Executive Summary: How to prevent electrical fires in the home? Over 40% of residential fires are caused by short circuits due to aging installations, overloaded power strips, or non-certified wiring. Installing a proper grounding system, GFCI breakers, and thermal-magnetic protections calibrated under RETIE standard standards is essential for home safety.
According to statistics provided by insurance companies in the country, 70% of all fires are caused by a short circuit and half of the cases are the result of failures in the accessories of electrical installations.
It is for this reason that since 2008 Law 1264 was created, which contains the code of ethics for electrical technicians where it mentions the rights, duties, obligations and responsibilities of these professionals.
"Users must keep the regulations in mind, since a poor electrical installation not only causes personal and material damage, but also has economic implications. It is important to remember that the quality and reliability of the materials used in this type of systems influence accidents," said Schneider Electric Prescription and Special Projects Manager, Andrés Insuasty.
On the other hand, the RETIE establishes that the person in charge of design, construction, operation, maintenance, inspection and audit must be qualified with professional registration in accordance with current law that authorizes him to carry out said activity. This is why consumers must demand the relevant certifications when contracting any service regarding electrical networks.
Schneider Electric experts consider that consumers should keep in mind some recommendations when hiring these services and demand certifications and trained personnel, so that their lives and those of those who live in the property are not at stake.
1. Remember that every trained professional who manipulates the electrical network of your home and/or office must present the respective professional card that accredits them.
2. Require the certification of your electrical network before being energized. If the expansions exceed 30% or the remodeling exceeds 80% of the existing networks, said document must be issued by a certifying body.
3. Know the main requirements of the RETIE so that the electrical installation of your home and/or office meets all the requirements and is safe.
4. Invest in good quality materials or electrical products that have their respective label that guarantees their originality, you can even ask the warehouse for guidance and resolve your doubts.
5. Perform constant maintenance every ten years on internal networks, wiring, ducts, outlets, ceilings or rosettes, switches and load centers or distribution boards. Your life and that of those who live in the property could be at risk.
According to Schneider Electric, it is also important to keep in mind that the RETIE establishes the parameters for the manufacturing, design and construction of electrical installations for all voltage levels and throughout the energy chain from generation to final use.
This clause seeks to certify the quality and safety of the facilities and products that companies use for the efficient provision or use of electrical energy.
Likewise, keep in mind that article 59 establishes that minor and serious offenses and the disciplinary actions that correspond to each case referring to a poor electrical installation, may incur actions such as suspension of professional practice for up to five years or cancellation of professional registration, after a trial process of several instances provided for in the same Law.
Consequently, consumers must be aware of some regulations so that they can demand safe services, and professionals in the field must be aware of the responsibilities they assume when carrying out this type of work, so that future accidents and tragedies can be prevented.