Electrical Components

In most applications with industrial equipment, I believe you get what you pay for. If the application is not demanding, you might do fine with the 'generic'. However, if you are pushing any of the limits in terms of capacity, environment, etc. it's generally better to stick with the leaders in the industry. Plus, they give better support when problems do arise. Just my 2 ¢.

It depends on the product. Many times the generic equivalent is as good or better and much cheaper. But in other applications, generics are second run or "down grade" products that the manufacturer cannot sell as premium due to some defect or of some unknown quality (for example: uninspected parts). It may be cheaper to sell it as generic then to inspect it. Generic products should be priced according to their risks. Where my job is on the line I would only use OEM. Even if they are difficult to work with.