Southwire CAT 5e 24 AWG 4-Pair Riser Gray Data Cable 1000-Foot Pull Box – Model 56917949

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft riser-rated data cable (Model 56917949) is the structured cabling product that network installers, IT contractors, AV integrators, and home automation builders pull on most residential and commercial networking projects. As a CAT 5e 24 AWG riser cable, this product uses 24 AWG solid copper conductors organized as four twisted pairs, which is the standard configuration that has powered Ethernet networks since the early 2000s and still handles modern Gigabit Ethernet speeds reliably. The CAT 5e 4 pair gray cable uses gray jacket coloring that is the industry-standard color for general-purpose CAT 5e installations, with the four twisted pairs inside following standard EIA/TIA color coding (blue, orange, green, brown, each paired with its white-striped counterpart). As Southwire 56917949, this specific SKU has become a default specification for residential and light commercial structured cabling because of the combination of trusted Southwire manufacturing, CMR riser fire rating, and the 1000-foot pull box format that suits typical project consumption. As a riser rated CAT 5e cable with CMR jacket certification, the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft can be installed in vertical runs between floors in non-plenum spaces while meeting fire safety requirements for combustion behavior and smoke emission. Every Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft pull box ships nationwide from IB Lighting with free freight and contractor volume pricing. Manufacturer specifications are available at the official Southwire website.

Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft Key Highlights

What CAT 5e Is and How It Differs From Newer Categories

CAT 5e stands for Category 5 enhanced, an industry-standard specification for unshielded twisted pair (UTP) data cabling that has been the workhorse of residential and commercial Ethernet networks since the early 2000s. The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft is the riser-rated implementation of this widely-deployed specification, and understanding what CAT 5e is and where it sits in the broader category hierarchy helps you choose the right cable for your specific project.

CAT 5e is governed by the TIA/EIA-568 cabling standard, which defines the electrical and physical specifications for the cable, including conductor gauge (24 AWG), pair count (4 twisted pairs), maximum bandwidth (100 MHz signaling), and supported data rates. The “enhanced” designation distinguishes CAT 5e from the original CAT 5, with the enhanced version having tighter twist rates and improved electrical performance to support Gigabit Ethernet at full 100-meter distances. CAT 5 (without the e) is now obsolete; modern specifications start at CAT 5e.

The broader category hierarchy:

• CAT 5e (this product): 100 MHz, supports Gigabit Ethernet up to 100m, the dominant residential and standard commercial cable.
• CAT 6: 250 MHz, supports Gigabit Ethernet up to 100m with more headroom, can support 10-Gigabit Ethernet up to 55m. Often specified for new commercial construction.
• CAT 6a: 500 MHz, supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet up to 100m. Specified for high-performance commercial networks and high-density data center applications.
• CAT 7 and CAT 8: Higher specifications for specialized applications, less common in general installations.

For most residential applications including home network rough-in, smart-home cabling, security camera systems, and home office Ethernet drops, the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft delivers everything most homeowners actually need. Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) is faster than the internet service most homes have, so the cable does not bottleneck typical home network performance. For commercial applications including office buildings, retail spaces, and standard professional environments, CAT 5e remains the dominant specification because the cost is meaningfully lower than CAT 6 while supporting the speeds that most office work actually requires.

Four Twisted Pairs: How Signal Performance Works in CAT 5e

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft contains four twisted pairs of conductors, which is the defining structural feature of all CAT 5e and similar data cables. Each pair consists of two 24 AWG solid copper conductors twisted around each other at a specific tightness (twists per inch) that varies between the four pairs to minimize electromagnetic interference between adjacent pairs.

The twisted-pair design serves a specific signal-integrity purpose. When two conductors are twisted together and carry equal but opposite signal currents (differential signaling, which is how Ethernet works), the magnetic fields generated by each conductor cancel each other out. This dramatically reduces the cable’s susceptibility to external electromagnetic interference and reduces the radiated emissions from the cable, allowing data signals to propagate cleanly over long distances without corruption.

The four pairs in the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft follow EIA/TIA color coding standard: Pair 1 is blue and blue-white striped, Pair 2 is orange and orange-white striped, Pair 3 is green and green-white striped, and Pair 4 is brown and brown-white striped. Each pair uses a different twist rate to minimize crosstalk between adjacent pairs (the orange pair has a different twist count per foot than the blue pair, for example), which is part of how CAT 5e maintains signal integrity at Gigabit speeds.

