Shielded Data LAN Cable

CAT 7A S/FTP Cable

CAT 7A S/FTP cable is a high-shielded data LAN solution for Class F installations that need stable transmission up to 1200 MHz, strong EMI control and dependable signal integrity in demanding network environments.

It is a practical choice for enterprise backbones, server rooms, data centers, industrial spaces and structured cabling projects where shielding quality, transmission stability and installation reliability matter more than a budget-first cable selection.

1200 MHz maximum operating frequency
100 ± 5 Ω impedance at 100 MHz
305 / 500 m packing options
PVC / HFFR / PE outer sheath options
Shielded CAT 7A S/FTP data LAN cable product view
CAT 7A S/FTP cable with individually screened pairs and overall braid.

Why choose CAT 7A S/FTP cable

01

High shielding architecture

Each pair is individually screened and the cable is protected with an overall braid. This design helps control external noise and supports cleaner transmission in electrically busy environments.

02

1200 MHz operating headroom

For projects that need more margin than lower category solutions, CAT 7A S/FTP cable brings a stronger structured cabling profile for demanding network installations.

03

Flexible project fit

With PVC, HFFR and PE sheath options, the range can be aligned with indoor, safety-focused or outdoor-oriented installation priorities.

For broader family navigation, explore our data LAN cables category. If you are comparing adjacent copper families, it is also worth reviewing CAT 7 S/FTP cable, CAT 7A Plus S/FTP cable and cost-driven alternatives such as CAT 5e U/UTP cable.

CAT 7A S/FTP cable construction

Shielding structure

The cable is built with four twisted copper pairs. Each pair is wrapped with Al-Pet foil, while an overall tinned copper braid surrounds the full cable body. This dual shielding structure helps reduce electromagnetic interference and supports better signal stability.

Installation-focused build

The design balances shielding performance with practical installation. Depending on the project, PVC, HFFR and PE sheath versions help align the cable with indoor commercial use, low-smoke requirements or more exposed routing conditions.

In structured LAN environments, CAT 7A S/FTP cable is often selected where specifiers want stronger EMC control than unshielded designs and more headroom than lower-category data cable options.

CAT 7A S/FTP cable standards and compliance

CAT 7A S/FTP cable is designed for high-performance structured cabling projects and aligned with internationally recognised cabling and transmission standards. This helps specifiers compare performance expectations more clearly at tender and project planning stage.

  • EIA/TIA-568-C.2
  • ISO/IEC 11801 2nd edition
  • IEC 61156-5
  • EN 50173-1
  • EN 50288-9-1
  • IEEE 802.3 applications including 10Base-T, 100Base-T, 1000Base-T and 10GBase-T
  • PoE / PoE+ ready network environments

Where project fire performance is part of the specification, review our CPR compliant cables guide together with the sheath selection table below.

External references: ISO/IEC 11801 overview, IEC 61156-5, ANSI/TIA-568 overview.

Where CAT 7A S/FTP cable is used

Data centers and server rooms

Shielding and transmission stability make this cable family suitable for dense network layouts where external noise control is important.

Industrial and EMI-sensitive areas

In factories, utility rooms and technically busy spaces, additional shielding helps maintain signal quality with better resistance to interference.

Enterprise and backbone cabling

It can be specified for high-performance LAN routes where project teams want stronger category positioning, structured cabling discipline and clean network behaviour.

PoE and edge device connections

The cable can support PoE / PoE+ applications in structured network environments, reducing the need for separate power cabling for many connected devices.

If the project also includes long protected conduit routes or installation equipment planning, see our cable blowing machine range for route preparation and deployment support.

