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The RJ45 connector may be one of the most common components in a network, but it can also be one of the most overlooked.
As Ethernet speeds increase and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications deliver more power than ever before, the risks associated with non-compliant RJ45 connectivity continue to grow. Substandard connectors can lead to signal degradation, network downtime, equipment damage, thermal runaway, and even fire hazards.
In CCCA's latest article, The Weakest Link: Exposing the Dangers of Non-Compliant RJ45 Connectivity, industry experts examine the standards that govern RJ45 performance and safety, the hidden dangers of non-compliant products, and the steps integrators can take to protect their customers, networks, and businesses. Download the article here.
Quality connectivity matters. Learn why compliance should never be an afterthought.
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What We Heard at NECA: The Growing Need for Limited Energy Training
One of the most valuable aspects of attending industry events is the opportunity to listen.
At the recent NECA and NECA Emerge conferences, conversations with contractors, educators, manufacturers, and industry leaders revealed a common theme: the need for training and workforce development has never been greater.
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As communications systems, building automation, security networks, broadband infrastructure, and fault-managed power technologies evolve, the skills required to install and maintain these systems are evolving as well.
What Contractors Told Us
- Finding qualified workers remains a challenge.
- Technology is changing faster than traditional training models.
- Contractors want clearer workforce definitions.
- Portable credentials could help workers move where demand exists.
- Education must keep pace with AI, broadband, smart buildings, and fault-managed power.
These conversations reinforced what CCCA has been discussing for several years: the Limited Energy workforce needs a clearer path for education, training, examination, and accreditation.
The industry's future depends not only on new technologies, but on the people who install, integrate, and maintain them. As power and data systems continue to converge, the need for skilled Limited Energy Technology Integrators will only increase.
CCCA is working with industry partners to help define workforce requirements, support training initiatives, and promote the development of educational pathways that prepare workers for the opportunities ahead.
The message from NECA was clear. The industry is growing. The technology is advancing. Now we must ensure the workforce is prepared to grow alongside it.
To that end, CCCA has submitted recommendations and supporting data to request a classification for Limited Energy Technology Integrators to the Bureau of Labor and NAICS. These are anticipated to be adopted in 2027 and 2028.
The conversations taking place today will help shape the training programs, credentials, and career opportunities of tomorrow.
| | Tony New Steps up to Chair CCCA's New Technology Committee | | |
Tony New, Manager of Product Engineering/R&D at Prysmian, has stepped up to chair CCCA's New Technology Committee.
Technology is evolving more rapidly than ever, and each new innovation has the potential to disrupt and transform the ICT industry. That's why CCCA dedicates resources to exploring and explaining new technology trends.
| | CCCA Highlights Cable Safety and Code Changes at NFMT | | |
At NFMT East, CCCA Executive Director Dave Kiddoo emphasized the growing importance of certified cabling infrastructure as power and data increasingly share the same network systems. With ongoing changes to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the expansion of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technologies, facility managers and contractors face new safety and compliance challenges.
Kiddoo also warned about the risks of counterfeit cabling products, noting that uncertified cable can create significant fire and performance hazards while exposing contractors to liability. CCCA continues to provide education, technical resources, webinars, and its CableCheck app to help industry professionals identify authentic products and stay informed on codes, standards, and best practices.
Listen to Dave's interview at NFMT here.
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While the 2026 National Electrical Code® (NEC®) has now been published, work is already underway on the next revision cycle. Industry experts, manufacturers, contractors, inspectors, and trade associations are reviewing proposed changes and helping shape the 2029 NEC.
CCCA continues to play an active role in the process. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dave Kiddoo the association has submitted more than 100 public comments on proposed code language, helping to ensure that limited energy cable, and connectivity safety performance and reliability, stay part of the national code integrity.
The NEC is updated on a three-year cycle, making ongoing participation essential. By staying engaged throughout the process, CCCA helps represent the interests and expertise of the cabling and connectivity industry while contributing to the development of a safer electrical infrastructure.
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About CCCA's Approach to Timely Topics
One of CCCA's main goals is to inform designers, integrators, end users, and government entities about new technologies, issues, trends, standards, and compliance. When you hear a presentation or read a whitepaper by CCCA, the topics have been discussed and sometimes debated at length by a group of member companies until a consensus of opinion and recommendations results. Our topics are varied, vendor-neutral, and presented for the benefit of ICT industry development.
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