CrimpShop carries RJ45 connectors for Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 shielded cable. The EZ-RJ45 pass-through series lets you verify conductor alignment before crimping, which reduces re-terminations on the job. For Cat6a 10GbE runs up to 100 meters, the ezEX48 connector handles the larger-diameter cable with a pass-through design. Shielded options are available for STP and S/FTP installations.
- Match the cable category first. Cat5e/6 use standard EZ-RJ45; Cat6A/7 need the larger ezEX or full-metal shielded bodies.
- STP cable = shielded connector. If your jacket says STP, FTP, or S/FTP, you must use a shielded plug to carry the drain to ground.
- Pass-through (EZ / ezEX) is the fastest terminate. Wires thread all the way through so you can verify order before you crimp — just pair it with a pass-through crimp tool.
- Buy in the right pack size. 50-packs for repairs, 100-packs for full installs — bulk drops your cost per drop.
Connector Comparison
Find the right connector for your cable type and application.
| Connector | Cable Type | Wire Gauge | Ground | Shielded | Pack Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e | Cat5, Cat5e | 24 AWG | N/A | No | 50, 100 |
| EZ-RJ45 Cat6 | Cat6 | 23 AWG | N/A | No | 50, 100 |
| ezEX44 Cat6 | Cat6 | 23 AWG | External | No | 100 |
| ezEX48 Cat6A | Cat6A | 22-23 AWG | External | No | 100 |
| ezEX-RJ45 | Cat5e–Cat6A | 22-24 AWG | External | No | 100 |
| Shielded EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e | Cat5, Cat5e STP | 24 AWG | Shield tab | Yes | 50 |
| Shielded EZ-RJ45 Cat6 | Cat6 STP | 23 AWG | Shield tab | Yes | 100 |
| Cat6A/7 Shielded | Cat6A, Cat7 | 22-23 AWG | Full metal | Yes | 1 (field) |
| Cat7 Shielded RJ45 | Cat7 | 22-23 AWG | Full metal | Yes | 1 (field) |
Not sure a connector matches your crimp tool? Pass-through connectors only work with a crimper that trims the excess wire. Our compatibility matrix maps every EZ-RJ45 and ezEX connector to the tools that terminate it — no returns, no guesswork.
See the Connector Compatibility Matrix →Terminating shielded cable? Read the RJ45 strain relief guide first.
Which Connector Do I Need?
Check the jacket print — it says Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, or Cat7. This determines wire gauge and connector geometry.
If your cable is STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) — common in data centers, hospitals, and industrial settings — use a shielded connector.
EZ-RJ45: Standard pass-through. ezEX: External ground tab, no separate ground wire needed. Both use pass-through design for easy wire verification.
EZ-RJ45 and ezEX connectors require a compatible crimp tool that trims the pass-through wires. See our Connector Compatibility Guide for the full matrix.
Choosing the Right RJ45 Connector
Picking the right RJ45 connector comes down to two variables: the cable category you are terminating and whether you want pass-through or standard style.
CrimpShop carries the EZ-RJ45 and ezEX series across Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7. Pass-through connectors let you push conductors all the way through the plug body so you can visually confirm order and trim length before the crimp. That single step eliminates most field re-terminations and is why working installers prefer them over standard connectors.
Cable category matchup at a glance
- Cat5e: EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e (100003C) for standard unshielded runs; Shielded EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e (100022C) for STP.
- Cat6: EZ-RJ45 Cat6 (100010C) or ezEX-RJ45 (202010J) for larger-gauge solid conductors; shielded version (106205C) for screened cable.
- Cat6a: ezEX48 (202048J) is built for Cat6a diameter and supports 10GbE to 100 meters per TIA-568-C.2.
- Cat7: Shielded options (106250, 106260) for S/FTP and screened installations.
Strain reliefs are sold separately (100036) and are recommended for any cable subject to frequent movement or rack dressing.
All connectors in this category are compatible with the EXO EZ-RJ45 Crimp Tool (100061C) and the PTS PRO Universal Crimp Tool (12520C).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pass-through RJ45 connector and a standard connector?
A pass-through connector has an open front that lets you push the conductors completely through the plug body before crimping. You can see and confirm the wire order, then trim the excess in the crimp step. Standard connectors require you to measure and cut each conductor to length before inserting, which takes more time and leaves less room to catch order mistakes.
Which RJ45 connector do I need for Cat6a cable?
For Cat6a, use the ezEX48 (202048J). Cat6a cable has a larger outer diameter than Cat6, and standard-size connectors will not seat the conductors properly. The ezEX48 is designed for that larger OD and is compatible with 10GbE runs up to 100 meters as specified in TIA-568-C.2.
Can I use the same connector for Cat5e and Cat6?
No. Cat5e and Cat6 cables have different conductor diameters and construction. Using a Cat5e connector on a solid Cat6 conductor will result in a poor crimp and intermittent or failed connections. Our catalog includes separate connector series for each category.
Do I need shielded connectors for a standard office network run?
Not for typical unshielded Cat5e or Cat6 horizontal runs. Shielded (STP/S/FTP) connectors are required when you are terminating shielded cable. Using an unshielded connector on shielded cable defeats the cable's EMI protection and will break the shield continuity.
The RJ45 Connector Selection Cheat Sheet
One printable page that ends the “which plug do I order?” question for good. Match cable category to connector, gauge, shielding, and the crimp tool that terminates it — laminate it, drop it in the tool bag, spec the right connector every time.
- Cat5e through Cat7 → connector map, side by side
- Shielded vs unshielded decision rules for STP runs
- Pack-size & cost-per-drop quick-reference for bulk buys
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Every product on CrimpShop is tested for compatibility with specific cable types. Check our Connector Compatibility Guide to find exactly what you need.
Installation Guides
Reference articles for punch-down termination, code compliance, and cable pathway support.
Ready to terminate with confidence?
Order the connectors that match your cable and tool — shipped same day. Still weighing options? Talk to a termination specialist and we’ll spec the right plug for your job.