Technical specifications for CAT 7A S/FTP cable

Electrical and mechanical data

PropertyValue
Maximum operating frequency1200 MHz
Packing305 / 500 m
Max. conductor resistance9.5 Ω / km
Max. resistance unbalance< 2%
Min. insulation resistance5000 MΩ x m
Mutual capacitance43 pF / m
Impedance at 100 MHz100 ± 5 Ω
Velocity of propagation79%
Delay skew25 ns / 100 m
Installation temperature0°C to +50°C
Operating temperature-30°C to +70°C
Min. bending radius during draw-in62 mm
Min. bending radius when permanently installed32 mm
Max. tensile strength92 N
Min. crush resistance1000 N / 10 cm
Min. impact10 impacts
Min. TCLLevel 2
Coupling attenuationType 1
Transfer impedanceClass 1
Test voltage1000 V
Operating voltage125 V

Outer sheath options

Product nameOuter sheathEuro classCable weightFlame retardancyCorrosive gasesSmoke density
CAT 7A S/FTPPVCEca70 kg/kmEN 60332-1-2N/AN/A
CAT 7A S/FTP HFFRHFFRDca72 kg/kmEN 60332-1-2EN 50267-2-3EN 61034-2
CAT 7A S/FTP PEPEFca61 kg/kmN/AN/AN/A

Selected frequency performance points

FrequencyAttenuationNEXTPS-NEXTReturn loss
100 MHz17.2 dB / 100 m97 dB97 dB34 dB
250 MHz28.0 dB / 100 m93 dB92 dB27 dB
500 MHz41.5 dB / 100 m95 dB92 dB24 dB
1000 MHz55.4 dB / 100 m83 dB80 dB19 dB
1200 MHz57.0 dB / 100 m80 dB77 dB18 dB

How to choose CAT 7A S/FTP cable

  1. Define the environment first. Decide whether the route is standard indoor, low-smoke / halogen-free sensitive, or more exposed, then match the sheath type accordingly.
  2. Check shielding demand. If the project has higher EMI exposure, dense equipment zones or stronger specification requirements, CAT 7A S/FTP cable becomes more attractive than simpler constructions.
  3. Confirm compliance and fire class. Align Euro class, flame performance and project documentation before tender submission or final BOM approval.
  4. Review installation limits. Minimum bending radius, tensile force and route geometry should be checked before pulling or fixing the cable.
  5. Compare adjacent families. Use CAT 7 S/FTP when project requirements are slightly lower, CAT 7A Plus S/FTP when you need to compare a nearby high-end option, and CAT 5e U/UTP for more cost-sensitive network layouts.
Need the wider category view first? Browse the full data LAN cables range before deciding which category best fits the project.

Installation, maintenance and storage

Installation care

  • Avoid crushing, twisting and unnecessary over-bending during installation.
  • Respect minimum bending radius, especially during draw-in and corner transitions.
  • Do not over-tighten connectors or fixing points.
  • Keep connectors and contact surfaces clean to protect transmission quality.
  • Use proper grounding practice where the installation design requires it.

Storage and handling

  • Store the cable in a cool, dry and protected area away from direct heat sources.
  • Keep it in its original packaging where possible to reduce dust and physical damage.
  • Disconnect power before working around active connected equipment.
  • Check route condition and reel handling before installation begins.
  • For long-route deployment planning, coordinate the cable path and equipment set-up in advance.

CAT 7A S/FTP cable FAQ

What does S/FTP mean in CAT 7A S/FTP cable?

S/FTP means each twisted pair is individually foil screened and the overall cable also has a braided screen. This combination helps reduce electromagnetic interference and supports stable signal behaviour.

Where is CAT 7A S/FTP cable a better fit than unshielded cable?

It is usually a stronger option in technically dense areas such as data centers, equipment rooms, industrial spaces and installations where EMI control is part of the design priority.

Which outer sheath should I choose: PVC, HFFR or PE?

PVC is common for general indoor use, HFFR is preferred where low-smoke and halogen-free behaviour matters, and PE is useful when the route or environment calls for a more outdoor-oriented sheath choice.

Can CAT 7A S/FTP cable be used for PoE and PoE+ applications?

Yes. The cable family is suited for structured network applications that also carry power together with data, including PoE and PoE+ use cases.

When should I compare CAT 7A S/FTP with CAT 7, CAT 7A Plus or CAT 5e?

Compare CAT 7 S/FTP when the project does not need the same performance headroom, CAT 7A Plus S/FTP when you want to evaluate a nearby premium option, and CAT 5e U/UTP when budget and lower performance targets are driving the decision.