Washington, DC (August 1, 2013) The Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) announces their free CableCheck™ app is now available for Android platform devices, in addition to the iPhone and other Apple devices.
The app provides a simple to use field-screening tool and checklist to help identify and avoid non-compliant and counterfeit communications cable. These cables present serious liability risks and public safety concerns. The new CableCheck™ app shows the top five things to look for in checking the fire safety compliance of UTP communications cables. The app is available only for UL-listed communications cable and may be downloaded from Google play with Android devices.
CCCA has been very active in alerting the industry to the problem of imported, non-compliant cables from lesser-known brands. Developed in cooperation with Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL), the free app can be used by installers, inspectors and end-users of UTP communications cable as a convenient field-screening tool to check suspicious cable and to validate UL listings for fire safety compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
“Non-compliant and counterfeit communications cable continues to be a major problem in the U.S.,” stated Bill Kloss, CCCA’s Chairman and OFS Vice President Sales – Americas. “Developing the CableCheck™ app to include the Android platform is another investment in CCCA’s commitment to continue to educate and help protect the structured cabling industry from non-compliant and counterfeit cables.”
“Our goal is to support the structured cabling industry by providing both education and practical tools,” said Frank Peri, CCCA’s Executive Director. “We had excellent feedback on the iPhone version and, since many Android users wanted to use the app, we were happy to develop it. We commend UL for working with CCCA on this app and for leading the industry by putting in place new UL quality assurance procedures. Like the iPhone version, we hope the Android version will be widely used to help reduce the potential liabilities we have cautioned about, and improve public safety,” Peri added.
Communications cable must meet NEC requirements for fire safety and must be listed by a third-party testing agency, such as UL, for compliance. UL recently issued public warnings about the unauthorized use of its mark on various cable products.
Since non-compliant or counterfeit cables affect other testing agencies also, CCCA is encouraging tighter quality assurance procedures and better tracking systems be used to verify fire safety compliance and authorized listing.
CCCA continues to recommend that the best practice is to buy proven quality, name-brand cables and patch cords.
The following top five things are what to look for when suspecting non-compliant or counterfeit cable. These reminders are listed in the app for reference.
1. Look for the UL holographic label. All boxes or reels of UL listed cable must display a genuine UL holographic label.
2. Check the UL mark and cable type on the cable jacket. The app shows examples of authorized UL marks for comparison.
3. Check the UL file number (“E” number). The app provides ready access to UL’s online directory to determine if the manufacturer has a UL listing.
4. Examine specifications (cut sheets) for correct UL marks, references and terminology.
5. Check the box weight. Substantially less weight may indicate non-compliant copper clad aluminum (CCA) conductors in place of solid copper. CCA is not permitted in “Category” communications cable.
The iPhone version of the App is still available from iTunes and can be downloaded from an iPad or iPhone.
For more information on potentially dangerous non-compliant cable and possible liabilities, view the popular Non-compliant Cabling webcast, a joint effort of CCCA, UL, and the law firm of Crowell & Moring on YouTube here.
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About CCCA
CCCA is comprised of leading manufacturers, distributors and material suppliers who are committed to serve as a major resource for well-researched, fact-based information on the technologies and issues vital to the structured cabling industry. CCCA also is proactive at codes and standards bodies and other trade, industry and governmental organizations in communicating and influencing policy and decisions affecting the quality, performance and societal needs of the structured cabling infrastructure.
CCCA member companies are Accu-Tech; AlphaGary; Anixter; Belden; Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company; Cable Components Group; comCables; CommScope; Daikin America; DuPont; 3M; General Cable; Optical Cable Corporation (OCC); OFS, a Furukawa Company; Panduit; PolyOne; Sentinel Connector Systems; Solvay Solexis; Superior Essex; TE Connectivity; The Siemon Company.
Headquarters: 1001 Pennsylvania NW, Washington, DC, 20004. For further information, visit the CCCA website http://www.cccassoc.org
