CCA Cable: A Hidden Threat Lurking Behind Your Walls

Bulk Cat6 cable has become increasingly cheap in recent years, with prices undercutting those of name brands by half. However, this affordability comes at a cost. A closer look at the jacket reveals that many of these budget-friendly cables contain a secret ingredient: CCA, or copper-clad aluminum.

While it may seem harmless, using CCA cable can have serious consequences. When stripped of its outer layer, the eight inner wires appear identical to those made from solid copper. However, upon closer inspection, one notices that the handling is different - a box of CCA feels lighter than expected and the strands tend to crack rather than flex when crimped.

The real issue arises when CCA cable is buried behind drywall. It cannot meet the fire rating required by local building codes, which demand solid copper conductors. In fact, running CCA cable through a wall could result in code violations and costly inspections.

Furthermore, CCA wire's higher resistance compared to solid copper can lead to heat buildup, particularly when using Power over Ethernet (PoE). This increased temperature can reduce the lifespan of the cable and even cause it to fail prematurely. To avoid such problems, it is essential to carefully inspect the jacket for any signs of CCA content.

Jonathon Jachura, a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in the HVAC industry, advises homeowners to check the following when selecting cable: read the label for genuine UL listings and solid bare copper, weigh the spool to detect potential aluminum substitution, and use online databases to verify the authenticity of claimed ratings.