How to prevent electrical mishaps during and after floods

PETALING JAYA: Consumers are advised to engage only licensed electrical contractors if they wish to repair or install wiring and electricity-related equipment in their homes or business premises, says the Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM).

Its president Siew Choon Thye said consumers should bring affected electrical appliances for inspection and repair by competent and certified electricians registered with the Energy Commission.

"In particular, distribution boards and switches are to be replaced only by those registered with the commission, in view of the risks to the household if installation is not done properly.

"Only engage Energy Commission-registered competent electrical contractors to inspect premises’ wiring and carry out any re-wiring or electrical replacement required after floodwaters have subsided.

"More than 33 fatalities have been reported since Dec 22, including one related to electrocution in Dengkil, Selangor.

“While flooding is common in our part of the world, TEAAM wishes to bring electrical safety awareness to the general public on the dos and don’ts during and after floods," Siew said in a statement yesterday following widespread flooding in Peninsular Malaysia.

TEAAM is the national representative body of the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry in Malaysia.

The "dos" include switching off power to the electrical distribution board in the event of a flood.

"The distribution box has miniature circuit-breakers for each circuit as well as a main shut-off switch. Each individual circuit-breaker should be flipped off one at a time, and then the main switch.

"All electrical devices, appliances and equipment should be unplugged. If possible, they should be moved to higher locations in the premises to prevent them from getting submerged in water.

"Beware of areas where any wiring may be underwater and watch out for fallen power lines that carry the risk of electrocution.

"Extreme caution should be used when re-entering an area to begin cleaning up. If your power is not turned off, then you should not enter the premises until it can be verified that it is safe," said TEAAM.

The list of things to avoid are as follows: refrain from touching any switches or devices or appliances with wet hands or while standing in floodwaters; avoid entering any area where floodwaters have risen above the electrical outlets; refrain from touching wires or cables that have fallen into the water; avoid removing any debris that is hanging over overhead distribution lines as cables may be live; and finally, avoid touching streetlight poles (especially metal ones) that are submerged.

A list of registered electricians and contractors can be found at www.st.gov.my.