Connecting India with cables by stopping counterfeit cables

by Pooja Late so cut

Manufacturers purchase wires and components they believe are legitimate only to realize afterward that the materials do not meet industry requirements. Sometimes the counterfeit parts have been passed off under a brand name but are not actually built by that brand. They are made of lower quality materials that cannot perform the necessary functions required of the cable or harness.

When the proper materials are not used, it is like cooking a meal with the wrong ingredients. Does it matter if you use salt instead of sugar? Can you use milk that’s expired? It will taste close enough, right? Like cooking with bad ingredients, there is a high risk to using counterfeit parts.

Why are Counterfeit Cables Dangerous?

While the cable manufacturer may be one of the victims of cable fraud, they could also take the blame for any problems caused by the counterfeit parts.

Damages caused by counterfeit cables can include:

· Affected performance

· Diminished safety

· Fire danger

· A stock of materials that you don’t need and can’t sell

· Legal ramifications

· Costly repairs

Recovery from counterfeit cables can mean anything from simply exchanging the bad cables for good cables in your devices, or paying for damages caused by the fraudulent material.

What are Common Counterfeit Cable Scams?

One of the most common and dangerous counterfeit cable frauds is that of Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA). This cable has an aluminum center wrapped in copper. Manufacturers can buy it for cheap but the seller may not always admit that the cable is not pure copper. Most often the problem of copper wire and CCA is found in houses and other buildings, as well as for communication assemblies.

How are Counterfeit Cables identified?

· Labels: Keep an eye out for inconsistent labels. You might notice conflicting information on different labels, or changes in wording or design.

· Price: Counterfeit cables are often sold well below the average price. You may come across an unbelievably good deal that could save your company hundreds of dollars. It is likely these cables are counterfeit and buying them will cause problems that could cost your company more in the end. More often it is better to pay a little bit more for cables you know are legitimate and avoid the risk of winding up with counterfeit parts.

· Materials: Many victims of counterfeit cable frauds describe discovering the counterfeit state of the cables because the materials felt wrong. The wire bent too easily, felt brittle, or weighed less. Upon further inspection the cable is found out to be made of materials other than those described by wire cable suppliers or the seller.

· Source: When shopping online for cables and components, stick with reputable sellers. Stay away from websites that are unfamiliar. If you are unsure of a company’s standing, research the company to find out if they have been reported for selling counterfeit cables.

Author’s Bio

Lara Kay in this piece explore different means of identifying counterfeit cable and the process of detecting fake wires by wire cable suppliers.