When terminating category 5e and higher cables, how much should untwisting not exceed from the termination point?

When terminating category 5e and higher cables, the amount of untwisting should not exceed 12.7mm from the termination point. This guideline is crucial to maintain the integrity of the twisted-pair cables, as the twisted design is instrumental in reducing crosstalk and ensuring optimal performance. The twisting of the pairs helps to cancel out electromagnetic interference, and excessive untwisting compromises this design feature, potentially leading to decreased signal quality.

By keeping the untwisted length to a minimum—specifically at or below 12.7mm—you help preserve the cable's electrical characteristics, ensuring that the performance is in line with the standards expected for category 5e and higher cables. This is particularly important in networking environments where data integrity and speed are paramount.