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 

1. Buy directly from trusted sources – The IET, City & Guilds, or official training centres.

    

2. Be cautious on marketplaces – If it’s from an unknown seller at a much lower price, think twice. 
3. Check reviews – Other buyers may flag issues with fakes.

    

4. Inspect your copy – Look for typos, mislabelling, or odd formatting.

    

5. 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.