Electrical Safety Foundation International, Identifying Counterfeits Can Save Your Life

5 Tips to Avoid Counterfeits

1. Only purchase from trusted sources.
2. Check electrical manufacturers’ websites to find authorized retailers and dealers.
3. Only purchase items that have been tested and marked.
4. Only use licensed, insured, and bonded contractors that will stand behind their work.
5. Products and packaging with typos and misspellings have a high likelihood of being counterfeit.

How to Report Counterfeits

Visit IPRCenter.gov to report counterfeits.

Using qualified electricians and purchasing from reputable retailers gives you: safety, security, and the backing of the manufacturer. For more information on UL’s Be Safe Buy Real campaign, visit besafebuyreal.ul.org.

Click here for more information.

ESFI & UL Counterfeit Charger Short
Whether you need a replacement or just want an extra phone charger, sometimes it’s tempting to purchase an off-priced option rather than the expensive charger provided by the manufacturer. However, purchasing a bargain charger could have disastrous consequences not just for your phone, but for your safety. With this short video, ESFI and UL are reminding consumers to beware of counterfeit chargers. Be sure to check out our library of resources to help identify and avoid dangerous counterfeit electrical products.

For more information on UL’s Be Safe Buy Real campaign, visit besafebuyreal.ul.org.

Click here for more information.

What are Surge Protective Devices?
Surge protective devices protect against downtime, improve system and data reliability, and reduce electrical failures. Electrical surge damage can be experienced in a single event or as the result of an accumulation of power surges. Lightning and other external surge sources cost the U.S. economy an estimated $5-6 billion per year. A common source of power surges inside a building are devices that switch power on and off.

Damages caused by power surges are a leading cause of electrical equipment failure.

A recent survey found that all facilities that experienced power surges have reported downtime. The majority experienced between 1 to 12 hours of downtime, while 13 reported downtime greater than 48 hours.

Typical applications of surge protective devices within industrial or commercial settings include:

• HVAC systems
• Generators
• Security systems and cameras
• Fire alarm signaling circuits

Installing surge protective devices will protect against electrical failures to maintain the reliability and operation of electrical equipment. Click here to read more.

Protect Your Home From Brownouts
Brownouts are an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage from utilities or other power sources that can damage your home’s electronics. Brownouts can cause damage to insulation and cause unexpected electronic failure in the future. A sustained brownout could cause damage to electronic motors that are in everyday appliances, including washing machines, dryers, fans, air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers.

Learn how to Prepare Your Home for Brownouts:

• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
• These devices can protect against all power disturbances. They work by providing battery backup to critical electronics to protect them from sudden shutoffs.
• Energy Storage
• Energy storage systems consist of batteries that provide backup during service interruptions. They can be used to power critical systems in your home.
• Smart Meters
• Smart meters allow for greater communication between your home’s electrical needs and your energy provider. They can help you reduce energy costs and provide utilities with more information on how much electricity is being used in their service areas.
• Generators & Transfer Switches
• Generators provide energy during power interruptions. Both portable and standby generators should be used with a transfer switch to prevent unintentional energization of surrounding areas.

Click here to read more.