Why do cat5 cables sometimes have the fluffy fiber bit in them?

Question

score 58 · Accepted Answer · edited Jul 23 '12 at 04:07

Actually it's for pulling the outer shielding away from the inner wires. When you're punching down the cable you pull the fiber string down from the top of the cable and it makes a nice split in the outer shielding that allows you to pull the outer shielding down to cut it off without damaging the inner wires. Here's a video that shows the process:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHy8mtW9eak at 1:23

score 2 · Answer 2 · edited Aug 03 '11 at 13:54

2

In addition to Joe's answer; It adds some strength to the cable for pulling and helps prevent damage to the copper wires. For example, when you are pulling long runs.

edited Aug 03 '11 at 13:54

Chris S

78,455

answered Aug 03 '11 at 13:40

Alan

866

Why do cat5 cables sometimes have the fluffy fiber bit in them?

2 Answers2