Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable for Double-Shielded Gigabit Ethernet Networks

Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable provides foil-and-braid screened copper connectivity for Gigabit Ethernet, structured cabling, IP surveillance, building automation and other LAN applications where additional electromagnetic protection is required. ETK Kablo manufactures Cat 5e SF/UTP cables with 24 AWG solid copper conductors and PVC, LSOH or PE outer jackets.

The current ETK Kablo Cat 5e SF/UTP range uses four individually unshielded twisted pairs with 0.51 mm solid copper conductors and solid polyethylene insulation. Polyester tape wraps the pair bundle, while an overall Al/PET foil, tinned copper earthing wire and overall tinned copper braid form the screening system. The cables provide Category 5e transmission performance through 100 MHz.

SF/UTP combines two overall metallic screens while leaving the individual twisted pairs unshielded. The foil and braid can help reduce electromagnetic coupling between the Ethernet cable and its surrounding electrical environment.

What Is Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable?

Cat 5e SF/UTP is a four-pair balanced Ethernet cable with an overall foil and an overall metallic braid around four individually unshielded twisted pairs.

The designation means:

• S – overall metallic braid
• F – overall foil screen
• UTP – individually unshielded twisted pairs

The screening notation matters because SF/UTP should not be confused with S/FTP. S/FTP uses foil around each individual pair together with an overall braid, while SF/UTP uses foil and braid around pairs that remain individually unshielded.

ETK Kablo Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable Range

Product	Outer Jacket	Main Selection Direction
Cat 5e SF/UTP PVC	PVC	General fixed structured cabling where PVC materials are permitted
Cat 5e SF/UTP LSOH	Halogen-free / low-smoke material	Projects requiring defined smoke and halogen characteristics
Cat 5e SF/UTP PE	Polyethylene	Outdoor-oriented screened Ethernet routes

All three products share the same basic Cat 5e SF/UTP electrical and screening architecture. The main variation is the outer-jacket material.

Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable Construction

Component	Current ETK Kablo Construction
Conductor	Electrolytic solid copper
Conductor Diameter	0.51 mm
Conductor Size	24 AWG
Insulation	Solid polyethylene
Pair Construction	Four twisted pairs
Wrapping	Polyester tape
Overall Foil	Al/PET tape
Overall Braid	Tinned copper braid
Earthing Wire	Tinned copper
Individual Pair Screens	None
Outer Jacket	PVC, LSOH or PE according to product

How Cat 5e SF/UTP Double Shielding Works

Cat 5e SF/UTP combines two different overall screening layers around the complete four-pair Ethernet core.

The Al/PET foil provides continuous metallic coverage around the pair bundle. The tinned copper braid adds another conductive screen around the same cable core.

Together, these layers can help reduce electromagnetic coupling between the Ethernet cable and external electrical noise sources.

The individual twisted pairs remain unshielded. Their controlled twist geometry continues to support balanced transmission and internal crosstalk performance.

Overall Foil Screening

The Al/PET foil surrounds all four twisted pairs together rather than wrapping each pair individually.

This overall screen creates a conductive barrier between the Ethernet core and the surrounding environment.

The foil is therefore different from the individual pair screens found in U/FTP, F/FTP and S/FTP architectures.

Overall Tinned Copper Braid

The current ETK Kablo SF/UTP construction adds a tinned copper braid around the foil-screened cable core.

The braid provides a second overall conductive screen and complements the foil layer.

Both metallic screens form part of the electromagnetic architecture. They should not be confused with steel wire armor or steel wire braid used for mechanical protection in armored data cables.

Cat 5e SF/UTP Earthing Wire

The current Cat 5e SF/UTP products include a tinned copper earthing wire together with the overall foil and braid.

The earthing wire supports continuity and termination of the screening system.

A screened Ethernet cable should form part of a compatible screened channel. Connectors, patch panels, bonding and field termination influence the performance of the complete installation.

Using a heavily screened cable without suitable screened connectivity does not automatically provide the intended EMC performance.

24 AWG Solid Copper Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable

The current ETK Kablo Cat 5e SF/UTP products use 0.51 mm solid copper conductors, corresponding to the published 24 AWG construction.

