Structured Cabling: Selecting Material

Selecting Material

In structured cabling, materials matter. You can have the best layout, cleanest pathways, and most detail-focused technicians, but if you cut corners on components, your install is at risk of performance issues, failed certification, and costly rework.

This post focuses on what makes a material "good," how to avoid the traps of cheap hardware, and why sticking with trusted manufacturers pays off in both system performance and your company's reputation. The decisions here are closely tied to choosing the correct communications cable for your specific environment.

Not All Cable Is Created Equal

On paper, most cable looks the same. But if you've spent any time in the field, you know the difference between high-quality cable and bottom-shelf junk is dramatic.

One of the biggest offenders in low-end materials is Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA). Often found when chasing rock-bottom pricing, CCA cable has an aluminum core coated with a thin layer of copper. While it may look the part, it's rarely a good choice, and usually a terrible one, for structured cabling.

CCA:

• 01Frequently fails certification testing under TIA and ANSI standards
• 02Performs poorly with PoE due to higher resistance and increased heat
• 03Breaks easily during pulling and degrades faster over time
• 04Is non-compliant with NEC and BICSI standards for permanent installations

What Makes a Quality Part?

A high-quality cable or component isn't just something that "gets the job done." It performs reliably, under less-than-ideal field conditions, and within the tolerances of industry standards.

What should you look for?

• 01Tight manufacturing tolerances – Reliable twist rates, consistent conductor sizes, and uniform jackets lead to consistent electrical performance.
• 02Solid copper conductors – Required to meet TIA/EIA standards and essential for clean signals and proper PoE delivery.
• 03Reliable termination – High-quality jacks and patch panels hold terminations securely, reducing rework and long-term issues.
• 04Certification headroom – Quality materials don't just pass. They exceed the minimum spec, giving your install margin for unexpected variables like heat, EMF, long runs, or tight bends.

BICSI's Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM) and its Best Practices guidelines repeatedly stress the importance of using verified, high-grade components that perform consistently, not just in a lab, but on a real jobsite. In abnormal conditions, that extra headroom might be the difference between a clean pass and a failed test.

Match Brands for Certification

System warranties and performance guarantees, sometimes lasting up to 25 years, are typically only available when all components come from the same manufacturer.

That means your:

• 01Cable
• 02Patch panels
• 03Jacks
• 04And sometimes patch cords

...must be part of the same approved ecosystem. Mixing brands, even if they appear compatible, often voids warranty eligibility. The install may function, but if you're working in education, government, healthcare, or other spec-driven environments, failing to meet those standards can be a show-stopper.

BICSI and TIA both endorse matched systems as the most predictable and certifiable approach.

Color Coordination: Match the Customer's Expectations

Color coding might seem minor, but in many jobs, it's one of the first things the client will notice, and it can make ongoing support far easier.

During the planning phase, take time to ask your customer:

• 01Do you have a preferred manufacturer for cabling components?
• 02Do you want different cable or jack colors for specific device types?

If the client doesn't have a policy in place, don't guess. Offer suggestions based on industry norms and make sure everything is documented.

Color by Device Type

Color coding by system is a simple, effective way to simplify installs and make future service calls easier. For example:

• 01Blue – Data
• 02Red – Voice or emergency circuits
• 03White/Yellow – POE speakers
• 04Orange – Cameras
• 05Green – Wireless access points

Even if the labeling is clear, visual cues like cable or jack color can help techs instantly identify the purpose of each drop, especially in ceiling spaces or crowded racks. BICSI doesn't prescribe color codes, but it does recommend consistency and clear documentation across all phases of a project.

Trusted Manufacturers Worth Knowing

If you want fewer headaches and stronger guarantees, stick with manufacturers known for performance, quality control, and certification programs.

• 01Leviton – Excellent jacks, patch panels, and tools. Their end-to-end systems are among the easiest to certify.
• 02Panduit – Known for industrial durability, clean cable management, and broad compatibility.
• 03Belden – A staple in data centers and critical environments. Rock-solid cable quality.
• 04Commscope (Netconnect/SYSTIMAX) – Widely used in enterprise, education, and government sectors.
• 05Siemon – Excellent for high-performance environments where bandwidth and density matter.
• 06Corning – The go-to standard for fiber cabling and terminations.

Wrapping Up: Invest in Materials That Work as Hard as You Do

A great install isn't just about the plan or the craftsmanship. It's about the materials you trust to perform under pressure. Cheap cable might work today, but what about five years from now? Mismatched components may save a few bucks, but they'll cost more in callbacks and failed tests.

If you want to build reliable systems, start with reliable materials. Avoid CCA. Stick to trusted brands. And always involve your customer in the material selection process, whether it's color-coded drops or long-term certification requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions