If you’re shopping for Ethernet cables in Australia, there’s one detail you absolutely shouldn’t overlook: cable composition. Many low-cost brands—including some sold by major online marketplaces—use CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminium) conductors instead of pure copper.
At Blue Cable Co®, we don’t cut corners. All of our Ethernet and patch cables are made from 100% copper conductors and are fully RCM compliant, meeting the AS/CA S008:2020 technical standard required for sale and use in Australia.
So what’s the difference—and why does it matter? Let’s break it down.
What Is CCA Cable?
Copper-Clad Aluminium (CCA) cable is made by coating a core of aluminum with a thin layer of copper. While it’s cheaper to produce, it has significantly higher electrical resistance, making it less reliable for high-speed data transmission and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications.
100% Copper vs CCA: Key Differences
| Feature | 100% Copper Cable | CCA Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Pure copper | Aluminium core with copper coating |
| Signal Performance | Excellent | Inferior |
| PoE Support | Full support, lower resistance | Risk of overheating, voltage drop |
| Durability | Stronger, flexible | More brittle, prone to breakage |
| Standards Compliance | Passes AS/CA S008:2020 | Often fails compliance |
| Cost | Slightly higher upfront | Cheaper, but riskier investment |
Why AS/CA S008:2020 Compliance Matters
In Australia, AS/CA S008:2020 is the technical standard that governs cabling safety and performance. Non-compliant cables may not only underperform—they may actually be illegal to install in commercial and government environments.
At Blue Cable Co®, every Ethernet cable we sell is:
- RCM certified
- Tested to meet AS/CA S008:2020
- Made with 100% copper cores
- Available in a wide range of lengths, colours, and categories (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A)
Whether you need Ethernet patch cables for server racks, PoE devices, or office LANs, you can trust Blue Cable Co® to deliver reliable, safe, and standards-compliant performance.
Avoid the False Economy of Cheap Cables
Cutting costs with CCA cables may seem like a smart move—but when the signal drops, PoE devices don’t power up, or your cable fails a site inspection, that decision can cost much more.
Some of the biggest names in the Australian networking space still sell or promote non-compliant CCA cables. At XS Connect, we’ve made the decision to stock only fully compliant, 100% copper Blue Cable Co® Ethernet cables, so you never have to worry about second-guessing quality.
Shop with Confidence
We keep stock right here in Sydney, Australia, with fast delivery nationwide. Whether you're a systems integrator, MSP, or IT manager, our patch cables are ready to ship and backed by local support.
