Eaton Introduces New Laser-Etched Labels to Help Authentication, Combat Counterfeiting

Power management company Eaton has announced that new laser-etched labels will be featured on its molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) to help in product authentication. Laser-etching is one of many new technologies employed by Eaton and other manufacturers to help combat the counterfeiting of electrical products.

Eaton’s new laser marking method provides more permanent markings, helping to authenticate each circuit breaker throughout its life cycle. These high-quality permanent markings require more sophisticated technology to manufacture and are designed to prevent removal and replacement from the product, helping consumers recognize products that have experienced reconditioning.

“Providing these more permanent markings on circuit breaker labels is part of Eaton’s ongoing effort to help prevent unsafe copies from being manufactured and making it into the marketplace,” said Tom Grace, brand protection manager, Eaton’s Electrical Sector – Americas. “The addition of new laser-etched labels demonstrates Eaton’s investment in anti-counterfeit technologies and its commitment to combat counterfeiting worldwide.”

Common counterfeit electrical products such as circuit breakers can lead to costly repairs, property damage and even serious injury or death because they have not been properly manufactured or tested.

Information laser-etched directly onto the circuit breaker includes ratings, specifications and product information. With information included on the label, customers can authenticate the breaker using Eaton’s Circuit Breaker Authentication (CBA) tool, designed to assist customers in detecting if Eaton’s MCCBs, up to 400 amperes, are counterfeit. By entering the bar code, part number and date code found on the circuit breaker, the CBA tool is intended to immediately assist in verifying authentication.