The Silent Guardian: Wiring Security

In the 21st century, it is almost impossible to imagine life without electricity. It powers every aspect of our daily lives, from our homes to our workplaces. However, electrical hazards, such as fires and short circuits, remain significant concerns, often compounded by poor quality cables.

This article focuses on residential building electrical systems, providing readers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and significantly reduce risks.

Roots of electrical hazards

The proper functioning of a residential building’s electrical system depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the wiring, the expertise of the electricians, the design of the electrical system, and ongoing maintenance.

Dr Mahbub Alam, Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) at BUET, points out that the local market is saturated with poor quality cables. He says, “The main reason for fires in residential buildings is poor quality cables.” Dr Alam also points out that faulty wiring is another major cause of electrical hazards. “Incorrect wire sizing and use of the wrong type of wire can lead to circuit malfunctions, fires, electric shocks and other hazards,” he warns. To avoid such problems, he advises limiting the load to the standard capacity of the circuit to avoid overloading and reduce the risk of overheating.

Cable Market Outlook

Although some unscrupulous companies produce and sell poor quality electrical cables for higher profits, local companies like Paradise, BBS, BRB, Partex, SQ, Transcom Cables Ltd, RR Cables and Bizli manufacture quality options suitable for all types of residential infrastructure.

Ahmed Ashfaqur Rahman, Director, RR Cables, discusses the impact of defective or substandard cables: “We have ensured that our products undergo a rigorous quality control process and adhere to the standard operating procedures of international standards.” He also notes a growing awareness among consumers, who now tend to look for cables with higher conductivity rates, flame retardant (FR) properties for accident prevention and environment-friendly features.

BYA and BYM are two commonly used cable options in residential buildings in Bangladesh, chosen for their ease of installation and flexibility, making them popular for wiring electrical systems in homes.

NYY cable, mainly designed for fixed installations, is used on the low voltage side of transformers to step down the high voltage to a level suitable for distribution in residential buildings.

Companies offer a wide range of cables with various specifications including maximum operating temperature, maximum short-circuit temperature, lead-free materials, and flame retardant properties, among others.

Practices to follow absolutely

Following best practices when installing and maintaining electrical systems is essential to ensuring their safety and efficiency for years to come.

Apart from ensuring the quality of cables, it is essential to seek expert advice to prevent electrical fires and other hazards. RAJUK has recently developed a framework that requires permission from a registered electrical engineer for system approval. Prof Alam considers this a commendable initiative that enhances safety measures for residential buildings.

As the real estate market grows due to rapid urbanization, real estate companies play a vital role in ensuring electrical safety standards are met. “Real estate developers who comply with RAJUK guidelines ensure that electrical systems are designed by licensed professionals,” says Aysha Siddiqa, Executive Director, BTI.

It is always advisable to consult a licensed electrical engineer to ensure compliance with local codes and standards. Bizli Cables offers free electrical advice and wiring design through its ‘Bizli Solution’ service, covering everything from domestic to industrial wiring.

Professor Alam recommends regular inspections of electrical systems, saying that “the entire electrical system should be inspected every 5 to 7 years to check for signs of wear, damage or overheating.”