Beware of Fake Cat6 Ethernet Cables: Risks and Identifying Features
Some of the best-selling Cat6 Ethernet cables are fake, and you can't legally run them in your walls
Xda-developers
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Many popular Cat6 Ethernet cables sold online are actually copper-clad aluminum (CCA), which do not meet safety standards for in-wall installation. CCA cables can lead to performance issues and potential safety hazards, especially when used for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications.
- 01Copper-clad aluminum cables do not qualify as true Cat6 cables according to ANSI/TIA-568.2-D and ISO/IEC 11801 standards.
- 02CCA cables have higher resistance and lower conductivity, which can lead to signal degradation and overheating, especially in PoE applications.
- 03Running CCA cables inside walls is against the National Electrical Code, risking legal and insurance issues.
- 04Identifying CCA cables can be done by checking for lighter weight, lower prices, and markings indicating CCA on the packaging.
- 05While CCA cables may work for short data runs, they are not suitable for long installations or high-power applications.
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A recent investigation into Ethernet cables sold online revealed that many best-selling Cat6 cables are actually copper-clad aluminum (CCA), which do not meet the required standards for true Cat6 cables. CCA cables, while cheaper, are not suitable for high-performance applications due to their higher DC resistance and lower conductivity, leading to potential overheating and signal degradation, particularly in Power over Ethernet (PoE) scenarios. The National Electrical Code prohibits the use of CCA cables in walls, which could void insurance and create liability issues for installers. To identify CCA cables, consumers should look for lower prices, lighter weight, and markings indicating CCA on the packaging. Although CCA cables may suffice for short data runs, they are not recommended for long installations or high-power applications, as they can compromise both performance and safety.
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Using CCA cables can lead to performance issues and safety hazards, particularly in residential settings where Ethernet cables are installed in walls.
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