“If you choose to install a product that is not genuine but counterfeit and causes harm, you can be held liable for personal damages and possibly face imprisonment.”

Kevin Yates, vice president of Siemens Energy and Automation, Residential Products Division.

“It’s not just a matter of someone stealing your name. It actually could impact on someone’s safety. It’s something we take very seriously.”

John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

“We’ve had some cases where [CSA labels] have been on some fairly high-level breakers in hospitals. But when you took a look at the breakers, they have either used parts or rusted parts.”

Rod Jones, manager of counterfeit intelligence for Toronto-based CSA International