CAT5e Plenum Cable 1000FT 24AWG 4Pair - High Performance Network Cable

In this review of the CAT5e Plenum Cable 1000FT, the bottom line is simple: this cable is aimed at installers and IT pros who need a long, plenum-rated run that supports fast and gigabit networks without breaking the bank. The reviewer found the cable delivers reliable signal performance up to the advertised 350MHz and meets TIA/EIA 568-C.2 expectations, making it a practical choice for in-building backbone runs and long horizontal pulls in plenum spaces where fire and smoke ratings matter.

Key Features

• Plenum rated jacket: The low-smoke, fire-retardant jacket is designed for use in air plenum spaces above ceilings or below raised floors, giving peace of mind for code-sensitive installations.
• Performance: The 24 AWG solid conductors in four pairs provide support for Fast Ethernet and Gigabit links and are rated to 350MHz for consistent data throughput.
• Standards compliant: The cable meets or exceeds TIA/EIA 568-C.2 and is RoHS compliant, which helps ensure predictable electrical behavior and material safety.
• Easy pull box packaging: The 1000 ft spool comes in a hassle-free easy-pull box with sequential foot markings that reduce kinking and measuring errors when deploying long runs.
• Insulation and construction: Each conductor is insulated with HDPE and jacketed for signal integrity and reduced interference in UTP installations.

Who It's For

The CAT5e Plenum Cable is best for network installers, small to medium business IT teams, and contractors needing plenum-rated cable for ceiling and floor plenums or long horizontal runs. It is particularly useful where code-compliant fire performance and a long continuous length are required.

It is less appropriate for users who need shielded cable for high-interference industrial environments or who require specialty conductor constructions; for those cases a shielded or higher-category cable would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good value for a 1000 ft plenum-rated spool that supports gigabit speeds and up to 350MHz bandwidth.
• Meets TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standards and is RoHS compliant, so it fits standard network requirements.
• Easy-pull box with sequential foot markings simplifies long runs and reduces waste during installation.
• Clear, accurate color options make cable identification straightforward when terminating multiple runs.

Cons

• Some customers report kinking and occasional snagging during installation, and the plastic spool can be less durable when handled roughly.
• Unshielded construction means it is not ideal for very high EMI environments.

Specifications

Length	1000 ft
Conductor	24 AWG solid
Pairs	4 pair (8C)
Bandwidth	Up to 350 MHz
Rating	Plenum (CMP), low smoke, fire retardant
Construction	Unshielded twisted pair (UTP), HDPE insulation
Standards	Meets or exceeds TIA/EIA 568-C.2; RoHS compliant

Our Verdict

The CAT5e Plenum Cable 1000FT is a sensible buy for anyone installing long, code-compliant network runs who needs solid, predictable Gigabit-capable performance without premium pricing. It offers strong value thanks to standards compliance and plenum-rated jacket, though installers should handle the spool carefully to avoid kinking or spool damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for use above a suspended ceiling?
Yes. The plenum (CMP) rating and low-smoke, fire-retardant jacket make it suitable for air plenum spaces above suspended ceilings and below raised floors.

Can this cable support Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. With 24 AWG solid conductors and 4 pairs, this Cat5e cable supports Fast and Gigabit Ethernet and is rated to 350 MHz.

Does the box include measurement markings?
Yes. The 1000 ft spool is packaged in an easy-pull box with sequential foot markings to help measure runs and reduce waste.