For RJ-45 termination at network jacks and patch panels, the four pairs are arranged according to the T568A or T568B wiring standard (B is more common in commercial installations, A is more common in residential). All four pairs must be terminated for Gigabit Ethernet operation; Gigabit Ethernet uses all eight conductors simultaneously, unlike older 10/100 Ethernet that used only four conductors. The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft supports both standards and is fully compatible with all modern Ethernet network equipment.

CMR Riser Rating: Why Jacket Fire Performance Matters

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft is rated CMR, which stands for Communications Multi-purpose Riser. This is a specific National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 800 jacket rating that allows the cable to be installed in vertical runs between floors in non-plenum spaces while meeting fire safety requirements. Understanding the rating hierarchy is essential to specifying the right cable for each installation environment.

The CAT 5e jacket rating hierarchy from most permissive to least:

• CMP (Plenum): Approved for installation in air handling spaces (ceiling plenums where HVAC air circulates). Lowest smoke production and lowest flame spread. Most expensive jacket type.
• CMR (Riser, this product): Approved for vertical riser installations between floors in non-plenum spaces. Limited flame spread between floors. The most common general-purpose specification.
• CM (General Purpose): Approved for general communications cable installations in single-floor non-plenum applications. Lowest cost.
• CMX (Limited Use): Approved only for dwelling installations and certain restricted applications. Avoid in commercial installations.

CMR is the right specification for the typical residential and commercial structured cabling project. The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft can be installed in single-floor applications (where CM would also work) AND in vertical runs between floors (which CM rating does NOT cover). This dual capability makes CMR the practical default for any installation that might cross floor boundaries, which most multi-story residential and all commercial installations do.

The “non-plenum” qualifier matters because installations in ceiling air handling plenums (the space between a dropped ceiling and the structural deck above, when that space is used to return HVAC air) specifically require CMP plenum-rated cable. The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft CMR rating is NOT approved for plenum applications. For projects with plenum requirements, specify a CMP-rated cable instead.

The 1000-Foot Pull Box Format

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft ships in a 1000-foot pull box rather than the spool reels used for power wire products like NM-B Romex and THHN. The pull box format is a meaningful practical advantage for data cable installations and is the format network installers actually prefer for project work.

A pull box is a cardboard or composite shipping carton with a pull-out hole on the top. The cable is wound inside the box in a smooth controlled pattern that allows continuous dispensing through the pull hole without the cable binding, tangling, or kinking. The installer simply pulls cable from the hole as needed, with the cable feeding smoothly through the hole and out to the installation point. No spool reel, no axle mounting, no separate dispensing equipment.

The pull box format suits CAT 5e installation patterns specifically because CAT 5e runs are typically short (the maximum permitted CAT 5e run length is 100 meters, which is roughly 328 feet) and there are often many separate runs in a single project. Network installers might pull 20 to 50 separate cable runs in a single building wiring project, with each run terminating at a different location. The pull box dispenses cable for each individual run as the installer moves around the building, with no spool repositioning between runs.

The 1000-foot length covers approximately 8 to 15 typical residential or commercial Ethernet drops per box, depending on run lengths. For a typical residential structured cabling project covering 6 to 10 drops (the number of CAT 5e jacks installed throughout the home), a single 1000-foot pull box is usually sufficient with some material left over for future expansion or repair runs.

Common Applications for the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft is the workhorse data cable for structured cabling installations across residential and commercial environments. The most common applications include:

• Residential Ethernet network rough-in. Cable drops from a central network closet to each room where wired Ethernet may be needed (home offices, entertainment areas, gaming setups, smart-home hubs).
• Voice telephony cabling. Traditional phone systems and modern VoIP installations use CAT 5e for voice service distribution to each room or jack location.
• Small office and commercial Ethernet networks. Standard office workstation drops, conference room connectivity, and general business networking.
• Security camera cabling. IP-based security cameras using PoE (Power over Ethernet) draw both power and data from the CAT 5e cable, simplifying installation versus separate power and data runs.
• Smart-home and home automation infrastructure. Hard-wired smart-home systems including network-based lighting, HVAC, AV distribution, and access control.
• Wireless access point distribution. WiFi access points throughout commercial buildings and larger homes connect via CAT 5e back to the central network switch, providing both data and PoE power.
• Building management system (BMS) signal cabling. HVAC controls, building automation, and similar low-voltage signaling applications.
• Audio-video distribution. Modern HDMI-over-Ethernet extenders, distributed audio systems, and IP-based AV equipment.

For installations requiring more bandwidth headroom than CAT 5e provides, CAT 6 and CAT 6a are the upgrade paths. For installations in air handling plenum spaces, plenum-rated (CMP) cable is required instead of the riser-rated (CMR) Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft. For most general-purpose residential and commercial cabling applications, the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft delivers the right combination of performance, code compliance, and cost.

