Time to hit earth

As the summer season sets in, the number of fires reported across the UAE is likely to increase as it does each year. And as a recent survey on electrical safety reveals, some of these may be related to avoidable mistakes in electrical maintenance.

While nearly 70% of householders have experienced signs of electrical disorders such as burnt sockets and electrical stings from appliances, less than 30% have sought certified professional help and less than 20% consider earthing systems as a possible cause.

Maintenance protocols

An earthing pit links the earthing wires of the building's electrical circuitry to the ground, ensuring that any loose current in the circuit is properly drawn away from users and appliances. This prevents undesirable outcomes such as electric shocks, fires or other damage to property or people.

Earthing pits should be present in all apartments and houses and may be seen as the first defense in the prevention of electrical fires.

They must be maintained in strict accordance with manufacturer protocols in order for them to remain efficient and effective.

Burnt sockets suggest that the surge of electricity from the socket and that needed by the appliance do not match. When this happens, an electrical surcharge is released that must be safely distracted through the earthing circuit to prevent electrocution, fire or other damage.

When such earthing does not happen, or happens inadequately, the socket fuses, cover and/or plug burn.

When the main circuit board in a property trips, this indicates that an excessive electrical surcharge has been detected and a safety fuse has helped to shut down the electrical supply to prevent any further damage.

According to the survey, 16% of the respondents regularly face a problem of unexplained switch tripping within the main circuit board.

This is a very serious concern and a real reason to check all appliances, especially high-end equipment such as air conditioning units or units with two-pin plugs.

Appliances with two-pin plugs lack an earthing wire, which means that in the event of excess current coning through, it does not have a path to be redirected to the earth safely.

Burnt sockets are very dangerous but appear to be very common in the UAE. Buying good quality products is not sufficient, the electrical set-up in the building is also key to preventing fires. Earthing is a critical part of the electrical network in any building and must be maintained adequately for safety reasons.

A popular misconception is that earthing is a one-off installation process. Most people do not realise that earthing deteriorates over time and if it is not properly maintained it will put them and their properties at-risk of electric shocks, fires or other damage.

The most common earthing mixes used in the UAE and the Middle East in general are salt-water-based. However in this hot climate, these tend to dry up within six months, rendering them ineffective or inefficient.

Different types of earthing mixes are available to consumers and maintenance contractors and each need different maintenance protocols. The cheaper, more common salt water-based mixes need much higher maintenance frequency - typically every four to six months - especially in such hot climates.

More modern, efficient gel-based earthing mixes, however, need lesser maintenance. Due to the slightly higher start-up price though, many contractors may shy away from using gel-based mixes.

Legislation issues

Unlike in Europe, the UAE regulations do not impose earthing pit maintenance schedules. Maintenance contractors bid for buildings and once a contract is won, they are under no legal obligation to investigate that earthing pits are effective and functional. This is particularly disconcerting for several reasons:

• there are many old buildings across the UAE;

• hot climates can dry up the earthing pits in three to six months;

• maintenance protocols, if not adequately implemented, lead to at-risk situations as the earthing pits become inefficient;

• the exponential population growth of the region's cities and consequent increase in population density is of concern for any fire hazards such that any one fire can spread rapidly and cause tremendous damage in a particular locale;

• rescue efforts may be hindered by traffic congestion.

Earthing is now a serious concern for both residents and authorities. Many fires have occurred in the recent past, some of which could be linked to poorly maintained electrical circuitry and earthing systems.

And currently it is generally up to the contractor to choose a commercially favourable solution and self-monitor to ensure maintenance protocols prescribed by the manufacturer.

Until the legislation changes, individuals, including business owners and residents must take up the issue individually to limit hazardous situations in their own homes and offices and the vicinities around them.

Consumers can, and must, act responsibly by reporting cases in time. People must start asking questions that could mean the difference between saving lifes and removing the threat of fires. They must ensure maintenance of the earthing pit is carried out - a task that costs just a few dirhams per month.

Sonjib Banerjee is technical director with Duval Messien.

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