Copper clad aluminum vs pure copper
Ethernet cable; which is better? |
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With the price of copper recently reaching new highs, customers looking to run Ethernet cabling might be on the lookout for a more cost effective solution. The most expensive component in the manufacturing process of Ethernet cabling is the pure copper used in producing the eight conductors. To cut costs, some manufacturers are offering the option of Ethernet cabling made with CCA conductors. What is CCA, you might ask? CCA is Copper Clad Aluminum Ethernet cable. This means that each of the conductors is made out of mostly aluminum with a thin outer cladding of copper. Aluminum is less expensive than copper, so it is possible to save a little money with this cabling choice. While utilizing aluminum might be less expensive, is it really worth saving a few dollars in the long run? Let's discuss five reasons why CCA Ethernet cable is not worth the potential cost savings. |
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1. Category cabling standards. |
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The most critical issue with CCA is that it is not compliant with official cabling standards. The Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard is published by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), which is a body accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standard calls for pure copper conductors in Ethernet cabling. Following cabling standards ensures that network devices can communicate effectively and efficiently. Whether we are talking about a home network or a business network, relying on non-compliant cabling introduces unnecessary risk. |
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CCA cabling often struggles with performance, especially over longer distances or under demanding use. One of the biggest performance pitfalls of CCA cable is its tendency toward Signal attenuation A.K.A signal loss. CCA’s higher electrical resistance results in weaker transmission, greater packet loss, slower speeds and more frequent retransmissions especially over longer distances. |
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Additionally, CCA struggles with Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Because aluminum can’t handle high current as efficiently as copper, power delivery is unstable or insufficient. This often results in device failure. This is critical for modern networks, where PoE powers security cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and more. |
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We recently had a customer call us after spending a substantial amount on a home security camera system that required POE. Everything was installed, but he was not getting any signal. After some review, we discovered he had found CCA cable on another site and chosen it to save money. He purchased a box of pure copper cable from us, and it resolved all his problems once installed. |
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3. Physical characteristics. |
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CCA cable is more brittle, has less tensile strength, and features a lower bend radius than its pure copper counterpart. These differences lead to several real world issues such as breakage during installation or handling. Pulling cables through conduits or around corners increases the chance of damaging the aluminum core, causing signal failures or total cable loss. You also run the risk of oxidation and corrosion at termination points. Over time, aluminum can corrode. More specifically, it oxidizes. While this may not affect the middle of a 100 foot cable, the ends of the cable are susceptible to oxidation. Once crimped to an RJ45 connector or punched down to a keystone, the exposed aluminum core can corrode and cause issues with the signal. If your CCA cable survives installation, you can expect significantly reduced operational lifespan compared to pure copper. Pure copper cables can last decades, while CCA cables may begin to show signs of failure within just a few years or even months. |
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Beyond poor performance and not meeting the ANSI/TIA standard is the issue of safety. CCA cable poses a fire hazard due to aluminum having a higher resistance than copper. If we can all remember back to high school science class, higher resistance produces more heat. As those PoE devices mentioned earlier draw power through a CCA Ethernet cable, you run the risk of starting a fire. If a fire investigation reveals the use of non-compliant cable, your insurance provider will deny your claim. It’s a risk that simply isn’t worth the few dollars you might save up front. |
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Some network installations require certification. One of the most recognizable names in certification tools is Fluke. A Fluke tester’s readings are based on the electrical properties of the cable. Since CCA has higher resistance and less consistent impedance, it causes signals to weaken faster and creates reflections that interfere with signal quality. It will always under-perform and often fail resistance-related tests when compared to a copper cable of the same length and category. |
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When you weigh all the factors, trying to save a few bucks on CCA cable is just not worth it. That savings will never outweigh the safety concerns and performance issues that come with copper clad aluminum Ethernet cabling. Buy your Ethernet cabling from a trusted reputable source. CableWholesale has been in the cabling industry over 25 years and Ethernet cable is our bread and butter. We do not cut corners on quality and neither should you. |
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