Buy original! These are the risks of acquiring counterfeit cables

June 15, 2023

Bogotá, D.C., June 2023. World Anti-Counterfeiting and Anti-Piracy Day is celebrated on June 8th to raise awareness among people about the disadvantages of buying and selling counterfeit and illegal products and services. For this reason, Centelsa by Nexans explains the risks that consumers may be exposed to when acquiring and installing counterfeit cables, which can impact people's health, the proper functioning of electrical installations, and the condition of assets.

Martha Sepúlveda, Offer Manager Usage at Centelsa by Nexans, explains the three main risks of acquiring counterfeit products:

• Increased risk of short circuits and fires:

In order to reduce production costs, counterfeit cables are manufactured using suboptimal metals for conducting electricity, as well as insulation materials that do not comply with regulatory standards. As a result, they are not designed to withstand high temperatures, which can lead to short circuits and fires due to the electrical overload that occurs when energized.

• Limited durability:

The average lifespan of an electrical conductor is approximately 20 to 25 years under optimal conditions. However, the durability of counterfeit products is significantly reduced. Therefore, if counterfeit cables are purchased, it is highly likely that they will require reinstallations in the short term due to electrical failures, resulting in time and money losses.

• Electrocution:

Just like with short circuits and fires, the poor manufacturing quality of counterfeit and substandard products, as well as the materials used as electrical conductors, can cause serious electrocution accidents, even leading to the death of the user.

According to figures from the Official Fire Department of Bogotá, in 2022, there were 76 house fires, of which 18 were caused by electrical failures and mishandling. Therefore, Centelsa by Nexans, as a leading and innovative company throughout the entire electrification chain, is committed to providing solutions that contribute to sustainable electrification in the markets where it operates, promoting the safety of people and electrical installations, as well as environmental care.

Contact - External Communication

Luciana Ormeño
Phone.: + 51 997 419 814
luciana.ormeno@nexans.com