How much untwist is permitted for category 5e and higher cables?

For category 5e and higher cables, the standard allows for a maximum untwist of 0.5 inches at the termination points. This limit is set to ensure the performance characteristics of the cables are maintained, particularly in terms of crosstalk and attenuation. Untwisting more than the permitted amount can lead to increased interference and decreased signal quality, which is critical for the effective operation of high-speed data networks.

Maintaining the correct amount of twist is essential as it helps to preserve the cable's inherent shielding from electromagnetic interference and maintains the cable's impedance characteristics. This is particularly important for cables that support higher data rates and bandwidths, where even small changes in termination can significantly affect performance.