Elevator-rated CAT5, CAT6, and CAT7 data cables are purpose-built for installation in lift shafts and elevator systems where standard structured cabling cannot withstand the continuous flexing, torsional stresses, and vertical tensile loads of lift operation. These cables feature extra-fine-wire twisted pair conductors and a robust flexible jacket that maintains data transmission performance across hundreds of millions of flexing cycles.
CAT5e supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T); CAT6 extends bandwidth to 250 MHz for 10GBASE-T over short runs; CAT7 provides 600 MHz bandwidth with individually shielded pairs for interference immunity in the electrically noisy lift shaft environment. All variants meet TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801 performance requirements in the installed (flexed) condition.
| Category | Bandwidth | Max Speed | Shielding |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT5e (flex) | 100 MHz | 1 Gbps | UTP or FTP |
| CAT6 (flex) | 250 MHz | 10 Gbps (short) | FTP or SFTP |
| CAT7 (flex) | 600 MHz | 10 Gbps | S/FTP (individually shielded) |
For IP cameras and access readers, CAT5e flex is sufficient. For high-speed multimedia streaming or future-proofing, specify CAT6 flex. In electrically noisy lift shafts with VFDs, CAT7 individually shielded pairs provide the best EMI immunity for sensitive data links — important where lift motors and drives are installed close to the cable path.
