For decades, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards have served as a baseline for electrical testing programs in the United States. This purview extends to electrical products and components, such as CCA conductors and its use in different wiring methods. Prior to its recognition in the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 1971, CCA was tested by UL to ensure its safety and suitability for residential and commercial electrical applications. Following its introduction in code, CCA was installed in thousands of homes across the United States — many of which are still in service today — a testament to CCA’s durability and performance in real-world conditions.
Though CCA had been in code for decades, it wasn’t until 2018 that Copperweld recognized its untapped potential to address modern building construction concerns and brought it back into the spotlight. Since then, Copperweld NM-B has been covered by the same UL standards as solid copper and aluminum wire. A few common UL application standards that cover cable used in residential and commercial buildings include:
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Intertek (ETL), are independent organizations that test and certify product to various standards. These labs are accredited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which grants them authority to certify and list electrical products that meet ANSI / ASTM requirements.
While OSHA is often associated with workplace safety, its oversight extends far beyond factory floors. It also protects homeowners by ensuring that building materials, such as electrical wiring, meet certain safety benchmarks. Because the accreditors in the wire and cable industry base their testing on UL application standards, compliance with UL requirements is the industry’s foundation for electrical wire and cable product certification. This structure ensures that wiring products can withstand mechanical stress, electrical loads, and extreme conditions, reducing the risk of electrical faults, system failures, and fire hazards.
UL standards must continually evolve to accommodate new materials, emerging technologies, and industry advancements. As electrical codes and standards change, Copperweld doesn’t just keep up—we help lead the way, including active participation in codes and standards setting panels. By staying at the forefront, we ensure that CCA remains a safe, forward-thinking wiring choice for modern electrical systems.
Unlike traditional solid copper and aluminum cable, which only require two listings (for the conductors and wiring methods), CCA cables (CCA NM-B or CCA MC, for example) are required to be triple listed. In addition to the conductors and wiring methods, the CCA bare conductor material must also be listed. This additional level of certification ensures that every component of a CCA cable — from conductor material to insulation and overall assembly — has been independently evaluated for safety and performance.
By meeting multiple UL standards, CCA provides another layer of assurance to builders, electricians, and inspectors that it meets the highest industry benchmarks for safety and reliability. For example, a Copperweld NM-B cable carries the following certifications:
This triple-listing requirement underscores the industry's increasing emphasis on safety, provides greater confidence in CCA’s performance and ensures substandard materials do not enter the market.
The combination of UL certification, the triple-listing requirement, and continuous compliance with evolving product application standards makes Copperweld CCA Building Wire one of the most rigorously evaluated wiring materials on the market. Builders, electricians, and inspectors can be assured that Copperweld CCA meets or exceeds the same UL standards as traditional solid copper wire. Choosing Copperweld CCA isn’t just about meeting code requirements — it’s about prioritizing long-term product safety and reliability.
Copperweld Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Building Wire is built on a foundation of safety, innovation, and rigorous compliance. Copperweld continues to ensure the quality and reliability of CCA Building Wire through state-of-the-art manufacturing and extensive third-party testing.
By adhering to multiple UL standards and their evolving certification requirements, Copperweld CCA Building Wire remains a trusted choice for electrical professionals. Whether you're wiring a new home, inspecting an installation, or verifying compliance with industry regulations, Copperweld’s focus on compliance isn’t just about passing inspections — it’s about ensuring long-term safety and reliability.
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