Is CCA cable really that bad? Should I rip it out?

cmx

cmx

Getting the hang of it
Nov 9, 2024
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NJ
I’ve been using CCA cat5e for many years 15 or 20. Never have had any issues some is used for POE and some just for data.

At the time I did not know any better I have this stuff all around my house from over the years. I’ve only had one just randomly stop working .

Should I be concerned?

I would think only the cable being used as POE is at risk?
 
cmx said:
I’ve been using CCA cat5e for many years 15 or 20. Never have had any issues some is used for POE and some just for data.

At the time I did not know any better I have this stuff all around my house from over the years. I’ve only had one just randomly stop working .

Should I be concerned?

I would think only the cable being used as POE is at risk?
Click to expand...

Cat5e CCA ..

would I replace it ?

For my home :

depends on how well it was run the first time.

If easy to replace, I would.

If not, I would keep it for data.

For PoE .. that's a challenge .. have to weight the work vs benefit issues.

Fire hazard, check the sheath rating. If well rated sheath and run well, there should be little fire hazard.
 
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If UL won't certify it, that should tell us something. The part that concerns me is that, even if the cable is/was not the source of a fire, the jacket can help spread the fire from ANOTHER source in the walls or between the floors if it does not meet flame test criteria. :wtf:

Excerpt:

"Less expensive than using solid copper, cables made with CCA conductors are simply not worth the risk. Not only are they non-standards compliant, but they often do not have a valid UL safety listing per the National Electric Code (NEC).​
​
What about that UL mark on the box? If the cable is made with CCA and claims standards compliance, it could be counterfeit cable, and that means the UL mark is likely unauthorized. UL listed cables got their safety listing because they passed strict flame spread testing to reduce the spread of fire. If the UL listing is fake, there's a chance the safety is too."​
​

Tips to Identify Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) Cables

So you came across some Category 6 cable available online for practically half what you've been paying for that brand name. It claims TIA-568-C compliance, includes the UL listing mark and even has a ETL verification legend printed right on the cable. Before you get too excited, you might want...
www.flukenetworks.com www.flukenetworks.com
 
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cmx said:
I’ve been using CCA cat5e for many years 15 or 20. Never have had any issues some is used for POE and some just for data.

At the time I did not know any better I have this stuff all around my house from over the years. I’ve only had one just randomly stop working .

Should I be concerned?

I would think only the cable being used as POE is at risk?
Click to expand...
Well it's been a while, are you still using the CCA cable? I just wore myself out running this stuff and now find out about the problems with it. I really don't want to redo this job.

If is has really lasted 15-20 years for you then that would be fine for me.
 
rblancrt said:
Well it's been a while, are you still using the CCA cable? I just wore myself out running this stuff and now find out about the problems with it. I really don't want to redo this job.

If is has really lasted 15-20 years for you then that would be fine for me.
Click to expand...
If you still want to keep and utilize your installed CCA cable after reading the two articles below then go right ahead, it's a free country. Just don't expect to get much help from your insurance company should there ever be a fire issue in your house....it would likely be suspected and even if not proven responsible, you'd probably have to prove otherwise because of its "bad press."

The fact that one of the oldest and most reputable cable manufacturers around, Belden, won't produce CCA Ethernet cable should tell you something........they don't want the liability.

www.truecable.com

CCA Vs. Solid Copper Ethernet Cables: What You Need To Know

Learn about copper clad aluminum (CCA) and why it should not be used for Ethernet cables. Understand the safety hazards of using CCA, and discover the importance of choosing solid copper cables for reliable performance and compliance with industry standards.
www.truecable.com www.truecable.com

www.belden.com

CCA Cable: 5 Reasons To Stay Away

Are you considering using CCA Cable? Here are a few reasons why you should stear clear.
www.belden.com www.belden.com

And lastly, this excerpt from the article below it. I personally won't allow the use of any electrical device or component in my house that is not UL-listed. :

"UL listed cables are safety-rated because they passed strict flame spread testing to reduce the spread of fire. If a cable made with CCA shows a UL mark then it is likely unauthorized and the cable is counterfeit."​
icc.com

A Look Inside Copper Clad Aluminum CAT6 Networking Cables - ICC

As the price of copper increases, some cable manufacturing companies have come up with cheap and deceiving ways to make their networking cables.
icc.com icc.com
 
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