CAT5e Plenum (CMP) Cable 1000FT - High Performance 350MHz UTP

In this review the CAT5e Plenum (CMP) Cable 1000FT is evaluated for installers and network builders who need a firerated, high bandwidth cable for commercial or residential runs. The single biggest reason to buy is its plenum rated jacket combined with a 350MHz tested bandwidth, which makes it suitable where air plenum safety and reliable Gigabit performance matter. The review covers ease of use, packaging, compliance, and practical tradeoffs observed during installation and light lab testing.

Key Features

• Plenum rated jacket: The CMP jacket is fire safety rated for use in air plenum spaces above ceilings and below raised floors, giving confidence for commercial installs.
• 350MHz tested performance: Fluke passed and tested to 350MHz, offering headroom above basic Cat5e needs and supporting Gigabit Ethernet in most environments.
• 24 AWG 4pair conductor: Solid 24 AWG construction with 4 pairs provides consistent signal integrity for long cable runs up to 1000 ft box lengths.
• Easy pull box packaging: The 1000 ft cable is supplied in a pull box with sequential foot markings, which simplifies measuring and reduces tangling on long pulls.
• Standards and compliance: Meets or exceeds ANSI TIA/EIA 568C.2 standards and is RoHS compliant, useful for code and procurement requirements.

Who It's For

The CAT5e Plenum cable is aimed at network installers, AV technicians, and facilities managers who require a plenum rated Ethernet solution for office ceilings, data closets, or raised floor paths where fire safety classification matters. It is also a practical choice for home users who want a long, clearly marked 1000 ft run for a large property or a structured cabling project.

It is less suitable for users who need shielded cable for extreme EMI environments or those who prefer stranded patch cable for frequent moves at endpoints; this product is a solid, solidconductor UTP intended for fixed inwall or permanent runs rather than flexible patching.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plenum rated CMP jacket meets air plenumsafety needs for commercial installations.
• Fluke passed to 350MHz and 24 AWG 4pair construction supports reliable Gigabit networking.
• Easy pull box with sequential foot markings makes long pulls neater and faster to measure on site.
• RoHS compliant and meets ANSI TIA/EIA 568C.2 standards for peace of mind on specs.

Cons

• Some customers report durability issues with the box opening plastic and that the cable can be harder to work with when terminating, so careful handling and good tools are advised.
• As an unshielded twisted pair (UTP), it is not intended for high EMI locations where shielded cable would be preferable.

Specifications

Cable type	Cat5e UTP Plenum (CMP)
Length	1000 ft
Conductor	24 AWG 4 pair solid
Bandwidth	Tested to 350MHz
Standards	Meets/exceeds ANSI TIA/EIA 568C.2
Compliance	RoHS compliant, Fluke passed
Packaging	Easy pull box with sequential foot marking

Our Verdict

The CAT5e Plenum 1000 ft cable is a practical, cost effective choice for anyone needing a fire rated, high bandwidth run for building wiring. It delivers the necessary compliance and tested performance for Gigabit networks while the easy pull box helps with installation speed. Buyers who need shielded cable or frequent endpoint flexibility should look elsewhere, but for permanent plenum runs this cable offers strong value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable safe for use above suspended ceilings?
Yes; the CMP plenum rated jacket is designed for air plenum spaces above suspended ceilings and below raised floors.

Will this cable support Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes; the 24 AWG 4pair construction and Fluke testing to 350MHz provide sufficient bandwidth for Gigabit Ethernet in typical installations.

Does the box include length markings?
Yes; the 1000 ft pull box includes sequential foot markings to make measuring and cutting easier on site.