CCA cable, Copper Clad Aluminum, also known as copper clad aluminum cable, is used in structured cabling as a conductor of electricity in telecommunications installations. However, despite its low cost, it is not the best choice for high-performance infrastructures or for those where safety and efficiency are paramount.
Therefore, even when used, it is not a recommended solution for consumers or telecom installers. In network environments where security, efficiency and operability in both the short and long term are essential, the choice of materials goes beyond their low cost. For a smaller investment can lead to serious problems in the medium to long term.
From GTLAN, as experts in electronic and IT solutions, in this article, we explain in detail why not to choose CCA cables.
What is the CCA cable?
When it comes to explaining what a CCA cable is, it is an electrical conductor containing an aluminum core that is covered by a layer of copper. In this way, a lightweight and more economical wiring is achieved that makes conductivity between devices possible.
However, at the operational level, it is not the most suitable composition to ensure operability and connectivity between equipment with high data transmission and efficiency demands. It has limitations in terms of conductivity, mechanical resistance, durability, compatibility and oxidation.
Why is CCA cable used despite its limitations?
So, if this solution has operational drawbacks, why is it still used? It is true that it continues to be installed in different technological environments and telecommunications infrastructures, but this does not mean that it is the best option.
Undoubtedly, the main reason for its use is its low cost. As it contains only a thin layer of copper and the rest is made of aluminum, its price is much lower than pure copper cable (i.e. the one made entirely of copper). For this reason, cca is often used in installations with a tighter budget.
CCA cable vs. 100% copper cable
As opposed to CCA cables, pure or solid copper cables are the recommended option both for their efficiency and for the safety of the installations. In fact, there are telecommunications regulatory bodies worldwide that indicate this, and there are also Royal Decrees and regulations in this field that require the use of 100% copper cables.
In any type of IT installation, it is essential to ensure security, quality, connectivity, efficiency and operability at all times. Therefore, it is essential to choose cost-effective solutions that promote optimum performance.
Below we discuss the pros and cons of both options to explain how pure copper cabling is the certified and recognized choice for designing reliable and secure network environments.
Ventajas y desventajas del cable CCA
As mentioned above, cca network cable is one of the cables used in IT installations, and although it is CE marked, it is not the best option, nor does it comply with safety regulations or recognized telecommunications standards.
Its use is due to advantages such as:
- Lightweight. It is mostly composed of aluminum, together with a thin copper top layer, so it weighs less and can be easier to install.
- Economic cost. Because its main component is aluminum, it is cheaper to manufacture and makes it a much less expensive solution.
However, its drawbacks make it an undesirable and non-functional option:
- Lower performance and connectivity. Aluminum offers lower conductivity than copper, resulting in less efficient data transmission.
- Problems in certifications. Since it offers a lower conductivity, in tests or tests at low frequency it may cause transmission problems, and may not pass certifications.
- Less safe. In PoE applications, aluminum poses a higher risk of overheating.
- Possibility of oxidation. Aluminum is a material that oxidizes on contact with air, so it can be easily weakened and, in addition, it is a more fragile material than copper.
- Difficult to recycle. Compared to copper, these are more difficult to recycle because they combine aluminum and copper. Therefore, in order to recycle them, both components must be separated.
- Lack of regulations. Many telecommunication installation regulations require the use of copper conductors, so using a cca network cable may be illegal.
Ventajas y desventajas del cable 100% de cobre
In turn, 100% copper cabling is the most recommended to guarantee safety and efficiency in all types of technological infrastructure. In fact, in telecommunications installations, the ICT regulations state that the cabling must comply with the EN-50288-6-1 and EN-50288-6-2 standards, which require the use of this type of cable.
In addition, they offer advantages such as:
- High conductivity. It enables efficient, fast and secure data transmission.
- Greater mechanical resistance. It is much more robust and offers less chance of breaking or weakening.
- More durable. Solid copper IT cables do not oxidize over time or in contact with air.
- PoE support. They are compatible with PoE devices and can transmit power without risk of overheating or compromising safety.
And although it is the recommended option and required by regulations, it has certain drawbacks:
- Price. As they are 100% copper cables, their cost is higher and their price is more expensive.
- They weigh more. Copper weighs more than aluminum, so they add more weight to the infrastructure and can sometimes be more complicated to handle.
Importance of the use of copper cables in telecommunications
It is true that CCA cabling is a cheaper and lighter option, and is used in certain installations. However, this does not make it the option required by telecommunications regulations and certifications. And beyond that, it is also not the most beneficial solution for your IT environment, since it means less security, less efficiency and more maintenance in the long run.
Therefore, if you want to operate with optimal, high-performance, safe and efficient infrastructures, it is essential to use 100% copper cables for data transmission. Not only because of its advantages (durability, conductivity…), but also because it is required by the relevant regulations and certifications of the telecommunications sector and the ICT Regulation in Spain.
Investing in copper cables means greater long-term profitability, safety and peace of mind. Opt for high-performance solutions for critical environments and secure installations.