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Consumers must beware of counterfeit electrical appliances as they pose a grave threat to South Africans’ lives and homes as smoke and flames claim numerous lives in South Africa, ranking among the top causes of death.
“However, many people are unaware that counterfeit electrical products play a major role in fueling these incidents. To safeguard local households, it is crucial to raise awareness and tell people about the extent of this problem,” says Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBI-electric: low voltage.
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On World Anti-Counterfeiting Day on 10 June, he pointed out that commonly counterfeited items include terminal connector blocks, timing switches, circuit breakers and earth leakage devices, as well as multi-plugs and adapters that can cause burns, electrical shocks and even fires.
Dickson says the use of substandard materials to make counterfeit products cheaper is largely to blame and unfortunately, with the current economic climate, the counterfeit market is rife.
“Instead of using plastic materials that are non-flammable or self-extinguishing to produce electrical products and components, counterfeiters use cheap alternatives that burn more easily and can produce toxic smoke which makes the electrical installation unsafe and ultimately puts the consumer at risk of injury or death.”
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He says these criminals are not only putting people’s lives at risk, but they are also taking away economic activity from legitimate businesses.
“In fact, a report published by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade has shown that illicit trade is one of the biggest threats to stability and economic growth in South Africa, with the country losing R250 million per day.”
These are Dickson’s tips for ensuring the authenticity of the products you buy:
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Consumers who discover that they have been the victim of counterfeiters can approach consumer protection groups or organisations which protect South African businesses and people from preventable harm caused by unsafe electrical products and services.
“Alternatively, they can contact the NRCS’ Electrotechnical business unit that has the mandate to protect the safety and health of consumers and the environment.
“While counterfeit products might be less expensive than the genuine article, is it really worth the risk? Empowered with knowledge about these dangers, South Africans can make informed choices and protect themselves and their loved ones,” he says.
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