Solid copper provides predictable conductor resistance and stable transmission characteristics for fixed structured-cabling installations.

The current documentation specifies a conductor resistance of up to 94 Ω/km at 20°C.

Professional buyers should distinguish solid-copper Ethernet cable from copper-clad alternatives when network performance, Power over Ethernet and project requirements are important.

Polyester Tape in Cat 5e SF/UTP Construction

Polyester tape wraps the assembled four-pair cable core before the metallic screening system.

This wrapping helps maintain the cable assembly and provides separation between the twisted-pair bundle and the surrounding metallic layers.

The current construction therefore follows a clear sequence from twisted pairs to polyester wrapping, overall foil, tinned copper braid and outer jacket.

100 MHz Cat 5e SF/UTP Performance

ETK Kablo publishes Category 5e transmission characteristics through 100 MHz.

Relevant electrical parameters include:

• Insertion loss
• Near-end crosstalk (NEXT)
• Power-sum NEXT
• Equal-level far-end crosstalk
• Power-sum equal-level far-end crosstalk
• Return loss
• Characteristic impedance
• Propagation velocity

The current ETK Kablo technical documentation defines the cable around a nominal 100-ohm balanced Ethernet impedance across the Category 5e frequency range.

Cat 5e SF/UTP for Gigabit Ethernet

Cat 5e SF/UTP can support 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet when the complete installed channel meets the applicable structured-cabling requirements.

Typical applications include:

• Commercial LAN networks
• Industrial Ethernet
• IP surveillance
• VoIP systems
• Wi-Fi access points
• Building automation
• Technical facilities
• Structured cabling in electrically active environments

The complete channel includes cable, connectors, patch panels, patch cords and field terminations. Every component contributes to final network performance.

1000BASE-T Uses All Four Pairs

Gigabit Ethernet over Category 5e uses all four twisted pairs within the cable.

Consistent conductor geometry, pair twisting and field termination therefore remain important throughout the installation.

The overall foil and braid address electromagnetic interaction around the complete cable core, while the twisted pairs continue to carry the balanced Ethernet signals.

Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable Length

Balanced copper Ethernet installations commonly use a maximum structured-cabling channel length of 100 meters.

A typical channel includes up to 90 meters of permanent-link cable together with patch and equipment cords.

The additional foil and braid screens do not extend the standardized Ethernet transmission distance. Their main purpose is electromagnetic screening.

Network routes exceeding the applicable copper-channel distance can require intermediate active equipment or fiber optic cabling.

When Should You Choose Cat 5e SF/UTP?

Cat 5e SF/UTP can be appropriate when a project requires Gigabit Ethernet together with combined overall foil and braid screening.

Typical selection factors include:

• Electrically active commercial environments
• Industrial Ethernet routes
• Projects specifying foil-and-braid screening
• IP surveillance infrastructure
• Building automation networks
• Network pathways with elevated EMI exposure
• Screened Gigabit Ethernet systems

Normal cable-separation and installation requirements should still be followed. Double screening does not remove the need for correct routing around power infrastructure.

Cat 5e U/UTP vs F/UTP vs S/UTP vs SF/UTP

Construction	Overall Foil	Overall Braid	Individual Pair Screens
U/UTP	No	No	No
F/UTP	Yes	No	No
S/UTP	No	Yes	No
SF/UTP	Yes	Yes	No

These constructions can all provide Category 5e transmission performance, but their electromagnetic-screening architectures differ.

SF/UTP combines the overall foil used in F/UTP with the overall braid used in S/UTP.

Cat 5e F/UTP vs SF/UTP

F/UTP and SF/UTP both use an overall foil around four individually unshielded pairs.

SF/UTP adds an additional overall tinned copper braid.

Feature	F/UTP	SF/UTP
Overall Foil	Yes	Yes
Overall Braid	No	Yes
Individual Pair Screens	No	No

SF/UTP therefore provides a more extensive overall screen architecture. F/UTP can remain appropriate where one overall foil satisfies the project specification.

Cat 5e S/UTP vs SF/UTP

S/UTP and SF/UTP both use an overall metallic braid around unshielded twisted pairs.

