CAT5E Plenum (CMP) Ethernet Cable 1000ft - Easy Pull, 1Gb Ready

In this review the CAT5E Plenum (CMP) 1000ft bulk cable is evaluated for installers and IT pros who need a safe, long-run Ethernet solution. The biggest reason to buy is its combination of plenum-rated safety and reliable 1Gb performance delivered in an easy-to-pull Reelex II box, which makes long runs in drop ceilings and ducts straightforward. The review focuses on build quality, standards compliance and practical installation features that matter on real projects.

Key Features

• Plenum rated jacket: FRPVC plenum jacket reduces flame spread and emits less toxic smoke, making it suitable for air handling spaces and code inspections.
• Solid 24AWG copper: Solid pure bare copper conductors provide stable signal strength and lower attenuation for long Ethernet runs up to 328 ft.
• 350MHz performance: Tested to 350MHz and Fluke tested, it supports reliable Gigabit Ethernet and improved headroom over minimum Cat5e specs.
• Easy to pull packaging: The Reelex II box is engineered for tangle-free, twist-free pulling and includes a strong handle and foot markings every 2 ft for neat installations.
• Certifications and compliance: UL Listed, ETL Verified, RoHS and TAA compliant, with UL stickers on reels to help pass building inspections.
• PoE compatible: Supports PoE and PoE+ devices, enabling power and data over the same cable for cameras, access points and switches.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network installers, small business IT staff and homeowners running in-wall or ceiling Ethernet where plenum rating is required or preferred. The long 1000 ft reel and easy-pull box suit projects that need continuous runs without frequent splicing.

Those who need shielded cable for high EMI environments or native Cat6 performance for sustained multi-gig links at longer distances should look elsewhere; for standard Gigabit networking, PoE installations and plenum safety, this cable is a practical choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High safety rating with plenum jacket helps meet building codes in air spaces.
• Solid bare copper 24AWG conductors and Fluke testing deliver dependable 1Gb performance.
• Reelex II packaging and foot-marked jacket make long pulls and cable management easier.
• Wide compliance footprint (UL, ETL, RoHS, TAA) simplifies inspection and procurement.

Cons

• Some users report mixed pullability on certain routes, so plan for proper conduit and bend radii.
• Color intensity may be faint on the jacket prints, which can be a minor inconvenience for quick identification.

Specifications

Cable Type	Cat5e Plenum (CMP), 4 pair UTP
Length	1000 ft reel
Conductor	24AWG solid pure bare copper
Bandwidth	Up to 350MHz
Supported Speeds	1Gb up to 328 ft; up to 5Gb at shorter distances
Jacket Material	FRPVC plenum jacket, insulated with FEP
Certifications	UL Listed, ETL Verified, RoHS Compliant, TAA Compliant

Our Verdict

The CAT5E Plenum 1000ft cable is a solid, code-friendly choice for installers who need reliable Gigabit performance in plenum spaces and want the convenience of a tangle-free reel. Its certifications, solid copper conductors and practical packaging deliver strong value for typical LAN, PoE and surveillance runs; choose shielded or higher-category cable only if you require extra EMI protection or guaranteed multi-gig performance at long distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable be used for PoE devices?
Yes. The 24AWG solid copper conductors and Cat5e design support PoE and PoE+ for cameras, access points and similar devices.

Is the cable suitable for plenum spaces and inspections?
Yes. The FRPVC plenum jacket and UL/ETL certifications mean it is rated for air handling spaces and should meet typical building inspection requirements.

How far will this cable run at Gigabit speeds?
It supports 1Gb Ethernet up to the standard 328 ft (100 m); higher speeds like 2.5G/5G are achievable at shorter distances.