Why 100% Copper Ethernet Cables Matter – And How to Avoid Cheap CCA Alternatives
100% copper Ethernet cables offer stronger conductivity, higher data speeds, and full PoE support — while cheap CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminium) cables cause signal loss, overheating, and often fail Australian compliance standards. For guaranteed performance, choose Blue Cable Co® 100% copper RCM-certified cables from XS Net.
The Hidden Difference Inside Your Ethernet Cable
When buying Ethernet cables in Australia, one crucial detail can make or break your network performance: the conductor material.
Many cheap imports and marketplace listings use CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminium) instead of pure copper.
At XS Net, we only stock Blue Cable Co® Ethernet and patch cables made with 100% copper conductors — fully RCM certified and tested to meet AS/CA S008:2020, the official Australian standard for data cabling.
What Is CCA Cable?
CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminium) cables have an aluminium core coated with a thin layer of copper.
They’re cheap to manufacture but have 40–50% higher electrical resistance, leading to signal degradation, voltage drops, and overheating in Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications.
CCA may look identical to pure copper cable, but the performance and safety are nowhere near the same.
100% Copper vs CCA: Key Differences
| Feature | 100% Copper Cable | CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminium) |
| Material | Solid copper conductors | Aluminium core with copper coating |
| Signal Performance | Excellent conductivity & speed | Weaker signal & data loss |
| PoE Support | Full PoE support, low resistance | Risk of overheating & voltage drop |
| Durability | Flexible & strong | Brittle & prone to breakage |
| Compliance | Passes AS/CA S008:2020 + RCM | Often fails Australian standards |
| Cost | Slightly higher upfront | Cheaper but riskier investment |
Why AS/CA S008:2020 Compliance Matters
In Australia, AS/CA S008:2020 defines the technical standard for cabling safety and performance.
Non-compliant CCA cables can:
- Fail site inspections,
- Void warranties,
- Or even be illegal to install in commercial or government sites.
All Blue Cable Co® Cables supplied by XS Net are:
✅ RCM certified
✅ Compliant with AS/CA S008:2020
✅ Made from 100% solid copper cores
✅ Available in Cat5e, Cat6 & Cat6A variants across multiple lengths and colours
Need structured cabling for your network? Explore our Cabling Solutions or browse Ethernet Cables for enterprise-grade options.
The False Economy of Cheap Cables
CCA cables might save you a few dollars upfront, but they’ll cost more in the long run.
When signal loss causes data drops, PoE devices fail to power, or a site inspection flags non-compliance, you’ll be paying in downtime and replacement costs.
Some major marketplace vendors still sell non-compliant CCA cables in Australia.
At XS Network Tech, we only stock Blue Cable Co® 100% Copper Cables, so you can shop confidently knowing you’re buying safe, reliable, and compliant hardware.
Shop with Confidence at XS Network Tech
We stock locally in Sydney for fast delivery across Australia.
Whether you’re a system integrator, MSP, installer, or IT manager, our network cables and patch leads are ready to ship — backed by Australian warranty and local support.
Explore our full range of:
→ Shop 100% Copper Ethernet Cables Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How can I tell if a cable is CCA or 100% copper?
Check the product label or specifications for “CCA.” 100% copper cables are heavier and usually carry RCM certification markings.
Q2: Are CCA Ethernet cables illegal in Australia?
While not outright banned for consumer use, CCA cables generally fail the AS/CA S008:2020 standard and are non-compliant for commercial installations.
Q3: Do pure copper cables perform better for PoE?
Yes — solid copper conductors offer lower resistance and better current flow, making them ideal for PoE cameras, access points & VoIP phones.
Q4: Does XS Net stock bulk network cable reels?
Yes. Visit our Cabling Category for bulk Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6A options — all made from 100% copper and fully compliant.