Counterfeit electrical equipment is hazard to life and property

Schneider Electric, ABB, Delta Electrical Ltd., Hager, F&G, Clipsal, Dorman Smith Switchgear, Electrium and Legrand/Tenby today announced that they have joined in a new initiative with the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance to implement a comprehensive program, working with UAE authorities to combat the presence of counterfeit electrical components. This announcement was made as the industry readies for the Middle East electricity exhibition in Dubai, where the Electrical Equipment Installation Association will run seminars about the dangers of counterfeit electrical equipment.

"The use of counterfeit electrical equipment is a real hazard to life and property" said Scott Butler, Chief Executive Officer of the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance, "only genuine goods comply with international safety standards, so every fake electrical device is a public threat. We have agreed to work jointly with the manufacturers and provide all of the support needed to the UAE authorities to help ensure that these dangerous products are removed from the market before they reach construction sites and harm people."

Electrical devices are dangerous when installations and circuits are not correctly protected with suitable and reliable devices such as miniature circuit breakers (MCB's), residual current devices (RCD's), molded case circuit breakers (MCCB's) as well as switches and sockets (wiring accessories). These hazards vary from potentially deadly electrical shock, to risks of explosions or fires, and damage to equipment due to overheating.

In addition to their collaboration with the authorities, the electrical industry and the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance will also highlight the presence of fake goods in the market in order to raise the public's awareness about the need to be alert when placing orders for electrical devices. Mr. Kevin Harris, Chairman of EIEMA Anti counterfeiting Committee will hold a seminar about anti-counterfeiting activities at the Dubai Exhibition center on 20th and 21st January 2003.

The public has also been invited to report all electrical counterfeit products to the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance at UAE toll free number 800 43332 or to visit the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance's web site at www.aaa.co.ae

"We want to warn the public against many illegal imitations of electrical devices in the market that look like the original products but do not perform as per international electrical standards," added Sachin Sarpotdar, Head of LV Products Gulf, ABB "The fake trademarks are sold by illegal traders who have no technical competence, but they give a false sense of security to customers, which makes them even more dangerous"
Counterfeit electrical equipment has already caused numerous accidents throughout the world. As a result, the industry has issued many warnings, inviting customers to beware of all products offered at unusually low prices, or through atypical distribution channels.

"No amount of savings can outweigh the threat of loosing your home or your family" added Sean Cain, Managing Director, Hager, " Counterfeit electrical products cause thousands of deadly accidents around the world every year. They represent a grave threat, one that should be taken seriously at all times."

The industry also highlighted the role of contractors and their accountability vis a vis consumers. Thus, Mr. S. Madhavan, Regional Manager, Delta Electrical Ltd said that consultants' responsibility is to ensure that only genuine products are used, and recommended that they contact the manufacturer's local representative when doubts arise about a product's authenticity.

Sunil Parkhi, Regional Manager, Schneider Electric, Dubai, reasserted this point by saying: "It is the engineers' responsibility to ensure the safety of the installation & therefore they must use genuine components only. They should be alert when dealing with suppliers; for example, they should automatically seek an explanation when a product is too cheap, or if a supplier offers two apparently identical products at different prices, as this usually means that the products are counterfeit. The best way to avoid such a risk is to purchase components from authorized distributors only, who deal with renowned manufacturers."

The most common types of electrical product counterfeiting are as follows:
• Exact copies of product including trademark and safety marks;
• Copied packaging or similar packaging to confuse consumers;
• Copied safety labels, such as CE, UL, Canadian Standards Association and others for use on products;
• Copied trademarks that are subsequently placed on electrical products.

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