ABB fake: how to distinguish original from counterfeit - proven methods

Electrical equipment ABB is the gold standard of reliability for automotive and industrial systems, but its popularity has led to a massive proliferation of counterfeits. According to RosAccreditation, up to 30% of circuit breakers and RCDs on the Russian market in 2023–2026 are counterfeit, and 15% of them are passed off as products of the Swiss-Swedish brand. Counterfeit devices not only fail faster, but also pose a real threat of fire or electric shock: their rated characteristics are often underestimated by 20–40%.

The problem is especially critical for car owners using equipment ABB in electric vehicle charging systems, on-board electronics or garage panels. For example, a fake relay ABB CR-P may not work if overloaded, which will lead to melting of the wiring. In this article - 7 visual and technical signs of fakes, instructions for checking certificates, as well as a table comparing originals and copies for key models (from S200 up to DS201). The material was prepared taking into account current scam schemes for 2026.

1. Marking: where to look for counterfeit errors

The first thing that a counterfeit gives is: inconsistencies in labeling. Original products ABB are laser engraved with micron precision, while counterfeits are often inscribed with screen printing or a low-quality stamp. Please note:

• 🔍 Logo: the original has the letters "ABB" uniform font thickness (1.2 mm) and clear edges without blur. Counterfeits often use thicker or slanted characters.
• 📏 Location of inscriptions: on original machines S200 series and denomination are indicated strictly in the center top panel, not offset.
• 🖌️ Paint color: real devices use matte black (RAL 9005) or gray (RAL 7035) shades. Counterfeits are often shiny or have a greenish/bluish tint.

It is especially dangerous to ignore the markings on contacts. In original relays ABB CR-M designations NO (normally open) and NC (normally closed) engraved in capital letters 2 mm high. For fakes, these symbols may be printed with ink, which will wear off the first time you use it.

An example of fake markings on an ABB F202 RCD

In the photo below you can see that the serial number is applied crookedly, and the ABB logo has uneven gaps between the letters. The original always aligns the characters to the baseline.

To check, take a magnifying glass with 10x magnification: the original edges of the font will be smooth, no burrs. Counterfeits often have microcracks in the paint or chips on the plastic around the inscriptions.

2. Quality of plastic and metal: tactile signs

Materials are the second most important indicator of counterfeit. ABB uses polycarbonate with added fiberglass (labeling PC+GF), which does not break when bent and does not smell of chemicals. Counterfeit products are often made from cheap ABS plastic or recycled materials.

• 👃 Smell: original devices do not have a sharp chemical aroma. Counterfeits may smell acetone or burnt rubber.
• 🔥 Heat resistance: Hold the lighter close to the body for 3-5 seconds. The original does not melt, the fake is deformed or smokes.
• ⚖️ Weight: automatic ABB S201 C16 weighs 180±5 g. Fakes are 20–30 g lighter due to the thin metal of the contacts.

Please note copper contact color. In original products, copper has matte reddish tint (brand Cu-ETP), while fakes often use a cheap alloy with yellowish tint. Run your fingernail over the contact: there will be no scratches on the original, but grooves will appear on the fake.

Once a month|Once every six months|Only in case of breakdown|Never-->

Sign	Original ABB	Fake
Housing material	Polycarbonate PC+GF (impact-resistant)	ABS plastic (brittle, smells of chemicals)
Copper contact color	Reddish Copper (Cu-ETP)	Yellow or dull (alloy with impurities)
Weight of S201 C16 assault rifle	180±5 g	150–160 g
Heat response	Does not melt at 80°C	Deforms at 60°C

Critical point: fake contacts are often coated with a thin layer of copper (1-2 microns) on top of the steel. When overloaded, such a layer burns out in a fraction of a second, which leads to welding of the contacts and the impossibility of disconnecting the circuit.

3. Certificates and packaging: documents under a microscope

Fraudsters falsify not only the products themselves, but also the accompanying documents. Original certificates ABB have several degrees of protection:

1. Hologram with the company logo and microtext "ABB Quality" (visible at an angle of 45°).
2. Unique QR code, leading to the verification page on the site new.abb.com (not to third party resources!).
3. Serial number, matching the markings on the product and box.

Please note production date. On the original boxes it is indicated in the format YYWW (year/week), for example, 2415 = 15th week of 2026. Counterfeits often use dates that don't exist (e.g. Week 53) or future years.

Make sure there is a hologram with microtext|Check the QR code through the official website|Check the serial number on the product and in the documents|Call the dealer by phone from the ABB registry-->

⚠️ Attention: Fraudsters often fake certificates GOST R or TR TSbut can't reproduce fire safety certificate (required for automatic machines). Its absence is a 100% sign of a fake.

Packaging of original products ABB has:

• 📦 box made of corrugated cardboard with a density of 500 g/m² with embossed logo.
• 🏷️ Sticker with a barcode that can be checked in the database abb.com/verify.
• 🔄 Protective film with perforation "ABB" (when removed leaves a mark "VOID").

4. Technical tests: how to check without a laboratory

Even without special equipment, you can detect a fake using simple tests:

• 🔌 Checking contacts: Insert and remove the wire 10 times. Original terminals ABB retain elasticity, fakes become loose.
• 🔊 Sound test: When turned on/off, the original machine emits clear click. The fake often “crunches” or creaks.
• 🔥 Thermal imaging test: Connect the machine to a load of 80% of the nominal load for 1 hour. The original heats up evenly, the fake has “hot spots” (visible on an infrared thermometer).

