What Is a CAT7A Cable? Specifications, Types and Selection Criteria
A CAT7A cable is a copper data cable with four pairs, specified up to 1000 MHz, each pair foiled and all braided (S/FTP); it is Class FA in ISO/IEC 11801.
A CAT7A (Category 7A) cable is a copper data cable with four twisted pairs, specified up to 1000 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 FA channel in ISO/IEC 11801 and the extended-frequency version of CAT7; TIA standards have no Category 7A. It is used on 10 Gbps Ethernet backbones, in data centres and in structured cabling projects that need frequency headroom and strong shielding.
CAT7A and neighbouring categories
| Category | Specified frequency | Ethernet | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT6a | 500 MHz | 10 Gbps, 100 m | RJ45 |
| CAT7 | 600 MHz | 10 Gbps, 100 m | GG45 or TERA |
| CAT7A | 1000 MHz | 10 Gbps, 100 m | GG45 or TERA |
| CAT8 | 2000 MHz | 25 and 40 Gbps, 30 m | CAT8.1 RJ45; CAT8.2 GG45 or TERA |
A CAT7A run terminated with RJ45 performs at CAT6a level. The frequency headroom of CAT7A is only used when the socket, patch panel and patch cord are Class FA components too.
Types of CAT7A cable in the catalog
The CAT7A Cables category has 7 active products; all are S/FTP and sold by the metre.
| Brand and series | Conductor | Sheath and fire class | Stock code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reçber Kablo SL1200 (Category 7A) | 4x2x23 AWG | LSZH; LSZH Cca | 507007, 507085 |
| Reçber Kablo SL1500 (Category 7A+) | 4x2x22 AWG | LSZH; LSZH Cca; PE | 507013, 507094, 507015 |
| Birtaş Kablo | 4x2x23 AWG | LSZH-HFFR Cca-s1, d1; PE black | 1915 23 904 301, 1915 23 904 401 |
Birtaş Kablo products are priced on request. The "7A+" in the SL1500 name is not a class defined in the standard but a manufacturer designation.
Selection criteria
- Is CAT7A really needed: Most equipment has RJ45, and with RJ45 the channel stays at CAT6a level. If the only aim is 10 Gbps, a CAT6a cable is enough. Choose CAT7A when a Class FA channel will be built with GG45 or TERA components, when strong shielding is needed or when the specification calls for it.
- Conductor gauge: A 22 AWG conductor has lower resistance than 23 AWG and runs cooler on long runs and with high-power PoE. In return the cable is thicker; check that the socket and connector accept a 22 AWG conductor and the cable diameter.
- Shield and earthing: An S/FTP shield only helps when it is carried end to end through shielded sockets and patch panels and earthed.
- Sheath and fire class: LSZH is for indoor use. The CPR class of cable installed permanently in a building is declared according to EN 50575; if the specification calls for Cca, choose the type with Cca in its name. A PE sheath is for outdoors and underground ducts.
- Channel length: 100 m; at most 90 m of fixed cabling plus the patch cords at both ends.
Common mistakes
- Buying CAT7A for 25 or 40 Gbps: These speeds are for CAT8 and are limited to 30 metres.
- Terminating the cable with RJ45 and expecting Class FA: The channel stays at the class of its weakest component.
- Taking "7A+" as a separate standard class: It is a manufacturer designation; read the frequency value in the datasheet.
- Terminating shielded cable on an unshielded patch panel: The shield is not earthed and gives no protection.
Standards
- ISO/IEC 11801-1 and EN 50173-1: Class FA channel and Category 7A components.
- IEEE 802.3an: 10GBASE-T; IEEE 802.3bq: 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T over CAT8.
- EN 50575 and EN 13501-6: CPR reaction-to-fire classes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CAT7A and CAT7?
CAT7 is specified up to 600 MHz (Class F) and CAT7A up to 1000 MHz (Class FA). Both are S/FTP and are used for 10 Gbps over 100 metres in Ethernet.
Should I choose CAT7A or CAT6a?
If the equipment has RJ45 and the target is 10 Gbps, CAT6a is enough. Choose CAT7A when strong shielding, Class FA components or the specification require it.
Can CAT7A carry 40 Gbps?
40GBASE-T is defined in IEEE 802.3bq for CAT8 over a 30-metre channel; it is not defined for CAT7A.
Is CAT7A suitable for PoE?
Yes. Its four-pair construction carries PoE up to and including IEEE 802.3bt; the 22 AWG types run cooler at high power.