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How often should I replace CAT 5 Cables?

[Q] How often should I replace my CAT 5 Patch Cables? [A] Many factors will effect how long a Patch Cable will last, but there are a few general guidelines you can follow to help. One of the biggest factors influencing the life span of a Patch Cable will be how often it is unplugged from a device. The physical act of removing and reinserting an RJ45 plug into the jack of a Patch Panel, Router, Network Adapter or any other similar device will cause an expected amount of wear and tear on the plug. Some of this wear will be to the molded head of the plug, and some of the wear will be seen on the copper contacts. For this reason, many server rooms will be stocked with extra cables. Bending and flexing of the cable will also effect how quickly it will wear out. Patch Cables can be constructed of both Solid and Stranded copper conductor, and no matter which one you use, the copper can only handle a certain amount of bending and flexing before it will break. This is why it is considered a good idea to leave long runs of cable "in place" once they are positioned. Excessive traffic across the cable can cause real problems. If you are using long pieces of cable across a floor, catwalk, crawlspace or similar arrangement for a "temporary run", you need to be careful to protect the cable from physical abuse. Covering the cable with conduit or step plates will help keep your cable looking and performing well. Many IT professionals, along with IT purchasing specialists, will often choose to use entirely new cables each time a server room is reconfigured, or if devices are being rearranged in large quantities that would serve to disturb the stable platform of cable bundles within it. Many other IT experts will refuse to reuse old cables simply because they want the best possible performance each time they make a connection. Do your research first, and then decide which option is right for you. CAT 5 Cable company is committed to quality, and will always use the best materials in the construction of your cables. RELATED FAQ QUESTION: What is the difference between CAT 5 and CAT 5e cable? Keywords: CAT 5, Patch Cable, Patch Cables