Copy circuit breakers can be dangerously defective 
(07/01/2008)
Being able to buy an apparently equivalent product at a substantially reduced price is always a big attraction. But it’s an attraction that could, according to Schneider Electric, have fatal consequences.
The company has become aware that copies of many of its leading products, including circuit breakers, contactors, overload relays, pushbuttons, indicator lamps and many others are being imported into the UK. While there is often no claim that these copies were manufactured by Schneider Electric, they are frequently being promoted as equivalent to and interchangeable with genuine products from the brands of Schneider Electric.
These claims are unsubstantiated, and tests carried out by Schneider Electric have shown many of the copy products to be dangerously defective. As an example, copy circuit breakers have been found which explode or catch fire under fault conditions, potentially creating a life-threatening hazard. Information about copy products has been brought to the attention of authorised Schneider Electric distributors to ensure they are aware and do not deal with them.
However, other parties who may be tempted to buy, sell or use copy products should be very clear about the risks involved. Not only is it possible that the copies will fail dangerously, it is also unlikely that they can be shown to meet relevant national and international standards.
In the event of a failure, therefore, those who have traded in or used the copies may find themselves unable to prove that they have met their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act and other legal instruments, and prosecution may ensue.
Additional cautions relate to the design of the copies and their packaging which, in some cases, is believed to infringe Schneider Electric copyrights and patents. Those dealing with the copies should be in no doubt that Schneider Electric will vigorously defend its intellectual rights in these areas.
To avoid the risks associated with copies, all users of products from the brands of Schneider Electric are strongly advised to purchase them only from authorised distributors. A comprehensive list of these distributors is available on the Schneider Electric website.
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