Fake Omron G8P-1A4P relays?

[iaintnofluke]

Hello, I wanted to know what the likihood of buying fake Omron relays are from eBay sellers selling out of China.

Specifically I am looking at the Omron G8P-1A4P relays (used in my clothes dryer for the motor).

Omron to my knowledge made this relay in Indonesia before they were discontinued.  When I call the local electronics repair house they tell me the G8P-1A4P relays were long discontinued and no longer available. 

The eBay seller (Funkward-Tech) has a lot of great reviews but that doesn't mean much if people buying from them either don't care its genuine product or are ill-informed.  I knew that there would be risks to buying from eBay but the price was cheap enough ($18 for 5 relays shipped to Canada) that I figured I could gamble to see what I would really get.  The relays represented by the seller clearly show made in Indonesia but the ones I received say Made in China.

The text on the relays looks consistent with what Omron uses with the exception that the print isn't 100% consistent on the body of the relay and the bottoms of the relay that use the sealant around the perimeter isn't 100% even (one of the relays, for example, has a slight bulge in the bottom.  The case material looks like its made from glass-reinforced plastic and appears to be of good quality.

My gut feeling tells me these are fakes but I'm not sure if I should be expecting 100% perfection on such a low cost item.  Even Omron's printed text on the original relay on my dryer's control board doesn't look all that high quality so I can't really tell if my new made in China relays are even legit.

I could cut them open but I wouldn't even know what I'd be looking for.  The concern isn't around whether or not the relay would work - I'm sure it would.  The concern is around the fact that it is used to power my clothes dryer drum motor.  The original Omron failed where when the coil energizes that its spotty at best.  The dryer motor would cut out partway through a dry cycle or it would click but the drum wouldn't spin.

I've ordered a brand new dryer control board (New old stock) and sure enough, it has an Omron relay made in Indonesia.  The new board is insanely expensive and the relays I ordered were to fix the old board to use as a spare since replacement dryer boards are no longer available for purchase. 

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Does Omron have factories in China that make this specific relay?  Is what I'm reporting considered "normal"?

[wraper]

I've ordered a brand new dryer control board (New old stock) and sure enough, it has an Omron relay made in Indonesia

Does Omron have factories in China that make this specific relay?  Is what I'm reporting considered "normal"?

https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/non-latching-relays/4186158/

[iaintnofluke]

Thanks for sharing that Wrapper!

Makes me feel a little better knowing that they did in fact make them in China.

I guess the only thing I can do it just hope for the best from these relays.  The price was cheap so no big losses there however, the safety factor is what concerns me the most.  Hobby electronics - no biggie.  A big 240 volt clothes dryer... a little scarier.

[wraper]

I knew that there would be risks to buying from eBay but the price was cheap enough ($18 for 5 relays shipped to Canada) that I figured I could gamble to see what I would really get. 

It's the price as from reputable dealer. So likely are genuine. And if you buy say from mouser with order overall value exceeding $100 CAD you will get free shipping.