When terminating category 5e and higher cables, untwisting shall not exceed ____________ from the termination point.

When terminating category 5e and higher cables, it is essential to limit the untwisting of the pairs to maintain the cable's performance characteristics, particularly its ability to minimize crosstalk and maintain proper impedance. The industry standard specifies that the untwisting should not exceed 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) from the termination point. This limitation ensures that the pairs remain as tightly twisted as possible up to the termination, which helps preserve the cable's electrical properties and overall signal integrity.

The specification for a maximum of 12.7 mm is designed to strike a balance between ensuring that conductors can be properly terminated while minimizing the risk of interference. By preventing excessive untwisting, the chances of introducing noise and reducing performance are significantly decreased, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the network connection.