Phoenix FL CAT6/CAT5 Network Cabling Solutions - Comprehensive Product Guide

Product Positioning & Core Value

The Phoenix FL CAT6/CAT5 series provides industrial-grade network connectivity solutions designed for reliable data transmission in automation environments. These products bridge the gap between control systems and field devices, offering:

• High-speed data transfer: CAT6 supports up to 1 Gbps; CAT5 supports 100 Mbps
• Industrial-grade durability: IP20 protection, flame-retardant materials (UL94 V0), and -25°C to +60°C operating temperature range
• EMI/RFI immunity: 360° shielding (S/FTP/SF/UTP) for noise-free signal transmission
• Modular flexibility: Multiple lengths and connection types for customized industrial network designs

Product Family Overview

1. CAT6 Patch Cables (FL CAT6 PATCH Series)

• Core Function: Pre-assembled Ethernet cables for connecting network devices (switches, PLCs, HMIs)
• Key Features:
  • RJ45 connectors with IP20 protection
  • Shielded (S/FTP) construction for interference protection
  • Transmission speeds up to 1 Gbps
  • Available in lengths from 0.3m to 20m

2. CAT5 Patch Cables (FL CAT5 PATCH Series)

• Core Function: Cost-effective Ethernet connections for general industrial use
• Key Features:
  • RJ45 connectors with IP20 protection
  • Shielded (SF/UTP) construction
  • 100 Mbps transmission speed
  • Available in lengths from 0.3m to 10m

3. Specialized CAT5 Solutions

• FL CAT5 TERMINAL BOX (2744610): DIN rail-mounted adapter converting RJ45 to 4 screw terminals for easy field wiring

  • Connects field cabling to control cabinet without RJ45 termination
  • Supports wire sizes: 0.14-1.5mm² (solid) or 0.14-1mm² (stranded)
  • Ideal for retrofitting legacy systems

• FL CAT5 FLEX/CAT5 HEAVY: Bulk cables for custom installations

  • CAT5 FLEX (2744830): Light-duty, flexible cable (5.75mm diameter) for movable applications
  • CAT5 HEAVY (2744814): Heavy-duty cable (7.8mm diameter) for fixed installations requiring durability
  • Both feature halogen-free PUR sheaths and 100Ω impedance

• FL CAT5 FLEX CONF/LI/1M (2744843): Pre-assembled flexible cable with RJ45 connectors for quick deployment

Technical Specifications (Universal Parameters)

Application Scenarios

1. Industrial Automation Systems

• CAT6 Patch Cables: High-speed data transfer between PLCs, HMIs, and industrial PCs
• CAT5 Patch Cables: General connectivity for sensors, actuators, and distributed I/O modules
• CAT5 TERMINAL BOX: Simplifies wiring in control cabinets and field junctions

2. Machine-to-Machine Communication

• FL CAT6 PATCH 5.0-20.0m: Connecting production cells and machinery in assembly lines
• FL CAT5 FLEX: Flexible connections in moving parts (robot arms, gantries)

3. Plant-Wide Network Infrastructure

• CAT5 HEAVY: Backbone cabling between control rooms and production areas
• CAT6 Patch Cables: Connection points at workstations and control panels

4. Retrofit & Maintenance Applications

• CAT5 TERMINAL BOX: Converting legacy systems to modern Ethernet without reterminating field wires
• Pre-assembled patch cables: Quick replacement during maintenance, reducing downtime

Selection Guide

Step 1: Determine Performance Requirements

• 1 Gbps applications: Choose CAT6 series (e.g., FL CAT6 PATCH)
• 100 Mbps applications: CAT5 series is sufficient (e.g., FL CAT5 PATCH)
• High-interference environments: Prioritize shielded (S/FTP or SF/UTP) variants

Step 2: Select Appropriate Cable Type

• Fixed connections: Standard patch cables (CAT6/CAT5 PATCH)
• Field wiring with screw terminals: CAT5 TERMINAL BOX
• Custom-length installations: CAT5 FLEX/CAT5 HEAVY bulk cables
• Movable components: FL CAT5 FLEX or pre-assembled FLEX CONF

Step 3: Choose Optimal Length

• Cabinet internal connections: 0.3m-1m
• Device-to-device connections: 1.5m-5m
• Inter-panel connections: 5m-20m (CAT6 only)

Step 4: Environmental Considerations

• Temperature extremes: CAT5 HEAVY/FLEX offer wider operating ranges
• Space constraints: CAT5 FLEX has smaller diameter (5.75mm) vs CAT5 HEAVY (7.8mm)

Installation & Maintenance

Best Practices

• Cable routing: Avoid sharp bends (min. radius: 30mm for fixed, 78mm for flex)
• Termination: For bulk cables, use Phoenix crimp tools for reliable connections
• EMI protection: Ensure proper grounding of shielded cables and terminal boxes

Maintenance Tips

• Visual inspection: Check for physical damage, especially at connector junctions
• Periodic cleaning: Remove dust from connectors to maintain IP20 protection
• Replacement schedule: Replace cables showing signs of wear or after 5-7 years in harsh environments

Summary & Key Advantages

The Phoenix FL CAT6/CAT5 series delivers reliable, industrial-grade network connectivity with:

• Scalable performance: From 100 Mbps (CAT5) to 1 Gbps (CAT6)
• Industrial robustness: Designed for factory-floor conditions
• Installation flexibility: Pre-assembled patches or bulk cables for custom solutions
• Cost-effectiveness: CAT5 for general applications, CAT6 for high-speed requirements