The Dangerous Rise of
Unsafe Electrical Products
in South Africa
How weak enforcement is harming consumers, destroying compliant businesses, and eroding public trust
South Africans continue to question why so many legitimate manufacturers and importers are shutting their doors while unsafe electrical products flood the market unchecked.
Illicit trade in dangerous, non-compliant electrical products appears to be flourishing with the apparent blessing – or at the very least, the glaring inaction – of government authorities.
At the same time, thousands of South Africans are losing jobs as compliant businesses struggle to compete against illegal operators selling unsafe products with little fear of consequence.
Even the National Consumer Commission (NCC), tasked with protecting consumers, appears unable to stem the growing tide. While notices are occasionally issued, meaningful enforcement and visible accountability remain limited.
In a country already burdened by economic hardship and high unemployment, families and businesses now face another growing threat: substandard and dangerous electrical products flooding the market. Non-compliant adaptors, extension cords, multiplugs, circuit breakers, luminaires, household appliances, commercial fridge and freezer display units, and more are putting lives and property at risk while simultaneously destroying compliant local manufacturers and legitimate importers.
South Africa’s Electrical Safety Standards Exist for a Reason
South Africa has compulsory specifications and standards in place to help protect consumers from dangerous electrical products. These include:
- VC 8029 and the SANS 164 series for cord extension sets and multiplugs
- VC 8036 / SANS 556-1 for circuit breakers
- VC 8055 and the referenced SANS 60598 series for luminaires
- VC 8055 for household and similar electrical appliances
- VC 9008 for appliance energy efficiency and labelling, including refrigerators and freezers
These regulations are designed to ensure products can safely handle South African voltages, currents, and operating conditions without overheating, failing, or causing fires.
However, enforcement by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) remains inadequate. Concerns include heavy reliance on single type-test reports, limited ongoing market surveillance, and a lack of public accountability for offenders.
Illicit Electrical Trade Is Growing Rapidly
Illicit trade across sectors in South Africa is estimated at around R100 billion, with electrical goods forming a significant portion of the problem. Yet NRCS enforcement reportedly reaches less than 0.5% of the market.
Many illicit traders operate using fake or misleading business addresses, often listing residential flats or apartment complexes as production facilities while the actual assembly or manufacturing takes place elsewhere.
Unsafe products are commonly made using inferior materials such as:
- Copper-clad aluminium conductors
- Poor insulation
- Fake approvals and markings
- Substandard components
These products are then sold at extremely low prices through informal traders, online marketplaces, and unverified sellers.
Misuse of Letters of Authority (LoAs)
Although Letters of Authority (LoAs) are issued in terms of the NRCS Act of 2014, illicit traders are increasingly exploiting these documents to market non-compliant products that are often entirely different from the products originally approved.
When consumers, retailers, or procurement teams request copies of valid Letters of Authority, traders frequently respond with excuses, delays, or vague justifications. These responses should immediately raise serious concerns.
The consequences are severe.
Circuit breakers fail to trip when overloaded. Luminaires overheat and ignite. Extension cords melt under normal operating conditions. Unsafe products continue entering South African homes and businesses while compliant manufacturers and importers investing in testing, local employment, and regulatory compliance are pushed to the brink.
Factories retrench workers. Legitimate businesses lose market share. Public trust continues to erode while illicit trade, already estimated in the billions across sectors, grows with limited resistance. Communities suffer, consumers remain exposed to unnecessary risks, and despite occasional notices from the NCC, the broader flood of unsafe electrical products continues largely unchecked.
How to Identify Unsafe Electrical Products
Consumers cannot rely on price or appearance alone. Unsafe products are increasingly difficult to identify at first glance, which makes purchasing from reputable sources more important than ever.
General Red Flags
Be cautious of products with:
- Missing or vague manufacturer/importer details
- No NRCS Letter of Authority (LoA) reference
- Poor packaging or broken English instructions
- Suspiciously low prices
- Products sold by unverified online sellers or informal traders
A “CE” mark alone is not sufficient proof of compliance in South Africa and may also be falsified.
