The illegal sale of non-compliant refurbished and second-hand geysers still persists in South Africa, and these illegal items pose a significant risk to the health and well-being of consumers.
The above picture appears to indicate that the geyser tag has been spayed over.
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has issued several media alerts pertaining to this on-going issue. These media statements are clear and emphasise the significant risks posed to consumers by non-compliant refurbished geysers, including electric shock and explosion hazards:
- NRCS Media Statement 24 June 2020: The NRCS issued a stern warning against the illegal trade practice of geysers. All industry players, contractors, insurance companies and other interested parties were warned not to manufacture or sell non-compliant second-hand or refurbished geysers if not approved by the NRCS.
- NRCS Media Statement 23 November 2022: Confiscated refurbished domestic geysers which were found to be non-compliant and not comply with the requirements of VC9006, Compulsory Specifications for hot water storage tanks (geysers) and had not been issued with a letter of authority (LOA) to be offered for sale in South Africa in line with the NRCS Act.
The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) stands in support of the NRCS’s mission to safeguard human health, safety, and the environment, ensuring fair trade and eliminating non-compliant products from the market.
One such example of the sale of illegal geysers can be seen below.
Why is this illegal?
- Geysers need to comply to requirements of VC9006 and need to be issued with a letter of authority (LOA)
- Geysers need to comply with SANS 151
- The below pictures in the advert show geysers with no information tags or Manufacturer stickers.
Source: Supplied by IOPSA
