What the slim CAT6 patch cord is
The CAT6 UTP LSZH slim flexible patch cord is a copper Ethernet cord built with 28AWG conductors instead of the thicker conductors used in standard cords. The result is an outer diameter of about 3.8 mm, roughly 36% thinner than a standard CAT6 cord. The construction is unshielded twisted pair (UTP), and the jacket is low smoke zero halogen (LSZH).
Thinner cords take up less space in cable managers, bend more tightly at the patch panel and leave more open area in front of switch ports for cooling air.
Construction and stated features
- Slim profile: 28AWG conductors and an outer diameter of about 3.8 mm improve flexibility and allow tighter bends.
- Airflow: thinner bundles reduce congestion in crowded server racks, which helps cooling air reach equipment.
- LSZH jacket: gives off little smoke and no halogen gases when exposed to fire or high heat.
- PoE support: rated for Power over Ethernet, PoE+ and PoE++ loads up to 90 W.
Where slim CAT6 cords are used
Typical uses are high-density switch-to-patch-panel connections in data centre racks, tidying enterprise wiring closets, and racks in confined spaces such as trains, aircraft, ships and poorly ventilated offices where an LSZH jacket is required. They also suit AV and IP equipment: switches feeding displays, digital signage, VoIP phones and meeting room cameras.
Thin conductors have higher resistance and insertion loss than thicker ones. In general practice, 28AWG cords are used as short patch leads rather than long runs, and large bundles carrying high-power PoE should be checked for heat build-up.
What to specify in your quote
- Lengths and quantity for each length.
- Jacket colour, if you colour-code by network or function.
- Boot style and any labelling or marking on the cord.
- The PoE class of the devices, and how many cords will run in one bundle.
- Whether your site specifies LSZH for every cord or only in certain areas.
Send these details through the request a quote form. Radix works to the customer's list of lengths and markings.
Questions buyers ask
Is a 28AWG CAT6 patch cord as good as a standard one?
It carries the same CAT6 traffic over patch-cord distances and takes much less space. Thinner conductors have more loss per metre, so slim cords are best used as short patch leads between switches and panels rather than as long links.
Can slim patch cords carry PoE?
Yes. This cord is rated for PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ devices up to 90 W. Tell us the PoE class and bundle size in your enquiry so the cord choice suits your installation.
Why use an LSZH jacket?
An LSZH jacket gives off little smoke and no halogen gases in a fire. It is commonly required in enclosed or occupied spaces such as transport vehicles, ships and offices with limited ventilation.
What is the outer diameter of the slim cord?
About 3.8 mm, roughly 36% thinner than a standard CAT6 patch cord.