While CCA products might look like (and be advertised to function like) standard Category 5e or Category 6 cabling, there are major differences that could pose network problems, concerns about business continuity, and safety hazards.
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CCA Defined
This type of cable features an inner aluminum conductor that is coated with copper, making it significantly lighter than solid copper cables. Due to its lower manufacturing costs, CCA cable can yield greater profits for manufacturers. While CCA has its applications in certain electrical uses, it should not be regarded as a viable substitute for twisted-pair communications cabling.
5 Network Problems Caused by CCA
There are several critical issues that can occur when CCA cabling systems are incorporated into your network infrastructure. Below, we highlight some of these concerns:
Lack of compliance: CCA twisted pair cables fail to meet UL and TIA standards, which require solid or stranded copper conductors. Additionally, these cables do not have a valid safety listing from the National Electrical Code (NEC). Consequently, this type of cabling cannot legally be installed in buildings requiring CM, CMG, CMX, CMR, or CMP rated cables.
Poor flexibility and bend radius: CCA conductors are prone to brittleness and can easily fracture; even a slight movement of a patch panel or faceplate may lead to failures. Due to their low tensile strength, CCA wires might break during packaging or delivery. Also, the bend radius for CCA cabling is quite limited.
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Oxidation and corrosion: Aluminum is highly reactive and will oxidize upon exposure to air. This reaction can result in failed network terminations, creating connectivity issues that can consume valuable time to diagnose and resolve.
Not suitable for PoE applications: With considerably higher DC resistance than copper, CCA conductors may need to be up to 60% larger than solid copper to counterbalance this resistance. If not adequately compensated, voltage drops can exceed TIA regulatory limits for longer cable lengths (>65m), potentially limiting voltage supply to devices. Additionally, the higher resistance can lead to accelerated heat generation that might damage the devices.
Shorter cable runs: For longer CCA cable runs nearing the 100-meter cap, signal strength diminishes compared to solid copper Category 5e. This reduction can lead to data loss as more data packets require retransmission.
How to Identify CCA
If you want to learn how to identify CCA cabling, check out the tips in a previous blog post by Belden. To find out which types of twisted-pair communications cabling, such as Category 5e, Category 6, and Category 6A, are suitable for your network infrastructure, consult with one of our experts!
We are the leading box wire supplier in the industry. Our team is highly skilled and ready to assist you in finding the right product for your needs.
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