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Draka Launches Space Saving High Density CAT.6 Cable

Cables and systems specialist Draka has launched a space saving high density Cat. 6 network cable. The compact design of the UC 400 HD C6 U/UTP cable will enable installers to save both time and money by running increased numbers of cables in cable trays and conduits when compared to standard Cat.6 U/UTP cables.

The high density Cat.6 U/UTP cable has an outside diameter of just 5.25mm, whereas the outside diameter of standard Cat.6 U/UTP cable is between 6.0mm to 6.3mm. As a result, Draka’s UC400 Cat 6 HD U/UTP cable has a cross-sectional area approximately 25% less than that of standard Cat.6 U/UTP cabling.

The advantage of the cable’s compact design can be seen using the example of a 300mm x 35mm cable tray. If market standard Cat.6 U/UTP cabling is
installed in the tray, it can carry 140 cable links. When Draka’s new compact cable is used, the tray’s capacity is increased to 195 links, a 40% improvement.

In addition to new build projects, the high density Cat.6 U/UTP cable will also be beneficial for existing system upgrades. The high density cable’s 5.25mm diameter is the same as that of a lower performance, standard Cat 5e cable. The similarity in diameter will enable the performance of existing installations to be upgraded with the new high density cable while reusing the current containment systems, generating significant cost savings in both materials and installation time.

Installers will also benefit from the compact cable’s improved flexibility, box packaging and reduced weight.  The Reelex® box packaging option makes the high density Cat. 6 cable easy to move on site; and when the cable is finished the empty cardboard box can be easily recycled. In addition, the compact cable’s reduced diameter means a 305m box of Draka Cat 6 HD cable is 2kg lighter than the equivalent 13kg box of standard Cat.6 U/UTP cable.

The UC400 Cat 6 HD U/UTP cable is the latest product to be developed by Draka’s market leading research team. The high density Cat.6 cable has excellent headroom of 5dB, which is the same high level of performance as Draka’s UC 400 Cat 6 U/UTP cable. It is compliant with all the relevant international standards including ISO/IEC 11801; ANSI/TIA 568 C-2; IEC 61156-5; EN 50173-1 and EN 50288-6-1. And it meets the fire performance requirements stated in IEC 60332-1-2; IEC 61034-2 and IEC 60754-2.

In addition, Draka’s UC400 Cat 6 HD U/UTP cable is certified as part of the Universal Cabling (UC) – Connect System and has approvals as part of a 3-connector link and 4-connector channel. As with all Draka UC branded cables this product comes with third party approval for cable performance giving end users complete assurance in the structured cabling system.