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CPSC, Hitachi Cable Manchester Inc. Announce Recall of 25- and 50-Pair Plenum Network Cables

Reported: May 31, 2005 Initiated: May 31, 2005 #05184

Product 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.

Reason for Recall

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.

Remedy

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
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.. Recalled by Hitachi Cable Manchester (HCM), Inc. of Manchester, N.H.. Units affected: About 1.7 million feet.
Why was this product recalled?
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.
What should consumers do?
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.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 31, 2005. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 05184.