SF/UTP additionally uses an overall foil.

Feature	S/UTP	SF/UTP
Overall Braid	Yes	Yes
Overall Foil	No	Yes
Individual Pair Screens	No	No

The correct option should follow the required electromagnetic architecture rather than the assumption that more screening is always necessary.

SF/UTP Is Not the Same as S/FTP

SF/UTP and S/FTP are different cable constructions.

SF/UTP uses one overall foil and one overall braid around four individually unshielded twisted pairs.

S/FTP uses an overall braid while each individual twisted pair receives its own foil screen.

Feature	SF/UTP	S/FTP
Individual Pair Foils	No	Yes
Overall Foil	Yes	No
Overall Braid	Yes	Yes

Procurement documents should use the exact notation to avoid supplying a different screening architecture.

Cat 5e SF/UTP vs Cat 6 SF/UTP

Characteristic	Cat 5e SF/UTP	Cat 6 SF/UTP
Category Frequency	100 MHz	250 MHz
Primary Ethernet Application	Gigabit Ethernet	Higher-performance Gigabit Ethernet
Current ETK Conductor Diameter	0.51 mm	0.57 mm
Individual Pair Screens	No	No
Overall Foil + Braid	Yes	Yes

Both families use the same basic SF/UTP screening principle. Cat 6 operates through a higher standardized frequency and uses a different cable design to meet the tighter Category 6 transmission requirements.

Cat 5e SF/UTP vs Cat 6A S/FTP

Cat 5e SF/UTP and Cat 6A S/FTP should not be considered equivalent simply because both include foil and braid.

Cat 5e SF/UTP uses overall foil and braid around individually unshielded pairs and operates through 100 MHz.

Cat 6A S/FTP uses individual foil screens around every pair together with an overall braid and operates through 500 MHz for 10GBASE-T applications.

The two cable families therefore differ in both screening architecture and network category.

Cat 5e SF/UTP PVC Cable

Cat 5e SF/UTP PVC Cable combines foil-and-braid electromagnetic screening with a UV-resistant PVC outer jacket.

The current ETK Kablo product uses 0.51 mm solid copper conductors, solid PE insulation, polyester wrapping, a tinned copper earthing wire, Al/PET foil and tinned copper braid.

The published approximate cable diameter is 5.8 mm.

Current packing lengths include 100 m, 500 m and 1000 m.

PVC provides a conventional jacket option for fixed structured-cabling projects where PVC materials are permitted.

Cat 5e SF/UTP LSOH Cable

Cat 5e SF/UTP LSOH Cable retains the same foil-and-braid screening architecture while using a UV-resistant halogen-free outer jacket.

The current product uses 0.51 mm solid copper conductors, with a published approximate cable diameter of 5.8 mm.

The current technical documentation includes applicable testing for:

• Smoke density
• Single-cable flame retardancy
• Corrosive-gas characteristics
• Halogen content

LSOH or LSZH describes material behavior during combustion. It does not establish fire-resistant circuit integrity.

Cat 5e SF/UTP PE Outdoor Cable

Cat 5e SF/UTP PE Cable combines the foil-and-braid screening system with a UV-resistant polyethylene outer jacket.

The current product retains the same 0.51 mm solid copper conductors, solid PE insulation, polyester wrapping, tinned copper earthing wire, Al/PET foil and tinned copper braid.

The published approximate cable diameter is 5.8 mm.

Potential applications include:

• Outdoor LAN extensions
• Building-to-building network routes
• Outdoor IP surveillance
• External Wi-Fi infrastructure
• Campus Ethernet networks
• Outdoor industrial Ethernet

The PE jacket provides an outdoor-oriented material system. It should not automatically be interpreted as mechanical armor, water blocking or universal direct-burial qualification.

PVC vs LSOH vs PE Cat 5e SF/UTP

Jacket	Main Selection Consideration
PVC	General fixed installations where PVC materials are permitted
LSOH / LSZH	Projects requiring defined low-smoke and halogen-related characteristics
PE	Outdoor-oriented routes requiring a polyethylene outer jacket

The jacket material changes environmental and reaction-to-fire characteristics but does not change the underlying SF/UTP screening architecture or 100 MHz Category 5e performance.

