How can I tell the difference between Cat 7 and Cat 6?

Hello,

I had Cat 7 network cables included in the offer for my new building. The cables go to a distributor in the utility room, which is labeled with Cat 6. How can I best determine if it is actually a Cat 7 cable?

The cables are orange and have the inscription CAT E60 RY

Is there more written on it?

Often the frequency range is printed on the cables. From 600 MHz onwards, it is CAT 7. In CAT 7, all conductor pairs are additionally shielded separately and then shielded together again. But don't be confused by the CAT 6(a) patch panel.

Cables of class 6A smell from: 500 MHz, 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit) over 100 meters.

It is important to have the matching patch panel and the matching network sockets. And: work cleanly when terminating and take the shield along, everyone! And measure the line properly, not just check continuity. Electricians are usually simple about that.
Those who have it use Cat 7, but then please properly and with the right cords (cables from the socket to the device)! That is then 8+4+shield.

Most commercial installations are "normal", at least 1gbps. If I want more, then fiber optic is used...

How can I best determine if it is actually a Cat 7 cable?

There is much to suggest that this is the case. With the cables, Cat7 is practically standard. But not with the patch panels. It would be good to use Cat6a here, but whatever ... Either way, for normal use (including HD video) everything is fine for you!

Thank you for your help. I was able to expose the cables a bit more and found the note about CAT 7 on the cables. So everything is great.