Technical Glossary

Dielectric Withstand Voltage

A manufacturing "stress test" that proves the quality and durability of the cable's insulation. The cable is intentionally subjected to a very high voltage (e.g., 1000V DC) for a short period (e.g., one minute) to see if it fails.

On the Spec Sheet:

• This will show a test value (e.g., 1000V DC / 1 min) and the result, "No Breakdown".
• This result confirms the insulation is free from defects, pinholes, or weak spots, guaranteeing it is safe and robust.

Insulation Resistance

A measure of how effectively a cable's insulation (the plastic around the copper) prevents electrical signals from "leaking" between the wires or to the outside environment.

On the Spec Sheet:

• This is measured in megohm-kilometres (MΩ·km).
• A higher number is better. A value like "Min 5000 MΩ·km" indicates very high-quality insulation that ensures minimal signal loss and interference, even over long distances.

Minimum Bend Radius

The tightest (smallest) radius a cable can be bent without kinking, damaging its internal twisted pairs, or degrading its signal performance.

On the Spec Sheet:

Bending a cable tighter than this limit will permanently damage it and lead to network failures. You will often see two separate values:

• During Installation (e.g., 52mm): This is the "loosest" and safest radius to use while the cable is under tension (i.e., being pulled through walls or conduit).
• After Installation (e.g., 26mm): This is the tighter radius allowed for the cable's final, permanent position (e.g., being routed in a patch panel or server rack).

Operating Voltage

The maximum voltage a cable is rated to carry safely and continuously throughout its entire service life.

On the Spec Sheet:

• A typical value is "30V" or "60V".
• This is a critical specification for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. A cable with a 60V rating is suitable for modern high-power PoE++ (Type 4) devices.