Beware! Counterfeit Electrical Books – Can You Spot the Fake?
Electricians rely on trusted information. From wiring regulations to inspection procedures, the textbooks on your desk are meant to be a ccurate and reliable. But what happens if the book you’ve bought isn’t genuine? Counterfeit copies of technical publications are becoming a growing issue, and they’re now showing up in UK training centres.
In one recent case, three learners on a PAT Testing course discovered their copies of the Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (4th Edition) were counterfeit. On the surface, the books looked authentic. But closer inspection revealed printing errors and even incorrect technical details. That’s more than just a nuisance—it’s a direct risk to safety.
This warning sits alongside the broader push for electricians to keep their knowledge sharp. Whether you’re brushing up with the 18th Edition Amendment 2 refresher, learning how to present yourself with social media marketing, weighing up the reasons to enter the trade, or comparing finance options such as van leasing for sparkies, having reliable resources is part of building a professional career.
How Counterfeit Electrical Books Are Made
Modern counterfeits aren’t just photocopies. Scanners and reproduction software are used to replicate entire books, but the software often misreads details. This leads to typos, scrambled numbers, and missing figures. In day-to-day reading, a typo might seem minor. But when it’s a wiring table or test result, one error could mean a dangerous mistake in the field.
For instance, in one fake book, a table meant to be numbered 15.3 was labelled as 13.3. Elsewhere, a diagram note that should have read “Damaged” was printed as “CDamaged.” These aren’t obvious mistakes unless you compare side by side with an official copy.
Why Counterfeit Books Are a Real Risk
The biggest problem is accuracy. Learners and working electricians depend on precise details. Counterfeit copies can:
- Provide incorrect figures in test tables or wiring charts.
- Miss important safety notes due to software misreads.
- Lead to reliability issues in exams or inspections.
- Undermine your professional credibility if spotted by assessors or employers.
Training is tough enough without starting from a flawed foundation. A wrong number in a regulation book isn’t just confusing—it could translate into an unsafe installation.
How to Spot a Fake
Spotting counterfeit books is surprisingly difficult because they’re often made to look authentic. But there are a few tell-tale signs:
- Colour and print quality – Counterfeits often use slightly brighter or lighter colours.
- Typos – Look out for misspelt words, missing letters, or strange symbols.
- Incorrect numbering – Tables and figures may be labelled differently to the original.
- Side-by-side comparison – Sometimes the only way to be sure is to place your copy next to a genuine book.
One learner only realised their book was counterfeit after noticing mismatched table numbers. Without that sharp eye, the issue could have gone unnoticed.
How Widespread Is the Problem?
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which publishes official wiring and testing guides, has acknowledged this is a growing issue. In one case, they found that 20% of books in a local college class were counterfeit. That’s one in five learners working from inaccurate material.
As the demand for training grows—especially with new updates like the 18th Edition Amendment 2—counterfeiters see an opportunity to exploit learners by offering “discounted” versions online.
Where Counterfeits Are Being Sold
Counterfeit electrical books often appear on online marketplaces. While the likes of Amazon itself are generally safe, the Amazon Marketplace (third-party sellers) and auction sites like eBay are risky. Learners looking for cheaper deals are the most vulnerable.
Some of the fake PAT Testing books uncovered in UK centres were bought via Amazon Marketplace. Buyers thought they were getting an official text at a fair price—until the printing errors became clear.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
It’s easy to see why learners might try to save a few pounds. Training is expensive, and official books can cost u pwards of £80. But counterfeit copies carry a hidden cost:
- Wasted money – You’ll likely need to buy the genuine book anyway.
- Course delays – Instructors may not allow counterfeit materials in class.
- Risk to assessments – Wrong information can directly affect exam performance.
- Professional risk – Using a fake book could even harm your reputation.
For a trade built on precision and trust, it’s not worth gambling.
How to Avoid Buying a Counterfeit Book
- Buy directly from trusted sources – The IET, City & Guilds, or official training centres.
- Be cautious on marketplaces – If it’s from an unknown seller at a much lower price, think twice.
- Check reviews – Other buyers may flag issues with fakes.
- Inspect your copy – Look for typos, mislabelling, or odd formatting.
- Request a refund – If you discover a counterfeit, contact the seller immediately.
