Fake electric cables, faulty AC connections cause most fires in UAE

Ajman - Officials have urged residents to use approved cables and electrical devices.

Don't use fake or sub-standard electric wires or extension cords and ensure that the connections are not faulty, the Ajman Civil Defence has warned, while pointing out that these trigger most of the domestic fires.
Lt-Col Raed Obaid Al Zaabi, deputy director of the civil defence, said that since the beginning of this summer, a number of fire accidents were caused by poor quality electric cables, improper connections carried out by non-experts, short circuits and overloading of electric networks. Lack of periodic maintenance of electrical appliances was also to be blamed.
He stressed the need to maintain air conditioners and use "approved" cables and devices, which must be installed by specialised technicians. Overloading could cause cables and ACs to explode and thereby spark fire, he cautioned.

What to do when fire erupts
Al Zaabi pointed to the urgency of evacuating the house when a fire breaks out. He said that any attempt to extinguish the blaze should be made only after the power is disconnected. "Use fire extinguishers only if an adult in the house is familiar with it, because the heavy smoke may cause people to faint, or could even be fatal. Contact the civil defence as soon as possible," he added.
"When buying a new air conditioner, ask the store to provide a specialised technician to instal it," he said.
Al Zaabi pointed out that before the summer season, residents as well as owners of commercial offices must ensure that the ACs are in good condition before operating them. When leaving the house, the ACs and other electrical connections as well as appliances that are not in use must be unplugged.
A new AC should not be installed without making sure that the electric circuit can bear the additional load and ensuring that the automatic electric fuse or circuit breaker is functioning properly. Also ensure that the air filter is installed and periodically cleaned. Avoid using any chemicals to clean the AC. Clean it by pouring water directly on the AC so as not to damage the electrical insulation materials.
Al Zaabi also advised families to educate their children to unplug the phone chargers and unwanted electrical devices at night, and caution them against misusing electrical equipment. They should also be told not to leave the gas stove and electric water heaters working for long periods, which can lead to explosion, he added.
The fire-fighting teams of the Ajman Civil Defence are alert round the clock to enhance precautionary measures and avoid fire hazards in the summer, he said, adding that they carry out inspection campaigns in residential, industrial and commercial areas to ensure safety measures are being followed in all facilities.
As part of its plan to reduce fire accidents during summer, the civil defence has carried out a number of awareness campaigns to educate the domestic helps, housewives, children and parents about steps to prevent fire accidents at homes.
Be alert to avoid blazes
> Use "approved" cables and electrical devices.
> Maintain air conditioners and electric wires.

Ensure these are installed by specialised technicians
> Avoid overloading of ACs and cables.
> Make sure that gas stove and water heaters are not working for a long time.
> Educate children to unplug phone chargers and unwanted electrical devices at night.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Ajman