CAT5E Plenum Ethernet Cable 400ft - High Performance Red

In this review of the CAT5E Plenum Ethernet Cable 400ft, the reviewer finds it best suited for installers, IT professionals, and commercial spaces that require plenum-rated wiring. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a full 400ft reel with plenum CMP rating and solid 24AWG copper conductors, which makes it a safe, reliable choice for air-handling spaces while preserving signal integrity for gigabit-class networks. The review focuses on real-world handling, connector quality, and suitability for indoor LAN and entertainment wiring.

Key Features

• Plenum CMP Rated: The cable jacket is designed for use in plenum or air handling spaces so it meets federal commercial building fire and smoke requirements.
• Solid 24AWG Copper: Solid bare copper 24AWG conductors provide stable, low-loss performance for long runs and help maintain high gigabit throughput.
• Up to 350MHz Performance: Category 5e enhanced design supports high-speed networking tasks and reliable data transmission across LAN devices.
• RJ45 EZ Pass Through Connectors: Gold-plated contacts and strain relief boots on the connectors improve durability and ensure a secure termination.
• 400ft Length in Red: The large reel gives flexibility for long cable pulls and the red jacket makes identification easier in bundles or racks.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network installers, commercial building contractors, and IT staff who must run cabling through plenum or air-handling spaces and need a reliable 400ft spool for continuous runs. It is also useful for home theater or AV installers who want a clearly colored run for satellite receivers, smart TVs, consoles, and media players.

Those who need outdoor, direct burial, or shielded runs should look elsewhere, because this product is an unshielded 4-pair UTP cable intended for indoor plenum applications only. If you require Cat6 performance for higher headroom or futureproofing, consider a higher category cable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plenum CMP rating provides safer, low-smoke performance for commercial air spaces.
• Solid 24AWG copper conductors deliver consistent signal integrity over long runs.
• Gold-plated RJ45 EZ Pass Through connectors and boots improve termination reliability and reduce strain.
• 400ft spool in a distinct red jacket simplifies long installations and identification.

Cons

• Unshielded UTP design means it is not ideal where EMI rejection or outdoor durability is required.
• Cat5e performance limits future bandwidth headroom compared with Cat6 for very high-density environments.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CAT5E Plenum Ethernet Cable 400ft is a practical, cost-effective option for commercial and indoor installations that require plenum-rated wiring and solid copper conductors. It delivers dependable gigabit-capable performance, durable RJ45 terminations, and a full 400ft spool for lengthy runs. Choose this cable when plenum compliance and reliable signal integrity matter; opt for a shielded or higher-category cable if you need outdoor use or extra bandwidth headroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable safe for plenum spaces?
Yes. The cable is CMP plenum rated and designed for use in air-handling spaces with a fire-resistant, low-smoke jacket.

Can this cable support Power over Ethernet devices?
Yes. The solid 24AWG conductors and Cat5e specification support typical PoE devices used in LAN deployments.

Is the cable assembled in the United States?
Yes. The product is assembled in the USA using foreign and domestic parts by PHAT SATELLITE INTL.