Non-CCA Ethernet Cable vs CCA: Why Solid Copper Matters

Why Non-CCA Ethernet Cable Is Non-Negotiable For a Safe Network

…and why I wouldn’t touch CCA with a barge pole…

If you are buying ethernet cable on Amazon or eBay, you have seen the tempting deals: 1000ft of Cat6 for $59.99. In almost every case, that cheap cable is CCA – Copper Clad Aluminum. And using it is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in home or business networking.

Choosing a true non-CCA ethernet cable – meaning 100% bare solid copper – is not about being a purist. It is about safety, performance, code compliance, and not having to re-run cable in a year. Here is why solid copper matters and when CCA should never be used.

What is CCA Ethernet Cable?

CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminum. The eight internal conductors are not copper. They are aluminum wire with a very thin coating of copper on the outside. It looks like copper at a glance, but if you scrape or cut it, you will see silver underneath.

Manufacturers use it because aluminum is far cheaper and lighter than copper. It is then marketed as “Cat5e” or “Cat6” to appear compliant, but it is not. CCA is explicitly banned by TIA, EIA, UL, and the National Electrical Code for communications cabling.

What is Non-CCA Ethernet Cable?

A true non-CCA ethernet cable is made with 100% bare copper conductors, also listed as Solid Copper, Bare Copper, or BC. This is what all legitimate standards require.

There are two common types:

• Solid non-CCA: One solid copper conductor per wire. Best for in-wall runs, up to 328ft / 100m, best performance and PoE support.
• Stranded non-CCA: Multiple small copper strands per wire. More flexible, best for short patch cables from wall to device.

Both are legitimate non-CCA options. CCA is never legitimate.

5 Reasons Why You Must Use Non-CCA Ethernet Cable

1. Fire Hazard and Code Violations

This is the most important reason. Aluminum has 55% higher resistance than copper. Higher resistance = more heat. Under load, especially with Power over Ethernet (PoE), CCA cables can get hot enough to melt the jacket and become a fire hazard. Because of this, CCA cannot be UL Listed, is not NEC compliant, and will fail inspection. If it causes a fire, your insurance may not cover it.

2. Catastrophic PoE Failure

PoE runs 48V+ through your ethernet cable to power access points, security cameras, VoIP phones, and smart lighting. The IEEE 802.3af/at/bt PoE standards were designed and tested ONLY on solid copper. CCA cannot safely carry the current. It causes voltage drop, device reboots, melted connectors, and burned-out PoE switches. If you use PoE, non-CCA ethernet cable is mandatory.

3. Terrible Performance and Speed

CCA fails to meet Cat5e or Cat6 specs. Due to higher attenuation and resistance, you will get random packet loss, reduced speeds, and inability to sustain true Gigabit (1000BASE-T). A run that tests fine at 30 feet may fail completely at 150 feet. Crosstalk and interference are also significantly worse.

4. It Breaks When You Terminate It

Aluminum is brittle and expands and contracts more than copper. When you punch it down into a keystone jack or crimp an RJ45 connector, the aluminum often cracks or creates a loose connection. This leads to intermittent failures that are impossible to troubleshoot weeks later.

5. It Does Not Last

Aluminum oxidizes rapidly when exposed to air. That oxidation increases resistance at every termination point. A non-CCA solid copper run can last 15-20 years. A CCA run often fails within 1-2 years, especially in attics, outdoors, or humid environments.

Pros and Cons: Non-CCA vs. CCA Ethernet Cable

I encourage you to go the extra mile. Only use pure copper.