Cable Certification + Installer Certification Is a Winning Combo

Once a cabling project is complete, everyone involved—manufacturers, installers, owners, end-users, etc.—wants clear answers to the same list of questions.

• Is the cabling installed correctly?
• Is the cabling connected correctly?
• Can the cabling support the right applications?
• Will everything work when devices are connected to the network?

There’s only one way to know these things for sure: cable certification.

Whether it’s for copper or fiber systems, cable certification involves testing to verify that installed cabling is performing in compliance with industry standards.

Conducting certification testing on the installed system gives everyone peace of mind:

• Manufacturers know their cabling products are performing.
• Installers know they did good work.
• Owners know their investment is paying off.
• End-users know they can use the system without problems.

Nearly all reliable, high-quality cable manufacturers require installers to certify the cabling systems they install in order to gain access to the long-term warranties their customers want.

Belden, for example, offers a 25-Year Product Warranty and Lifetime Application Assurance that installers can pass along to their customers upon the completion of testing for cable certification. This combination ensures that the installed system will meet or exceed industry standards for at least 25 years, as well as support future standards and protocols.

But certification testing isn’t the only thing you can do to put customers’ minds at ease. To really stand out, you can also certify the work of your installation team.

Let’s take a closer look at both types of certifications and what they can do for you.

The Ins and Outs of Cable Certification

As we mentioned earlier, obtaining warranties is the biggest reason why installers pursue certification testing. And it can be a big selling point when it comes to choosing a cabling system, helping owners optimize their investment and be confident that they’re prepared to support multiple generations of equipment and applications.

But there are other reasons to make cable certification a priority, too.

1. It Protects Your Reputation

Certifying your installation can protect you if performance issues ever arise. You’ll have documentation showing that the system was performing as expected when the project was initially completed.

With this information in hand, you can be cleared of mistakes or bad links, which allows owners—sometimes with your help—to spend time looking in the right places to determine why their cabling infrastructure isn’t working (water damage from sprinklers, mistakes made by other trades, etc.).

If work done later by another contractor impacts performance, then you have records to show that the system was working when you installed it (before other contractors became involved).

2. It Helps You Resolve Performance Issues

If the cabling system you installed isn’t performing as planned, then testing can help you determine what the issue is so certification can be achieved.

If there’s an issue, then certification testing can help you figure out why. Depending on the tester you use, for example, you may be able to identify specific defects like incorrect terminations or bad cables (perhaps they were damaged during shipping or installation).

3. It Provides Certainty

Telling someone the system you installed will perform as expected is one thing—but giving them a document that proves it is another.

Some owners want to be certain—and want paperwork to prove—that the installed products will work as promised. This can also help confirm that users won’t be disrupted later by unplanned downtime or a slow network.

Expand Your Capabilities with Installer Certification

In addition to certifying the performance of the cables you install, you can also certify the work done by your installation team.

By doing this, you can demonstrate your commitment and dedication to using high-quality products and performing high-quality work. Becoming a certified installer or integrator can also give you a competitive edge.

1. Land More Work

Certified installers frequently learn about upcoming cabling projects sooner. For example, Belden brings certified installers to the table when we’re involved in a project. We also list all our certified installers in an online database that owners can use to find qualified installers in their area.

You’ll also be the first to know about new products being introduced to the market that you can share with your customers.

2. Improve Profitability

Certified installers may gain access to exclusive promotions and lucrative rebates that can lower overall project costs. If you’re a Belden Partner Alliance Installer, then we also work closely with you to develop strategies to help you grow and strengthen your business.

3. Enhance Productivity

When you go through a manufacturer’s certification program, your installers receive training that aligns with up-to-date industry standards and technologies. Along the way, they learn tips and best practices to install the products they work with, so they can confidently install using methods that save time and reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

As an added bonus, certified installer partners often have a direct connection to the engineers and designers who created the cabling and connectivity solutions being installed. Having access to a product expert can help get your questions answered faster and resolve issues sooner to keep your project moving. 

We Can Support Your Certification Efforts

Whether you have questions about cable certification or becoming a Belden Partner Alliance Installer or Integrator, we have team members and resources who can help.

Related Links:

• Application vs. Cabling Standards: What They Are & How to Test
• Which Rating or Certification Does Your Cable Really Need?
• 7 Benefits of Being a Certified Cable Installer