Counterfeit MCBs found in Southern Africa

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Major manufacturer CBI-electric has reported that counterfeit safety devices are being sold in Southern Africa to consumers that rely on them for protection against fire and electric shocks.

Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and earth leakage protection units (ELPUs) that appeared to be genuine, but on closer inspection were found to be counterfeit, failed to meet significant requirements of the national safety specification.

CBI-electric was alerted to the problem when faulty products, bearing the company’s brand and certification markings, were returned. The company tested the devices and, upon discovering they were fakes, reported them to the authorities.

There then followed an investigation that has led to criminal proceedings being brought against distributors, retailers and importers.

The counterfeits were manufactured in China and have recently been found in other countries in the region including Botswana, highlighting the worldwide scale of the trade in counterfeit electrical goods.

Although South Africa has compulsory national standards for the design and use of MCBs and ELPUs, there have been claims that lax enforcement of these regulations (despite their vital safety provisions) has made the country a target for counterfeiters.

However, the South African Bureau of Standards did visit CBI-electric’s laboratory to oversee further tests of the counterfeits, which showed that each of the 16 samples examined failed to meet the required safety standards. With this clear evidence presented to the Bureau, there may be cause for optimism among manufacturers and the public that the enforcement bodies could revisit their priorities in the near future.

The visit may also signal more cooperation across the industry, a model that has brought significant progress in the UK.

  • Jul 09, 2013

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