Booted versus Unbooted Patch Leads

The strain-relief boots (standard on Category 6 leads and optional on Category 5e) provide protection for the point where the cable meets the plug.  The boot applies tension on the cable to keep it straight and to create a greater natural bend radius on the lead when it is plugged in.  It also protects the release latch on the plug so that it will not snag on things when being threaded through furniture or untangled from other leads.

Most people use booted leads to connect computers and other equipment to the wall socket, but when it comes to patch panels, there is some debate.  Some people prefer booted cables because of their ease of untangling.  Others prefer unbooted because they provide easier access to the plug when used in equipment or panels where the sockets are very close to one another.  3complete booted cables use slideable boots, so if access is difficult, the boot can be slid back down the cable.  The cable boots are usually the same colour as the cable, but special orders can be taken for other colour combinations.

For Cat 6 systems, booted cables are mandatory for maintaining the bend radius on the lead.

In addition to our standard booted and unbooted cables, we can also offer cables which have an injection-moulded strain-relief boot.  The boots on these cables are moulded to the plug, so they cannot move, but they offer a slimmer profile, and choke the cable at a point where it can be susceptible to the conductors 'flaring'.  The slimmer boots do not protect the plug latch from snagging, but there is a wider moulded version that includes a latch cover.  If you already use this type of cable, or have an application that may benefit from this design, call us for more details and comparison pricing.