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

cmx

cmx

Getting the hang of it
Nov 9, 2024
90
37
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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