CCA Wire - What Is It and How Does It Affect Your Network?

Copper Clad Aluminium Wire (CCA) consists of an aluminum core covered with copper skin to improve its performance. This type of wire is very popular among those who want to save money on their telecommunications cables. However, it’s very important to understand how this cable differs from pure copper and how it might affect the quality of your network.

CCA is not a substitute for OFC, but it is a great alternative if you are looking to save money without impacting your network quality or longevity. The main difference between the two is that OFC carries current much further with less resistance and heat, while CCA does the opposite and holds more heat.

One of the main reasons why CCA is so popular among people on a budget is that you can usually get multiple rolls of CCA 1/0 for the price of 1 roll of OFC. This is an appealing proposition for those who are just starting on their telecommunications journey, but it’s important to remember that CCA will never match the performance of OFC in terms of electrical conductivity.

Typically, CCA is also less durable than OFC and may be more likely to experience problems like nicks or breaks. Additionally, it can be more difficult to solder than OFC.

A final drawback of CCA is that it does not offer the same level of corrosion resistance as OFC. This can be problematic if you are using your cables underground or in wet environments, as the wire will more easily corrode and lose its conductivity over time.

CCA Wire
There are some industries and applications where this type of cable is approved and suitable, but there are many cases where it’s not. It’s easy for unscrupulous cable vendors to sell non-compliant cable products to people who are unaware of the differences between OFC and CCA.

The good news is that there are ways to tell if you have been sold CCA. You can look for UL traceable holographic labels, UL or ETL listings, and manufacturer part numbers. You can also weigh the cable to see if it feels heavier than OFC. However, these methods are not foolproof and there have been reports of fraudulent cable vendors weighing their cabling to make it feel more similar to OFC.

Another way to ensure you are getting genuine copper is by using a cable testing solution from Fluke Networks. Our solutions allow you to easily identify these types of non-compliant cables, so you can avoid having your network performance compromised by a bad cable. This is particularly critical for those who are purchasing CAT5e or CAT6 patch cables for their networks. Make sure to purchase your cable from a trusted source such as ShowMeCables, where we always provide high-quality pure copper patch cables. This will ensure your network is working as it should and that you are getting the best value for your telecommunications dollars.

Copper Clad Aluminium Wire (CCA Wire)