CAT6 Outdoor Duct Cable

CAT6 outdoor duct cable is a specialized network cable designed for installation in underground or overhead ducts, combining the high performance of CAT6 standard with enhanced protection against the unique challenges of duct environments. Unlike aerial cables, duct cables do not require a messenger wire but feature a thicker, more durable outer jacket to withstand physical abrasion, compression, and moisture ingress commonly encountered in duct runs, whether buried underground, routed through concrete conduits, or installed in utility trenches. The jacket is typically made of UV-stabilized PE or low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) material, which is resistant to sunlight, chemicals, and temperature extremes, ensuring long-term reliability even in harsh industrial or urban duct systems.

Constructed with 4 pairs of 23 AWG solid copper conductors, the cable incorporates a cross-shaped polyethylene separator that physically isolates each twisted pair, further reducing crosstalk and improving signal quality at high frequencies (up to 250 MHz). It supports 10 Gbps transmission over distances up to 55 meters and 1 Gbps over 100 meters, making it suitable for extending local area networks (LANs) beyond building premises, connecting remote facilities, and powering outdoor PoE devices such as IP cameras and access points. The cable is compliant with ANSI/TIA-568-D.2 and ISO/IEC 11801 standards, with a maximum pulling tension of 100 N and a bending radius of ≤8 times the cable diameter, ensuring ease of installation in tight duct spaces without damaging internal components. Additionally, it features water-blocking technologies—such as gel-filled cores or water-blocking tape—to prevent moisture from penetrating the cable, protecting the copper conductors from corrosion and maintaining signal integrity over decades of use.