Sparks Electrical News July 2015

How can you tell if a product is SAFE or DANGEROUS?

The circuit-breaker is a vital safety device which has become a commodity. Its commoditization makes it difficult for suppliers to differentiate themselves and many have resorted to price-differentiation – often at the expense of quality and capability to do what it should. From all accounts there are more than 30 – some say more than 40 – circuit- breaker brands in South Africa. How can you tell from appearance whether a product will stand up to the job it must do? If you rely only on the production of a certificate of one kind or another, you could be making a mistake that will have serious consequences. For instance, the use of “Golden Samples” to obtain certification, followed by mass-produced products that do not comply is a well-known practice of unscrupulous suppliers. And be conscious of the possibilities of fraud and corruption that allow sub-standard products onto the market.

Counterfeiting and selling non-compliant products and services are criminal acts.

• Do not be seduced by price • Be suspicious: Check for the genuine article and for a legitimate Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by the NRCS. • Ask questions: Make contact with the brand-owner to check for authenticity

• If you’re not sure: Insist on products from Safehouse Association members or • Contact the Safehouse Association for assistance.

Be Safe. Always ask for and use SAFEhouse members’ products and services:

TM

Suppliers you can trust

PRETORIA MOTOR CONTROL GEAR PRODUCTS PMCG

Become a SAFEhouse member today.

The South African Safehouse Association is an independent, registered, non-profit organization established by the electrical industry and committed to communicating with customers. The South African Safehouse Association has been established to combat this proliferation of dangerous products and services by: • Making the market aware of the risks in using such products and services • Exposing sub-standard products and services • Persuading specifiers, suppliers and distribution channels not to recommend or to offer such products and services for sale For more information contact : Pierre Nothard Cell: 083 414 4980 | Tel: 011 396 8140 Email: pierren@safehousesa.co.za

TVE LECTRIC

AMEMBEROFTHE Hudaco GROUP

www.safehousesa.co.za

As at 08/05/2015