Check or replace house wiring after 15 years, building owners advised

SIBU: Owners of old buildings are advised to get the wiring re- evaluated for possible replacement to enable the use of more electrical appliances.

In giving this advice yesterday, Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba) director Nor Hisham Mohammad reasoned that when electrical appliances such as air conditioners, television, and refrigerators run concurrently, the wiring heats up as it could not accommodate the large amount of current flowing through.

He said when it heats up, the rubber insulation melts and all the wires come together, triggering a short- circuit.

“Old wires also decay and the insulator loses elasticity and becomes more brittle,” Nor Hisham told The Borneo Post yesterday.

“Sixty per cent of fire outbreaks in Sarawak mainly arise from switch board and wiring.”

Asked if there was a timeframe for house owners to have their wiring checked, Nor Hisham replied: “No specific time because wire technology has improved a lot. Nevertheless, after 15 years, (it is) strongly advised to do a full check of the wiring.”

“However, if a premises frequently experiences power trip, the owner should call for an inspection.”

He has observed the downward trend of false calls to his department.

“Last year, there were 16 false calls, down from 33 in 2015, whereas in 2014 there were 59 false calls.

“For the first three months of this year, there were only three false calls recorded,” Nor Hisham said.