Why are you using 28AWG cable in your new patch cables, when most Cat 6 cables are 23AWG?Updated an hour ago

Patch cords are typically constructed using one of three gauges, all stranded copper for flexibility, regardless of Category:

1. 24 AWG (thicker, difficult routing, gives maximum distance for stranded copper - total 279 feet allowed in 328 foot channel)

2. 26 AWG (still a bit thick, gives medium distance for stranded copper, still challenging to route - total 223 feet allowed in 328 foot channel)

3. 28 AWG (thin, easily routed, better airflow but the trade-off is the shortest distance before signal loss occurs - total 49 feet allowed in 328 foot channel)

There are charts/formulas for calculating how much patch cord of a given gauge you can have assuming a certain amount of solid copper in use in the same channel. See Calculating Ethernet Cable Overall Channel Length for Success.

Most Cat 6 patch cords are definitely not 23 AWG. Now, the majority of Cat 6 solid copper structure cable is indeed 23 AWG, but that type of cable is meant to run up to 295ft without signal loss (under ideal conditions).

trueCABLE opted for 28 AWG and expressly made the trade-off of maximum available distance for superior:

1. Flexibility

2. Easy of routing at the patch panel with high density installations

3. Airflow inside equipment cabling with high density installations

This is why you see our patch cords in lengths up to 25 feet only. In a 328 foot channel, you would be permitted 20 feet total (10 feet each side or some combination thereof) in order to remain inside the specification. Most patch cords in use are going to be 14 feet or less, as our research has shown.