Bad actors are everywhere, even in the wires. 

The Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) is sounding the alarm on counterfeit communications cables. In a recent presentation, David Kiddoo, CCCA executive director, noted that the problem is real, and the consequences are serious, but installers have tools to avoid falling into the snares of those who are looking to sell them inferior, and dangerous, products. 

Kiddoo made the presentation at the National Facilities Management and Technology Conference and Expo in Charlotte, N.C. His presentation is also posted on the CCCA website.

In his presentation, Kiddoo focused on communications multipurpose, plenum (CMP) cables, those high-fire-safety cables designed for use in air-handling (plenum) spaces above ceilings or below floors. They are strictly regulated by the National Electrical Code to minimize smoke and toxic gases during a fire and tested by the nationally recognized Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek ETL. 

Tested products have the UL or ETL mark, but counterfeiters have found many ways to dupe potential buyers. Some products will not have the testing marks, but others may have forged or counterfeit markings. Those without markings may also have false or misleading marketing, with descriptions such as “plenum rated” or “plenum approve.”

Purchasers can also detect counterfeit cables when they spot unfamiliar brands from offshore manufacturers, products only sold online, poor English in the product description and packaging, sloppy packaging and no information about the manufacturer’s location or country of origin. 

Another sign of a counterfeit is pricing that comes in well below market levels. Finally, Kiddoo reminds buyers that copper-clad aluminum conductors are an indicator of counterfeit product, since NEC requires all conductors in communications cables, except coaxial, to be copper.

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