| Category | CAT5E U/UTP, 1–100 MHz (extended to 350 MHz) |
| Conductor | 24 AWG Solid Bare Copper |
| Jacket options | PE / CM / PVC / LSZH |
| Standards | ISO/IEC 11801, ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C2, IEC 61156-5, EN 50173-1 |
| Certifications | RoHSCE |
| Packaging | 305m / Box |
Heizka’s CAT5E cable is an unshielded twisted-pair (U/UTP) solution built for dependable Gigabit Ethernet performance in structured cabling systems, at a cost-effective price point. Constructed with 24 AWG solid bare copper conductors and HDPE insulation for stable impedance and crosstalk control, it operates at 1–100MHz (extended to 350MHz) and supports both 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit) networks.
This makes it a reliable, budget-friendly choice for basic office networks, voice/data risers, campus wiring, and small-to-medium LAN deployments. It is available with PE, CM, PVC, or LSZH jackets to match indoor, riser, or fire-safety requirements. Every reel is manufactured and tested to ISO/IEC 11801, ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C2, and IEC 61156-5 standards, and backed by Heizka’s multi-year warranty for long-term field performance.
Features
- ✓1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet applications
- ✓Unshielded Twisted Pair (U/UTP) construction
- ✓Data cable for structured premises cabling up to Class D / CAT5e applications
- ✓Frequency 1–100MHz, extended to 350MHz
- ✓24 AWG solid bare copper conductors
- ✓Digital and analog voice, video and data signal transmission
- ✓Available in a variety of LSZH flame-retardant jacket options
- ✓Durable length markings to reduce cable waste
- ✓Designed in the USA
- ✓Packaging: 305m/Box
Standard Compliance
- ISO/IEC 11801
- ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C2
- IEC 61156-5
- EN50173-1
Ordering Information
| Item # | Description |
|---|---|
| HEC5EU3PE | CAT5E U/UTP, PE, Black, 305m/Box |
| HEC5EU1CM | CAT5E U/UTP, CM, Blue, 305m/Box |
| HEC5EU1PC | CAT5E U/UTP, PVC, Blue, 305m/Box |
| HEC5EU5LZ | CAT5E U/UTP, LSZH, Orange, 305m/Box |
Technical Specifications
Construction / Dimensions
| Type | U/UTP CAT5E 4x2x24AWG |
| Conductor structure | 24 AWG, Solid Bare Copper |
| Insulation material | HDPE |
| Jacket material | PVC / LSZH / PE |
| Jacket diameter | 5.1 ± 0.3 mm |
| Installation temperature range | 0°C ~ +70°C |
| Operating temperature range | -20°C ~ +70°C |
Electrical Characteristics
| DC resistance | < 9.38 Ω/100m |
| Operating capacitance | ≤ 5.6 nF/100m |
| Unbalanced capacitance | ≤ 330 pF/100m |
| Impedance | 1~100MHz, 100Ω ±15% |
| NVP | 69% |
| Propagation delay | ≤ 45 ns |
Physical Performance
| Tensile | 110 N |
| Min. bend radius | 10 times max jacket diameter |
| Installation and storage temperature | 0~70°C (32~158°F) |
| Operating temperature | -20~70°C (-4~158°F) |
CAT5E vs CAT6 vs CAT6A — Which One Do You Need?
| Feature | CAT5E U/UTP (this cable) | CAT6 U/UTP (61 Series) | CAT6A U/UTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item # (CM) | HEC5EU1CM | HEC61U1CM | HEC6AU1CM |
| Frequency | 1–100 MHz (ext. 350 MHz) | 250–350 MHz | 1–500 MHz |
| Conductor | 24 AWG | 24 AWG | 23 AWG |
| Jacket diameter | 5.1 ± 0.3 mm | 6.0 ± 0.3 mm | 7.4 ± 0.3 mm |
| Recommended speed | Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) | 100/1000BASE-T + PoE/PoE+ | 10 Gigabit (10GBASE-T) + PoE/PoE+ |
| NVP | 69% | 68% | 65% |
| Best for | Basic office networks, voice/data | Enterprise LAN, PoE cameras, WiFi APs | Data centers, high-speed backbone, 10G |
Where CAT5E Still Makes Sense
CAT5E supports 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet and is still widely used for device-level connections: IP cameras, access control readers, VoIP phones, building automation controllers and replacement work in existing buildings that already run CAT5E. Its small 5.1 mm jacket diameter also makes it easier to pull through crowded conduit and trunking. For new office floors that must support 10GBASE-T to the full channel length, specify CAT6A instead.
Ordering from 305 m Boxes
Cable is sold in 305 m boxes, so the number of boxes depends on the length of each drop, not only on the total metres. A box can only give whole drops; the remainder is offcut.
| Average drop length | Whole drops per box (calculated) | Offcut per box (calculated) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 m | 10 | 5 m |
| 45 m | 6 | 35 m |
| 60 m | 5 | 5 m |
Example: 120 outlets with an average drop of 45 m need 20 boxes (120 ÷ 6, calculated), not the 18 boxes that total metres alone would suggest (120 × 45 ÷ 305 ≈ 17.7, calculated). Group long and short drops when pulling to use offcuts.
Picking the Jacket by Item Number
- HEC5EU1PC — PVC, blue: general indoor use where local code allows PVC.
- HEC5EU1CM — CM rated, blue: commercial buildings that follow CM ratings.
- HEC5EU5LZ — LSZH, orange: enclosed public spaces, tunnels and transit where low smoke and zero halogen are required. See What Is LSZH Cable.
- HEC5EU3PE — PE, black: confirm the intended environment with Heizka before using it outside a building.
Complete the link with CAT5E patch cords and see the full Copper Cabling System.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is rated for 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) as well as 10/100BASE-T, operating at 1–100MHz and extended to 350MHz for additional performance margin.
CAT6 (61 Series) runs at 250–350MHz with more crosstalk headroom for stable Gigabit and PoE/PoE+ performance, while CAT5E covers 1–100MHz (extended to 350MHz) at a lower cost. Choose CAT5E for standard office LANs and voice/data runs; upgrade to CAT6 for PoE-heavy deployments such as IP cameras and WiFi access points.
The PE-jacket version (HEC5EU3PE) offers basic moisture resistance for short outdoor runs, but a dedicated outdoor/UV-resistant cable is recommended for long-term outdoor installation. For indoor plenum or riser installations, choose the CM or LSZH jacket options.
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacketing limits flame spread and emits minimal toxic smoke and no halogen gases when burned. It’s typically required in high-occupancy buildings such as hospitals, shopping malls, and transit stations.
At least 10 times the maximum jacket diameter, to avoid degrading transmission performance and shortening cable life.
Standard packaging is 305m per pull-box for all four jacket variants (PE, CM, PVC, LSZH).
Heizka Cable — Designed in the USA, distributed in 20+ countries worldwide.
