-GPL urges caution on extensions
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) says its investigation into the death of Sharon Jairam revealed that the woman was electrocuted by a defective drop-cord used to supply power to a chicken coop.
In a press release the company said the drop-cord Jairam used had seven joints, five of which were insulated with paper masking tape and two were exposed. One of the joints came loose causing the energized conductor to come into contact with the metal mesh enclosing the coop, electrifying it.
Jairam had responded to a sheep exhibiting signs of distress when she touched the animal which had been shocked, and the mesh enclosure. GPL said the woman could not disengage herself from either source of electricity and the fuse protecting the circuit did not rupture because fuse wire had not been used to set up the circuit but a piece of conductor from a cable. Jairam resided at Block ‘C’, Pomona, Essequibo Coast.
GPL said it regrets having to use this incident as an example of what can happen if its customers do not exercise the utmost caution when using electricity.
The company advises the public that when extending power for an extended period, or permanently, to utilise the services of a certified electrician. It also calls on consumers who have extended electricity from their houses for any purpose including powering security lights, to employ a certified electrician to check the state of the extension cords. “Have the electrician check and ensure that your fuse sizes are appropriate if you use fuse protection,” the company said.
Meanwhile, GPL advises residents in areas known for utilising illegal connections to recognise the dangers posed to innocent persons during the rainy season. The company urges persons who use such connections to desist from exposing whole communities to death and injury as, “In the present rainy season we cannot overemphasize the importance of safety when using electricity.”
