These network communication cables are used to connect computer and electronic equipment, typical...
CPSC Recall #05-184 — May 30, 2005
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 05-184 |
| Recall Date | May 30, 2005 |
| Remedy Type | — |
| Units Affected | About 1.7 million feet |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Cable Manchester (HCM), Inc. of Manchester, N.H. |
| Manufactured In | Manchester, N.H. |
Where It Was Sold
| Authorized electrical or data communication distributors from about June 2003 through December 2004. |
Product
These network communication cables are used to connect computer and electronic equipment, typically in data centers. These are 25- and 50-pair, category 5 and 5e, CMP cables.
Description
The recalled cables typically were installed in data centers and other commercial applications. The part numbers for the recalled cables are 39419-50 (25-pair, category 5e); 30171-100 (50-pair, category 5e); and 30105-50 (25-pair, category 5). Only HCM brand cables with the following lot numbers are affected by this recall: AE589 and A4309 through A5551. The part number and lot number are printed on the jacket of the cables.
Hazard
The recalled cables do not meet the fire resistance standards for cable used in plenum applications. Plenum is the space typically used for air circulation in heating and air conditioning systems. If the cables were exposed to a fire source, smoke or fire could spread more quickly than permitted by the standard for this type of cable. This recall is only for certain CMP cables used in plenum (air duct) applications. CMP cables used in riser (non-plenum) applications are not included in this recall.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported
Remedy Instructions
Cables installed in a plenum application will be removed and replaced. Users should contact HCM to coordinate this work among HCM, the property owner and an installer. Because these products were constructed in compliance with HCM's new listing with UL for CMR (riser) cables, they may remain in place if they have already been installed in riser applications. HCM is directly notifying known purchasers about this recall. The 25-pair version of the recalled cable also was manufactured by HCM under a private label arrangement for Superior Essex Inc. Superior Essex has already contacted all affected customers who purchased this cable.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a remedy at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (refund, replacement, or repair) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.