The 4-wire (low resistance) milli-ohmeter method of measurement computed by wire length is usually the fool-resistant. Wire manufacturers have this kind of equipment and they damned sure know if they are cheating on copper.
The problem is Washington (and probably Ottawa as well) have kicked consumer protection and fair trade practices protection way down on the list.
Since I started helping out in the store, I have found to my sorrow that absolutely ZERO Chinese goods are checked at the factory. None. 00.000000% The goods are made, packaged, sealed and loaded onto pallets.
You do not make a 1,650 watt heater with 17 gauge power wire but that is exactly what is happening. The heater WILL work for awhile. But the wire termination at the plug WILL degrade and there will be smoke. Yet the devices have the guts to proclaim UL certification. So last month I grabbed a four devices. A heater, a hand mixer, a fan, and a toaster. I telephoned Underwriters Laboratories.
Corporate Headquarters
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096
Telephone: +1.847.272.8800
Customer Service: +1.877.UL.HELPS (1.877.854.3577)
E-mail: cec@us.ul.com
Map and driving directions
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wanna know what they told me? Those "UL" tag and decals had UL certification numbers do not exist in the UL database. The power brick for my laptop has a certification number and indeed UL had it listed.
U.S. Customs is allowing this dangerous garbage passage into the USA. Someone is really really screwed-up with their priorities. Heaters that do not pass hi-pot case to neutral specs. Hand mixers (beaters) that had sixty volts plus emitted into what was being beaten. Toasters with metal cases and ground wires left disconnected right off the assembly line. I'm talking about a green wire with crimped ring terminal with no hole and no screw to connect it to. Lamps with metal bases that have the lamp sockets twisted so neutral makes beautiful contact with the base.
Beware. We have become a nation of satisfied second rate consumers.
