28 AWG Patch Cabling—Yes or No?
As information demands increase, data centers are becoming more congested with more active equipment and cable. With a smaller diameter, patch cords with 28 AWG conductors have become widely used in data center applications however, they offer an additional use for enterprise networks. In fact, 28 AWG patch cables can be used in all applications that require twisted-pair cabling.
In addition to end-of-row (EoR) and top-of-rack (ToR) installations for data center interconnects, 28 AWG patch cords can improve airflow and reduce pathway congestion in high-density telecom and equipment rooms. Additional benefits of smaller-diameter patch cords include:
- Available for CAT 6/6A versions for 1G & 10G applications
- Accommodate tight bend radius
- Easy maintenance access
- Less downtime with faster troubleshooting
- Easier deployment in high-density environments
When comparing 28 AWG vs 24 AWG patch cords, space savings are immediately obvious (the table below compares outside diameter (OD) for these two gauges). In each case, the 28 AWG patch cable is at least 50% smaller in diameter than its 24 AWG counterpart.
28 AWG Length Possibilities
Typically, cables with a larger OD have less insertion loss than cables with a smaller OD (the higher the gauge, the smaller the wire). Because insertion loss levels are higher in smaller-diameter patch cords—including those with 28 AWG conductors—additional de-rating is necessary. The de-rating factor for a 28 AWG patch cord is 95%, meaning it’s 95% more “lossy” than a horizontal cable of the same length. In the case of a 90m permanent link, the longest channel possible would be 96m (refer to chart below mapping longest possible 28 AWG patch cord lengths combined with various permanent link lengths).
At this time, Belden is working closely with industry organizations and companies to support 28 AWG being recognized in ANSI/TIA standards. A revision of ANSI/TIA 568-C.2 is currently under way and we hope to see 28 AWG patch cords included.
28 AWG Patch Cable & PoE
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is possible with 28 AWG patch cords, although the industry currently varies in terms of wattage recommendations. Today, PoE Type 2 can be supported with 28 AWG patch cords—higher wattages may be included in the future. As changes are made, we will share updates. Learn more about Belden’s small-diameter 28 AWG Category 6/6A patch cords available in a variety of standard lengths and customizable in one-foot increments. Compared to 24 AWG patch cords, they offer more than a 50% reduction in OD and 40% reduction in weight and meet ANSI/TIA standards in channels up to 96 m.
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Category 6 |
Category 6A |
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28 AWG |
0.150 inches OD |
0.185 inches OD |
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24 AWG |
0.366 inches OD |
0.411 inches OD |
About the Author
Ron Tellas is a subject-matter expert in RF design and Electromagnetic Propagation and joined Belden in 2016 to help define the roadmap of technology and applications in the Smart Building. He now takes these experiences to incorporate systems, equipment and connectivity into network solutions. Ron represents Belden in several standards organizations, committees of the National Electrical Code and as a board member of the FMP Alliance. He has a master and bachelor degrees in electrical engineering, a master in business administration and the inventor of 17 US patents. Ron is a proud recipient of the 2024 Harry J. Pfister award for his outstanding and impactful contributions to the Telecommunications Industry.