Nexans are advising end-users to beware, as it emerges data cables and some branded patch leads are being supplied with Copper Coated Aluminium (CCA), and buyers are unaware they have non-compliant products.
Some cables containing CCA conductors are masquerading as standards compliant "Category" products. Strong price pressure is tempting some installers to use these products without realising the risks.
CCA cables are not compliant with recognised cable standards and their installation can result in damaging consequences..warns Mike Homes, Marketing Manager, Nexans Cabling Solutions.
There are a number of dangers associated with using CCA cabling. They may suffer from oxidation of exposed aluminium at connection points and can reduce the lifetime of those connections. They also have a higher resistivity than copper and will produce higher than expected temperature rises when used for Power over Ethernet applications.
Most reputable and trusted installers will be able to tell you if CCA is present in your infrastructure using simple visual checks of patch leads and connection points. Some cables using CCA do actually have the letters CCA printed on the outer sheath, however we can not guarantee this is always the case.
Nexans UK urges industry professionals to check for copper coated aluminium in its cabling systems.
Copper prices have reached a record high, ending 2010 at $9,660 per metric tonne. This represents a 30% increase over the year, half of which occurred during December. Analysts have forecasted that prices will continue to rise through 2011.