Why Using CCA or CCS Ethernet Cables Could Cost Installers Big: Legal Risks and Code Compliance Explained

December 12 2024, by Jeff Taylor, 1 min reading time

Learn the legal and performance risks of installing Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) and Copper Clad Steel (CCS) Ethernet cables. Stay code-compliant and protect your business from liabilities with this essential guide for network and low voltage installers.

Installing Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) or Copper Clad Steel (CCS) Ethernet cables in business networks can lead to significant legal liabilities for network installation technicians. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates the use of solid or stranded copper conductors for communications cables. Consequently, using CCA or CCS cables violates these standards, rendering such installations non-compliant and illegal. 

Beyond legal non-compliance, CCA and CCS cables present performance and safety concerns. Their higher electrical resistance compared to pure copper can result in signal degradation and increased susceptibility to interference. Moreover, these cables are unsuitable for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications due to their propensity to overheat, posing fire hazards.  

Technicians who install non-compliant cables may face legal repercussions, including breach of contract, warranty claims, and violations of consumer protection laws. Such liabilities can lead to costly legal disputes and damage to professional reputations.

To ensure compliance and maintain network integrity, it is imperative to use only solid or stranded copper conductors for Ethernet installations. This practice not only aligns with NEC, but also guarantees optimal performance and safety for business networks.

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