JAKARTA \u2014 The public frequently overlooks safety aspects when using\ndomestic electrical installations. A common habit is selecting cheap\nsockets, plugs, and extension cables without considering quality or\napplicable safety standards.<\/p>\n
Kevin Marojahan Banjar Nahor, a lecturer and researcher at the\nElectrical, Computer, and Informatics Engineering School of the Bandung\nInstitute of Technology (ITB), stated that using low-quality electrical\ndevices can increase the risk of overheating, short circuits, and fires.\nFurthermore, these products often utilise small-gauge wires, mixed\nmaterials instead of pure copper, and thin insulation that becomes\nbrittle and melts easily during long-term use.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuch products generally use small-sized cables (below 1.5 mm\u00b2),\nmixed materials (not pure copper), and thin insulation that quickly\nbecomes brittle and melts easily. This combination increases the risk of\noverheating, short circuits, and ultimately, fire,\u201d Kevin said when\ncontacted on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Beyond the use of low-quality devices, Kevin explained that many\nother mistakes are commonly made in household electrical installations.\nOne such habit is overloading a single socket by stacking multiple plugs\nusing extension terminals. This practice can cause an overload,\ntriggering a temperature rise at the electrical connection points. The\nrisk becomes even greater when several high-power appliances, such as\nirons, water dispensers, and rice cookers, are used simultaneously on a\nsingle extension lead.<\/p>\n
Additionally, many people still frequently unplug devices by pulling\nthe cable rather than the plug head. This habit can cause the connection\nbetween the cable and the plug to loosen, increasing the risk of\nelectrical sparking. \u201cThis is very risky, especially with self-made\nextension cables, as loose connections can trigger electrical sparks,\u201d\nhe added.<\/p>\n
Kevin also highlighted the practice of modifying electrical\ninstallations without adequate technical knowledge. Common examples\ninclude adding sockets without considering appropriate cable sizes,\ncreating DIY extension cables using only adhesive tape, and replacing\nMiniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) with higher capacities because\nprotection devices frequently trip. Replacing an MCB with a higher\nrating without adjusting the cable size can reduce the protection\u2019s\nsensitivity to short circuits, meaning cables may catch fire before the\nMCB cuts the power.<\/p>\n
Another aspect requiring attention is ensuring sockets and switches\nare suitable for their installation locations. According to the expert,\nmany houses use standard indoor sockets in areas vulnerable to water,\nsuch as kitchens, terraces, laundry areas, and bathrooms. These devices\nshould be selected based on their IP (Ingress Protection) Rating, which\nindicates resistance to dust and water. Referring to the 2011 Indonesian\nNational Electrical Installation Standard (PUIL), damp or water-prone\nareas require sockets with at least an IP44 rating.<\/p>\n
\u201cIdeally, bathroom light switches should be installed outside the\nbathroom door so they are entirely free from exposure to water, steam,\nand humidity,\u201d Kevin concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/do-not-be-tempted-by-cheap-sockets-fire-risks-loom-1780880382", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }