HomeCounterfeit Electrical Equipment Found During PAT Testing
Counterfeit and substandard electrical equipment is regularly encountered during inspection and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing). These products often appear normal externally but contain serious safety defects that may result in electric shock, fire, or failure of protective devices.
One of the most important parts of the inspection process is the visual inspection. Many dangerous products can be identified by examining plugs, fuses, adaptors and chargers for signs of counterfeit construction or non-compliance with British Standards.
This page brings together real examples of unsafe electrical equipment discovered during PAT testing and inspection. The examples below are grouped by the items most commonly encountered during inspection: plugs, fuses, chargers/appliances and adaptors.
Counterfeit Plugs
Counterfeit BS 1363 plugs are among the most dangerous items encountered during PAT testing. These plugs may contain incorrect wiring, inadequate insulation, or plastic that does not meet fire resistance requirements.
See detailed examples:
Counterfeit Plug Fuses
Fake BS 1362 fuses may fail to operate correctly during a fault condition. This can allow excessive current to flow, resulting in overheating or fire. Counterfeit fuses often contain incorrect internal construction and may not comply with the required safety standards.
Counterfeit Chargers and Appliances
Counterfeit chargers and substandard appliances may lack proper isolation between live parts and accessible surfaces. These defects can present a serious electric shock risk.
Unsafe Plug Adaptors
Plug adaptors and travel adaptors that do not meet BS 1363 requirements may lack fuses, shutters, or adequate insulation. These defects can expose live parts or prevent proper fault protection.
Importance During PAT Testing
Identifying counterfeit electrical equipment is an essential part of the inspection process. Most of these defects cannot be detected by electrical tests alone and must be identified during visual inspection. Inspection and testing should follow a risk-based approach as described in the legal requirements for PAT testing and the PAT testing frequency guidance.
Equipment identified as unsafe should be immediately removed from service and replaced with compliant equipment.
Training to Identify Dangerous Electrical Equipment
Our PAT training courses include real examples of counterfeit plugs, fake fuses and dangerous appliances. This practical experience helps ensure that those responsible for inspection and testing can identify unsafe equipment.
See our PAT testing courses for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is counterfeit electrical equipment?
Counterfeit plugs, fuses and chargers are widely sold online and regularly find their way into workplaces, schools and rented properties. Identifying substandard or counterfeit accessories is a routine part of PAT testing and highlights the importance of thorough visual inspection.
Can PAT testing detect counterfeit equipment?
Electrical tests alone may not identify counterfeit construction. Visual inspection is essential.
What should you do if counterfeit equipment is found?
The equipment should be removed from service immediately and replaced with compliant equipment.