“Deeply concerning” that 58% of electricians offered counterfeit products

58% of electricians in the UK said someone had attempted to sell them counterfeit products, according to a new free-to-access report for the electrical sector.

InstallerELECTRIC’s State of the Industry survey was launched at InstallerSHOW, which provides fascinating insight into the electrical market by focusing on challenges, opportunities, and pressures, the technology they work with now and in the future, and the products and solutions they can’t go without. 

Darren Hodson, Managing Director WAGO UK and Ireland, commented on the research:

“The survey found that almost 50% of electricians expect their turnover to be greater in 2025 than it was in 2024. This is a really positive signal for the industry. It suggests that investment in infrastructure, repair, maintenance, and housing is not only continuing but accelerating. As electricians gear up for a big year, WAGO is right there beside them. We are committed to supporting them with our range of world-class, reliable products, training, tech support and solutions.

 

“58% of electricians said they considered continued professional education (CPE) and vocational courses to be important. As technology and regulations evolve, staying informed and up-skilling when needed is critical, and we believe that continuous learning is an essential part of staying competitive and compliant. It is why WAGO invests heavily in technical training, CPD-accredited content, and hands-on training provided by our in-house engineering team, both in person and online. Whether it’s electrical connection technology, modular wiring, energy data management or smart building control, CPD is not just a tick-box exercise for us. It is a commitment to competence and quality of work.

“It is deeply concerning that 58% of electricians in the UK said someone had attempted to sell them counterfeit products. Unfortunately, however, it is not surprising. Counterfeits pose serious risks to safety, reliability, and compliance, and they undermine the professionalism of the entire electrical trade. We take this issue very seriously. WAGO is committed to protecting our customers – electricians, electrical contractors, and end-users – by ensuring our products are traceable, tested to the highest standards, and distributed only through trusted, authorised partners. When health and safety are at stake, we encourage electricians to buy only original products from reputable sources and to never compromise on quality.

“An overwhelming 94% electricians in the UK said they prioritised high-quality wiring accessories over low-quality ones. It confirms what we hear every day from the trade: quality matters. Electricians work with potentially dangerous equipment in potentially dangerous environments. And they know the importance of never compromising on quality. At WAGO, we have always believed that maintaining great quality standards is critical to keeping installations safe and systems reliable. When tradespeople choose premium components, they are thinking about long-term performance, customer satisfaction, and professional pride, which is why we create durable, maintenance-free, time-saving products, without ever compromising on safety or compliance.”

Download the report at https://electrical-survey-2025.installeronline.co.uk/report  

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