Panduit NK6APC1GR NetKey Cat 6A 1-Foot UTP Patch Cord

The Panduit NK6APC1GR delivers 10GBASE-T performance in a slender 26 AWG form factor designed for high-density patching in datacenter racks, telecom closets, and server aggregation points. This 1-foot Cat 6A UTP patch cord uses stranded copper conductors and enhanced-performance modular plugs to exceed ANSI/TIA-568.2-D Category 6A specifications across the full 1–500 MHz bandwidth. The patented tangle-free latch prevents snags during frequent moves, adds, and changes, while the low-profile strain-relief boot ensures easy insertion and removal in crowded patch-panel and switch-port environments.

Key Features

• 10GBASE-T Ready: Exceeds Cat 6A performance standards for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, backward compatible with 1000BASE-T and 100BASE-TX.
• 26 AWG Slender Profile: Reduces cable bulk and improves airflow in high-density racks compared to standard 24 AWG patch cords.
• Tangle-Free Latch: Panduit's patented design prevents boot snags on adjacent cables, saving time during MAC operations and reducing connector breakage.
• PoE++ Compatible: Supports IEEE 802.3af (15.4 W), 802.3at (30 W), and 802.3bt Type 3/4 (60–100 W) Power over Ethernet applications without derating.
• CM/LSZH Jacket: Dual-rated for plenum-alternative installations and low-smoke, zero-halogen fire safety requirements.
• 1-Foot Length: Ideal for patch-panel to switch connections, server NIC to ToR switch links, and short cross-connects in equipment racks.

The NK6APC1GR uses unshielded twisted-pair construction with stranded 26 AWG conductors, offering the flexibility needed for repeated plugging and unplugging in active environments. Each modular plug is factory-terminated and tested to ensure low insertion loss and return loss across the Cat 6A frequency range. The green jacket color simplifies visual identification in multi-VLAN or segmented network deployments—common in enterprise datacenters, hospital IT closets, and university network cores where color-coded patching standards reduce human error during troubleshooting and expansion.

Designed for datacenter I/O consolidation, server virtualization fabrics, and high-speed backbone aggregation, this patch cord handles the physical-layer demands of modern 10GbE switching fabrics and converged storage networks. The 26 AWG conductor gauge reduces bundle diameter by approximately 30% compared to 24 AWG cords of the same length, improving rack airflow and easing cable management in 1U and 2U switch installations. When used with Panduit's NetKey keystones, patch panels, and cable-management accessories, the NK6APC1GR integrates into end-to-end structured cabling systems that meet or exceed TSB-184-A guidelines for data-center pathways.

The cord is wired to be compatible with both T568A and T568B termination schemes, eliminating the need to stock multiple SKU variants for mixed-standard environments. It meets ANSI/TIA-1096-A (formerly FCC Part 68), IEC 60603-7, and UL 1863 safety standards, and is RoHS compliant. Because the jacket is rated CM/LSZH, it satisfies building codes requiring low-smoke, zero-halogen materials in occupied spaces, equipment rooms, and international installations governed by IEC 61034 and IEC 60754 standards. The 1-foot length minimizes signal-path latency and insertion loss, making it the right choice for latency-sensitive applications such as high-frequency trading networks, real-time video production, and parallel-processing compute clusters.