How durable is a CAT5 cable, and how susceptible is it to electrical degradation?

It is anticipated that most long CAT5 cable runs will consist of cable bought in bulk that is intended for installed wiring. It consists of solid, not stranded internal wires, so is not quite as flexible as analog cabling. Still, we have found that it is very manageable and flexible enough for repeated use. CAT5 cable isn't as durable as off the shelf microphone, instrument, and speaker cables that are designed for professional audio applications. It doesn't have the thick rubberized protective outer insulation and flexibility. For this reason, a bit more care must be taken in portable sound venues to protect it from damage. However, because the cable is a single thin one, and can be run for longer lengths, it lends itself better to be run out of the way and tucked out of the way. It can be covered by a carpet or cable protection products much more easily than an analog snake. Obviously, we would caution against just throwing it down through the center of an auditorium to be trampled ...  more