When you compare cable quotes from different suppliers, the conductor spec is where quality and price diverge the most. "Copper" on a datasheet can mean pure copper, CCS (copper-clad steel) or CCA (copper-clad aluminum) — three very different products with very different cost and performance.
The three conductor types explained
| Type | Construction | Conductivity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure copper (BC) | Solid or stranded copper | Best | High-end HDMI, network, power |
| CCS (copper-clad steel) | Steel core, copper cladding | Good | HDMI/VGA signal cables (strength) |
| CCA (copper-clad aluminum) | Aluminum core, copper cladding | Lower | Budget patch cords, signal cables |
What each means for your product line
HDMI and VGA cables: CCS is the practical standard
In HDMI and VGA signal cables, CCS (like the 14+1 CCS in our HDMI 1.4 lines) is widely used because the steel core adds tensile strength while the copper cladding maintains good signal conductivity. For 1080P and 4K signal transmission, CCS performs reliably at a reasonable cost — this is the industry norm, not a downgrade.
Network cables: pure copper for performance, CCA for budget
For CAT.6 patch cords, conductor choice directly affects signal integrity. Our stock CAT.6 uses 6x0.12mm CCA — ideal for short patch cords and budget markets. For permanent structured cabling or PoE applications, we recommend pure copper: higher resistance in CCA causes voltage drop and heat buildup over long runs. Always match the conductor to the application your customer is buying for.
Power cords and adapters: copper matters most
Power transmission is where conductor quality is non-negotiable. A power cord carries real current, and under-spec conductors run hot. Our power cords (like the EU plug C13, 3x0.3mm² CCA) are rated for their application, and our power adapters are LVD certified — always confirm the conductor spec and certification when sourcing power products.
How to talk to your customers about conductors
- Never hide the conductor type — put it on the spec sheet. Buyers who know cables will check.
- Match the conductor to the market: pure copper for premium/gaming/enterprise, CCS for mainstream signal cables, CCA for budget patch cords.
- Ask your supplier for the exact conductor spec (e.g. "6x0.12mm CCA") — a real factory can give you precise numbers.
Every Vellygood cable is 100% electrical and aged tested before shipment, with CE, RoHS and LVD certification across our product lines. If you need a specific conductor configuration for your market, our OEM/ODM service can build it — custom length, connector, color and packaging.