Long Ethernet Cables
Ready-made network patch leads from 15m to 50m, for running a wired connection to another room, upstairs, across an office or out to a garden office or camera. Choose from 333 long leads in 15m, 20m, 25m, 30m, 40m and 50m lengths, in CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6A, with shielded and outdoor options. 291 are in stock now for next working day delivery.
Shop by length
Popular long Ethernet cables
Long leads by category and length
The number of leads we list in each size. Click a number to see them.
| Category | 15m | 20m | 25m | 30m | 40m | 50m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT5e | 44 | 47 | 11 | 21 | 4 | 5 |
| CAT6 | 42 | 46 | 10 | 22 | 4 | – |
| CAT6A | 19 | 23 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| CAT8 | 4 | 4 | – | – | – | – |
How long can an Ethernet cable be?
Copper Ethernet is designed to work up to 100 metres between the network switch or router and the device. Cabling standards split that into up to 90m of fixed cable plus up to 10m of patch leads, so a single lead of 50m or less is well inside the limit. Beyond 100m the signal gets weaker and errors rise. For longer distances, use fibre optic cable or put a switch part way along the run.
CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT6A for a long run?
| Category | Gigabit (1Gbps) | 10 Gigabit (10Gbps) | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT5e | Up to 100m | Not rated | 100MHz |
| CAT6 | Up to 100m | Up to 55m | 250MHz |
| CAT6A | Up to 100m | Up to 100m | 500MHz |
For normal broadband, gaming, TVs and gigabit office networks, CAT5e or CAT6 is fine at every length on this page. Choose CAT6A if you need 10 gigabit over more than 55m, or want the run to keep up with faster equipment later.
Thicker copper for the longest leads
Most of our long leads are 24 AWG or 26 AWG. The smaller the number, the thicker the copper: 24 AWG loses less signal over distance and runs cooler when powering PoE cameras, phones and wireless access points, so it is the better choice for the longest runs and for PoE. 26 AWG is thinner and more flexible, which helps where many cables are bundled together. 139 of our long leads are 24 AWG.
Shielded or unshielded?
Most long leads are U/UTP (unshielded), which works well in homes and offices. If the cable runs alongside mains power cables, motors, lift equipment or fluorescent lighting, a shielded lead (F/UTP, U/FTP, F/FTP or S/FTP) gives better protection from interference. We list 91 shielded long leads.
Running a cable outside
Standard patch leads are made for indoor use. For a run to a garden office, between buildings or to a CCTV camera, use one of our outdoor Ethernet cables, which have a tough black PE jacket made for outdoor use, in 15m, 20m, 25m, 30m, 40m and 50m lengths.
Low smoke (LSZH) leads
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jackets give off less smoke and no toxic halogen gas if they catch fire. They are often asked for in offices, schools, hospitals and other public buildings. 152 of our long leads are LSZH.
Patch lead or cable reel?
A long patch lead has its plugs already fitted and tested, so it is ready to use straight away. That makes it ideal for runs along skirting boards, under floors or through a loft. Moulded plugs will not pass through small holes, so for cable that is fixed inside walls or ceilings the usual approach is solid core cable from a reel, finished at a faceplate or patch panel at each end.
Can I join two Ethernet cables?
Yes. An RJ45 coupler joins two leads end to end. Each join adds a little signal loss, so keep the total length under 100m and use a coupler of the same category as your leads, or better. One lead of the right length is always the most reliable option.