Copper or CCA: Which LAN Cable Is The Champion

This comprehensive guide is all about Copper or CCA conductors which are used as a core part of the Cat 6 Riser Cable. Here we will announce the champion among these two known conductors CCA vs Copper. Do not skip the information if you know the maximum about the conductor types. 

The throughput of the Cat 6 riser depends on the conductor type — Copper or CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum). One is the premium and mostly expensive due to its properties yeah here I am referring to the Copper Conductor. 

But Cat6 Riser cable 1000ft in CCA conductor is mostly inexpensive and the secret is hidden inside the conductor type. Each conductor type has its properties which identifies the right need. One thing is for sure the copper conductor is for the fast-paced environment, performance, and better conductivity. But making one winner will impact the other conductor image as both are used in Cat 6 riser cable so there should be some benefits for CCA as well. 

Introduction

How to make a reliable networking infrastructure? By using high-graded Cat6 riser cable ETL listed or normal ethernet cable with copper conductor. Keep one thing in mind: you have to choose the cable according to the server speed. 

Using Cat 6 riser bare copper cable you can futureproof your network infrastructure. But this is not easy for every user to deploy a Cat6 ethernet cable. So how to choose the right conductor type for your networking needs?

To know better you will have to understand the main difference between Copper and CCA conductors. So that you will be able to judge the right need and the capacity of both Copper Vs CCA of an Ethernet Cable. 

Why is Copper a Good Conductor?

Copper is the best conductor for Bulk Ethernet Cable (Cat6 Riser Cable) due to its several factors and therefore is known for its highest performance. Here are some points that define its excellency. 

• High Conductivity — copper has low electrical resistance and it makes copper a high conductive. When current (Data Packets) travels through the copper wires (LAN Cables) it transfers the data without degradation over longer runs. Thus, a perfect combo for the ethernet cables.
• Corrosion Resistance — copper has no impurity and is made of 99.9% pure copper metal. It has a very high resistance from the oxidation process which is positive for the copper for its long life. 
• Excellent Heat Dissipation — Copper conductor absorbs heat quite professionally. As the medium of data transmission is through electrical impulses it might get overheated when used with PoE+ or type 4PPoE applications. It avoids data breaks and works just fine. 
• Recyclability — Its property of being recyclable has less impact on the environment and it can be reused for making ethernet cables or power cables. 

Why is CCA a Good Conductor?

Just like a copper conductor, a CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) conductor is a combination of two metals Copper and Aluminum to the ratio of 30/70. The copper is 30% and the 70% aluminum. The copper is coated over the aluminum part. You can easily check whether the cable is copper or CCA by just checking the conductor type. Anyhow, let’s come to the point and discuss the benefits of CCA conductors. 

• Cost-effectiveness — The main point that attracts the user to buy the Cat6 Riser CCA Cable is its cost-effectiveness. It is a better option for those who can not afford copper. 
• Lightweight — Contrary to the copper conductor, the CCA is lightweight and easy to handle when used in Cat6 riser 1000ft. So this conductor can only be suitable for shorter distances. 
• Flexibility — Forget about how to fix the ethernet cable into the sharp ends of the building or home. With the maximum flexibility properties the CCA Cat6 riser 1000ft cable can easily be installed in sharp bends. 
• Conductivity — Though the CCA has less conductivity than copper but its perfect for short-distance signal transmission. It lacks the properties to operate PoE applications. 

Disadvantages of Copper and CCA

The main reason to discuss these is to give a clear shot about the disadvantages of Copper and CCA conductors so that you can understand both sides of these conductors. Starting with the Copper Conductor there are no such advantages except 

• Expensive
• Heavyweight

For the CCA conductor, there are some of the main disadvantages that you have to focus on while finalizing the Bulk Network Cable. 

• Frequent signal loss
• Low heat dissipation
• Durability
• Lack of PoE Capacity
• Can be eroded if exposed
• Brittle in nature having less tensile strength

Cat 6 Riser Cable — CCA or Copper

While buying, first think about the purpose of the ethernet cable, its longevity, and the applications you want to use with the Cat6 riser cable 1000ft. On the other hand, CCA cables are cost-effective for networks where performance is not a major concern. These are the conditions when you need a Cat6 riser bare copper cable. 

• Longer data transmission
• PoE applications
• 4K or 8K video streaming
• 2.5 GHz or 5 GHz
• Futureproofing 
• Data Centers

For CCA Cables

• Performance is not a mandatory issue
• For general browsing
• Shorter length
• Temporary installation needs
• When PoE is not required

Final Thought

This blog has loaded you with the maximum information about the core part of the Cat6 riser ethernet cable conductor — CCA vs Copper. By discussing both conductors’ attributes the final review is that copper is a better conductor than CCA. 

The performance, resilience, and high conductivity power make it an excellent choice for high-end applications. Whereas, the CCA conductor has limited access to fast ethernet applications.