Desist from using illegal electrical connections – GFS amid rise in fires

After recording several reports of electrical fires throughout the country in recent time, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has advised citizens to take the necessary precautions in avoiding these tragedies.
The main contributing factors of electrical fires range from slack connections, overloading of circuits, malfunctioning of electrical appliances, inferior drop cords or circuit strips and illegal connections.
“Electrical fires are especially dangerous because they can happen at any time if enough care and attention is not exercised towards electrical outlets and appliances,” the Fire Service relayed in a statement.
In curbing electrical fires, persons have been strongly warned to desist from using illegal connections for electricity. If there is any external faulty electrical problem, it should be reported to the Guyana Power and Light.
Persons have been asked to ensure that all electrical cables are placed in a conduit; use certified electricians to conduct and certify electrical works; desist from overloading the electrical system; discard all worn cords and plugs; or replace two-prong outlets with three-pronged outlets.
It is recommended that buildings are inspected every five years by certified electrical inspectors to retest and certify the capabilities of all electrical connections. Moreover, persons should ensure that the quality of circuit strips, wiring and electrical appliances used is of the highest standard.
Electrical appliances should not be used for prolonged periods; and must be disconnected after use. The third prong on a plug should never be broken to plug it into a two-pronged outlet.
When plugging or unplugging items, the GFS has outlined that the plug should be held securely to pull it from the wall. Pulling on the cord can wear the cord out and increase the risk of a short circuit, an electrical shock, or a fire.
Multi-outlet extenders, power bars, and surge protectors should be used sparingly. Otherwise, there is a risk of overloading a single circuit.
It is recommended to use extension cords temporarily. If extra length is needed, a certified electrician should be engaged to install additional electrical outlets.
Homeowners are asked to avoid running electrical cords beneath carpets, keep electrical cords away from sources of heat and water; and cover unused outlets in the presence of young children. They are encouraged to buy appliances approved by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).
For electrical appliances, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed. Small appliances should be disconnected before cleaning while defected ones should be checked by a professional.
For older homes and apartments that have inadequate wiring, this can be a fire hazard and an electrical hazard. Examples of inadequate electrical wiring means the lights dim when you use certain appliances; unplugging one appliance before plugging in another appliance, otherwise you may trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse; running multiple extension cords into a single outlet; furniture arrangement options are limited to reach electrical outlets; or small appliances, such as toasters or irons, are slow to heat. (G12)