NRCS Seizes Nearly 100 Refurbished Domestic Geysers to the value of R400 000 in a Surprise Raid in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
In a well-coordinated operation today 15 October 2024, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), carried out a surprise raid in Glenesk, Johannesburg. The raid resulted in the confiscation of nearly 100 acid-washed, refurbished domestic geysers to the value of R400 000. These geysers had been illegally refurbished and were on the verge of being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
This operation was prompted by numerous reports from concerned consumers and industry stakeholders regarding the illegal sale and promotion of these refurbished domestic geysers. Upon inspection, it was discovered that these geysers did not meet the mandatory specifications for safe household use, posing significant risks to consumers.
The Johannesburg raid is reminiscent of successful operations conducted in Primrose Germiston in 2022 and Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal in 2023, where hundreds of illegal second-hand geysers were removed from circulation.
The hazards associated with these substandard refurbished geysers include:
- Potential explosions due to compromised structural integrity
- Water leaks from weakened or poorly repaired shells
- Acid exposure, as many of the geysers are acid-washed during the refurbishment process
- Contaminated water caused by residual acid, affecting water quality and safety
- Increased risk of electric shocks
- Inadequate insulation, leading to higher energy consumption and inflated electricity bills for consumers
Refurbished geysers, particularly those that have undergone acid-washing, do not comply with VC 9006, the Compulsory Specification for hot water storage tanks. Additionally, they lack a valid Letter of Authority (LOA), which is essential for the legal sale of such a product in South Africa. The NRCS stresses that these products are extremely hazardous and should not be used in any households as they could cause severe damage to property and endanger human lives.
To date, the NRCS has issued several directives to prevent the sale and promotion of these non-compliant products. The confiscation and disposal of such substandard geysers is part of the NRCS’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and eliminate dangerous goods from the market.
The issue often arises when geysers exceed their typical five-year lifespan, leading to leaking shells. These are then illegally refurbished and re-welded without undergoing the necessary safety tests required to ensure compliance with South African Regulations.
The NRCS urges contractors, insurance companies, and consumers to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing, selling, or use of non-compliant second-hand geysers. Industry stakeholders are reminded that only products that meet the stringent compulsory specifications set by the NRCS and are supported by a valid LOA are authorised to be sold in South Africa.
The NRCS adheres to a rigorous administrative and technical process when assessing LOA applications, ensuring that all products meet the necessary safety, health, and environmental standards. The enforcement of VC 9006 is part of the NRCS’s mandate to safeguard public health, ensure safety, and uphold fair trade in the South African market.
Today’s raid marks another critical step in the NRCS’s commitment to eradicating illegal and non-compliant products from the market, with the regulator pledging to escalate these efforts nationwide.
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ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL REGULATOR FOR COMPULSORY SPECIFICATIONS (NRCS)
