Application Of Copper In Cables

Copper used in Ethernet cables is not as good a conductor as aluminum. Comparing cubic densities of copper and aluminum, aluminum has 61% of the conductivity of copper. But one pound of aluminum has the same similar electrical conductivity compared to two pounds of copper. However, the decreased conductivity of aluminum means that for the same current capacity, aluminum conductor’s cross segment will be ~50% larger in comparison of copper. This makes copper better suited for applications where the place is a prime requirement. On the contrary, where conductor thickness is an advantage, copper is of rare use. Such as aerial electric power transmission cables.

After reading this major benefit of using copper in Ethernet cables, here are some other benefits of using copper in the next segment.

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Benefits Of Using Copper:

• Tensile Strength: Copper’s high strength is capable to confront stretching, creep, nicks and breaks. It reduces field failures and service obstacles.
• Ductility: It makes it easy to draw down to diameters with close tolerances. It doesn’t conflict with tensile strength. It means that Copper is just less vulnerable to break under tensile load than other conductors. Thermal Expansion: Copper has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Aluminum expands about 30% more than copper. A higher degree of expansion, along with aluminum’s lower ductility is prone to electrical problems. Hence, copper makes for the best option.
• Resistance: Copper provides a safe layer from moisture, industrial pollution, and other components. Another differentiating factor is that oxides or other chemical compounds that form on copper are conductive. Therefore, copper connections and terminations wouldn't overheat due to increased conductor resistance.
• Strength: Usually, high density of metal is important. As it determines the bending ability of metal. However, with metal, high strength and high ductility make copper a proper choice for Ethernet wiring.

After having an overview of the design and construction side of the Ethernet cables, let’s have a quick look into what are the other factors to look if you are choosing to buy the network cables.

The major difference between network cables is the normal conductor gauge. Cat 5e cables or Cat 5 cables use 24-26 AWG wire. While Cat6/6a cables use slight larger conductors of 22-24 AWG. Therefore, Cat 6 cables have high rated operating frequency. Another aspect to consider is the maximum length of the cable run. If you are using it for 10/100/1000BASE-T, the maximum allowed length for Cat 6 cable is 100 meters. For 10GBASE-T Cat6 cable’s maximum length is 55 meters or less.