What Is a CAT7 Cable? Specifications, Types and Selection Criteria
A CAT7 cable is a copper data cable with four pairs, specified up to 600 MHz, each pair foiled and all braided (S/FTP); it carries 10 Gbps Ethernet over 100 metres.
A CAT7 (Category 7) cable is a copper data cable with four twisted pairs, specified up to 600 MHz, in which each pair has its own foil and all four pairs are covered by a braid (S/FTP). It is the cable for a Class F channel in ISO/IEC 11801 and carries 10 Gbps Ethernet (10GBASE-T) over a 100-metre channel; TIA standards have no Category 7. It is used in industrial plants with heavy electrical noise, around machines and panels, and in structured cabling projects whose specification calls for Class F.
CAT6a, CAT7 and CAT7A compared
| Category | Specified frequency | Shield | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT6a | 500 MHz | Unshielded or shielded | RJ45 |
| CAT7 | 600 MHz | S/FTP | GG45 or TERA |
| CAT7A | 1000 MHz | S/FTP | GG45 or TERA |
A CAT7 run terminated with RJ45 performs at CAT6a level. As most switches and network cards have RJ45 ports, CAT7 is chosen for strong shielding or the specification, not speed.
Types of CAT7 cable in the catalog
All 5 active products in the CAT7 Cables category belong to the Reçber Kablo SL900 S/F23 series: 4x2x23 AWG copper conductors, S/FTP shield, sold by the metre. They differ in sheath and fire behaviour.
| Stock code | Sheath | Fire behaviour | Where to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 507001 | LSZH | No CPR class in the name | Indoors; check the CPR class in the datasheet |
| 507072 | LSZH | CPR Cca | Buildings whose specification calls for Cca |
| 507093 | LSZH | CPR B2ca | Buildings that call for a higher reaction-to-fire class |
| 507110 | LSZH | PH120 fire-resistant | Data lines of systems that must keep working in a fire |
| 507003 | PE | No fire class | Outdoors and underground ducts |
Selection criteria
- Connector system: Class F performance is only reached when the socket, patch panel and patch cord are CAT7 components too (GG45 or TERA). If the equipment at the end has RJ45, the achievable level is CAT6a; in that case a CAT6a cable carries the same 10 Gbps over 100 metres.
- Shield and earthing: An S/FTP shield only helps when it is carried end to end through shielded sockets and patch panels and earthed.
- Reaction to fire (CPR): The class of cable installed permanently in a building is declared according to EN 50575. The letter class falls from Aca to Fca; B2ca is above Cca. Additional codes such as s1a, d1 and a1 show smoke, flaming droplets and acidity; the lower the number, the better the result.
- Fire resistance: A CPR class shows how far a cable spreads fire, not whether it keeps working in a fire. Systems whose data link must continue during a fire use PH120-marked cable; PH120 means 120 minutes of circuit integrity under flame and impact according to EN 50200.
- Sheath: LSZH is for indoor use. A PE sheath is for outdoors and underground ducts; the name of the Reçber PE type states no fire class.
- Mechanical: Because of the 23 AWG conductor and the double shield, CAT7 is thicker and stiffer than unshielded CAT6; work out duct fill and bend radius from the datasheet.
Common mistakes
- Terminating CAT7 cable with RJ45 and expecting CAT7 performance: The channel stays at the class of its weakest component.
- Leaving the shield unearthed or using an unshielded patch panel: The shield gives no protection.
- Taking Cca or B2ca as fire resistance: These classes do not show that the line will work during a fire; that needs PH120.
- Using a PE sheath indoors or an LSZH sheath outdoors: PE has no fire class, and LSZH is not designed for sun and moisture.
Standards
- ISO/IEC 11801-1 and EN 50173-1: Class F channel and Category 7 components.
- IEEE 802.3an: 10GBASE-T.
- EN 50575 and EN 13501-6: CPR reaction-to-fire classes.
- EN 50200: PH fire-resistance test.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CAT7 and CAT6a?
CAT6a is specified up to 500 MHz and CAT7 up to 600 MHz; both carry 10 Gbps over 100 metres. CAT6a uses RJ45 and also comes unshielded. CAT7 is always S/FTP and needs GG45 or TERA connectors for full performance.
Can CAT7 cable be used with RJ45?
Yes, and the network will work, but the channel stays at CAT6a level. Choose a shielded RJ45 connector suited to a 23 AWG conductor.
What is the difference between CAT7 and CAT7A?
CAT7 is specified up to 600 MHz and CAT7A up to 1000 MHz (Class FA). Both are S/FTP and are used for 10 Gbps in Ethernet.
What do Cca and B2ca mean?
They are reaction-to-fire classes declared according to EN 50575. B2ca requires less flame spread and heat release than Cca. The project specification decides which one is needed.