Black Box 5ft CAT5e Snagless UTP Ethernet Patch Cable (Red)

Overview

The Black Box CAT5EPC-005-RD is a five-foot CAT5e Ethernet patch cable designed to provide reliable and consistent network connections for everyday use. It supports data transmission beyond the 100 MHz CAT5e standard, making it suitable for Fast Ethernet, Voice over IP, streaming audio and video, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Its unshielded twisted pair construction with 26 AWG stranded conductors offers a balance of flexibility and signal integrity, while the bright red jacket helps with easy identification in complex cable setups.

Key features

• Five-foot length ideal for short cable runs between devices or within a single rack, reducing clutter and improving organization
• CAT5e rating with tested performance exceeding 100 MHz ensures stable throughput for data, voice, and video applications
• Molded snagless boot protects the RJ45 latch from damage and prevents it from catching on other cables or surfaces during installation
• Unshielded twisted pair design with 26 AWG stranded conductors provides flexible routing without compromising signal quality
• Gold-plated RJ45 contacts maintain a corrosion-resistant connection, minimizing packet loss and network downtime
• Supports Power over Ethernet, allowing devices like VoIP phones and wireless access points to receive power and data over a single cable
• Bright red jacket simplifies cable identification and color-coded network management in busy environments

Key specs

• Length: 5 feet
• Cable category: CAT5e
• Frequency rating: 100 MHz and above
• Conductor type: 26 AWG stranded copper
• Cable construction: Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
• Connector type: RJ45 with gold-plated contacts
• Jacket color: Red

Connectivity and compatibility

This patch cable is compatible with any standard RJ45 Ethernet port, making it suitable for connecting computers, switches, routers, VoIP phones, and wireless access points. Its CAT5e rating supports Fast Ethernet speeds and PoE, ensuring it works well in home offices, small business networks, and classroom environments where reliable wired connections are essential.

Installation and setup

The cable’s snagless molded boot design protects the latch during installation, preventing accidental damage when pulling the cable through tight spaces or cable management systems. Its flexible stranded conductors allow for easy routing around corners and through cable trays without compromising performance. The plug-and-play nature means no special configuration is needed—simply connect and start using.

Ideal uses and environments

This cable fits well in setups requiring short, reliable Ethernet connections such as patch panels, desktop workstations, network switches, and Wi-Fi access points. Its bright red color helps network administrators quickly identify and manage cables in dense wiring closets or shared office spaces. It is a strong choice for users who need dependable network performance with minimal fuss in home offices, small businesses, or educational labs.