Superior Essex Cat5e Shielded Aluminum vs. Copper Shield

I recently did a video on a Essex cable with a copper shield and not to long ago I did what I though was the same cable but with a aluminum shield, let's take the red pill and dig into these cables.

The cables compared are part of the Superior Essex BBDe series of OSP (Outside Plant) cables. More specifically the part number for the aluminum is 04-601-54 and the copper is 04-601-55.

Both of these cables are designed to provide extension of the LAN beyond the premise, core is filled with a PFM gel to prevent water ingress and won't drip down in vertical cable run installations. Applications for both these cables are the same, 10BASE-T through 1000BASE-T, ATM and token ring, WiMAX cell towers.

Let's go over what the features are for both cables.

* Cat5e transmission performance to 350mhz
* Shield provides EMI/RFI prtection
* UV sunlight resistant black jacket
* Dry water block between shield and core

Let's visually look at these cables from our YouTube channel.




So these cables are the same except the shield, what shield is the correct shield for your installation? Let's compare.

Part number 04-601-54 the aluminum shield has a electrically continuous polymer coated smooth aluminum tape, applied with an overlap. Essex specifies this cable to be installed in lashed aerial, underground conduit and "low risk" direct burial installation.

Part number 04-604-55 the copper shield has a electrically continuous corrugated copper clad armor, applied with an overlap shield and flooded with a flooded compound. Where to install this cable is the same but essex specifies this cable as "rodent proof".

Certain areas are more exposed to those cute rodents so if that's a big concern for you go with the copper shield. Actually after comparing pricing per foot there's not much of a price difference, might as well install the copper shield.

"By Mercy Salinas"

Dressing your Cat5e, Cat6 data cabling so it looks sexy!

When you start your data cabling do it right from the beginning before it gets out of hand. Here's a couple of examples to avoid before you start pulling your hair out!

If your cabling gets this bad you better hope there's a building remodel before a network remodel. The cost of having network cabling reorganized when it gets this bad is so expensive you might as well upgrade your existing network.

There's a simple, easy and inexpensive tool to help you avoid the point of no return. A Cable Comb.



It's so easy to use, so save yourself the headache in the long run and keep this cool tool on hand in the telecom closet. Maybe lock it up, tools never end up where you left them.

"By Mercy Salinas"

Cat5e Cable for Cell Tower and Outdoor Wireless Installations

As you know cell tower and outdoor wireless equipment installations can be some of the most demanding and dangerous. Contractors for these installations face many pressures from meeting a deadline, proper materials, making sure the job is done correctly and doing everything with a safety first mentality.

We can't help you with everything your going to bump into at your installation but we can help with getting you proper materials for your installation in a timely manner to help meet your deadline.

One product that comes to mind is the BBDE serise of outside plant cable by Superior Essex.


* This cable is built with a dry water blocking agent outside of the inner jacket that helps prevent  water ingress between shield in inner cable preventing damage to equipment.

* The core is fully filled with PFM Gel allowing for a no drip or flow in vertical installations, also helps fight against degraded transmission performance.

* Outside plant rated sunlight resistant black jacket will allow for years and years of reliable performance.

With these features and the reliability of a company that has been making cable since 1930 you can rest assure the quality of this cable is as good as your installation.

You can order this cable at Discount Low Voltagee

"By Mercy Salinas"