Dear Editor,
In recent months, there have been several building fires around the country, resulting in the loss of property worth millions of dollars. The cause of most of these fires is believed to be electrical in nature. This brings into question the safety of the electrical systems in our buildings. If electrical installations conform to some fundamental requirements, then the chances of electrical fires occurring will be greatly reduced.
Many electrical fires are associated with improper electrical installations. Common errors – attributable mainly to ignorance – include the use of devices that are improperly rated, or unsuitable for the operating conditions. These can lead to overheating, catastrophic failure of devices, and arcing that can start fires. Such errors usually occur in installations carried out by persons who are not suitably qualified. However, the use of such persons to carry out electrical installations seems to be rather common. You will find home owners who believe that using a certified electrician to carry out their electrical work will be too costly. So, they use an unqualified person or do the work themselves, not realising the danger to which they might be exposing their property and its occupants. Many business owners are also guilty of similar practices; improper installations seem to be very prominent in commercial buildings as well.
I have inspected the electrical systems of several commercial buildings, and many of them did not meet the basic safety requirements. I also often hear from licensed electrical contractors of the hazardous wiring they encounter in commercial buildings while plying their trade. Evidently, persons who are not suitably qualified are frequently being contracted to conduct electrical installations on commercial buildings. Perhaps, business owners contract these persons in order to save a buck or two, while at the same time exposing their multimillion-dollar businesses to undue fire risks. Some businesses only engage qualified electricians after major problems develop, and their ‘electrician’ is incapable of providing the solution.
The primary basic requirement for electrical safety is that installations must comply with the relevant wiring standards and electrical code. Wiring standards and codes are usually developed through the collaboration of a wide range of professionals with a wealth of experience in the electrical industry. They include electrical equipment manufacturers; electrical engineers, contractors and inspectors; and members of fire service departments. Standards and codes set the requirements for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. They are reviewed periodically, and are updated when necessary. So, electrical installations that comply with the relevant code and standards are essentially hazard free.
The first step towards ensuring that installations comply with the electrical code and wiring standards is to engage a licensed contractor to carry out any installation. Licensed contractors are expected to possess a certain amount of technical knowledge, and be familiar with at least the essentials of the electrical code and wiring standards. Following the completion of an installation, it should be inspected and certified as being code compliant by a Government Electrical Inspector (GEI). The GEI has the mandate to inspect and certify electrical installations.
The problem is that the improper installations and code violations usually occur some time after an installation has been certified by a GEI. The GEI is summoned to inspect new installations because the electricity companies require an inspection certificate from the GEI before they establish supply to a building. Following that, installations are modified or expanded based on the changing electricity needs of the building. Evidence suggests that the GEI is seldom called to inspect these changes. Hence, major code violations can exist for a long time without being identified. However, any changes to an installation should be properly implemented and inspected to ensure that the entire installation remains code compliant.
The other necessary requirement for electrical safety is regular maintenance of electrical systems, particularly in commercial buildings. For some of us, maintenance is an alien word. Periodic inspections should be conducted on electrical systems for things such as (i) loose or slack connections that can cause overheating and sparking; (ii) faulty appliances or equipment; (ii) deteriorating insulation on cables and appliance cords; and (iii) damage or corrosion to switchgear parts. Remedial action should be taken where necessary. Essentially, what is required is a maintenance programme with a comprehensive electrical system checklist developed by an electrical contractor or engineer.
So, to significantly reduce the chances of electrical fires occurring in our buildings, we should observe these fundamental requirements for electrical safety: ensure that electrical installations comply with the relevant electrical code and wiring standards, and conduct regular system maintenance.
Yours faithfully,
Horace Williams
Electrical Engineer
