Modern elevators are no longer just about moving people up and down. Today’s smart lifts require continuous high-speed data transmission for IP cameras, remote monitoring, IoT sensors, elevator advertising screens, and emergency communication systems. The Elevator Traveling Cable Cat6 – 4 x CAT6e S/FTP is specifically designed to meet these demands inside the harsh environment of an elevator shaft.
If you are specifying network cabling for a lift system, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Elevator Traveling Cable Cat6 – 4 x CAT6e S/FTP?
The Elevator Cable Cat6 is a flat flexible LAN cable designed for continuous flexing applications in elevator traveling cables. It contains four independent CAT6e (or CAT6 enhanced) data pairs, each shielded for maximum signal integrity.
The full specification can be described as:
4 x CAT6e – Four separate CAT6e channels (each with 4 pairs)
S/FTP – Shielded / Foiled Twisted Pair (overall braid + foil on each pair)
4x4x2xAWG26 – Four units, each containing 4 pairs of 26 AWG stranded copper
This construction allows Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) or even multichannel video transmission over a single flat elevator traveling cable.
Why Use a CAT6e LAN Cable in an Elevator?
Standard round network cables are not designed for the constant bending, twisting, and tight spaces of an elevator shaft. The Elevator Traveling Cable Cat6 solves these problems:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Flat flexible design | Prevents twisting and kinking during elevator movement |
| S/FTP shielding | Excellent EMI/RFI rejection – critical near motor drives and power lines |
| CAT6e performance | Supports up to 10 Gbps (depending on length) and frequencies up to 500 MHz |
| 4 independent channels | Run multiple services (camera, Wi-Fi, display, intercom) over one cable |
| Stranded AWG26 | High flexibility with millions of bending cycles |
Technical Specifications (Quick Reference)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cable type | Flat elevator traveling LAN cable |
| Data rating | CAT6e (enhanced CAT6) |
| Shielding type | S/FTP (overall braid + foil per pair) |
| Number of units | 4 |
| Pairs per unit | 4 (8 conductors per unit) |
| Total conductors | 4 × 8 = 32 conductors |
| Conductor gauge | AWG26 stranded bare copper |
| Flexibility class | Continuous flex (tested for elevator traveling) |
| Temperature range | -15°C to +70°C (dynamic) |
| Outer sheath | PVC or low-smoke zero halogen (LSZH) options |
| Flame retardant | Yes (EN 60332-1-2) |
⚠️ Always check MKS Kablo's data for exact bending radius, tensile load, and cycle life.
Applications in Elevator Systems
The Elevator Cable Cat6 is ideal for:
IP security cameras inside the elevator car (real-time HD or 4K video)
Elevator emergency telephones with VoIP
Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance (IoT sensors for vibration, temperature, door cycles)
Multimedia displays – Advertisements, floor information, news feeds
Wi-Fi access points inside the car
Building automation integration – Elevator status to BMS
Because it has four independent CAT6e channels, you can run separate networks (e.g., one for camera, one for maintenance, one for passenger Wi-Fi) without additional cables.
Installation Best Practices
To ensure maximum performance and longevity of your Elevator Traveling Cable Cat6:
Use compatible flat cable hangers – Ensure the hanger slot width is at least 98 mm to accommodate the cable’s flat width.
Do not over-bend – Minimum bending radius typically 8× cable thickness for continuous flex.
Use shielded RJ45 connectors or field-termination plugs – Maintain the S/FTP shield integrity to ground at both ends (only one side grounded to avoid ground loops).
Secure both ends – One anchor on the car side, one on the shaft side.
Leave a service loop – Allow extra length for future re-termination.
Avoid running parallel to high-voltage power cables – Even with shielding, maintain separation if possible.
Comparison: Standard CAT6 vs. Elevator Traveling CAT6
| Feature | Standard CAT6 (round) | Elevator Traveling CAT6 (flat, flexible) |
|---|---|---|
| Flex life | <10,000 cycles | >1 million cycles |
| Twist resistance | Poor (twists under tension) | Excellent (flat profile resists twisting) |
| Shaft space usage | Thick round cable | Low-profile flat |
| Shielding | Often UTP or F/UTP | S/FTP (superior shielding) |
Final Verdict
The Elevator Traveling Cable Cat6 – 4 x CAT6e S/FTP (4x4x2xAWG26) is the ideal choice for modern smart elevators that demand reliable, high-speed data transmission. Its flat flexible design, quadruple CAT6e channels, and robust shielding make it future-proof for IoT, video surveillance, and passenger connectivity.
When planning a new lift installation or modernization, choose a dedicated elevator traveling LAN cable – standard network cables will fail prematurely in the shaft. This cable ensures safety, uptime, and Gigabit performance for years to come.
Need specific bend radius or connector recommendations? Consult MKS KABLO or refer to TIA/EIA standards for shielded twisted pair in moving applications.
