Due to an increasing number of counterfeit electrical products entering the Canadian market, our Gas and Electrical Inspections department urges consumers to be cautious when purchasing new electrical products.
Counterfeit electrical products look similar (or in some cases, identical) to certified household or commercial electrical products, but pose serious risks for users because they don't meet national safety standards.
Purchase only approved products
Buy products certified to Canadian standards by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or other approved certified bodies.
Improperly made or counterfeit electrical products are not approved by the CSA or ULC, which are national, not-for-profit organizations that develop standards that enhance public safety and health.
Unapproved electrical products can result in electrical shocks, electrocution, fires and loss of property.
Ensure your electrical equipment being installed is approved
All electrical equipment being installed—everything from breaker boxes to plug-in receptacles—must also be approved. A plug-in device must have a safety approval mark.
How to spot a counterfeit electrical product
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) advises you to watch out for the following counterfeit indicators when purchasing a new electrical item:
- The price seems too good to be true.
- There are spelling errors on the packaging.
- The construction is flimsy.
- There are certification marks on the packaging but not on the product.
What is a certification mark and why is it important?
A certification mark is a symbol on a product that indicates ULC/UL or CSA have tested samples of that product and determined if that product meets ULC/UL's or CSA's safety requirements.
Untested products or products that have failed to meet certification requirements will not have a certification mark and should always be avoided.
