Online purchase uncovers dangerous cable
Following news stories concerning the discovery of counterfeit products in the run up to Christmas, the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) is warning contractors and the public to take care when making online purchases of cable. This follows the recent discovery of electric cable from China, which spectacularly failed to comply with the requirements of British Standards.
The three core cable, marked ZL ***** MADE IN CHINA PVC YOUZHI DIANXIAN 3X0.75MM² (u-2002) failed initial tests that were carried out by BASEC (British Approvals Service for Cables) in November. The cable was also fitted with non-compliant UK plugs and has a non-compliant core colour scheme.
The cable, which is marketed as laptop power cord, was purchased through Amazon’s online market place and Amazon and Trading Standards have been made aware of this issue. The cable was brought to the attention of the ACI by a campaign supporter but similar cable was also the subject of a recall notice in 2010.
Last week, ‘Which?’ the consumer advocate and the UK Borders Agency issued a warning to consumers to think carefully about their purchases and not to be tempted to buy fake goods this Christmas and to be suspicious of so-called ‘too-good-to-be-true’ bargains.
According to a Which? Survey, nearly one in ten people have bought a fake product by mistake in the past two years and nearly a quarter (23%) of fake goods were bought from websites including Amazon and eBay.
Further tests are to be carried out on the counterfeit cable product but in the meantime the ACI is advising contractors and the public to take care when making online purchases where it isn’t possible to view the product prior to purchase.
If in doubt, the key checks are to ensure that all cable is clearly and properly marked and if it isn’t then there may be a risk.
For reassurance, a contractor should look to ensure that cable:
· Is marked with the manufacturer’s name
· Is marked with the correct BS or European standard number
· Has third party approval
· Is marked with the correct number of cores and nominal cross section
· Has the cable reference number or code
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