PVC can be an abbreviation that stands for polyvinyl chloride. In Ethernet cables, PVC rated cable is the term used to describe a PVC cable is the jacket-rating for an Ethernet cable. PVC cables are offered in various categories, including Cat6 PVC Cable Cat5e PVC Cable, and Cat6a PVC Cable.
What is a PVC rating?
When it comes to Ethernet cables, PVC is used to describe the jacket rating. Ethernet cables with jacket ratings are designed to install them in outdoor areas. In contrast to riser-rated or plenum-rated cable, PVC cables don’t come with fire resistance; however, they have characteristics that allow Ethernet cables to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It includes the capability of PVC jackets to withstand sunlight, acids, oil and weathering, abrasion, and heat.
PVC cables are specially designed to be used outdoors.
Categories of PVC cables
The most popular PVC Ethernet cables are Cat5e PVC cable, Cat6 PVC cable, and Cat6a PVC cable.
Let’s look at the features of each one individually.
Cat5e PVC Cable
The Cat5e cable is a 5th generation ethernet cable with high data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps when used over 50 meters. If the distance is increased up to 100 meters, the data transfer rate decreases down to 100Mbps.
The cable is awe-inspiring with a bandwidth of 350 MHz. It’s available in pure copper conductors, and copper-clad aluminum eight conductors are connected in four connected pairs to reduce EMI and minimize the negative impact of crosstalk on the signal strength.
It is offered in unshielded and shielded versions and can run 24AWG.
This cable is compatible with IEEE 802.12:100 Base-VG 100 Base-X, IEEE 802.5:4/16 token Ring, ANSI X3T9.5 TP-PMD (FDDI), and ATM PMD, 155 Mbps. IEEE 802.3 Fast Ethernet:10 Base T, 100 Base-T4.
Cat6 PVC cable
If you were to look at the “6” in the term Cat6 PVC, you would already be aware that it’s the 6th generation Ethernet cable. This cable has a far greater and superior data transfer speed than the prior generation cable, which is 10 Gbps for 50 meters. The speed drops to 1Gbps when the distance increases by 100 meters or up to 328 feet.
The cable boasts a staggering capacity for bandwidth of 555 Mhz. Like 5th generation cables, it’s also available in pure copper as well as copper-clad aluminum conductors. Both are tightly wrapped in four twisted pairs. The cable is 23AWG.
This cable supports Broadband 550 MHz video, voice, and SDN 155/622 10BASE-T ATM PoE at Mbps 1000BASE-T (IEEE802.3) 100BASE TX Speed Ethernet apps.
Cat6a PVC Cable
The Cat6a PVC cable has been designed as an enhanced cable that provides increased data transfer speeds of 10 Gbps for relatively long distances, which is 100 meters. The quality of the signal is ensured due to its increased bandwidth of up to 750 millimeters.
Similar to the other two categories, the cable is available in copper-clad aluminum and copper-free conductors. It also has 23AWG and is available in unshielded and shielded versions.
The cable is also compatible with Broadband video at 550 MHz and voice and SDN 522/ 622 Mbps PoE, 10BASET, 1000BASET (IEEE802.3) 100BASE-TX Speedy Ethernet applications.
Cat7 PVC Cable
In high-speed data centers In high-speed data centers, the Cat7 PVC cable is equipped with an incredible data transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps across 50 meters or 164 feet. The data transfer speed drops to 10 Gbps once the length is extended to 100 meters or 328 feet. Ethernet cable has an incredible bandwidth of 2000 MHz. It ensures that your signal strength is guaranteed no matter what it comes to.
Like the other three categories, The Cat7 PVC cable comes in pure copper and CCA conductors. The ethernet cable is also at 23 AWG and is commonly used for data centers with high speeds. This cable is in the aviation and healthcare sectors.
The answer to this question is contingent on your budget and the speed you require for your data. For gamers and commercial use, Cat6 PVC is an excellent choice. In the aviation and healthcare industry, Cat7 is the ultimate option.
