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As the authorised dealer for Schaltbau products in the UK, Hertford Controls Ltd has been requested to ALERT our customers about the increasing number of COPY SWITCHES entering the European Market.

These switches are look-alike copies of these well known snap action switches in transparent green colour but the appearance is only a small part of the whole story.

Among the many reasons why you should AVOID these fake switches are:

• The switches are not supported by Schaltbau
• Any distributor selling these switches will have great difficulty in providing after sales support.
• The internal mechanisms of these copies cannot be guarenteed for accuracy, repeatability or conformity with safety features.
• The electrical and mechanical performance data for Schaltbau switches is based on long term testing, development and historical records. This data does not apply to the copies.
• The copy switches may be unsuitable for replacement purposes because of differences in dimensional tolerances.
• A high proportion of Schaltbau snap action switches end up in safety related equipment. These fake switches introduce high levels of risk, not only to end users, but all those involved in the supply chain.

Q. How can I tell whether the switch I am buying is manufactured by Schaltbau?

A. It’s not straight forward, as these copy switches are look-alikes and appear to operate much the same as the genuine items.

If you are repeat buying, a good indicator is the price, which could be considerably cheaper than the genuine article.

Another indicator will be your source of supply. Many distributors are “dabbling” in these products and their knowledge of the product will extend no further than the look of the box.

Unfortunately, your final opportunity to discover the true origin of the product, could come when it’s too late. Technical support, acceptance of liability and continuity of quality will all be noticeable by their absence.

Our recommendation, and that of the manufacturer is to purchase only from authorised suppliers, who can guarentee genuine parts and the necessary level of support.

Hertford Controls Ltd has been the contracted sales partner of Schaltbau Gmbh for 17 years and guarentees to sell and support only genuine switches, manufactured by the German Company.



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