Fires caused by electrical short circuits are on the rise, particularly in residential areas, and are a serious concern. In Malaysia, for example, short circuit fires have been a frequent cause of residential fires and have even resulted in tragic loss of life. A significant percentage of fires are attributed to short circuits, wrong wiring, overheating, and overloading of circuits.
PETALING JAYA: It’s a burning issue in Malaysia – at least 2,000 fires caused by short circuits happened last year, destroying hundreds of homes and causing millions in losses.
It was the highest number of cases in the past three years.
There were 2,030 cases of structural fires due to short circuits last year, compared to 1,264 cases in 2023 and 1,243 in 2022, according to the Fire and Rescue Department.
What is more unsettling is that most of these fires took place in houses where people lived.
“Landed homes recorded the highest number of structural fires due to short circuits for three years in a row,” it said.
In 2022, there were 532 cases involving such properties, but this increased to 595 in 2023 and 745 last year, the department said.
The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia said among the most common yet overlooked issues when it comes to electrical safety at home are overloading power points or using poor-quality extension cord
Its president Albert Tan said many homeowners plug multiple high-wattage appliances into a single socket or power strip, unaware that this can overheat wiring and trigger a fire.
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“Another major concern is neglecting regular inspections of older wiring systems, especially in homes built more than 20 years ago.
“Ageing wires can deteriorate, leading to short circuits or arcing, if not addressed,” he said.
Equally critical, he said, is the mistake of engaging unlicensed or unqualified people to do electrical work.
“Do-it-yourself (DIY) installations or hiring non-certified personnel can result in dangerous wiring that does not meet safety standards,” Tan said.
He said only licensed electrical contractors and competent wiremen should be engaged for all wiring, installation or maintenance work to ensure compliance with safety regulations and technical standards.- The Star
“Always look for Sirim or equivalent safety certification marks. Substandard or counterfeit items may not meet minimum safety standards.
“Also, avoid overloading circuits. Spread out high-power devices like air-conditioners, water heaters, and microwaves across different sockets and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords,” he said.
Installing residual current devices can also help, Tan said, noting how they automatically cut off electricity when a fault is detected.
The growing number of electric vehicles with more users installing chargers at home could add to the problem.
Tan said any charger installation must be done by an Energy Commission-registered electrical contractor with the grade of “Competent Wireman”.
“Improper installation can lead to serious fire hazards and electrical safety risks.
“Household members should also be encouraged to practise simple habits like unplugging appliances not in use and keeping cords away from wet or hot areas,” he said.
He said electrical safety should not be reactive but a routine part of home upkeep.
“We encourage homeowners to treat electrical systems with the same level of seriousness as plumbing or gas.
“Safety begins with awareness.
“It must be followed by responsible action,” he said, adding that the association will continue working with regulators and industry players to promote safe electrical practices, ensure the competency of contractors, and enhance public awareness.
