Counterfeit cable and why it cost more

Why should I buy anything other than counterfeit network cable, which is cheaper? Yes, you can save money by using a low-grade cable on an installation, but does it really translate in to savings or cost you more money in the long run?

Let’s take a look at the evidence of time. It seems as if every time the price of counterfeit copper or other cable components increases that a new wave of fake/counterfeit products hits the market place. Once installed someone eventually gets caught.

Datcom has been monitoring and reporting these incidences over the years as these issues arise. Lately the frequency of occurrences has increased. We have encountered products in June 07, April 09, Aug 10, Oct 10, and was reported as a growing concern in the Feb 2011 reported in Cabling and Maintenance a popular industry magazine. Fast forward to 2015 a we now have a whole association; CCCA in place to combat this insidious issue.

This problem has prompted UL to integrated similar holographic technology used on credit cards to try and stem the flow of this type of product. You can protect yourself and verify products using the itunes Authenticator App.

But here are the real issues when the cable is always discovered:

1)    Cables seldom pass the standards.

2)    Intermittent problems occur resulting in unscheduled service calls.

3)    If an inspection is done it usually leads to a total re-install at the contractors expense

4)    Potential loss of a client due to a perception of poor quality work.

5)    Proliferation of low quality products in the market place.

6)    No point of presence or local manufacturer support.

7)    Zero product constancy.

8)    No compensation when problems arise.

Most non-branded products are a scam and are here today but gone tomorrow. If you have never heard of the brand before, then rule of thumb says don't buy it no matter what the price.

End users are responsible for hiring contractors that know what they are doing. Contractors are responsible for dealing with distributors who are reliable, and distributors are responsible for dealing with manufactures that stand behind their products. If all else fails plug the UL number into the online directory and make sure the cable is listed for use in the country of purchase and what regulations it meets. The bottom line is that you get what you pay for & you should be buying from a reputable distributor.

Written by: Edgar Schuchardt Account Manager at Datcom Inc. 

For more information on cable or other products call 1-800-427-2055.