The rapidly increasing use of light weight Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) cables across the UK and European markets is creating significant uncertainty, says Luca Rozzoni, who explains why, and what needs to be done to ensure that the right cable is used for specific applications.

The wide spread of CCA cables across the UK and European markets is doubtless causing considerable concern. This is mainly being caused by a knowledge gap across the supply chain, with low cost distribution own-brand products unknowingly supplying CCA patch cords and solid core horizontal cable stated as being ISO11801, TIA-568C or EN50173-1 standards compliant.

In some instances, component compliant certificates are provided, so misrepresenting the nature of the actual product supplied.

It is vital that all parties understand the limitations and the underlining risks associated with the use of CCA cables. It is often the case that lower cost cable may present a (deceiving) opportunity for higher margins and reduced capital expenditure. However, the potential for serious problems with such cable could easily overwrite any perceived benefits gained – for both installers and end users.

CCA conductor features

CCA conductors generally feature an aluminium central core of around 80% of the conductor diameter, with the remaining outer 20% being a copper cladding. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a typical CCA cable as sold across the UK.

As opposed to copper conductors, aluminium conductors possess inferior electrical and mechanical properties. As a direct consequence, this may yield poor signal transmission (particularly at low frequencies), and restricted flexing capability leading to poor physical contact of the end-points.

Furthermore, there are major concerns with CCA cables as their use tends to produce a higher temperature rise when employed in growing modern applications such Power over Ethernet (POE).

Possible problems

With that in mind, it is important that users deciding to purchase low cost cable and patch cords take into account the fact that their current and/or future applications may not be adequately supported.

Business continuity is a key factor for the success of any organisation dealing in the modern world. As technology evolves over time, a network infrastructure must be able to constantly adjust to changes and meet current business requirements. It has often been shown that, because of their limitations, CCA cables are unable to withstand such challenges and replacement of the entire installation may be the only available solution.

A recognition?

But what do the standards say in regards to CCA cable? European and International Standards EN 50288-3-2 and ISO/IEC 61156 simply do not recognise CCA cable as a suitable media. There is no ambiguity when it comes to the standard requirements as the details in the specification are comprehensive with reference to the cable conductor.

Having said that, the final decision should be based on the specific application concerned, along with the customer’s expectations. For instance, customers who are seeking category-based performance requirements, optimum system availability, lowest capital expenditure and the ability to migrate towards future technologies, should only consider the deployment of pure copper cables.

On the other hand, CCA cables may be an alternative option for the lowest-end of the LAN market – provided that none of the above considerations need to be met. However, customers should be informed as to whether the products they are purchasing are compliant or not.