Public told not to use fake electric wires, materials

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine Electric Wires Manufacturers Association has warned the public against the use of substandard and fake electrical materials, saying these products put consumers at higher risk of fire.

Engr. Reginald Villaruel, of the Philippine Electric Wires Manufacturers Association, said the use of substandard wires and cables endangers the general public because counterfeit wires use aluminium and steel wiring that break easily.

 

He said consumers can determine the quality of their electrical wires and cables by inspecting the product packaging. “Legitimate products indicate the type and size of the wire, rated voltage, and the manufacturer’s name or trade name on the product packaging,” Villaruel said.

 

“Local and international products compliant with Philippine National Standards also have a Philippine Standard Quality Mark and Import Commodity Clearance Sticker on their product packaging,” he added.

 

Weighing the product also determines the authenticity of the product, according to  Villaruel, who said substandard or fake wires weigh less than the standard copper wires due to “under sizing” where the diameter of each strand is lesser than the prescribed standard, or possibly because they are copper-clad aluminium or steel strands. 

Amid the increase in fake and substandard electrical wires on the market, Villaruel said they actively participate in disseminating important information about electrical wires and cables to manufacturers and consumers. 

“Meron pa rin po’ng mangilan-ngilan na namemeke ng mga wires and cable, kaya po kami we actively participate in these kinds of events, especially in partnership with DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), para po tayong mga consumer is alam natin kung ano ang mga produktong binibili at ibinibenta sa market,” Villaruel said. 

Villaruel said those who allow the sale of fake and substandard products, especially products without the PS or ICC marks, will be penalized and such products will be confiscated and destroyed as part of their organization’s monitoring and enforcement initiatives. (Gabriel Andres)