Counterfeit GFCI Devices

[bphgravity]

For Your Information:

UL Warns Consumers of General Protecht Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's) Bearing Unauthorized UL Marks
Northbrook, Ill., November 5, 2007 -- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is notifying consumers that General Protecht Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) bear unauthorized UL Marks. The GFCIs have not been evaluated for safety by UL and are not eligible to bear the UL Mark.

Name of Product: GFCI Duplex Receptacle

Units: Unknown

Manufacturer: General Protecht Group, Inc.

Date of Manufacture: Prior to July 2007

Hazard: The GFCIs have not been evaluated for safety by UL and are not eligible to bear the UL Mark. These GFCIs may not trip when a fault is present and may malfunction resulting in risk of electric shock or fire hazard.

Identification: On the Packaging: The product is advertised as being sold in the following colors: white, ivory, gray, almond, brown, and black. The packaging also includes the following information:


Identification: On the Product: An unauthorized label bearing this information:


Identifying Uninstalled GFCIs: For those GFCIs not yet installed, the label can be easily viewed on the device.

Identifying Installed GFCIs: If you suspect GFCIs already installed are those bearing unauthorized UL Marks, contact a qualified electrician who will view the label and replace the GFCI if necessary.

What You Should Do: UL recommends that users stop using these GFCIs immediately and return them to the place of purchase.

 

[ItsHot]

thanks!

thanks!

Thank you for the update!

 

[480sparky]

Geez! Counterfeit breakers. Non-listed ground rods. Unauthorized GFCIs.

And to think the general public is more worried about counterfeit blue jeans, tennis shoes and perfume!

 

[tallguy]

Made in China... who woulda thunk it?

Here's the original UL link so you all can see the images that are mentioned in the text.

Here's an image of the product out of the package:

Aforementioned company won a patent lawsuit with Leviton but is now in a bit of trouble with P&S for violating their patents.