About Allstar Electrical
Allstar Electrical, based in Denver, Colorado, provides licensed, professional electrical services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Safety, reliability, and integrity are our priorities — and that extends to every component we install.
Why Counterfeit and Clone Circuit Breakers Are a Serious Safety Risk
Every day, online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay list circuit breakers advertised as “compatible with” major panel brands. They might look identical to genuine parts — but many are counterfeit or clone breakers that have never been UL or CSA tested.
At Allstar Electrical, we’ve seen the dangers of these products firsthand. That’s why we only buy from authorized dealers and distributors, ensuring every installation meets national safety standards and keeps your property safe.
What Are Counterfeit and Clone Breakers?
- Genuine breakers are manufactured by the original brand and certified by independent testing agencies such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
- Clone breakers are imitation devices that look similar and claim to “fit” your panel but lack certification and oversight.
- Counterfeit breakers go even further, copying brand logos and labels to deceive buyers.
Eaton, a leading manufacturer, warns:
“Counterfeit electrical products are unsafe. They pose a real danger to any home or facility where they may be installed.”
The Hidden Risks of Knock-Off Breakers
Counterfeit and clone breakers may:
- Fail to trip during overloads, causing fire or shock hazards.
- Not fit properly, leading to arcing or overheating in your panel.
- Void insurance or warranty coverage because they’re not code-listed.
- Use poor-quality materials that can degrade or melt under load.
In manufacturer testing, counterfeit breakers often catch fire within seconds under short-circuit conditions, while genuine breakers disconnect safely.
Watch Eaton’s Knock-Off Breaker Test Video
Where Counterfeits Commonly Appear
You’re most likely to encounter fakes in:
- Online listings from third-party sellers (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
- “Discount” importers or gray-market resellers
- Products labeled “compatible with” instead of genuine brand names
- Reboxed or “refurbished” breakers sold as new
If the price seems unusually low, that’s often your first red flag.
How to Spot a Counterfeit or Clone Breaker
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Buy only from authorized distributors.
Allstar Electrical sources exclusively from verified vendors. -
Check for certification marks (UL, CSA, ETL).
Missing or poorly printed marks indicate the breaker was never tested. -
Compare model numbers and packaging to the manufacturer’s website.
Counterfeits often have subtle inconsistencies. -
Inspect build quality.
Rough plastic, faded labels, or missing date codes are warning signs. -
Verify compatibility with your panel.
Only use breakers listed for your specific load center — check the panel’s inside label for approved models.
Why Allstar Electrical Uses Only Genuine, Certified Parts
As a trusted Denver electrical contractor, Allstar Electrical guarantees:
- Breakers sourced only from authorized distributors
- UL and CSA-listed products that meet or exceed code
- Full compatibility checks before installation
- Ongoing monitoring of manufacturer safety alerts
We believe safety shouldn’t be compromised by counterfeit parts. Every breaker we install has been verified, certified, and inspected for your protection.
Final Thoughts
A circuit breaker’s job is to protect your home or business. Using a counterfeit or clone breaker undermines that protection entirely.
If you suspect you may have counterfeit breakers or want to verify a product’s authenticity, contact Allstar Electrical in Denver, CO. Our licensed electricians will inspect your system and replace unsafe components with genuine, code-compliant parts.