codes require rigid conduit or special burial methods, check regulations before relying solely on direct burial cable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable build and PE jacket make it suitable for outdoor and underground installations.
• Pure copper 24 AWG conductors ensure good conductivity and compatibility with POE and POE+ equipment.
• Foil shielding and adherence to TIA/EIA568-B.2 provide stable long-distance connections and improved interference resistance.
• Considered a strong value by customers for performance and durability in harsh environments.

Cons

• The cable is stiffer than indoor patch cords, which can make tight bends or indoor routing more difficult.

Specifications

Length	250 ft
Wire gauge	24 AWG
Conductor material	Pure copper
Jacket material	PE (Polyethylene)
Shielding	Foil shield
Cabling standard	TIA/EIA568-B.2 (Cat5e)
Outdoor use	Direct burial rated

Our Verdict

The Ultra Spec Cables 250ft Cat5e outdoor cable is a solid, cost-effective option for long outdoor and underground Ethernet runs where reliability and weather resistance matter. Installers and property owners who need POE or POE+ support and a burial-capable cable will find it good value, though those seeking higher multi-gig headroom should consider Cat6 alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable power cameras and access points?
Yes. The 24 AWG pure copper conductors support POE and POE+ equipment for powered devices over typical Cat5e distances.

Is the cable safe to bury without conduit?
Yes. The PE jacket and direct burial rating allow it to be placed in the ground, but follow local codes and best practices for depth and protection.

Will the foil shield help in noisy environments?
Yes. The foil shield reduces electromagnetic interference and can improve connection stability on longer runs near electrical equipment.