Counterfeit call points

KAC invented the break glass call point in 1972 but since then other reputable companies have subsequently entered the call point market, offering their own product designs in competition to KAC. However, in a very worrying trend, it is becoming increasingly common to find call points from several different manufacturers, apparently manufactured in remote low labour cost areas, whose design is so close to that of the KAC device that passing off and deception can be the only objective.

The products bear a striking resemblance to a genuine KAC call point – one manufacturer even goes so far as to copy the layout and style of the genuine KAC product leaflet provided with every unit.

There are many dangers in using such counterfeit devices. A call point has to work immediately it is needed, often many years after being originally installed.

Third party approvals from a reputable test house are the guarantee of quality. All KAC products are certified to EN54 part 11 by LPCB and have a yellow LPCB label on the rear of the device. Some of the counterfeit products are CE Marked, although it is not clear to what directive. Passive components do not have to meet the EMC Directive and the Low Voltage Directive is only applicable above 50V.

Genuine KAC products can be identified in a number of ways. KAC is embossed into the mouldings and is visible when the lid is removed. They also have the manufacturing details displayed under the lid area.

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