CAT5E Plenum 325ft Ethernet Cable - Red, Solid Copper ()

In this review of the CAT5E Plenum 325ft Ethernet Cable, the bottom line is simple: this cable is aimed at installers and IT professionals who need a long, plenum-rated run with reliable signal integrity. The reviewer found the combination of a full 325ft length, 24AWG solid copper conductors and CMP plenum jacket makes it a practical choice for commercial building installs and high-performance residential systems where fire-rated cable is required. The cable is assembled in the USA and uses gold-plated EZ pass-through RJ45 connectors with strain relief boots, which completes a sensible package for permanent network runs.

Key Features

• Plenum CMP Rated: The plenum-rated jacket meets commercial air-handling space requirements and reduces smoke and toxic emissions in a fire.
• Solid 24AWG Copper: Solid bare copper conductors deliver consistent conductivity and stable performance for long runs, reducing attenuation.
• 325ft Length: A single 325ft spool avoids joins for typical office or AV runs and simplifies cable planning for long runs.
• RJ45 EZ Pass-Through Connectors: Gold-plated contacts and strain relief boots provide a secure, corrosion-resistant termination and durable connections.
• Performance up to 350MHz: Category 5e enhanced design supports high gigabit speeds and common LAN and media devices.
• Assembled in USA: The cable is assembled domestically with foreign and domestic parts for consistent build quality.

Who It's For

The cable is best for network technicians, AV installers, electricians and building managers who must run Ethernet through plenum or air handling spaces and need a long continuous length to avoid splices. It suits office networks, structured cabling, surveillance installs and entertainment setups where reliable, long-distance Ethernet is required.

It is less appropriate for casual users who need short patch cables or flexible stranded leads for frequent movement. If you need a portable patch cord, patch panels or quick-disconnect leads, a short stranded CAT5e or CAT6 patch cable would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plenum CMP jacket meets code for air-handling spaces and reduces fire-related hazards.
• Solid 24AWG copper core maintains signal integrity over long runs and supports gigabit networking.
• Long 325ft spool reduces the need for splices and simplifies cable routing for larger installs.
• Gold-plated EZ pass-through RJ45 connectors with strain relief boots improve durability at terminations.

Cons

• The solid conductor design is not ideal for frequent flexing or portable patching, where stranded cable is preferred.
• The single color may be limiting if multiple cable runs require varied identification without additional labeling.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CAT5E Plenum 325ft cable is a solid choice for commercial and permanent residential installs that require a fire-rated jacket and dependable long-run performance. With solid copper 24AWG conductors, plenum CMP rating and robust RJ45 terminations, it offers strong value for installers who need code-compliant, uninterrupted runs. Choose this cable when run longevity and safety in plenum spaces are priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for plenum air-handling spaces?
Yes. The cable is CMP plenum rated, which is the required rating for running cabling through plenum or air-handling spaces in commercial buildings.

Can this cable be used for gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. The CAT5e design and performance up to 350MHz support gigabit Ethernet applications and common LAN devices.

Is the conductor stranded or solid?
The cable uses 24AWG solid copper conductors, which are preferred for permanent runs but are less flexible than stranded patch cables.