Every day, counterfeit electrical products are finding their way into our homes, businesses, and public institutions. These fraudulent products pose a serious financial and legal liability to the electrical industry, and they have become a grave safety crisis for our communities. Counterfeit electrical products pose significant hazards, and if left undetected can cause deaths, injuries, and substantial property loss in the home and the workplace.
Unlike fake handbags, watches or designer apparel, counterfeit electrical products such as circuit breakers, power strips, extension cords, batteries, hair dryers, and holiday lights can cause fires, explosions, electric shock, burns, and deadly electrocutions. Education and recognition among consumers, families, and communities will save lives and prevent devastation, injuries and property damage. When purchasing electrical products, always look for registered certification agency marks. Make sure all electrical items, including appliances, extension cords and surge protectors are certified by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or the ULC (Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada). If you think a product or a product failure is a fire or shock hazard, report it immediately to your local fire authority or the Electrical Safety Authority.
If you suspect a product bears a counterfeit certification or manufacturer label, report it to the certification agency, manufacturer or the Electrical Safety Authority.
If you come across a product that is not certified to Canadian standards and does not bear the certification mark of a recognized certification agency report it to the Electrical Safety Authority.
ESA has created a Response Process for unsafe electrical products. ESA identifies unsafe products as unapproved products, counterfeit products, and certified products that have identified safety issues. Based on an unsafe product risk assessment, ESA has developed targeted response strategies for various unsafe products.
The Electrical Safety Authority can be reached at 1-877-ESA-SAFE. You can make a difference in ensuring the safety of your home and family by: - following basic electrical safety tips.
- ensuring you research electrical projects.
- using the services of licensed electricians.
- ensuring you arrange for electrical inspections if you are concerned about your home's electrical system, or if you are doing electrical work.
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