b'COUNTERFEIT SAFETYwaters, fire-fighting activities and damagedIt is crucial to work together in assuring theSalvaged Electrical Productspiping systems. quality of all products being used to preventYoucanfindmoreinformationonsal-Inmostinstances,electricalproductsthatunsafecounterfeitorsalvagedelectricalvagedgoodsfromanumberofindustry are damaged by water must be taken out ofproductsfromcausingharmtopeoplerelated organizations:service and scrapped. However, many itemsand property. The Canadian Standards Associationhave the potential to be re-used or salvaged.HOW TO ENSURE QUALITY(CSA) has several programs for certifying Controlled re-purposing of such equipmentASSURANCE rebuilt, refurbished, and remanufactured can be both cost effective and environment- electrical products. You can find more allyfriendly.However,therefurbishedSet up a reporting process to protect theabout these programs on their website. orsalvagedelectricalequipmentcanbecompany and enhance document reten- potentiallyvolatile.Whenacontractorortion programs. This ensures the companyRefer to the National Electrical Code end user chooses to use a salvaged electricalknows where it is getting its electrical(NEC) steps to address the increased use product, there could be several factors behindmaterials from. of refurbished electrical products.their reasoning: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has Establish a company-wide process forThere can be industry pressure forestablished a reconditioned (rebuilt) reporting counterfeit electrical products. cost containment. Increased overseasThis provides a collaborative outlet forcertification program for eligible products competition has influenced the surge inalerting fellow workers and protectingwhich continue to meet the requirements purchasing and use of salvaged your property. of the applicable safety standard.electrical equipment. UL can provide field evaluation services When using salvaged equipment, These products are also available for thefor permitted types of electrical equip-ensure to follow regulated controlsgeneral public to purchase from facilitieswhere applicable. ment that has been reconditioned insuch as scrap yards, used buildingthe field.material outlets, equipment supplyThe dangers of using lower quality electrical The National Electrical Manufacturers companies, and even online resources. products affects everyone involvedfrom the manufacturer designing or refurbishing theAssociation (NEMA) has published Buyers of salvaged, remanufactured or newproduct, to the government body inspectingseveral documents containing important excesselectricalequipmentmustexerciseit, to the distributor selling products and theinformation on industry positions caution when using them. Regardless of thecontractors installing them. relative to the suitability and safety of source,purchasersofusedorrefurbishedreconditioned equipment in electrical electricalcomponentsneedtounderstandinfrastructure. These documents also theseriousimplicationsofre-usingtheseUsing any sort of expand on processes for accomplishing products. Electrical distribution and controlthe reconditioning of suitable equipment. equipment, such as panel boards, load centers,faulty electrical systemYou can find these documents oncircuitbreakers,enclosedswitches,wiring,their website.motorcontrol,andothersimilardeviceshas the potential to should be removed from service. AlthoughABOUT FEDERATED the equipment may appear to be undamaged,cause harm.contamination and deterioration of parts andINSURANCEmaterials may have occurred. Federated Insurance is one of Canadas lead-The dangers of using lower quality electricalOTHER RESOURCES ing direct commercial insurers. Our industry products affects everyone involvedfrom theexperts are committed to understanding the manufacturer designing or refurbishing theCounterfeit Electrical Products risksandopportunitiesofyourbusiness. product, to the government body inspectingIf you need to report a counterfeit product,Withadedicatedagentandriskmanage-it, to the distributor selling products and thethere are several options available to you. ment team on your side, you always get the contractors installing them. Using any sort ofThe Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Networkright protection. faulty electrical system has the potential torepresents a coalition of businesses and asso- Learn more at www.federated.ca.cause harm: ciations that have united in the fight against product counterfeiting, fraud, and copyrightCounterfeit electrical products can piracy in Canada and abroad. To report a overheat or cause short circuits. counterfeitproduct,callthemtoll-freeatFederatedInsuranceCompanyofCanadais Using salvaged electrical products can(888) 495-8501 or visit their website. the insurer of Federated Insurance policies. This resource is provided for information only and is reduce the integrity of the electricalYoucanalsomakeuseofthefollowingnot a substitute for professional advice. We make equipment and can affect its ability toresources: no representations or warranties regarding the perform its intended function. accuracy or completeness of the information and Reach out to the local Crime Stoppers.Such damage can result in a fire or shocks andwill not be responsible for any loss arising out of explosions which can cost people their livesContact the nearest detachment of reliance on the information. [3907-001-ed01Eand produce considerable property damage.the RCMP. | 08.2020]Ontario Electrical Contractor19'