Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500ft Shielded Bulk - Durable Outdoor Network

Our review of the Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500ft Shielded Bulk finds it best suited for installations that need a long, single-run, weatherproof Ethernet feed where interference is a concern. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of shielded FTP construction and a heavy-duty PVC jacket that lets this 500 ft spool be used outdoors, buried, or routed into server rooms while resisting EMI and UV exposure. Installers who want to cut custom lengths and terminate ends on site will appreciate the included RJ45 connectors, though it is not recommended for PoE applications.

Key Features

• Shielded FTP construction: Provides extra protection against electromagnetic interference and reduces crosstalk for cleaner data transmission in noisy environments.
• 500 ft bulk spool: Allows flexible, on-site cutting to exact run lengths, reducing waste for backyard, office or data center cabling projects.
• 23 AWG solid conductor: Thicker single-core CCA gauge offers higher bandwidth margin and more stable connections than thinner stranded cores.
• Outdoor rated PVC jacket: UV, water, tensile and compression resistant jacketing enables outdoor runs and direct burial without frequent replacement.
• Included RJ45 connectors: Thirty gold-plated connectors are supplied with the spool so installers can terminate multiple runs without sourcing parts separately.
• Cross-shaped separator and tensile cords: Internal structure preserves pair integrity and NEXT performance when the cable is bent or routed.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at homeowners, network technicians and small IT teams who need long-distance LAN runs that must withstand outdoor exposure or electrically noisy industrial spaces. It is especially useful where shielding and a solid 23 AWG conductor are preferred for improved signal stability.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who require PoE power delivery or those who prefer stranded cable for frequent flexing, such as short patch leads or portable setups. Also, installers seeking factory-terminated patch cables should buy prebuilt leads rather than this bulk spool.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality shielded cable reduces EMI and crosstalk compared with unshielded options.
• Durable outer jacket supports direct burial and outdoor exposure for long-term installations.
• 500 ft bulk length with 30 RJ45 connectors gives flexibility to cut custom runs and avoid extra part purchases.
• 23 AWG solid conductor delivers more stable network performance over longer runs than thinner gauges.

Cons

• Made with CCA conductors, it is not recommended for PoE and may not match pure copper cable performance in all environments.
• Some customers report mixed connector and cable quality, so careful termination and testing are advised after installation.

Specifications

Length	500 ft
Conductor	23 AWG solid CCA
Cable type	Cat 6 FTP (shielded)
Jacket	UV resistant PVC, outdoor rated, direct burial
Included connectors	30 gold-plated RJ45
Recommended use	LAN, Internet, outdoor and indoor backbone runs

Our Verdict

The Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500 ft shielded bulk spool is a practical value for anyone installing long outdoor or backbone runs who needs EMI protection and a durable jacket. It saves time by including RJ45 connectors and the 23 AWG solid conductor gives greater stability over distance; just avoid PoE deployments and test terminations carefully to ensure long-term reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable be buried directly in the ground?
Yes, it is specified as direct burial capable with a durable PVC jacket, but good practice is to use conduit or warning tape in high-traffic areas.

Is this cable suitable for Power over Ethernet?
No; the manufacturer does not recommend this cable for PoE applications due to the conductor type.

Are RJ45 connectors included?
Yes, the spool comes with 30 gold-plated RJ45 connectors so you can cut and terminate custom lengths on site.