Cat5e from 2002

C

cj909

n3wb
Nov 8, 2021
6
0
90601
Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if this belongs in this thread.
I just picked up two spools of cat5e NIB with manufacturing dates from 2003. I payed $5 a spool, figured there's not much to lose.
The link below is a catalog with the specs of the cable. I just don't know what they mean. The cable I have is on page 47.


My question is if I can run POE on this cable?

I'm not sure if there have been any changes to cat cables in the last 23 years in regards to POE, that would make this cable unsafe to use. I'll be installing Ubiquiti g5 and g6 cameras. I attached a photo of the label on the spool

Any help is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
 

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And we can be sure it's solid copper and not CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) because it's UL-listed. :cool:
 
TonyR said:
And we can be sure it's solid copper and not CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) because it's UL-listed. :cool:
Click to expand...
I attached a screenshot.
According to the spec sheet, is solid copper. Does it make a difference if it wasn't?
 

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cj909 said:
Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if this belongs in this thread.
I just picked up two spools of cat5e NIB with manufacturing dates from 2003. I payed $5 a spool, figured there's not much to lose.
The link below is a catalog with the specs of the cable. I just don't know what they mean. The cable I have is on page 47.


My question is if I can run POE on this cable?

I'm not sure if there have been any changes to cat cables in the last 23 years in regards to POE, that would make this cable unsafe to use. I'll be installing Ubiquiti g5 and g6 cameras. I attached a photo of the label on the spool

Any help is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...

Double check the specs, if AWG 23 or 24 and 100% copper wires and decent sheath ( for an older cable check if it is cracked .. )

If checks out good, I would use it.

Remember to not let it get kinked when pulling it, always have a helper assist you who understands this principle
 
cj909 said:
I attached a screenshot.
According to the spec sheet, is solid copper. Does it make a difference if it wasn't?
Click to expand...
Yes.
The common and cheaper alternative to pure copper, CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) conductors can have issues down the road especially when providing power to cameras via POE.
The fact that UL won't even give CCA approval speaks volumes about its dependability.

BTW, @mat200 brought up a good point: after 23 years I'd insure the PVC jacket was not cracked or split. It could be if stored in a area that was well lit with sunlight, very dry and hot, such as an attic with skylights. Examine jacket closely as you apply a slight bend of no less than a 2 inch radius; you don't want kink the copper conductors.
 
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