CCCA is the voice of the structured cabling industry. Leading manufacturers of cable and connectivity products, distributors, and material suppliers have joined together in CCCA to inform, educate and provide thought leadership on vital issues and topics.
Structured Cabling Making a Comeback with High-Speed, Low-Latency Data Center Deployments
See CCCA’s article in Mission Critical Magazine.
This paper takes a look at the current trends in data center architecture to support high-speed, low-latency performance, as well as advancements in technology and ensuing standards developments that are driving 25, 50 and 100 Gb/s server connections in both the enterprise and cloud/hyperscale data center environment. While there is no single infrastructure design for every data center, the current trends and developments make it clear that modern data center environments will benefit from the use of standards-based fiber optic structured cabling.
Mission Critical Data Center Article
CPSC Issues Recall of Cat 6 CMR Riser Cables
Earlier this year, UL issued a Public Notice for a Cat 6 bulk CMR “Riser” communications cable that did not comply with the fire safety certification requirements of the NFPA-70® National Electrical Code®. These are the backbone cables installed in the vertical spaces of buildings, that could potentially serve as a pathway / fuse to spread an evolving fire from floor to floor. The UL Public Notice was issued on February 28, 2020.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducts their own independent investigations. They are copied on all UL Public Notices and determined to investigate this nonconformance. Noting that this cable poses a fire hazard when the cable is exposed to a flame, CPSC states that consumers should immediately stop using and replace the recalled cable. The CPSC recall, dated September 16, 2020, can be viewed at:
Play CCCA’s CableCheck Game!
Play the CableCheck Game to enter a raffle for a Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker. It's 5 short True or False questions about fire safety and counterfeit cabling products. Then we give you the answers! Play Now
Legislation to Protect Consumers Online
CCCA is part of an industry consortium supporting the effort to generate the SHOP SAFE Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and the INFORM Consumers Act in the Senate. These two pieces of legislation aim to fight the sale of counterfeit and unsafe products via online retailers.
We are happy to report that the INFORM Consumers Act legislation was introduced in the House on July 23, 2020, and a companion bill was introduced in the Senate. The legislation is to combat the online sale of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products by requiring verification of third-party sellers on online retail marketplaces. INFORM is an acronym for Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers.
Read Press Release
As COVID-19 has changed the way we work, educate and communicate, it is alarmingly clear that telecommunications connectivity is not just essential but critical for the functioning of global society. From telemedicine to commerce to news, awareness, communication, transportation, security, infrastructure and everything in between, connectivity provides the network that enables modern life to go on. This is why now more than ever it is vital that the products that enable connectivity provide secure, reliable connections between devices and networks. CCCA is devoted to combating counterfeit and non-compliant cable and connectivity components that threaten the network upon which modern life depends.
2020 National Electrical Code® Article
This Cabling Installation & Maintenance article by Stan Kaufman explains in more detail the key changes that are of interest to manufacturers, installers, distributors, and users of communications cable.
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2020 NFPA Codes & Standards - News Flash
The National Fire Protection Association has published the 2020 National Electrical Code® (NEC®).
CCCA has summarized several changes that are important to the communications cable industry.
CCCA 2020 NFPA 70 NEC Summary
2 Simple Ways to Comply with the 2020 NEC
As the number of applications utilizing Power over Ethernet (PoE) technologies continues to grow, 4-pair cables are increasingly being used to transmit both data and power, adding new dimensions to cabling performance and safety requirements.
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CCCA Advisory: Legislative Actions Affecting Contractors for Low Voltage Circuits & Equipment
CCCA is aware of State Legislative Initiatives to Restrict Low-Voltage Contractors and Integrators from Installing Equipment, Cabling and Infrastructure.
Read our Advisory
CCCA Executive Director, David Kiddoo, highlights the association - what types of companies are members and some of the organization's goals.
Cable Fire Test Video
CCCA conducted fire tests at Underwriters Laboratories (UL), comparing counterfeit communications cable to compliant cable. Watch the dramatic results!
View Video
How to Specify Safe, Performing Patch Cords
For anyone who purchases patch cords, here’s a quick reference of what to put in your procurement contract! When specifying this UL 3992 verification program from your Supplier, you can be assured of the performance of your patch cords!
What to Specify
Raising the Bar on Patch Cord Performance in the Real World
Presentation Video by Randy Ivans of UL
UL Launches Data Center Reliability and Safety Certification Program
A new program to certify the reliability of data centers is now available. The program from UL and ESD Consulting helps mitigate risk for critical business infrastructure through the new UL 3223 Standard.
View UL Press Release
Possible Security Issue with Non-Compliant Cable
This ZDNet article explains a new technique that can be used to attack devices located inside internal corporate networks The technique, named EtherOops, works only if the targeted network contains faulty or counterfeit Ethernet (networking) cables on the attacker's path to their victim.
Dave Kiddoo, explaining CCCA's Good Cable - Bad Cable display at InfoComm.
TIA Announces Sustainability Standard for In-building Technology Sytems.
Read TIA Press Release
International Effort to Stop Counterfeit and Non-compliant Cables
CCCA research and activities were presented to the European Union (EU), world law enforcement and customs officials – Europol, Interpol and World Customs Organization.
Actual Case Encounter with Counterfeit Cable Certification
CCCA is raising the alarm again and cautioning by citing real-life failures with copper clad aluminum (CCA) communication cables offered by low cost, online suppliers.
Press Release
The Dangers of Cutting Corners
Inside Networks features expert commentary on copper clad aluminum issues.
Article PDF
Wire & Cable Technology International publishes "Potential Liability for Contractors Installing or Manufacturers Marketing Falsely Labeled Copper Clad Aluminum" white paper.
White Paper Article PDF
Non-Compliant & Counterfeit Cable: A Risk Too Real to Ignore
BICSI’s ICT Today discusses how staying informed and maintaining a degree of due diligence can make or break your reputation in this industry. Includes case studies of real encounters with counterfeit cable.
Non-Compliant Cable Article in ICT Today
CABA’s iHome and Buildings addresses the safety, performance and liability risks associated with compliance.