What Is a Cat6A Slim Patch Cord?
The ZION Cat6A Slim Patch Cord is a factory-terminated U/UTP copper patch lead for connecting patch panels, switches, servers, routers and compatible network equipment. Model family 7241010 includes a 28 AWG stranded-copper configuration with a published cable outside diameter of 5.0 ± 0.2 mm.
Compared with the 24 AWG and 26 AWG versions in the same Cat6A U/UTP family, the reduced-gauge option occupies less routing space and bends more easily around high-port-count equipment. It is best treated as a short equipment or rack patching product rather than a replacement for solid horizontal cable.
Product Construction
Seven-strand 7/0.127 mm copper conductors provide the flexibility required for moves, additions and rack maintenance.
Polycarbonate RJ45 plugs provide a compact equipment interface with visible contact and conductor termination.
A low-profile protective boot helps protect the latch and limits sharp bending near the plug during routing.
Phosphor-bronze blades use 50 microinch gold over nickel plating at the front connection.
Four unshielded twisted pairs are intended for use with compatible Cat6A UTP panels, jacks and equipment ports.
PVC or LSZH jackets, colors, printing and finished lengths can be confirmed for the required project configuration.
Why Use 28 AWG in High-Density Racks?
High-port-count switches and patch panels can accumulate substantial cable volume at the front and sides of a cabinet. A smaller patch-cord diameter can reduce congestion, improve access to adjacent ports and make short routing paths easier to organize.
| Gauge | Conductor Construction | Published Cable OD | Typical Selection Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 AWG | 7/0.20 mm stranded copper | 6.0 ± 0.2 mm | General rack and work-area patching |
| 26 AWG | 7/0.16 mm stranded copper | 5.4 ± 0.2 mm | Balanced density and handling |
| 28 AWG | 7/0.127 mm stranded copper | 5.0 ± 0.2 mm | Short high-density rack connections |
Key Benefits
The 5.0 ± 0.2 mm cable OD helps reduce patch-cord bulk around dense switch and panel ports.
Designed for Cat6A channel applications that require 10GBASE-T connectivity and compatible components.
Stranded conductors and a smaller profile support routing through horizontal and vertical cable managers.
The snagless boot helps reduce accidental latch damage during installation and maintenance.
Blue and other project colors can help separate networks, equipment groups, functions or cabinet zones.
Length, color, cable printing, labels, logos and packing can be reviewed for repeat project supply.
Applications
- Patch-panel-to-switch links in high-density Cat6A UTP cabinets.
- Server, storage and top-of-rack switch interconnections.
- Enterprise equipment rooms and compact telecommunications enclosures.
- Router, firewall, appliance and network-management equipment patching.
- Short 10GBASE-T equipment connections in compatible Cat6A channels.
- Color-coded moves, additions and changes in managed rack environments.
Selection Guide
Confirm the channel type
Use this U/UTP patch cord with Cat6A UTP panels, jacks and equipment interfaces. If the project requires shield continuity, rack bonding or additional EMI control, select a compatible ZION shielded patch-cord family instead.
Use the shortest practical finished length
Select a cord that reaches the port without tension while preserving the required bend radius and service loop. Short rack lengths help control slack and keep airflow paths clear.
Review PoE and bundle conditions
Reduced-gauge conductors have higher resistance than larger conductors. Confirm the powered-device class, cord length, number of bundled cords, ambient temperature and connector rating for PoE applications.
Match jacket and identification requirements
Specify PVC or LSZH, cable and boot color, printed legend, labels, packaging and any local fire-performance requirement during quotation.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | Cat6A 28 AWG slim U/UTP RJ45 patch cord |
| ZION model family | 7241010, 28 AWG configuration |
| Category / class | Category 6A / Class EA channel application |
| Maximum operating frequency | 500 MHz |
| Network application | 10GBASE-T in a compatible Cat6A channel |
| Shielding type | U/UTP |
| Pairs | 4 twisted pairs |
| Conductor | 28 AWG, 7/0.127 mm stranded copper |
| Cable outside diameter | 5.0 ± 0.2 mm |
| Connector | RJ45 male to RJ45 male |
| Plug material | Polycarbonate |
| Boot | PVC or LSZH, snagless low-profile style |
| Front contacts | Phosphor bronze with 50 microinch gold over nickel plating |
| Mating durability | 750 cycles minimum |
| Jacket options | PVC or LSZH; project colors subject to confirmation |
| Reference standards | ANSI/TIA-568.2-D, ISO/IEC 11801, IEEE and CENELEC EN 50173 |
| PoE use | Confirm power class, cord length, bundle size and installation temperature |
Length, Color and Ordering Options
The blue cable shown is suitable for cabinet identification schemes. Other colors, finished lengths and packaging formats can be reviewed for project orders.
| Option | Common Direction | Confirm Before Order |
|---|---|---|
| Finished length | 0.5 m, 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 5 m | Required tolerance and total quantity |
| Jacket | PVC or LSZH | Fire-performance and market requirement |
| Color | Blue and project colors | Cable, boot and label color reference |
| Identification | Cable print, label, plug or boot logo | Artwork, position and approval sample |
| Packing | Individual PE bag, carton or bulk project packing | Label data, carton marks and shipment unit |
| Documentation | Datasheet, test information and project files | Required test limit, format and submission language |
RFQ Checklist
FAQ
What makes this a slim Cat6A patch cord?
The 28 AWG stranded-copper configuration has a published cable outside diameter of 5.0 ± 0.2 mm, smaller than ZION's 24 AWG and 26 AWG Cat6A patch-cord options. This helps reduce cable bulk in short high-density rack links.
Does the cable support 10GBASE-T?
It is designed as a 500 MHz Cat6A patch cord for 10GBASE-T channel applications. The complete channel category, installed length and field-test requirement should be confirmed for the project.
Is this patch cord shielded?
This page describes the U/UTP version for unshielded Cat6A channels. ZION also supplies shielded Cat6A patch-cord families when shield continuity and bonding are required.
Can 28 AWG patch cords be used with PoE devices?
PoE suitability depends on device power class, cord length, connector rating, ambient temperature and bundle size. Share the PoE load and installation plan with ZION before standardizing a high-density bundle.
Which lengths and colors can be ordered?
Common rack lengths such as 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 m can be discussed, together with project colors including blue. Confirm the finished-length tolerance, quantity and color during quotation.
Can ZION customize the logo, labels and packing?
Project orders can discuss cable printing, plug or boot identification, labels, PE bags, cartons and other OEM packing requirements, subject to sample and artwork approval.