Gigabit Ethernet and Bandwidth Capability

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) at the full 100-meter (328-foot) standard run length, which is the maximum approved distance for Ethernet over copper cabling per the TIA/EIA specification. This is the speed that matters for most real-world residential and commercial network applications.

Bandwidth context for typical use cases: the average US home internet service is 100 to 500 Mbps download speed, which is well below the 1 Gbps capacity of Gigabit Ethernet. The internal home network can transfer data between devices (file sharing, media streaming, NAS access, security camera storage) at the full Gigabit speed, but the internet connection itself is the bottleneck for most external traffic. Upgrading from CAT 5e to CAT 6 typically does not improve real-world home network performance because the bottleneck is upstream of the cable.

For commercial applications, similar dynamics apply. Most office workstation traffic, document collaboration, video conferencing, and standard business applications operate well within Gigabit Ethernet capacity. The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft handles these applications without bottleneck. Higher-performance environments (data centers, video production facilities, high-frequency trading floors) require CAT 6a or fiber optic cabling for their specific bandwidth needs, but these represent a small fraction of total commercial network installations.

10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) is the next-generation speed standard that some buyers may consider for future-proofing. The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft can support 10-Gigabit Ethernet over very short runs (typically under 30 meters / 100 feet) in good electrical environments, but it is NOT specified for 10-Gigabit operation. For installations specifically requiring 10-Gigabit Ethernet at standard distances, CAT 6a is the correct specification. For applications where 10-Gigabit might be useful in the future but is not required today, CAT 5e installed today plus a future cable upgrade when 10-Gigabit actually matters is typically more cost-effective than installing CAT 6a today.

Installation Requirements and Best Practices

Installing the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft follows specific best practices that protect signal performance and ensure code compliance. Network cable installation is more sensitive to handling than electrical power wire because signal integrity depends on maintaining the precise twist pattern of the conductors.

Maintain bend radius: The minimum bend radius for CAT 5e is 4 times the cable diameter (typically about 1 inch). Sharper bends can damage the conductor twist pattern and degrade signal performance. Plan cable routing to avoid sharp 90-degree bends; use gentle sweeping curves instead.

Avoid maximum pulling tension: The maximum pulling tension on CAT 5e is 25 pounds. Pulling harder can stretch the conductors and degrade performance. Use cable pulling lubricant on long pulls if friction is a concern, and use multiple pull points (intermediate boxes or pull stations) on very long runs rather than pulling the full distance from one end.

Separate from power wiring: Per NEC Article 800, communications cabling must be separated from electrical power wiring by minimum distances to prevent electromagnetic interference. Typical separation is 12 inches from parallel runs of 120V power wiring, with crossings permitted at 90-degree angles. Avoid running CAT 5e in the same conduit, raceway, or stud bay as power wiring.

Plan terminations carefully: Strip about 1 inch of jacket back at each termination, then untwist the pairs only as far as needed to reach the termination contacts (typically less than 1/2 inch of untwist). Excessive untwist degrades the cable’s electromagnetic interference rejection at the termination point, which can degrade Gigabit Ethernet performance.

Test after installation: Use a cable certification tester to verify each run meets the CAT 5e specification. Basic continuity testers (the wiremap testers that confirm correct pin connections) are not sufficient for Gigabit Ethernet; certification testers measure return loss, near-end crosstalk, far-end crosstalk, and other performance parameters that determine whether the run will reliably support Gigabit operation. For professional installations, post-install certification testing is standard practice.

Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft Specifications

Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft FAQs

Who the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft Is Built For

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft serves four clear buyer types. The first is residential network installers and home automation integrators doing structured cabling rough-in on new construction, major remodels, and existing home network upgrades. For these buyers, the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft pulls cleanly through framing during rough-in and supports the 6 to 10 wall-jack drops typical of complete residential structured cabling projects. The pull box format suits the multi-drop installation pattern where the installer moves around the home pulling individual runs from one box.

The second buyer is the commercial IT contractor or low-voltage technician handling office cabling, retail point-of-sale cabling, restaurant network installations, and similar small-to-medium commercial structured cabling work. For these buyers, the CMR riser rating handles the multi-floor vertical runs common in commercial buildings, and the 1000-foot pull box matches typical project scope without requiring spool changeovers. Cost-conscious commercial buyers also benefit from the CAT 5e pricing advantage over CAT 6 for general-purpose office cabling where Gigabit performance is more than adequate.

The third buyer is the AV integrator and security system installer running cable for distributed AV, security camera networks, building access control, and similar low-voltage signaling applications. The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft handles PoE-powered devices (IP cameras, network speakers, smart lighting controllers) alongside standard Ethernet networking, simplifying installations that mix power and data on the same cable run.