What the IET Is Doing
The IET has been collecting counterfeit copies for reference and actively warning centres and training providers. Their message is simple: the problem is getting worse, and learners need to be vigilant. Training providers are being advised to remind students to source books only from official suppliers.
The Bigger Picture for Electricians
Counterfeit books aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a reflection of how vital good training has become. From safe installations to renewable skills, electricians are expected to stay current with fast-changing regulations. Accurate materials are a cornerstone of that.
It’s the same logic behind why sparks invest in refresher courses, reliable vans, and tools. Your professional identity rests on trust, and using genuine resources reinforces that trust.
If you’re training, already working, or returning to the classroom for the 18th Edition or an NVQ, your books are as essential as your toolkit. Don’t cut corners. Counterfeit electrical books may look real, but the risks aren’t worth the saving.
Stick to official suppliers, check your copies carefully, and if in doubt, speak to your centre. A few extra pounds spent upfront could be the difference between passing an exam with confidence—or relying on faulty i nformation that could one day put you or someone else at risk.
FAQs on Counterfeit Electrical Books in the UK (2025)
What are counterfeit electrical books, and why are they a problem for electricians?
Counterfeit electrical books are unauthorized, often poorly scanned or printed copies of official publications like BS 7671:2018 (IET Wiring Regulations) or the On-Site Guide, sold at lower prices. They are a problem because they contain errors, omissions, or misinterpretations (e.g., wrong table numbers, typos), leading to non-compliant installations that risk safety hazards like fires or shocks. For electricians, using them can result in failed inspections, invalid certifications, or legal liability under BS 7671.
How can I tell if my copy of the Wiring Regulations or Code of Practice is fake?
To spot a fake, check for an official hologram on the inside front cover (with the IET logo and “GENUINE” watermark) on physical copies; digital fakes lack security features or have pixelated scans. Look for printing errors (e.g., misaligned text, brighter colors, incorrect ISBN), and buy only from verified sellers on the IET website.
What risks do counterfeit books pose to learners during exams or assessments?
Counterfeit books pose risks by providing inaccurate information, leading to wrong answers in exams like C&G 2382-22 (18th Edition) and potential failure (40–50% pass rate impact). In assessments, errors could result in non-compliant NVQ portfolios or unsafe practical work, delaying qualification and career progression.
Are printing errors in counterfeit books really dangerous, or just inconvenient?
Printing errors in counterfeit books are really dangerous, as they can misinterpret regulations (e.g., wrong RCD requirements), leading to unsafe installations that cause fires, shocks, or fatalities. Beyond inconvenience, they risk legal liability and non-compliance with BS 7671.
Where are counterfeit electrical books most commonly being sold?
Counterfeit books are most commonly sold on online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and auction sites, often as cheap PDFs or physical copies from unverified sellers. Avoid these; buy from IET-approved sources.
What should I do if I discover I’ve bought a fake book?
If you’ve bought a fake, report it to the IET (via their website and the seller/platform (e.g., Amazon for refunds), then purchase a genuine copy from IET-approved sellers. Do not use the fake for work or exams, as it risks safety and qualification failure; destroy it to avoid accidental use.
Do training centres allow students to use counterfeit books in class?
No, training centres like Trade Skills 4U or Elec Training do not allow counterfeit books in class, as they contain errors that compromise learning and safety; students must use genuine BS 7671 copies for accurate training and assessments. Using fakes can lead to disqualification or failed exams.
Why do counterfeit copies often cost less than official publications?
Counterfeit copies cost less (£10–£20 vs. £70–£100 for genuine) because they are low-quality scans or pirated PDFs produced cheaply without royalties, quality control, or legal overheads, often sold by unauthorized sellers to undercut official prices. This “bargain” comes at the expense of accuracy and safety.
What steps are the IET and awarding bodies taking to tackle counterfeit books?
The IET adds holograms to genuine books, maintains a list of approved sellers on their website issues warnings, and pursues legal action against counterfeiters. Awarding bodies like City & Guilds emphasize genuine materials in training and exams, collaborating with Trading Standards for enforcement.
What’s the safest way to make sure I always buy a genuine electrical textbook?
The safest way is to buy directly from the IET website or approved sellers listed on their fake-regs page, such as RS Components or Farnell, verifying holograms and ISBNs on arrival. Avoid auction/marketplace sites like eBay or Amazon third-party sellers.
