CAT 5 Patch Cable :: CAT 5 Crossover Cable :: Cat 5e Patch Cable :: CAT 5e Crossover Cable
CAT 6 Patch Cable :: CAT 6 Crossover Cable :: Shipping :: About Us :: Contact Us :: Help :: Home

FAQ Section

Patch Cables with Damaged PVC Jacket

[Q] Is there any danger in using a CAT 5 Cable with a cut in the PVC Jacket? [A] There are quite a few variables involved with this question. We will address them one at a time for clarification. Depending on the type of damage, and where it is located will determine if you are going to have an issue or not. It is not uncommon for a CAT 5 Patch Cable to receive a minor nick or slice in the jacket that does not cut into the actual twisted pairs within the outer jacket. If this is the case, there is no reason at all why you could not simply wrap the damaged area with electrical tape, or use heat-shrink tubing to reinforce and cover the entire area. If the damage is to the actual twisted pairs within the outer jacket, then you have a potentially larger issue to deal with. The slightest nick or cut on the pvc jacketing that covers the individual strands of wire can cause signal problems and cross-talk disasters. As a general rule, if you damage a cable by slicing into it you are better off replacing it unless you are 100% certain that there is no damage beyond the outer jacket. If you are uncertain if the cable is damaged beyond repair, throw it out. CAT 5 Cable Company provides CAT 5 and CAT 5e patch and crossover cables for all networking applications in 9 colors, and any custom length. Hand assembled and 100% tested to ensure the finest quality. RELATED FAQ QUESTION: What is the difference between CAT 5 and CAT 5e cable? Keywords: Cat 5, Patch Cord, Cable, Home Networking