Network Cables

Best Network Cable Deals in the UK: Expert Electrical and Top Retailers Compared

Why upgrading your network cables still matters

If you’re wrestling with slow streaming, laggy gaming, or flaky video calls, the culprit might not be your router — it could be the cable between your kit. Upgrading from old or damaged wiring to a modern ethernet cable can be one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to boost reliability and speed. Think of cables as plumbing for data: the right pipe size and material keeps everything flowing smoothly. In this guide I’ll walk you through where to shop in the UK, what to buy, and how to avoid buyer’s remorse.

Spotlight on Expert Electrical — what they bring to the table

Expert Electrical is a well-known supplier in the UK for electrical and cabling products. They stock a wide range of specialist cables — everything from industrial-grade flexible cable to finished network leads. If you need branded items like the Lapp Cable Olflex series or local upload/download leads for alarm and control systems, Expert Electrical is a place to check. Their catalogue often includes both bulk rolls and pre-terminated patch cables, which is handy whether you’re wiring a single room or a whole office.

Popular items you’ll see at Expert Electrical

Among items commonly found in their listings are Lapp Olflex flexible control cables, ready-made router leads roughly 13 ft long (marketed as 4 m router leads), and heavier-duty power-and-data hybrid cables. For example, a 25 m roll of braided 2-core decorative cable appears in some related product lists — that’s roughly an 82 ft roll, useful for long custom runs or multi-point wiring. These sorts of options are ideal if you prefer to cut and terminate your own cables for bespoke installations.

Other top UK stores for network cables

While Expert Electrical focuses on specialist and trade-grade stock, the UK market has several other reliable retailers. Currys and Screwfix are great for consumer-friendly convenience and a broad range of pre-made patch leads; RS Components and CCL are strong choices if you need technical specs, bulk cable or specialist connectors; Amazon UK and eBay are convenient for price comparisons and fast delivery; Box and Scan cater well to IT pros and small datacentre installs. Each retailer suits different needs — convenience, budget, bulk or pro-grade equipment.

Comparing what each retailer is best at

Currys and Amazon are perfect for quick buys — patch cables, small accessories and last-minute upgrades. Screwfix is handy if you want trade-style availability and store pickup. RS Components and CCL are where you’ll go for certified, branded bulk cable and technical datasheets. Box.co.uk and Scan are good for networking professionals needing Cat6a and shielded options. eBay can be a bargain hunt, but be careful about seller reputation and product certification.

Understanding cable categories: Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a

Confused by Cat numbers? You’re not alone. The “Cat” rating tells you how much bandwidth a cable supports and its maximum reliable cable length for certain speeds. Cat5e is still common and will often handle gigabit speeds for short runs, but Cat6 and Cat6a offer higher headroom and better interference suppression. If you want a future-proof home network for 10 Gigabit over copper, Cat6a is the safer bet. For most homes, Cat6 is a strong middle-ground offering solid performance without the extra bulk or cost of Cat6a.

Which category should you pick for different uses?

For casual streaming, gaming, and home office use, Cat6 is a smart choice — it supports gigabit easily and runs comfortably for typical home distances. If you’re wiring a new build, running cable for home lab servers, or installing in a commercial build where 10 Gigabit might be needed down the line, choose Cat6a. For short, cheap patches behind the TV or quick router-to-switch links, Cat5e still works, but it’s less future-proof.

Shielded vs unshielded: when to choose STP over UTP

Cable shielding reduces interference from nearby electrical sources and other network runs. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is lighter and easier to terminate; shielded (STP or FTP) adds a metal shield around pairs or the whole cable. Choose shielded cable in environments with lots of electrical noise — think near heavy machinery or long runs alongside mains wiring. Indoors in a typical home, UTP usually does the job and saves you the headache of earthing and additional grounding considerations.

Practical advice for installations with shielding

Don’t buy shielded cable unless you have a reason: improper installation can defeat the benefits without giving you the improved performance. If you do use shielded cable, plan how you’ll terminate and ground the shields properly — that often means using metal patch panels and shrouded connectors, which many suppliers list on their product pages.

Length, speed and the “sweet spot” for home runs

Every cable spec has a maximum length at which it reliably supports certain speeds. For most ethernet standards, that sweet spot is about 328 ft for copper runs — that’s the common maximum for gigabit connections over Cat5e/6. So unless you’re wiring throughout a mansion, you’ll likely never hit the limit. Keep individual run lengths sensible and avoid unnecessary patching; the fewer connectors and joins, the more reliable your connection will be.

