The Dangers of Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) Cable: A Guide for Australian Installers
Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) refers to a type of cable conductor made from an aluminium core coated with a thin layer of copper. While marketed as a low-cost alternative to solid copper, CCA cable is non-compliant, unsafe, and strictly illegal for use in any customer cabling installation covered by Australian telecommunications standards.
This guide breaks down the technical dangers, the serious legal consequences, and your responsibilities as a professional installer.
The ACMA's Stance: A Clear Warning
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the government body responsible for regulating telecommunications. Their position on CCA is unambiguous. Any cabling product that does not have a solid or plated copper conductor does not comply with the mandatory industry standard AS/CA S008. As the ACMA has stated, "the supply and installation of non-compliant customer cabling... is a serious offence."
For more details directly from the regulator, visit the ACMA Cabling Standards page.
Why CCA is Banned in Australia
| Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) ❌ | Solid Copper (Compliant) ✅ |
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Technical Failure: Why CCA is Unsafe
- Serious Fire Hazard: As highlighted by industry bodies like NECA, CCA's electrical resistance is approximately 40% higher than pure copper. This causes it to dangerously overheat, especially in Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications, creating a significant risk of fire and catastrophic equipment damage.
- Guaranteed Performance Failure: Aluminium is brittle and has a lower tensile strength, making it prone to breaking during the pulling and termination process. It also oxidises rapidly when exposed to air, leading to poor conductivity, connection dropouts, slow data speeds, and network failure over time.
- Non-Compliant by Definition: CCA cable cannot meet the core conductor requirements of the mandated industry standard, AS/CA S008. Therefore, it cannot legally carry the Australian RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark).
Legal Consequences under the Telecommunications Act 1997
The penalties for using or supplying non-compliant CCA cable are clearly defined under the Telecommunications Act 1997. These are not just warnings; they are serious offences with significant financial penalties.
- Section 411: It is an offence to connect incorrectly labelled customer cabling. The maximum court-imposed penalty is $13,200.
- Section 413: It is an offence to supply unlabelled and/or non-compliant customer cabling. The maximum court-imposed penalty is $11,000.
- Section 414: It is an offence to apply a compliance label to a non-compliant product like CCA cable. The maximum court-imposed penalty is $11,000.
Furthermore, under Section 453A of the Act, ACMA officers can issue on-the-spot infringement notices for these offences, meaning you can be fined without the matter even going to court.
Your Responsibility as a Professional
As a registered cabler, you are personally responsible for ensuring every installation complies with the Wiring Rules. The choice is clear: the minor upfront saving of CCA is not worth the massive risk to safety, performance, and your professional reputation. Always source from a reputable supplier who can verify compliance.
Shop Compliant Copper Cables
Access Communications is committed to the safety of Australian installers. We only stock and sell 100% compliant, solid copper cables that are guaranteed to meet all Australian standards. Explore our Bulk Ethernet Cable or our pre-terminated Patch Cables.
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