How PAT Testing Helps Spot Counterfeit Electrical Products? According to the latest estimates, every 1 in 3 UK residents has purchased a counterfeit product online by mistake. Moreover, every 1 in 7 has suffered injuries or loss from fake electrical products. One report published by Electrical Safety First reveals that the fake electrical goods market in the UK alone was worth close to £1.3 billion in 2019.
Despite efforts to curtail it, the evidence suggests that the counterfeit electrical equipment is still in circulation. Safety concerns go hand in hand with counterfeit items. Since e-commerce is becoming popular, it is making the sale of such products easier. They are available over online market places, dedicated websites, or social media. and now pat testing has also became easier through pat portable appliance testing
It is imperative to carry out PAT testing to ensure such fake products do not harm you. Find out more about PAT testing here and guarantee your safety.
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The Wave of Counterfeit Information
Some manufacturers or sellers put more effort into advertising than they do ensuring a product’s efficacy. The articles, pages or information about fake products look indistinguishable from genuine products. Many buyers do not possess enough knowledge to distinguish between a counterfeit and a genuine article.
Moreover, it is estimated that almost 92% of British e-shoppers believe that the various e-commerce platforms are regulated and monitored to protect them from such frauds. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Purchasing cheap products in some exclusive deal may seem like a good and economical idea. Still, you do not know what you are getting for your troubles.
The fake electrical products are not subject to the same rigorous testing standards as legitimate ones. That makes them a genuine safety risk. There is evidence of severe burns, electrical shocks, and even death from the accidents caused by counterfeit electrical goods.
PAT Testing to Detect Counterfeit Products
Portable Appliance Testing or PAT testing is a routine process done by UK manufacturers to ensure their electrical appliances are safe for use. However, this test is not just limited to manufacturers. You may carry it out within your own home with purchased tools and a limited understanding of electrical procedures.
PAT testing is usually done visually to spot faults in products. For a more in-depth analysis, certain meters and tools are used. Generally, they measure a product’s lead polarity, earth continuity, and insulation resistance. Understandably, counterfeit products do not measure up to performance against the original ones. That’s why when you subject a counterfeit product to the same stringent battery of tests, you can easily find out if it is safe to use. If the product gives out before reaching the published limits, then it is a fake.
Electrical testings, like PAT, measure the functional and parametric requirements at the extreme factors. Numerous tests are carried out to test the direct current (DC), the alternate current (AC), as well as the functional performance of electrical good. The limits of intricacies and complexities of certain parameters measured in the tests are what tell the buyer if the item is safe to buy. It tells them to what limit can the product be pushed without expiring.
What to do with a Counterfeit Product?
In case you have purchased a fake product, please stop using it at once, lest you get hurt in an accident. Use your knowledge to perform simple PAT tests on the product to confirm your suspicions.
Selling fake products is an illegal activity and puts people at risk. You can report your purchase to Trading Standards so that they may take action against the seller.
