The gray market is the term used to describe the sale of new products by unauthorized resellers and brokers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are gray market goods illegal?
A: No. Gray market goods are not illegal. Instead, they are being sold outside of normal distribution channels by companies that do not have a relationship with the manufacturer of the goods.

Q: Why is Eaton concerned about gray market products?
A: Eaton is concerned about the gray market because of sourcing practices that put the customer at risk of receiving altered, tampered, surplus, used, refurbished, and even counterfeit goods which are misrepresented as new.  

Q: Are surplus, used, or refurbished products considered to be gray market?
A: No. The sale of these products can sometimes fulfill a customer requirement for replacement of aging or otherwise obsolete equipment. There, however, is risk in the purchase of these goods as unsafe storage, handling, or refurbishing practices may have affected the performance of the product.  

Q: Does Eaton offer a solution for aging or obsolete equipment replacements?
A: Yes. Eaton has a complete aftermarket strategy to assist customers in maintaining their equipment. Eaton also operate's the only authorized breaker service centers for the service of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB's) and Aftermarket Centers of Excellence (ACE) for the service and reconditioning of LV and MV power circuit breakers as well as obsolete breaker retrofitting and retrofill. Learn more >>

Q: Are counterfeit goods illegal, and how do I identify a counterfeit product?
A: Counterfeit electrical products are unsafe imitations that put personal safety and property as risk. Not only are counterfeit goods illegal and unsafe, trafficking in counterfeit products is a federal offense, punishable by fines up to $5M. The gray market reseller, knowingly or unknowingly, is becoming the channel for counterfeit products. Careful inspection can reveal missing and poor quality labels, out-of-date product, and stickers added that are not part of the original manufacturing process. Learn more >>

Q: How do I make sure that my Eaton products are new and genuine?
A: To ensure that you are receiving new and genuine Eaton products buy only through Eaton authorized resellers. How to Buy >>

If you have questions please email: UnauthorizedProducts@eaton.com.