Posted 15 October 2012
As mentioned a couple of issues ago the practice of substituting solid copper with copper coated aluminium (CCA) to save money has reached the UK.
Cables mainly affected so far are internal telephone cables (CW1308 type) alarm cables and coax. One of the main problems encountered is that aluminium has a higher resistance and is more brittle than copper. When punched down into an IDC or Krone block it has a habit of breaking – if not immediately, some time later. With coax, the braids often corrode at the point of termination and break giving a higher resistance and therefore poorer signal.
In some applications the cost savings may be worthwhile, whereas in others, the return visits involved or customer dissatisfaction will be too costly.
Which ever you choose make sure you know what you are buying – solid copper or copper covered aluminium. There is a significant difference.