CLEVELAND -- A 5 On Your Side investigation uncovered thousands of counterfeit electronics in everything from common extension cords to video games.

While counterfeit electronics are cheaper, they're also prone to fail. The nation's electronics industry warns this is a serious safety threat.

From extension cords to batteries for your cameras and games, failure of these electronics could start a fire in your home.

"I'd be very afraid if I bought something and all of a sudden it caused a fire at my house," Brett Brenner said.

Brenner heads up the Electrical Safety Foundation.

"We've seen a lot of counterfeit electronics on the market today." Brenner explained, "With counterfeit electrical products, it's unlike a counterfeit watch or purse. These products can hurt you, burn down your house or even kill you."

Counterfeit electronics are entering the United States at an alarming rate. According to U.S. Customs agents:

• Up 43 percent last year
• $23 million worth
• 300 million worldwide

"We see counterfeit extension cords, counterfeit phone chargers and adapters, counterfeit batteries," Clark Silox said.

Silox is lead attorney for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and warns against buying deep discount electronics on the Internet.

Inexpensive counterfeit batteries have even exploded.

"I have in my hand here a set of batteries that were purchased online through eBay from Hong Kong." Silox said, "Twelve of them cost approximately one dollar, which is a ridiculously low price."

In the last few years, everything from cell phones to video games have made headlines.

So what should you look for to protect against counterfeits?

• The wiring and switching is very sticky and doesn't feel right
• There's no barcode
• There's no company contact information
• There's no warranty information on the product
• Avoid prices that are so low they raise suspicion
• Shop at reputable stores

"There's a lot of opportunity here to cause serious damage or even electrocution," Silcox said.

Consumers are warned to check products bought at deep discount stores. And be sure to look carefully at the packaging.

Silcox said, "They actually have some misspellings."

Related Links:

• NEMA Policy Issues On Anti-Counterfeiting
• Buyer Beware: Anti-Counterfeiting Campaign Backgrounder
• Underwriters Laboratories