The number of fires reported across the UAE is likely to increase during summer, according to a survey.

Some may be related to avoidable mistakes in electrical maintenance, said an expert who was part of the survey on electrical safety.

Duval Messien a world leader in lightning protection and specialist in earthing systems, said while nearly 70 per cent of home dwellers have experienced signs of electrical disorders such as burnt sockets and electrical stings from appliances; less than 30pc have sought for certified professional help.

Instead most choose to self-fix, or ignore the problem. More alarmingly, less than 20pc of the interviewees said they looked at earthing systems as a possible cause, he added.

A startling 46pc of the respondents reported burnt sockets and tripping off of the main circuit breaker (MCB) inexplicably, as the most common signs.

Duval Messien technical director Sonjib Banerjee referred to this finding as “disconcertingly high, meaning many are at-risk, and simply do not know it, or perhaps don’t know how to fix it.”

“Burnt sockets are very dangerous but appear to be very common in the UAE. Buying good quality products is not sufficient - the electrical set up in the building is also the key to preventing fires. Earthing is a critical part of the electrical network in any building and must be maintained adequately for safety reasons,” said Banerjee.

While a majority of those surveyed said they understood the importance of earthing to prevent electrical fires, an alarming 70pc said the earthing in their homes or offices had either never been checked, or that they simply not aware of when such check took place.

“A popular misconception is that earthing is a one-off installation process. Most people do not realize that earthing deteriorates over time and if it is not properly maintained puts them and their households at-risk of electric shocks, fires or other damage,” added Banerjee

Different types of earthing mixes are available to consumer and maintenance contractors and each need different maintenance protocols. The cheaper, more common salt-water based mixes need much higher maintenance frequency, every 4-6 months, especially in such hot climates.

Nearly 74pc of the residents are unaware of economical, modern and maintenance-free earthing solutions available in the market.

More modern, efficient gel-based earthing mixes, however, need lesser maintenance. Due to the slightly higher start-up price though, many contractors may shy away from gel-based mixes.

Unlike in Europe, the regulation in the UAE does not impose earth-pit maintenance schedules. Maintenance contractors bid for buildings. Once it is won, they are under no legal obligation to investigate earthing pits are effective and functional.

“Until the legislation changes, individuals, including business owners and home-dwellers must take up the issue individually to limit hazardous situations in their own homes and offices, and the vicinity around them,” warned Banerjee. - TradeArabia News Service