07 June 2016

Compared to conventional cables, Simflex models have a smaller diameter of 4.5mm.

Draka has launched a small diameter Cat 6a patch cable. The cables and systems specialist, which is part of the Prysmian Group, says the cable’s reduced diameter gives it flexibility and saves space in high density patching areas.

Branded Slimflex, the 30AWG (American Wire Gauge) stranded copper cable is said to occupy just 60 per cent of the space required by standard 24AWG patch cords.

Draka says this makes for easier system changes and additions, and that the cable’s smaller 4.5mm diameter saves space in racks and cabinets when compared to standard 6mm patch cables.

The vendor also claims that Slimflex’s tighter bend radius makes for easier cable routing and simplified cable management. It says this can also improve airflow to help maintain equipment performance and reliability.

The new cables have a white outer sheath and are available in lengths of 1m, 1.5m, 2m, 3m, 4m and 5m. They can be used for the majority of patch applications including 10GBase-T Ethernet, data centre I/O consolidation and server virtualisation, backbone aggregation, high density greenfield network racks, and in brownfield deployments where cable managers are running out of space.

The low smoke zero halogen Slimflexs are flame retardant and comply with IEC 60332-1. They are fitted with RJ45 connectors which feature what Draka describes as its “unique tangle-free boot design”, as well as 1.27micron gold plated phosphor bronze plug pins to ensure the best connection over multiple mating cycles.