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EC-15 · Supply

Cat6 Cable and Network Cable Installation

Cat6, Cat5e and Cat6a LAN cable and network cable installation for homes and offices. Send one free request and a local supplier or installer quotes you.

Blue Cat6 network cables neatly dressed into a patch panel in an office comms cabinet
Blue Cat6 network cables neatly dressed into a patch panel in an office comms cabinet

Cat6 cable is the standard copper network cable for wiring homes, offices and shops, connecting computers, access points, CCTV cameras and smart TVs to a router or switch. A wired network is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, and it is the backbone behind most good wireless systems too. ElectricalCable.co.za does not sell or install cable. Tell us what you need, whether supply only or a full network installation, and we pass your request to an independent supplier or network installer in your area, who quotes you directly.

Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a

All three are twisted-pair LAN cable with four pairs of copper conductors, and all support runs up to 100 m:

  • Cat5e: gigabit speeds, fine for basic home and small office use
  • Cat6: gigabit at full length and 10 Gb/s over shorter runs, the usual choice for new installs
  • Cat6a: 10 Gb/s over the full 100 m, used in offices and server rooms

UTP (unshielded) suits most buildings, while FTP or shielded cable helps near heavy electrical noise.

Boxes, indoor and outdoor cable

Network cable is mostly sold in boxes or drums of 305 m, while 100m Cat6 cable boxes and ready-made patch leads suit small jobs. Indoor cable has a PVC or low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) sheath; LSZH is often specified in offices and public buildings. Outdoor and underground runs need UV-resistant, gel-filled or armoured outdoor cable, often in conduit. Keep data cable away from power cables or cross them at right angles to avoid interference.

Networking cable installation

Good networking cable installation covers more than pulling cable. A proper installer plans cable routes, fits trunking or cable tray, terminates onto keystone sockets and patch panels, labels every point, and tests each link. Certified testing proves the cabling meets its category. For larger sites, fibre-optic cable links buildings and floors, with Cat6 to the desks. Ask for a floor plan with points marked so the quote reflects the real job.

Price and what to ask

Network cable price depends on the category, shielding, sheath type, box quantity and the copper content. Cheap cable made with copper-clad aluminium rather than solid copper is common and performs poorly, so ask for solid copper conductors. For data cable installation, the number of points, ceiling and wall access, distance to the cabinet and testing requirements drive the cost. Power to comms cabinets and racks is fixed wiring and must be done by a registered electrician.

Comparing data and network cable prices

Cable prices change with the copper price, size, brand and quantity. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact specification: size in mm², cores, conductor, insulation, armour and voltage rating.
  • Quantity: cut length or full drum, and whether the drum deposit is refundable.
  • Standards: SABS-marked cable to the relevant SANS standard, not unmarked imports.
  • Delivery: lead time, delivery to site and offloading of heavy drums.

What to include in your request

  • Cable category (Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a) and indoor or outdoor use
  • Number of network points and a rough floor plan
  • Supply only or full installation with termination and testing
  • Cabinets, patch panels, switches or Wi-Fi access points needed
  • Your suburb, building type and preferred timing

Frequently asked questions

Should I use Cat6 or Cat5e?
For new installations, Cat6 is the better choice. It costs little more than Cat5e, handles gigabit speeds comfortably and supports 10 Gb/s over shorter runs, so it will last longer as networks get faster. Cat5e is still fine for simple, short home runs.
How far can a Cat6 cable run?
A Cat6 link can run up to 100 m, including patch leads, at gigabit speeds. For 10 Gb/s over the full length you need Cat6a. For longer distances or links between buildings, installers use fibre-optic cable.
Can I run network cable in the same conduit as electrical cable?
It is best not to. Running data cable alongside power cable can cause interference and may conflict with wiring regulations. Use separate conduit or trunking compartments, keep a gap between them, and cross power cables at right angles.
Do you install network cabling?
No. ElectricalCable.co.za is a free quote-request service. We pass your request to an independent cable supplier or network installer near you, who quotes you directly for supply or installation. There is no cost and no obligation.

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