The fourth buyer is the residential or small-commercial electrician who handles structured cabling alongside electrical work. For these buyers, having structured cabling and power wire on a single supplier order simplifies project bill-of-materials, with the same shipment delivering both the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft and any needed power wire. Browse the broader IB Lighting electrical and cable collection for the complete range. For projects that include EV charging, pair with a Tesla Universal Wall Connector and the matching heavy-gauge wire for the EV circuit.

CAT 5e vs CAT 6 vs CAT 6a: Which Should You Buy?

The choice between CAT 5e, CAT 6, and CAT 6a is driven by bandwidth requirements, run distance, future-proofing considerations, and budget. Understanding the trade-offs helps you specify the right cable for each specific project.

Choose CAT 5e like the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft if your installation needs Gigabit Ethernet (which is faster than most US internet service), supports voice and standard data, runs to PoE-powered devices, or covers typical residential and commercial general-purpose networking. CAT 5e is the dominant residential specification and remains the standard commercial cable for general-purpose installations. The cost-per-foot is meaningfully lower than CAT 6, which matters on large-scale deployments.

Choose CAT 6 if your installation needs more bandwidth headroom than CAT 5e provides, supports very limited 10-Gigabit Ethernet at short distances, or specifies enhanced commercial new construction where the modest cost premium over CAT 5e is justified by future-proofing. CAT 6 is the right pick for new-build commercial offices where the building owner wants long-term cabling that supports speeds beyond current need.

Choose CAT 6a if your installation specifically requires 10-Gigabit Ethernet at full 100-meter distances, supports high-density commercial networks, or includes data center adjacent applications. CAT 6a is the right pick for high-performance commercial environments and represents the practical ceiling for general-purpose copper Ethernet cabling. Fiber optic cabling handles applications beyond CAT 6a capability.

For most residential and standard commercial installations, the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft remains the right choice. The performance handles real-world networking needs, the cost is meaningfully lower than higher-category alternatives, and the installation practices are well-established across the network installation industry.

Code-Required Separation From Electrical Power Wiring

Installing the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft requires understanding the NEC Article 800 requirements for separation between communications cabling and electrical power wiring. These code requirements exist to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) from power wiring from corrupting the data signals on the communications cable, and the requirements are routinely enforced during inspection.

Specific separation requirements: minimum 12 inches from parallel runs of 120V power wiring (residential branch circuits, lighting circuits, receptacle circuits) where the data and power cables run in the same direction over significant distances. Crossings between data and power cables are permitted at 90-degree angles, where the cables briefly cross perpendicular to each other and the EMI coupling distance is minimal. For higher-voltage power wiring (240V, 277V, 480V) or larger gauge feeders, the minimum separation increases proportionally.

Practical implementation: when running the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft through stud bays and ceiling joists alongside power wiring, plan the cable routes so that data and power cables occupy different stud bays where possible, or at minimum maintain the 12-inch separation within shared bays. At electrical and data junction box locations, mount the boxes in different stud bays or maintain physical separation between the box pairs. Avoid running data cable through the same conduit as power wiring; this is a definitional code violation.

For installations that mix data and power on the same cable run (PoE applications, smart-home cabling, building automation), the Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft can handle both since PoE power is delivered on the same cable as data, integrated into the CAT 5e specification. The separation requirements specifically apply between data cable and separate electrical power wiring.

Bulk and Contractor Pricing

The Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft is one of IB Lighting’s stocked structured cabling SKUs because network installers and IT contractors buy it in volume on every commercial fit-out and residential structured cabling project. We offer automatic volume pricing on multi-box orders, with deeper savings on larger bills of materials. A typical commercial structured cabling fit-out covering 50 to 200 drops consumes 5 to 25 boxes of CAT 5e, and these multi-box orders trigger our standard contractor pricing tier.

Free freight applies to every Southwire CAT 5e 1000 ft pull box order regardless of quantity. Most orders ship within 1 to 2 business days and arrive within 5 to 6 business days. If you need a bill of materials priced and quoted before you order, the IB Lighting team can turn around a quote inside of a business day for most projects. Browse our complete electrical and cable collection for power wire that complements your structured cabling project, or visit our customer FAQ hub for buying guidance.

Browse the complete IB Lighting electrical and cable collection, explore other Southwire products, pair structured cabling with a Tesla Universal Wall Connector if your home automation project includes EV charging, consider a Generac standby generator for outage protection that keeps your network and home automation running, or visit our customer FAQ hub. Manufacturer technical sheets are available at the official Southwire website.