Preventing and controlling fires and explosions caused by electrical short circuits.

Updated: 03/11/2023 11:53:10

DTO - Coordinating the dissemination of information and implementing solutions to prevent fires and explosions caused by electrical short circuits is always a top priority for Dong Thap Power Company and its affiliated units, aiming to raise awareness among customers and electricity users and minimize damage.

Tan Hong Power Company employees conduct fire prevention and control awareness campaigns for traders at Tan Hong Market.

According to statistics on fires and explosions in the province, in 2022 there were 7 fires, of which 5 were electrical incidents, accounting for 71.4%; from the beginning of 2023 to the present, there have been 3 fires, of which 1 was caused by electricity (accounting for 33.33%). Fires and explosions caused by electricity are due to overloading causing short circuits and carelessness in using electricity.

Mr. Nguyen Le Nhat Huy, Deputy Head of the Public Works Management Board of Tan Hong District, said that in recent times, the electricity sector has coordinated with relevant units to implement solutions to ensure safe electricity use and strengthen electricity safety awareness campaigns. Specifically, the design and installation of electrical systems in houses and businesses must include protective devices such as circuit breakers (CBs) to ensure safety in case of short circuits or faults on the load side (the protective device will automatically cut off the power supply in case of short circuits or faults in the lines after the CB, etc.).

Mr. Ha Van Suong, a small business owner at Tan Hong Market, shared: “Through the awareness campaign on fire safety and prevention in the use of electricity, I have implemented several measures such as: not extending wires to install additional electrical equipment in my kiosk, not stacking items on top of electrical wires, not placing flammable materials near electrical equipment; when closing for the day or leaving, I turn off the main circuit breaker of the kiosk; regularly checking electrical wires and equipment for any exposed wires, damaged insulation, or short circuits. I suggest that the Market Management Board equip the kiosk with an automatic fire alarm system, water-based fire extinguishing system, lightning protection system, and provide adequate fire fighting equipment and rescue equipment; pay attention to creating escape routes that are always clear, with emergency lighting and escape route signs...”.

Ms. Huynh Thi Bich Thuy, owner of a karaoke bar in Sa Rai town, Tan Hong district, said that in addition to being equipped according to approved fire safety designs such as: an automatic fire alarm system, a lightning protection system, complete fire fighting equipment, rescue equipment; escape routes, emergency lighting and escape route signs... the establishment also organizes training to improve fire safety and safe electricity use for all staff. The establishment also assigns staff to be on duty 24/7 to ensure safe electrical operation and fire prevention and control.

According to Mr. Le Van Chi, Deputy Director of Dong Thap Power Company, in the coming time, the increasing demand for electricity poses many potential risks of fire and explosion at facilities, households, and houses used for both living and business purposes. To prevent the causes of fires and explosions due to electricity use, and to ensure the safety of lives and property for the people and society, the power industry recommends that people implement the following measures to prevent fires and explosions caused by electricity when using electricity at home:

Protective devices such as circuit breakers or main switches must be installed for the main power line in the house, for each secondary power line, and for each high-power appliance; fuses should be placed before electrical outlets to ensure that the power supply is immediately cut off in case of a short circuit. For the main power line, a residual current device (RCD) must be installed to cut off the power supply sooner in case of a short circuit.

Regarding the cross-sectional area of electrical wires, it is necessary to choose wires that are capable of carrying the current to the electrical devices and appliances they supply; do not use wires with small cross-sectional areas for electrical appliances with excessively high power to avoid causing fires or explosions.

Do not exceed the rated load capacity as this will cause overloading, leading to equipment and wiring damage, and potentially causing fires or explosions; do not plug multiple high-power devices into a single outlet simultaneously.

Avoid using low-quality electrical wires, equipment, and appliances in your home.

Electrical appliances, equipment, and wiring in the house that are too old should be inspected regularly so that replacement or repair can be planned.

Do not use electric stoves for cooking without adult supervision; electrical appliances and household items must be disconnected from the power source when not in use.

Before leaving the house or before going to bed, check all electrical appliances, lights, fans, etc.

Do not allow young children, sick people, etc., to use electrical appliances or devices in the house.

Do not install or place heat-generating electrical appliances such as ballasts, light bulbs, irons, electric stoves, etc., on flammable materials such as wood, paper, cardboard ceilings, foam, etc., to prevent fires and explosions. When connecting electrical wires, make staggered connections and wrap them with electrical tape; do not use plastic wrap to heat the wires and then use a lighter to reheat them.

Do not place flammable materials (gas, gasoline, oil, paper, etc.) near electrical appliances such as lamps, irons, electric stoves, electrical outlets, etc. Do not charge mobile phones or electric motorcycles overnight.

In the event of a fire caused by an electrical short circuit, quickly switch off the main power supply, alert everyone nearby, notify the fire department, and use available fire extinguishing equipment to put out the fire; do not use water to extinguish the fire before the power is cut off.

For any questions, customers can contact their local power company or call the Customer Care Center at 19001006 or 19009000 for advice and support.

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