Adaptors
- Verify product markings: Check for clear and permanent markings on the adaptor, including the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model number, voltage and current ratings, and compliance with relevant South African National Standards (e.g., SANS 164)
- Inspect physical construction: The casing must be robust, with no sharp edges, cracks, or loose parts. Ensure there is proper insulation.
- Ensure this symbol is on the product:
- Purchase from reputable sources: Where possible, buy from authorised retailers or well-established suppliers rather than informal traders or well-known online platforms with unverified sellers.
Following these steps can help reduce the risk of purchasing unsafe or non-compliant electrical adaptors. Prioritising safety matters, as poor-quality adaptors can pose serious fire, electric shock, and overheating risks.
Cord Extensions, Multiplugs & Power Strips
Unsafe extension products remain one of the biggest risks in South African homes and workplaces.
Look for:
- Heavy products that indicate genuine copper conductors. Lightweight versions are often unsafe copper cladded aluminium.
- Solid, secure three-pin plugs (SANS 164-1) and firmly gripping sockets
- Thick, flexible, well-insulated cable with strain relief
- Clear 250V ~ 10A or 16A ratings. Prefer overload protection. Avoid daisy-chaining.
Illicit traders sell their cables shorter than shown on their packaging. For example, 3m claimed on the packaging actually measures between 2,5 to 2,8 meters – this is to circumvent compulsory test requirements.
Illegal earthed Schuko type plug (Read Article).
A simple and effective indicator is to expose the cable core to a flame using a lighter. Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) conductors typically burn and frizzle, whereas genuine copper conductors do not burn and instead changes colour only (recommended for procurers within retailers).
Circuit Breakers & Protective Devices
Consumers and procurement teams should verify that circuit breakers display:
- Proper SANS 556-1 / VC 8036 markings
- Clear trip indicators
- Solid construction and branding. Reject loose, poorly printed, or unbranded units.
IEC 60898 marked circuit breakers are illegal in South Africa.
Luminaires – Light Fittings, Bulkheads, Floodlights, LEDs
Light fittings and luminaires should comply with the SANS 60598 series and relevant compulsory specifications.
Avoid flimsy plastic fittings or products that overheat quickly. Proper earthing, heat-resistant materials, and robust construction are essential.
Household Appliances
Kettles, stoves, irons, and similar appliances must comply with VC 8055 safety standards. Look for clear safety warnings.
Quality appliances should feel solid, have proper earthing and insulation, and should not produce excessive heat during normal use.
Fridges, Freezers & Commercial Display Units
Household refrigerators and freezers require VC 9008 (energy efficiency & labelling) and safety compliance under VC 8055.
Commercial fridge/freezer display units should also meet applicable safety standards (often SANS 60335 series) and, where relevant, energy requirements.
Look for:
- Proper seals
- Stable temperature performance
- Robust construction
- Valid Letters of Authority (LoA)
Cheap imported units often lack these protections, increasing the risk of inefficiency, leaks, and electrical fires.
Smarter Buying Habits Can Reduce Risk
To better protect yourself and your business:
- Purchase products only from reputable retailers
- Avoid suspiciously cheap online products
- Be cautious of products sold through Facebook Marketplace and informal channels
- Check for excessive heat after 10–15 minutes of use
- Use registered electricians and ensure a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is issued for installations and repairs
Keep in mind that cheap extensions, multiplugs, and low-cost appliances are often temporary solutions that carry long-term risks.
South Africa Needs Urgent Action
Legitimate businesses cannot continue competing against illicit operators who exploit weak enforcement and operate without accountability.
South Africans deserve:
- Stronger border controls
- More market surveillance and raids
- Public naming of non-compliant products and offenders
- Harsher penalties for illegal operators
- Stronger enforcement from the NRCS and NCC
Without decisive action, more jobs will be lost, more businesses will close, and more consumers will remain exposed to unsafe products.
Conclusion
Choose compliant products. Support ethical businesses. Demand better protection.
Interested in becoming a Safehouse member? Join a network committed to electrical safety, compliance, and protecting the future of legitimate business in South Africa. https://safehousesa.co.za/contact/