Cat6A Ethernet Bulk Cable 500 ft Purple - Shielded, 10G Performance

In this review the Monoprice Cat6A Ethernet Bulk Cable is assessed for installers and IT professionals who need a reliable, riser-rated cable for high-bandwidth runs. The bottom line: this 500 ft reel delivers 10G-capable performance with metal overall shielding and pure bare copper conductors, making it a practical choice where signal integrity and code-compliant wiring matter. The review focuses on real-world use in server rooms, structured cabling, and surveillance installations, and highlights why the reel-in-box packaging and length markings are useful on job sites.

Key Features

• Shielding: Overall F/UTP metal shielding helps reduce EMI and crosstalk for cleaner signals in electrically noisy environments.
• Conductor Quality: 23AWG solid pure bare copper wire meets UL and NEC requirements for long-term reliability and low resistance.
• Performance: Rated and tested to 550MHz, the cable supports high-bandwidth applications including 10 gigabit links over short to medium distances.
• Fire Safety: CMR riser rating makes this cable suitable for vertical runs between floors where riser-rated cable is required by code.
• Packaging: 500 ft reel-in-box includes length markings, which makes measuring and cutting runs quicker and reduces waste on installation jobs.
• Compliance: TAA and RoHS compliance and adherence to TIA-568-C.2 standards provide assurance for procurement and regulatory needs.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network installers, IT departments, and systems integrators who need a dependable bulk cable for data centers, wiring closets, or campus backbone runs where shielding and riser-rated construction are important. The solid 23AWG conductors and overall foil shield suit permanent in-wall or conduit installations rather than frequent re-terminations.

Those who should look elsewhere include consumers wanting pre-terminated patch cables or flexible stranded cable for frequent moves and patch panel-to-device connections; this product is a bulk solid conductor spool intended for fixed-term installations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid 23AWG pure bare copper conductors provide low resistance and meet UL/NEC wiring requirements.
• F/UTP overall shielding improves immunity to electromagnetic interference in crowded cable pathways.
• 500 ft reel-in-box with length markings streamlines installations and reduces measurement errors.

Cons

• As a solid bulk cable, it is not suitable for patch cord use or frequent flexing; installers must terminate the ends on site.
• Shielded cable requires proper grounding and termination practices to realize the EMI protection benefits.

Specifications

Cable Category	Shielded Cat6A (F/UTP)
Length	500 ft reel
Conductor	23AWG solid pure bare copper
Bandwidth	Tested to 550MHz
Fire Rating	CMR (Riser)
Standards & Compliance	TIA-568-C.2, UL Code 444, RoHS, TAA compliant
Power over Ethernet	IEEE 802.3af / 802.3at compatible

Our Verdict

For professionals wiring structured networks, the Monoprice Cat6A bulk cable represents solid value: it combines 10G-capable performance, code-compliant pure copper conductors, and shielding useful in noisy environments. Buyers who need flexible patch cable or a ready-made solution should choose a different product, but for permanent riser-rated installations this spool is a practical, economical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for 10G Ethernet?
Yes; the cable is Cat6A F/UTP and tested to 550MHz, making it suitable for 10G links at typical installation distances.

Can I use this cable outdoors?
No; the product is riser-rated (CMR) for indoor vertical runs and is not specified for outdoor buried or direct-exposure use.

Does the shield require special termination?
Yes; to get full EMI protection the metal overall shield must be properly grounded and terminated at connectors or patch panels designed for shielded cable.