Why Are Some Ethernet Cables So Cheap? The Truth About CCA vs. Pure Copper

CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminum.

Instead of using a solid copper conductor, the cable uses an aluminum core coated with a thin layer of copper.

It offers several advantages:

• Lower material cost

• Lighter weight

• Suitable for certain electrical and RF applications

However, CCA is not designed for Category communication cabling.

What Does the Category Cabling Standard Require?

According to ANSI/TIA standards, Category communication cables are designed around copper conductors.

This includes:

• Solid Copper — commonly used in horizontal installation cables.

• Stranded Copper — commonly used in patch cords.

  
  

Because CCA uses an aluminum conductor, it does not meet the conductor requirements for standard Category cables.

This is why major manufacturers such as Belden, CommScope, Panduit, Leviton and Siemon only manufacture Category cables with copper conductors.

Why Does CCA Perform Differently?

Although CCA may work for basic networking applications, aluminum has very different electrical and mechanical properties from copper.

1. Higher DC Resistance

CCA conductors typically have much higher DC resistance than copper.

Higher resistance means:

As PoE continues to evolve toward higher power levels (PoE+, PoE++, IEEE 802.3bt), conductor quality becomes increasingly important.

2. Lower Mechanical Strength

Compared with copper, aluminum is more brittle.

During installation, repeated bending or termination may increase the risk of conductor damage, especially after long-term use.

3. Long-Term Reliability

Copper has been used in structured cabling systems for decades because of its excellent conductivity, durability and long-term stability.

For permanent infrastructure expected to operate for 10–20 years, pure copper remains the preferred choice.

Can CCA Pass Fluke Testing?

This is one of the most common questions.

The answer is:

Yes — some CCA cables can pass certain Fluke tests under specific conditions.

For example:

• Short patch cords

• Carefully controlled manufacturing

• Limited cable lengths

However,

Passing a Fluke test is not the same as complying with ANSI/TIA Category cable standards.

Fluke verifies electrical performance under test conditions.

TIA standards also specify conductor materials, mechanical requirements and other construction criteria.

These are two different concepts.

When Is Pure Copper the Better Choice?

If your project involves:

• Enterprise networks

• Data centers

• PoE cameras

• Wi-Fi access points

• IP phones

• Industrial Ethernet

• Long-term infrastructure

  
  

Pure copper is the recommended solution for maximum reliability and compliance.

Final Thoughts

CCA products continue to exist because every market has different requirements and budgets.

For temporary installations or cost-sensitive projects, some users may choose CCA.

For standards-compliant structured cabling systems, however, pure copper remains the industry benchmark.

Understanding the difference helps buyers make informed decisions—not simply compare prices.

At AngNet Tech, we believe that the right cable depends on the right application. Our goal is to provide transparent information so customers can choose the solution that best fits their project requirements.