CAT 6 SF UTP
CAT 6 SF/UTP is a 250 MHz shielded data LAN cable for Class E structured cabling. It uses 23 AWG bare copper conductors, PE insulation, 100% coverage Al-Pet foil and tinned copper wire braiding. PVC, HFFR and PE outer sheath versions are available.
The cable supports Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet and PoE or PoE+ applications while providing foil and braid screening around the unshielded twisted pairs.
CAT 6 SF UTP cable for shielded LAN infrastructure
For projects where standard U/UTP cable may be exposed to higher electromagnetic noise, CAT 6 SF UTP cable adds an extra protection layer through an Al-Pet foil screen and tinned copper wire braiding. That construction helps preserve transmission quality in offices, technical rooms, industrial-adjacent interiors, building backbones and crowded cable pathways.
Compared with a basic unshielded Cat 6 construction, this format is more suitable when the route runs close to power lines, electrical devices, control panels or other cabling that may increase interference risk. It remains a practical choice for structured cabling systems targeting up to 250 MHz category performance.
Why CAT 6 SF UTP is selected
- Foil and braid shielding for stronger EMI and RFI control
- 23 AWG bare copper conductors for dependable LAN transmission
- Suitable for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet and PoE or PoE+
- PVC, HFFR and PE jacket alternatives for different project conditions
- Category 6 performance level for Class E cabling applications
Typical project fit
- Commercial building structured cabling
- Office LAN backbone and floor distribution
- Technical rooms with denser cable concentration
- Indoor routes where shielding is preferred over U/UTP
- Projects comparing Cat 6 against Cat 7 or Cat 7A alternatives
Construction of CAT 6 SF UTP cable
The cable structure is designed for screened copper LAN transmission with balanced electrical performance and practical installation handling.
| Construction element | Details |
|---|---|
| Conductor | 23 AWG bare copper |
| Insulation | PE |
| Pair separator | PE |
| Shielding | Al-Pet foil with 100% coverage + tinned copper wire braiding |
| Outer sheath | PVC, HFFR or PE |
Compliance
CAT 6 SF/UTP is specified according to EIA/TIA-568-C.2, ISO/IEC 11801 2nd edition, IEC 61156-5, EN 50173-1 and EN 50288-5-1. Related technical references are available from the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group, ISO/IEC 11801 and IEC 61156-5.
CAT 6 SF UTP technical specifications
CAT 6 SF/UTP is a 250 MHz shielded data LAN cable with the following mechanical, environmental and electrical specifications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category / class | Cat 6 / Class E |
| Maximum referenced frequency | 250 MHz |
| Copper weight | 30.5 kg/km |
| Minimum bending radius during installation | 58 mm |
| Minimum bending radius after installation | 29 mm |
| Maximum tensile strength | 100 N |
| Minimum crush resistance | 1000 N / 10 cm |
| Installation temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Operating temperature | -30°C to +70°C |
| Packing | 305 m / 500 m |
| Max. conductor resistance | Test value available on request at 20 °C |
| Impedance at 100 MHz | 100 ± 5 Ω |
| Velocity of propagation | 67% |
| Delay skew | 45 ns / 100 m |
| Operating voltage | 125 V |
Jacket and Euroclass options
| Version | Outer sheath | Euroclass | Approx. cable weight | Typical project note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF/UTP PVC | PVC | Eca | 67 kg/km | Common indoor data cabling selection |
| SF/UTP HFFR | HFFR | Dca | 68 kg/km | Lower smoke and halogen-free requirement |
| SF/UTP PE | PE | Fca | 59 kg/km | Alternative outer sheath choice by project request |
Applications for CAT 6 SF UTP cable
CAT 6 SF UTP is used where buyers want a shielded copper LAN cable without moving to higher-cost categories unnecessarily. It fits structured cabling routes where the network must remain stable and well protected in electrically busy interiors.
Supported network environments
- 10Base-T
- 100Base-T
- 1000Base-T
- 10GBase-T environments where full channel design is aligned
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+
Where it makes sense
- Office floors and horizontal building cabling
- Structured cabling between patch panels and outlet zones
- LAN routes near power equipment or denser electrical infrastructure
- Indoor projects comparing shielded vs unshielded Cat 6 options
- Installations balancing performance, shielding and budget
How to choose CAT 6 SF UTP for your project
Do not treat every Cat 6 cable as interchangeable. The correct selection depends on interference exposure, fire performance target, route design and whether a simpler U/UTP cable is already sufficient.
1) Decide whether shielding is actually needed
If the route passes through standard office conditions with low interference, CAT 6 U/UTP may be enough. If the installation is closer to electrical equipment or dense cable bundles, CAT 6 SF UTP becomes the stronger option.
2) Match the sheath to the installation condition
PVC is a common indoor choice. HFFR is preferred when lower smoke and halogen-free behavior is required. PE should only be selected where the project specification calls for it.
3) Check the category target before over-specifying
If the application does not require Cat 7 or Cat 7A class structures, CAT 6 SF UTP cable can offer a better cost-performance balance. For higher shielding and category comparisons, review CAT 7 S/FTP, CAT 7A S/FTP and CAT 7A Plus S/FTP.
4) Think in system terms, not only cable terms
Connector quality, grounding practice, pathway design and installation workmanship all affect the final channel performance. A good shielded cable cannot compensate for poor termination discipline.
CAT 6 SF UTP FAQ
What does SF/UTP mean in CAT 6 SF UTP?
SF/UTP describes a screened cable construction that combines foil shielding and an overall braid around unshielded twisted pairs. It is used to improve resistance against electromagnetic interference in structured cabling routes.
Where is CAT 6 SF UTP commonly used?
It is commonly used in indoor data LAN systems, office floors, technical rooms and structured cabling routes where buyers want Cat 6 performance with better shielding than U/UTP designs.
Is CAT 6 SF UTP suitable for PoE and PoE+?
Yes. CAT 6 SF/UTP supports PoE and PoE+ together with Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet applications.
Which outer sheath should be selected: PVC, HFFR or PE?
PVC is common for general indoor use, HFFR is preferred where lower smoke and halogen-free performance is needed, and PE should be chosen only when the project specification requires that construction.
Is CAT 6 SF UTP better than CAT 6 U/UTP?
Not universally. CAT 6 SF UTP is better when shielding is beneficial. If the project environment is electrically clean, CAT 6 U/UTP may deliver the required performance with a simpler and more economical structure.
What frequency does CAT 6 SF UTP support?
CAT 6 SF/UTP supports Category 6 performance up to 250 MHz for Class E structured cabling applications.
Need the right shielded LAN cable for your project?
Review the full cable category, compare adjacent Cat cable types, or send your technical requirement directly to info@upcom.com.tr.