Rama to houseowners: Use correct electrical wires to avoid fires

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama advised owners of old houses and other structures in Cebu City to change their electrical connections with much bigger and solid wires if they are now using many household appliances, as one way of preventing fires.

The mayor observed that some old structures are using small-sized electrical connections intended only for lights and a few appliances when these were constructed decades ago.

But because occupants of these old structures already have plenty of appliances, there are instances when the small wires could no longer cope with the power surge.

Cebu City Fire Marshall Aderson Comar confirmed that some of the fire incidents were caused by misuse of electricity because some houses have “octopus connections.”

Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias earlier proposed to make as illegal for anyone who is not a licensed electrician to install electrical connections, even in the residential houses.

The procedures adopted by the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) are that the wire connection that will be used from their electric posts to the consumers should be solid wire No. 8 and No. 10 for the interior connections, particularly for the outlets.

For the single bulb or light connection the smaller wires can be used. Rama also encouraged the public to report to authorities if they see their neighbors are illegally tapping electrical connections.

The mayor calls on students of electrical engineering courses to be involved into this project as one way to help prevent more fires. — (FREEMAN)