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Author: James Publish Time: 10-07-2025 Origin: Site
On the remote side of structured cabling or data center installations, a rainbow of Ethernet cable colors is displayed: blue, yellow, red, black, and more. However, when OFF remains the indicator of the cable performance, the outer color of the Ethernet cable becomes the determining factor in visual identification and network inventory management.
Therefore, this article will provide the needed knowledge about the meaning attached to these external sheath colors, and how they are employed in the IT technology sector.
No. The outer sheath color of an Ethernet cable does not affect performance. Whether one is using Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a, the color of a certain cable is mainly determined according to a number of factors, such as:
Network identification
Cable organization
Aesthetic (works into the cables being used in the system) and organizational choices
Conformance to internal or external labeling systems
Further, some coat garments are affected by fire-resistance capacity. But when it comes to color, it is only decorative and force of habit.
This adaptation to color policy can differ from an organization to an organization or in different regions. But still, the most common are:
Jacket Color | Typical Use Case |
Blue | Standard LAN connections (general patch cables) |
Yellow | PoE (Power over Ethernet) or management interfaces |
Red | VoIP phones, VLANs, or critical connections |
Black | Equipment connections, general-purpose use |
White | Ceiling-mounted/Plenum spaces; clean aesthetics |
Green | Crossover cables or environmental monitoring |
Gray | Standard patch cables or default infrastructure |
Orange | Demarcation points, analog equipment, or cameras |
Purple | Backbone or proprietary systems |
Pink | Test environments or temporary lab use |
❗️ Please note: These are conventions and not legally binding documents. Make sure all is in sync with the labeling guide set by your project or company.
Color-coded cabling is critical for:
Quickly isolating the faulty components
Avoiding misconnection
Identifying distinct networks in active racks
Example scheme in a data center:
Function | Cable Color |
Internet Uplink | Red |
Access Points | Yellow |
Security Cameras | Orange |
Workstations | Blue |
Server Management | Green |
There’s more to the rainbow than organizing cables, but cable type and material are what’s actively regarded for those concerned about the need for safety and compliance:
Cable Type | Description | Typical Jacket Colors |
Flame-retardant, low smoke; for air ducts | White, Blue | |
Riser (CMR) | Vertical runs between floors; less flame resistant | Gray, Black |
LSZH | Low Smoke Zero Halogen; used in enclosed environments | Green, Yellow |
Outdoor | UV/weather resistant; often PE jacket | Black |
Shielded | Foil/Braid protection for EMI-prone environments | Varies (often Gray/Black) |
Guidelines for choosing jacket colors appropriately:
Create a train of thought color code
Formulate a policy on color coding or stick to one which is already in place.
Document Every File
Clearly mark the ends of the wires and ways to completely diagram the rack.
Make the Subjects Unified Across Locations
Locks out diversions throughout the time for upgrading or working down.
Utilize Our Custom OEM Cable Solutions
Many organizations in the industry, such as Zion Communication, provide custom-colored cables, which can be printed with an OEM logo, jacket printing, and other business cosmetics to make your structured cabling system stand out.
✅ Cat6 UTP Patch Cable – Blue
The HDMI (HDMI) version of the Type-A connector is the most common type used for standard LAN connections.
T568B wired
RoHS/UL certified
✅ Cat6a Sheath Riser Cable – Black
Preferable for vertical installations in EMI-affecting zones
PE or LSZH jackets available
✅ Cat5e Plenum Cable – White
CMP rating for plenums
Best for the workspaces like offices ceiling
In reference to Ethernet cables, color does not make a difference in terms of data quality. However, they are helpful as far as network organization, visual identification, and cable management are concerned. Regardless if you are using PoE, VLANs, or even cabling per routing locations, desired results can be obtained through frequent picking of sheath colors.
Zion Communication presents a comprehensive range of Ethernet cables, suited for Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and customized sheaths. They offer various options, among which are:
Custom had incorporated the jacket color as well as the length and printing
Bulk production and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) production
CMP/CMR/LSZH/Outdoor/Shielded options
RoHS, CE, UL marked
Contact us right away for our structured cabling solutions or more information.
James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication.
Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions,
Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
james@zion-communication.com
+86 13777460328