Cat 5e SF/UTP for Industrial Ethernet

Industrial facilities can contain motors, drives, switchgear and power infrastructure that generate electromagnetic interference.

The combination of an overall foil and an overall copper braid can make SF/UTP relevant where the network specification requires more extensive screening than U/UTP, F/UTP or S/UTP.

Correct cable routing, separation from power circuits and suitable screen termination remain important parts of the installation.

Cat 5e SF/UTP for IP CCTV

IP surveillance systems can use Cat 5e SF/UTP for network communication and compatible Power over Ethernet applications.

The foil-and-braid screening system can provide additional electromagnetic protection where camera routes pass through electrically active environments.

PVC or LSOH constructions can serve applicable indoor routes, while PE provides an outdoor-oriented option.

Camera bandwidth, switch capacity, network distance and PoE loading should form part of the system design.

Cat 5e SF/UTP for Building Automation

IP-based building systems can use Ethernet for monitoring, control and communication.

Cat 5e SF/UTP can provide screened Gigabit-capable connectivity where building infrastructure creates greater electromagnetic exposure than a conventional office route.

The required screening level should follow the actual project conditions rather than assuming that double shielding is necessary for every building network.

Cat 5e SF/UTP for Wi-Fi Access Points

Wireless access points rely on wired Ethernet infrastructure for network backhaul.

Cat 5e SF/UTP can provide Gigabit connectivity for compatible access points where screened cabling forms part of the installation specification.

Projects using multi-gigabit Wi-Fi infrastructure should also evaluate Cat 6 or Cat 6A according to the wired Ethernet requirements of the access points and switches.

Cat 5e SF/UTP and Power over Ethernet

Cat 5e SF/UTP can form part of compatible Power over Ethernet systems.

The foil and braid screens primarily address electromagnetic behavior. PoE performance depends on the electrical and thermal characteristics of the copper pairs.

Important design factors include:

• Solid copper conductor construction
• Conductor resistance
• Resistance unbalance
• Network distance
• Cable bundle size
• Ambient temperature
• Installation pathway
• Required PoE level

Double screening should not be treated as a substitute for proper PoE electrical and thermal design.

Cat 5e SF/UTP Electrical Characteristics

Parameter	Published Value
Conductor Resistance at 20°C	Max. 94 Ω/km
Insulation Resistance	5000 MΩ/km
Mutual Capacitance	Max. 56 nF/km
Resistance / Capacitance Unbalance	2%
Propagation Velocity	67–69%
Characteristic Impedance	Nominal 100 Ω
Operating Voltage	250 V DC
Test Voltage	1200 V DC for 1 minute

Cat 5e SF/UTP Mechanical Characteristics

The current PVC, LSOH and PE products use 0.51 mm solid copper conductors, with a published approximate overall cable diameter of 5.8 mm.

Current product documentation lists:

• Minimum bending radius: 8xD
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C
• Packing lengths: 100 m, 500 m and 1000 m

The exact packing requirement should be confirmed during quotation.

Cat 5e SF/UTP Standards

The current ETK Kablo Cat 5e SF/UTP technical documentation references:

• ANSI/TIA-568-C.2
• IEC 61156-5
• IEC 11801

The published electrical-performance tables extend through 100 MHz.

Project specifications can require different editions or additional documentation, so procurement teams should verify the requirements for the exact supplied product.

Flame, Smoke and Halogen Requirements

Reaction-to-fire and material characteristics depend on the selected jacket construction.

The current PVC product documentation includes IEC 60332-1-2 flame-retardancy testing.

The current LSOH product documentation additionally includes IEC 61034-2 smoke-density, IEC 60754-1 halogen-content and IEC 60754-2 corrosive-gas testing.

These tests describe reaction-to-fire and material characteristics. They should not be confused with fire-resistant circuit integrity such as FE180 or PH120.

How to Specify Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable

A complete RFQ should define the network, screening and installation requirements.