Tips for selecting cable length

Measure runs roughly and add a little slack — about a foot or two — to allow for neat routing and future moves. If you’re buying rolls of cable to cut down yourself, rolls from suppliers like Expert Electrical often come in lengths suitable for multiple rooms; a single 82 ft roll can serve several short runs or one long run with room to spare.

Buying in bulk vs pre-terminated cables: pros and cons

Buying bulk cable on a reel and terminating yourself saves money per foot and lets you make perfectly tailored lengths. It’s ideal for installers and DIYers comfortable with crimps, boots and testing. Pre-terminated patch leads are plug-and-play and perfect for plug-in consumer needs. If you don’t plan to crimp your own RJ45 ends or you need a fast, neat setup, buy factory-made leads.

When bulk pays off

If you’re installing multiple rooms or a whole property, buying bulk rolls from trade suppliers will cut costs significantly. On the flip side, if you want plug-and-play simplicity with no tools involved, stock up on pre-made leads from retail chains like Currys or Amazon, which offer a huge selection of lengths and colours.

Accessories that make installations painless

Beyond the cable itself, a few accessories are worth their weight in gold: decent RJ45 connectors and boots, a reliable crimping tool, a cable tester and cable management such as trunking or Velcro ties. If you’re installing ceiling fixtures or running cable through joists, a fish tape and a grommet kit will save time and won’t damage the cable sheath. Many stores bundle these items with cable deals, so look for starter kits if you’re new to network wiring.

Testing and certifying your work

A simple continuity tester lets you check basic wiring, but if you’re running a professional job, a certifier is the ticket — it measures length, crosstalk and attenuation to industry standards. For home use, a mid-range cable tester will confirm pairs are correctly terminated and spot faults quickly.

How to spot good quality cable and trustworthy sellers

Quality shows up in the jacket feel, the firmness of twists in the pairs, and the presence of clear marking for category and certification. Reputable sellers will provide datasheets with electrical characteristics and often offer branded cable such as Lapp or other recognised manufacturers. Watch for sellers that list only vague specs or have mixed reviews — it’s not worth the risk on critical links like your home office line or main media hub.

Certification matters

If a product lists ISO or TIA certification, that’s a green flag. For shielded installations, check that the supplier includes guidance on grounding. Trade suppliers and specialist electrical retailers typically provide better technical documentation than generic marketplaces, so consult their spec sheets before buying for big projects.

Practical installation tips for a tidy, long-lasting setup

Keep cables loosely bundled — avoid tight knots or kinks. Use labeled patch panels or color-coded cables to make future changes painless. Avoid running ethernet in the same conduit as mains wiring; if they must cross, do so at right angles. And always leave a little extra length at faceplates for tidy terminations and a margin for repairs or rerouting.

Neatness equals reliability

Neat cable management reduces wear on connectors and makes fault-finding easier. Use cable ties or Velcro straps, simple trunking for visible runs, and wall plates for permanent terminations. A well-routed cable delivers better long-term performance than a haphazard short-term fix.

Where to find the best deals right now

Track deals at a mix of retailers: specialist wholesalers for bulk and datasheets, consumer retailers for quick purchase, and marketplace sellers for occasional bargains. Expert Electrical is worth checking for trade-grade options like the Lapp range and flexible control cables, while Currys and Screwfix are convenient for ready-made leads. RS Components and CCL shine when you need technical certainty or unusual cable types, and Amazon often carries competitive multi-packs of patch leads if you need a handful of tidy lengths quickly.

How to combine sources for the best value

Buy bulk and tools from a trade supplier, and get pre-terminated jumpers from a consumer retailer for desk connections. That way you get the cost benefits of bulk cable where it matters and the convenience of factory-made leads where it doesn’t. Keep an eye on seasonal sales — retailers often discount networking bundles during big sale events.

Final checklist before you click “buy”

Ask yourself: What category do I need (Cat6 vs Cat6a)? Do I need shielded cable? How long are my runs and do I need bulk or pre-made leads? Do I have tools and a tester? Answer these and you’ll reduce surprises. Also check seller specs, warranty and return options even though these aren’t your main deciding factors — they can save you time if something arrives wrong.

Quick-buy cheat sheet

If you want a simple rule: choose Cat6 for most homes, Cat6a for future-proofing or very high speeds, buy pre-made leads for desktops and streaming boxes, and buy bulk reels for structured wiring projects. Add a decent crimper and tester to your cart if you plan to terminate cables yourself.

Conclusion: Choosing the right network cable and the best place to buy it in the UK comes down to matching your project needs to the right supplier. Expert Electrical is a strong option for trade and specialist items, while mainstream retailers and online marketplaces fill out the rest of the market. With a little planning and a few essential tools, you’ll have a faster, more reliable network that keeps up with whatever you throw at it.