WASHINGTON, D.C., August 2, 2010 - The Communications Cable and Connectivity Association, Inc. (CCCA) applauded action by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to stem the flow of non-compliant communications cable being imported into the North American market. (See UL Public Notice link.) UL has taken strong actions to maintain the integrity of its UL Mark and cable performance certifications by publicly identifying manufacturers and their distributors who are supplying substandard and unsafe cable products into the market. In addition, UL has established further initiatives to verify the integrity of UL Listed cables through detailed analytical testing of cable component materials and new marketplace surveillance. These efforts by UL are, in part, a result of CCCA sharing information and encouraging each of the two independent testing/certification agencies to develop stronger measures to assure compliance to national fire safety codes and telecommunications industry standards for transmission performance. 

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Washington, DC  – At its June, 2010 meeting, the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) Board of Directors elected officers and members of the Executive Committee for the next year.

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Washington, DC – CCCA announced a new initiative to sample and test copper and fiber patch cords from commercial distribution channels for compliance to fire safety and electrical performance standards. This program follows CCCA’s program which evaluated compliance of communications cables to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire safety requirements and Telecommunications Industries Association (TIA) electrical performance standards. The previous evaluation program on communications cables identified major deficiencies and non-compliance of some lesser known brands of cable produced offshore and imported into North America, resulting in strengthened quality assurance measures by UL.

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There was both good news and bad news to report regarding the flow of offshore-manufactured telecom cable to North America. The bad news is that the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association, Inc. (CCCA) reported at IWCS that, a year after its initial field-test report found that eight of nine randomly selected samples from Asia failed to meet the minimum requirements for fire safety, its follow-up field test showed that the U.S. cable marketplace continues to receive sub-standard cables. The good news, however, also reported at IWCS, is that UL announced a series of steps it plans to take in response to that situation.

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Communications Cable & Connectivity Association (CCCA) Chairman Award Presented to Kevin St. Cyr, Berk-Tek, A Nexans Company

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At its recent board meeting, the CCCA Board of Directors recognized Kevin St. Cyr’s commitment and leadership as CCCA’s first Chairman.  Presenting the award was Kevin Ressler of Tyco Electronics, the current CCCA Chairman.  Mr. Ressler said “As one following in Kevin’s footsteps, I know what a challenge it was to form and govern CCCA from the outset.  Kevin’s steady guidance was instrumental in establishing CCCA as the voice of the Structured Cabling industry.”

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“Serious Fire Safety Concerns with Many Communications Cables from Offshore Manufacturers … and What You Should Know.”

Co-presentation by CCCA and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) at the International Wire and Cable Symposium (IWCS)

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WASHINGTON, D.C., November 2, 2009 – The Communications Cable and Connectivity Association, Inc. (CCCA) announced today that the prevalence of offshore-manufactured communications cable products which fail to meet industry fire safety requirements continues to plague the industry and marketplace. In July 2009, the CCCA commissioned an independent test laboratory to again analyze whether eight offshore-manufactured cable samples met National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) minimum requirements for fire safety. Test results showed that six of the eight samples failed to meet the minimum NFPA code requirements for low flame spread and/or smoke generation for installation in commercial buildings, schools and multi-tenant residences. All of the failing samples exhibited catastrophic results, indicating an unacceptable public safety hazard still exists.

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“CCCA: More Effort Needed to Stop Bad Cables”

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Full Press Release – Independent Testing Uncovers Serious Fire Safety Concerns… CCCA Proposes New Certification Program

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