Electricians already suffering the plight of fake electricians are now becoming a target by the fraudsters themselves.
What has been happening?
Not content with producing inferior work or materials for the electrical industry fraudsters have now targeted the publication that all good electricians rely upon for producing the correct standard of work – and that is the IET Requirements for Electrical Installations commonly known as the 17th Edition BS7671.
Less than 2 weeks ago, a huge haul of fake copies of BS7671 were intercepted at Dover by port officials which were intended for the sale to electricians at a discounted price to what an electrician would expect to pay when purchasing a genuine copy of the Wiring Regulations.
What is the danger here then?
As if paying money directly into the pockets of fraudsters isn't enough, the fake electrical regulations have pages missing, incomplete diagrams and corrupted information. If an electrician were to follow the 'regulations' given in this fake book, it could lead to electrocution, fire and/or death.
This would cause untold personal and business damage to any electrician unfortunate to come across and unwittingly purchase a fake copy of BS7671.
Always buy the genuine publication
In reaction to the news the IET have issued a warning to electricians to be on their guard against fake copies which fraudsters have clearly identified as being a profitable business at the expense of genuine electricians.
The IET advises to only purchase the IET Wiring Regulations BS7671:2008 from only reputable retailers and not be 'conned' into the purchase of what seems like a bargain. The IET Wiring Regulations publication is an electricians 'must have' and at a cost of around £80 per publication, it can be a temptation to purchase for less.
The IET is a charity. Profits from the sale of publications goes directly into producing the next publication and disseminating important information thus ensuring that electrical safety standards get better in the future.
Conclusion
845 copies of the IET Wiring Regulations 'fake' book were seized at Dover, however this is by far from the complete haul. Thanks to the eagle eyed port official, it has brought this issue to light. Electricians are advised to be on the look out for fake copies that may be circulating in areas of the UK.
A legitimate electrician studying this book would have no way of determining if the information contained within it was correct or otherwise. Using the publication would be putting the public in danger.
To report suspicious copies of the IET publication, you can email sales@theiet.org