Written by Don Schultz, trueCABLE Senior Technical Advisor, Fluke Networks Copper/Fiber CCTT, BICSI INST1, INSTC, INSTF Certified
Buying the right coaxial cable can be confusing! You have different &#;RG&#; designations, multiple shielded variations, and even different outer sheath (cable jacket) options. Adding to the confusion are two different center conductor types. In sorting through this confusion, we will address an age-old debate as to whether you should opt for solid copper center conductor coaxial cable, or if CCS or copper clad steel is &#;good enough&#;. Keep reading to learn about the difference between solid copper and copper clad steel.
Coaxial cable has been provided in two primary center conductors types for some time:
Let&#;s look at an illustration of how coaxial cable is constructed to give you a better idea of what part of the cable we are talking about:
Perhaps the standards setting organizations like ANSI/TIA, SCTE, or some other organization will help clarify which one is better?
So, what will it take to get the answer!? In truth, the answer is &#;yes, kind of&#;.&#; Confused yet? Let&#;s untangle the difference between solid copper RG6 and copper-clad steel before people start popping anti-anxiety meds.
Coaxial cable constructed of copper clad steel relies on what is known as the &#;skinning effect&#;. In other words, the signal travels down the copper coating to the destination and it is perfectly fine for data transmission. There is no measurable loss in data transmission between copper clad steel and solid copper center conductor coaxial cable. As long as the copper coating over the steel remains intact, all is good.
Where solid copper coax cable really puts copper clad steel to shame is when it comes to cable runs requiring voltage. Now, we don&#;t mean AC voltage here. We are referring to low DC voltage for powering up a satellite dish, for example. In fact, RG6 CCS cable will lose TWICE as much voltage over the same distance as RG6 solid copper coax cable. Finally, we see a big difference between the two! This is why satellite installers and satellite system designers require solid copper coaxial cable. Satellite dishes and receivers use a LNB (Low-Noise Block downconverter) that requires power across the coaxial cable.
Considering you may be installing coaxial cable in multiple environments, it makes little sense to stock and keep track of both. A simple mistake of grabbing the wrong spool will bring your install to a halt if you have to backtrack to the shop to get the right cable. There is also the possibility of the future to consider: What if down the line someone needs to install some sort of power injector onto that coaxial cable? If you used copper clad steel, you just caused yourself a replacement or an angry end customer. If you install for a living, be prepared to educate your end customers about this.
DO NOT under any circumstances attempt and cut copper clad steel with our Cable Cutting and Stripping Tool! Instead, use cutters such as the trueCABLE Heavy Duty Cable Cutters."
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Do not confuse CCS for CCA. Copper clad steel is &#;OK&#; to use for coaxial cable per the standards organizations, assuming you are installing it in the right environment. CCA or copper clad aluminum is not suitable for communications cable under any circumstances. See more on CCA in Copper Clad Aluminum vs Copper: The Ultimate Test on a Fluke Versiv DSX CableAnalyzer.
So, in the final analysis yes you can save a couple of bucks buying copper clad steel vs. copper coax but in the long run it is not worth it. trueCABLE recommends purchasing and sticking with solid copper center conductor coaxial cable.
HAPPY NETWORKING!
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Copper-clad steel conductors, also known as copper-covered steel conductors, are composite material conductors. They consist of a uniform low, medium, or high carbon steel core surrounded by a thick layer of copper. The inner carbon steel core gives the conductor its high tensile strength, while the outer copper cladding provides electrical conductivity. In simple terms, this conductor has a steel core that grants it strength and a copper layer on the outside that ensures electrical conductivity.
The production of copper-clad steel conductors begins with a mild steel conductor, which undergoes a series of processes to enhance its physical properties and surface quality. Initially, the conductor is peeled to remove imperfections, straightened and turned for uniformity, and finally polished to achieve a smooth finish.
Next, the conductor enters the electroplating stage, where it is coated with oxygen-free copper at high temperatures, approximately 25-30 degrees Celsius. Following this, the conductor is subjected to hot-dipping in an oxygen-free copper-clad steel bath, maintained at approximately 45-50 degrees Celsius, ensuring a uniform coating.
After the hot-dipping process, the conductor is immediately cooled with water to strengthen the copper layer. To further enhance the conductor, it undergoes cold rolling, allowing for customization of shape and size according to specific needs. If necessary, the conductor then undergoes annealing&#;a heat treatment in nitrogen gas to improve its ductility and relieve internal stresses. This is the process by which a copper-clad steel conductor is manufactured.
Copper-clad steel conductors are widely used in grounding, i.e. connection of earthing rods to metallic structures, plates, and grid meshes, in power installations, substations, and for lightning arresters. Copper-clad steel conductors are also used for power transmission and radio frequency (RF) transmission lines.
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