Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) is a type of conductive wire that has an aluminum core with a thin layer of copper plated on top- Changzhou Yuzisenhan Electronic Co., Ltd

Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) is a type of conductive wire that has an aluminum core with a thin layer of copper plated on top

Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) is a type of conductive wire that has an aluminum core with a thin layer of copper plated on top. This copper plated tin makes the conductor more resistant to corrosion and offers better shielding than pure copper. CCA is used in a wide range of applications, including Ethernet cables and coaxial cable. While the copper clad aluminum conductor may seem more economical than solid copper, it is not as strong and has a higher risk of damage.

Several manufacturers started using CCA in an attempt to cut costs during the Great Recession. Copper prices fell, and aluminum was cheaper to produce. Unfortunately, these cuts have compromised the performance and safety of network cables. Copper clad aluminum cables have lower tensile strength, and single conductors can break or snap easily when pulled. They also have a lower bend radius, so they cannot be bent as much as pure copper cables. Combined with poor shielding, these issues can create serious network problems and reduce data transmission speed.

To identify a CCA cable, you will need to strip the outer sheath of the cable. Look for a yellow sheath with a silver metallic appearance. If you are not sure if your cable is CCA, look for the conductors inside. You will see that the bare copper conductors are darker than the tinned aluminum ones. In addition, a bare copper conductor will have a greenish tinge while the tinned copper will be silvery gray.

The tinning process protects the copper from corrosion and oxidation. This is especially important in wet and damp environments, where oxidation can degrade the conductor. In addition, the tinning process makes it easier to solder the copper conductors. The tin also helps protect the conductor from moisture, which can increase resistance and cause short circuits.

While CCA is an acceptable choice for many small-scale business and home networks, you should avoid using it for any high-speed or optimum efficiency applications. These cables do not comply with TIA and IEC standards for Cat5e and Cat6 networks, and they can lead to slow network speeds and other problems. In addition, they have a higher attenuation than pure copper cables, which means that more data is lost and has to be re-transmitted.

The best option is to choose a pure copper cable, which is still more expensive than CCA but is made of the best materials for the job. Pure copper can be more durable and has a higher tensile strength than aluminum, so it will last longer and offer a better performance. However, if you are on a tight budget, choosing a CCA cable can save you money in the long run. Just make sure that you check the cable's specifications before purchasing it. You should always use a qualified electrician to install your new electrical wiring. The wrong kind of wire can lead to fires, short circuits and other hazards.