Cheap CCA Cables Can Cripple IP Cameras

Due to Increased competition in the video surveillance industry and the rising cost of copper, many installers have turned to Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) as a way to reduce cost and increase profit margins.  Since the majority of consumers don’t know anything about cable it’s easy for the installer to get away with installing the substandard cable.

What is CCA?

CCA cables are constructed of an inner core which is around 60% to 80% aluminium, with the remaining 20 to 40% composed of a copper cladding surrounding the aluminium. The main reasons why CCA cables are used is the savings in cost and weight (Aluminium costs around a third of copper). CCA cables are NOT compliant with UL and TIA standards, both of which requires solid or stranded copper conductors.

 

Put simply Copper Clad Aluminum cable is:

  • Not suitable for Power over Ethernet (PoE) due to the resistance
  • Has 40% Higher resistance
  • Has Poor flexibility and can break easily
  • Easily oxidises causing poor terminations in the patch panel and module
  • Not suitable for Power over Ethernet (PoE) due to the resistance

Make sure the company you hire to install your IP security cameras or data network uses solid copper cable only.   If they don’t specify “solid copper” in their quote there is a good chance they are using CCA.    That’s your sign to look for another vendor.