For slot machines ABB S200 test for time-current characteristic:

1. Connect the machine to a circuit with a current of 1.13×I_n (for example, 18 A for C16).
2. The original should turn off after 1–2 hours (according to standard IEC 60898).
3. The fake either works instantly or doesn’t turn off at all.

Pay special attention marking of denominations. Counterfeit machines often have understated characteristics: for example, instead of C25 indicated on the body C32, but the real limit is 20 A. This can only be checked in the laboratory, but an indirect sign is lack of certificate for ratings above 63 A (counterfeits are rarely certified for high currents).

5. Popular models and their fakes: photo comparison

Below - TOP 5 most counterfeited models ABB with key differences. Please note that scammers often copy only the appearance, but not the internal “filling”.

Model	Original	Fake (differences)
ABB S201	Housing with stiffening ribs, spring terminals	Smooth housing, screw terminals, misspelled markings ("S210" instead of "S201")
ABB F202 (RCD)	"Test" button with a metal rod, hologram on the body	Plastic button, no hologram, "ABB" lettering with blurred edges
ABB DS201	Differential automatic with operation indicator	No indicator, 1.5 mm thinner case, 30% less weight
ABB CR-P (relay)	Oxygen-free copper contacts, laser marking	Contacts made of brass, stencil markings, burning smell during operation

For a visual comparison, check out ABB official catalog with 3D models. Please note lever shape: the originals have it rounded edges, for fakes - sharp.

6. Where to buy: official dealers and market risks

Even in trusted stores, the risk of running into a fake reaches 10–15%. According to Association of Electrical Companies, in 2026 the main channels for the distribution of counterfeit goods:

• 🛒 Markets and small shops (the share of fakes is 60%).
• 🌍 Internet platforms (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress - up to 40% counterfeit).
• 🏢 Unofficial dealers (offered “from a warehouse in Moscow” without documents).

How to minimize risks:

1. Buy only from ABB official partners (list on abb.ru/partners).
2. Demand TR CU certificate of conformity with hologram and QR code.
3. Check serial number through the form on the manufacturer's website.

⚠️ Attention: Counterfeits are often sold under the guise of "liquidation", "wholesale quantities" or "from a warehouse in Europe". Real dealers ABB They never sell equipment without a full package of documents, including a product passport in Russian.

Cost of original products ABB in 2026:

• Automatic S201 C16 — from 800 rub.
• RCD F202 40A/30mA — from 2,500 rub.
• Difavtomat DS201 C25 — from 3,800 rub.

If the price is 30% or more lower, this is a reason to doubt the authenticity. Exception: shares of official dealers with confirmed certificates.

7. What to do if you have already bought a fake

If you find signs of counterfeit:

1. Stop using the product - it does not guarantee protection from overloads.
2. Take a photo of the labeling, packaging and receipt (if any).
3. Contact Rospotrebnadzor or to the ABB hotline: 8-800-555-00-66.
4. If you bought online, request a refund through the site (refer to Article 18 Consumer Protection Law).

To prove a fake:

• 📸 Take a photo internal part (disassemble the product carefully!). Original devices are marked on everyone internal details.
• 🔍 Compare with official drawings.
• 📋 Ask the seller declaration of conformity - fakes do not have it or it is counterfeit.

If the forgery led to fire or equipment breakdown, collect evidence (photos, videos, electrical laboratory findings) and file a lawsuit. According to statistics, 70% of such cases are won in favor of the consumer with compensation for damages.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ABB counterfeits

Is it possible to distinguish a fake by appearance without special devices?

Yes, the main signs are - quality of marking (blurred font, uneven gaps), body material (fragile plastic, thin metal) and weight (the original is 15–30% heavier). Also pay attention to the packaging: the original always has a hologram and protective film.

Are ABB counterfeits dangerous only for industrial equipment or also for cars?

Fake machines and relays ABB dangerous in any circuits, including automobile ones. For example, a fake relay ABB CR-P The EV charging system may not shut down if it overheats, resulting in a fire. In the on-board network, counterfeits often cause short circuits due to poor quality contacts.

How to check the authenticity of an ABB F202 RCD without a tester?

Take a magnet: the original RCD has metal core in the current transformer, so the magnet will be attracted to the central part of the housing. Counterfeits have a plastic or aluminum core. Also press the "Test" button 10 times - the original works instantly and without jamming.

Where in Russia can you check the authenticity of ABB for free?

Official verification centers:

• Moscow: st. Elektrodnaya, 2, building 26 (ABB laboratory).
• St. Petersburg: st. Sedova, 11, bldg. 2.
• Regions: check with local dealers.

The verification takes 1–2 days; a product passport is required.

Is it possible to use a fake ABB machine temporarily if it takes a long time to wait for the original?

Absolutely not. Counterfeit circuit breakers do not meet their stated specifications: for example, a 16 A circuit breaker may trip at 10 A or not turn off at 30 A. This creates a risk wiring overheating and fire. Temporary replacement must be with a product of another certified brand (for example, Schneider Electric or Legrand).