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Cat 5/5e/6 cable & in wall/CM Rating

Posted on 3/20/23 at 5:07 pm
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28953 posts
Posted on 3/20/23 at 5:07 pm
So, as I'm getting my ducks in a row to install a few more security cams, including a few reolink "spotlights". During the course of my research, I've come across a bunch of info with regards to pure copper vs CCA Cat cables and their potential "fire hazard". So I looked back at my previous Amazon orders, of course what I've run to 3 or 4 of my existing cams is CCA (I have no idea about the quality of what originally came with the cams, but I think I have to go with worst case scenario. I'm sitting here trying to figure out how concerned I should be. The cams I have are all less than 12 watts. In reality, that's super low, but standards are standards, and my existing cables aren't TECHNICALLY in wall rated. That being said, they've been up there for 2.5 years without any issues. Should I commit a weekend this spring to re running everything or just let it ride? Everything is already fished through the tight spots and I could use the old cable to fish it were I need it to go.

If it were your house, what would you do? Your responses will dictate how I break the news to my wife.
This post was edited on 3/20/23 at 5:08 pm
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
29000 posts
Posted on 3/20/23 at 5:27 pm to
If it were my house I would have run solid copper to begin with.

I wouldn't be too concerned though, like you said they've been working fine for years. The highest power draw on the cams will be at night when the IRs are on, and as it happens it's cooler at night than during the day so it kind of cancels out any heat buildup. During the day they'll only draw 4 or 5 watts. I think worst case you've got a kink or bad spot and eventually a conductor will fail at that point and the camera will stop working.
Posted by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
37499 posts
Posted on 3/20/23 at 5:31 pm to
Therer is almost no chance that the wires will catch on fire by themselves. What is a worry is the fumes that can be put off by a non-fire rated cable in the event of a fire.

The fire rating has nothing to do with CCA. CCA is copper clad aluminum. There should be a separate fire rating as the fire rating is only in regards to the PVC coating on the cable.

I would never use CCA in a house. It's brittle and it has half the distance rating of a category 5 or 6 cable.
Posted by TAMU-93
Sachse, TX
Member since Oct 2012
1073 posts
Posted on 3/20/23 at 5:34 pm to
Just replace them as part of the "a few more security cams" project. Your wife doesn't need to know her life was in danger
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28953 posts
Posted on 3/20/23 at 8:09 pm to
quote:

If it were my house I would have run solid copper to begin with.

As they say, ignorance is bliss...
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28953 posts
Posted on 3/21/23 at 4:31 pm to
Been running drops today. Can I just say, I hate my attic and I hate ladders.

I cut my head on a roofing nail popped thru the OSB....
This post was edited on 3/21/23 at 4:48 pm
Posted by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
37499 posts
Posted on 3/21/23 at 8:01 pm to
quote:

I cut my head on a roofing nail


Back in the day when I started my company I did installs with my guys. We're talking the early days of DirecTV and we used to install TV antenna in attics. I now religiously wear a hat on my head from the many times I bumped and cut my head on the various items in them. I'l add that you haven't felt heat until you've had to work in an attic when it's 100 degrees and humid outside. We would do it in 10 minute rotating shifts and still be drenched in sweat.
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28953 posts
Posted on 3/22/23 at 11:30 am to
quote:

I now religiously wear a hat on my head from the many times I bumped and cut my head on the various items in them.


I need to get one of these to go in my ball cap...


Posted by NPComb
Member since Jan 2019
27772 posts
Posted on 3/28/23 at 2:19 am to
quote:

Should I commit a weekend this spring to re running everything or just let it ride? Everything is already fished through the tight spots and I could use the old cable to fish it were I need it to go.

If it were your house, what would you do?


It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to electrical safety, especially in your home where you and your loved ones spend a lot of time. While it's true that using CCA (copper-clad aluminum) cables instead of pure copper cables can increase the risk of fire, it's difficult to say how likely that is in your specific case.

If you want to be absolutely sure that you are using safe and reliable cables, it's probably a good idea to replace the CCA cables with pure copper cables that are rated for in-wall use. This will ensure that you are meeting the industry standards and reducing the risk of fire or other electrical hazards.

However, if you decide to keep the CCA cables, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire. For example, you can make sure that the cables are not tightly bundled together, which can increase heat buildup and the risk of fire. You can also use cable ties or other methods to keep the cables neatly organized and prevent them from becoming tangled or damaged.

Ultimately, the decision to replace the cables or not is up to you. If you're not sure, it's always a good idea to consult with a licensed electrician or other professional who can provide expert advice based on your specific situation.
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28953 posts
Posted on 3/29/23 at 10:17 am to
I should have put this in the OP, but what brands do you folks like with regard to premade cables in the 75'-100' lengths?

Thanks in advance.
Posted by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
37499 posts
Posted on 3/29/23 at 10:23 am to
I would run raw CAT6 and terminate it my self. Running premades can easily damage the ends.
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28953 posts
Posted on 3/29/23 at 10:29 am to
quote:

I would run raw CAT6 and terminate it my self. Running premades can easily damage the ends.


I knew I was going to get this answer, and I agree 100%. The only problem is, I'm lazy and I only have 2-3 cables left to replace.

I hope to be done with pulling ethernet cable after this project and I'm not sure that I would get a sufficient ROI for as few as I have to make/run.

But for the record, you're 100% correct. In theory.
This post was edited on 3/29/23 at 10:30 am
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