Specification Item	Information to Provide
Category	Cat 5e
Screening	SF/UTP – overall foil + overall braid around unshielded pairs
Bandwidth	100 MHz
Network Requirement	1000BASE-T or applicable Ethernet application
Conductor	0.51 mm / 24 AWG solid copper
Jacket	PVC, LSOH or PE
Installation Environment	Indoor or outdoor-oriented route
EMI Environment	Required electromagnetic-screening conditions
PoE Requirement	Required PoE application where applicable
Fire Requirement	Required flame, smoke, halogen and CPR classification where applicable
Packing Length	100 m, 500 m, 1000 m or applicable project requirement
Documentation	Datasheet, DoP where applicable and project documentation

Why Choose ETK Kablo for Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable?

ETK Kablo manufactures Cat 5e SF/UTP cable in PVC, LSOH and PE constructions for screened Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure.

The current range uses 0.51 mm / 24 AWG solid copper conductors, solid polyethylene insulation, polyester wrapping, an overall Al/PET foil, tinned copper earthing wire and overall tinned copper braid with transmission performance through 100 MHz.

This provides network contractors, distributors, CCTV integrators, commercial projects and industrial users with a foil-and-braid screened Category 5e option for installations where additional electromagnetic protection is required.

ETK Kablo can evaluate jacket material, electromagnetic environment, installation conditions, PoE requirements, packing length, CPR requirements and project documentation during the quotation process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat 5e SF/UTP Cable

What is Cat 5e SF/UTP cable?

Cat 5e SF/UTP is a four-pair Ethernet cable with an overall foil and an overall metallic braid around four individually unshielded twisted pairs.

What does SF/UTP mean?

SF/UTP means the complete cable core has both an overall braid and an overall foil, while the individual twisted pairs remain unshielded.

Is Cat 5e SF/UTP double shielded?

Yes. The current ETK Kablo construction combines an overall Al/PET foil with an overall tinned copper braid.

Is SF/UTP the same as S/FTP?

No. SF/UTP uses overall foil and braid around individually unshielded pairs. S/FTP uses an overall braid together with individual foil screens around each twisted pair.

What speed does Cat 5e SF/UTP support?

Cat 5e SF/UTP can support 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet over standard structured-cabling distances when the complete installed channel meets the applicable requirements.

What frequency is Cat 5e SF/UTP?

Category 5e transmission performance extends through 100 MHz.

What conductor size does ETK Kablo Cat 5e SF/UTP use?

The current products use 0.51 mm solid copper conductors, published as a 24 AWG construction.

Does SF/UTP have individually screened pairs?

No. The individual twisted pairs remain unshielded. The foil and braid surround the complete four-pair cable core.

What is the difference between F/UTP and SF/UTP?

F/UTP uses an overall foil. SF/UTP adds an overall metallic braid in addition to the foil.

What is the difference between S/UTP and SF/UTP?

S/UTP uses an overall metallic braid. SF/UTP combines that braid with an additional overall foil.

Can Cat 5e SF/UTP support Gigabit Ethernet?

Yes. Category 5e can support 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet when the complete installed channel meets the applicable requirements.

Can Cat 5e SF/UTP support PoE?

Cat 5e SF/UTP can form part of compatible PoE networks. Conductor resistance, network distance, bundle size, ambient temperature and the required PoE level should form part of the design.

Can Cat 5e SF/UTP be used outdoors?

Yes, when the exact construction is intended for external exposure. ETK Kablo currently manufactures a Cat 5e SF/UTP PE cable with a UV-resistant polyethylene outer jacket.

Does ETK Kablo manufacture LSZH Cat 5e SF/UTP?

Yes. The current range includes a Cat 5e SF/UTP LSOH construction with a halogen-free outer jacket.

Is Cat 5e SF/UTP fire resistant?

Not automatically. LSOH and flame-retardant characteristics describe material and reaction-to-fire behavior. They do not establish defined fire-resistant circuit integrity.

What packing lengths are available?

The current Cat 5e SF/UTP product documentation lists 100 m, 500 m and 1000 m packing lengths.

What information should I provide when requesting a quotation?

Provide the Cat 5e SF/UTP requirement, PVC/LSOH/PE jacket, network application, electromagnetic environment, PoE requirement where applicable, packing length, quantity and required project documentation.