This is not only in die electrical industry. Speaking to friends of mine in the engineering industry they have the same problem. You get the "fongkong Chinese imports" then you get the quality German/Italian etc. imports.
The problem with contractors is that alot of them try to get their foot in the door by having the cheapest quote and the client falls for that.
Their are 3 people involved here : client, contractor, supplier.
Clients who want it the cheapest. Contractors that are desperate for work and suppliers that are clueless about the products they sell and are money hungry.
I believe we as contractors can make the difference. By knowing our products (and not just going on the word of our suppliers) by presenting the client with different choices i.e. using the fongkong cheapy will probably lead to damage of equipment and regular replacements and using the more expensive quality there is more of a garentee and less replacements.
And advising our client about the different possibilities and consequences.
End of the day its the client's choice, but we as professionals have to advise our client best possible.
If we are talking about uncertified illegal products bought from some street vendor, then it is good for the professional who is signing that CoC to just remember that he is taking responsibility for "material and procurement" which in turn would make him responsible should that device fail and result in loss of property or personal injury cause the supplier whould be long gone...
Same for client using a contractor, making sure he is properly registered before having him do work on his premesis to avoid having any legal implications should something go wrong.
As we say, "Goedkoop koop is duur koop"
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