How to keep your home safe from electrical accidents

In 2023, Bangladesh had 27,624 fire accidents, and electrical short circuits caused 35% of them, the main cause of such accidents. The total damage from these fires was Tk 7.92 billion, and more than a hundred casualties, highlighting the serious risks of electrical accidents. With residential buildings accounting for 25.18% of these occurrences, the need for improved electrical safety precautions in houses has never been less important.
To learn how to make homes safe from electrical accidents, the author contacted two professionals who work in the relevant field in the Sabujbag area of Dhaka. Kalu Mia, an electrician, and Al-Amin, a safety professional working for a local ISP, discussed the most important steps people should take to protect themselves and their families.
Kalu Mia, who has spent two decades working in homes in the Sabujbag area, emphasised the importance of good electrical insulation as a basic safety precaution. "Electrical insulation is the first line of defence against electrical accidents," he says. "
When the insulation on wires wears out or gets damaged, it exposes live wires, which can cause shocks, short circuits, or even fires. "

Kalu Mia advises homeowners to inspect all insulation of electrical wires and cables regularly. "Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or worn-out signs," he said. "If you notice anything unusual, don't hesitate to replace the wires or call a professional like myself. It's better to be safe than sorry."
He also warned against running electrical wires under rugs and cramped spaces, as this can cause overheating and damage to the insulation.
Kalu Mia also emphasised the need for an earthing system in your home. "Many homes in Dhaka still lack a proper earthing system, which is essential for directing excess electricity safely into the ground," he explained.
"Electrical malfunction might result in severe shocks or fires without earthing. Homeowners should ensure that their electrical system has adequate earthing and is regularly checked to ensure it functions properly," he added.
While Kalu Mia focuses on the technical aspects of electrical safety, Al-Amin, a safety professional at a local ISP in Sabujbag, provided advice regarding the strategic placement of electrical devices and other practical safety precautions. "Where you place your electrical devices in your home can have a big impact on safety," Al-Amin said. "For example, putting a multiplug in an open area where children can easily reach it is unsafe. Children are naturally interested and may touch or play with these electronics, resulting in serious injury or even electrocution."
Al-Amin recommends placing multiplugs outside children's reach, such as behind furniture or on elevated surfaces. "It's also important not to overload multiplugs with too many devices, as this can cause overheating and increase the fire risk," he stated.
"Use multiplugs with built-in surge protectors to protect your appliances from voltage spikes," he added.
Al-Amin recommends keeping a safe distance between electrical appliances and their power sources to avoid overheating and ensure safety. "For example, keeping a refrigerator too close to a wall or switchboard might block ventilation, causing the appliance to overheat and perhaps resulting in an electrical fire. Ensure enough room around refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves for sufficient ventilation. This simple step can help prevent accidents and extend the life of your appliances," he explains.
Al-Amin emphasised the need to teach family members about electrical safety. "Awareness is important," he says. Everyone in the household, including children, should be educated about the dangers of electricity and the importance of safety. Simple precautions, such as not touching electrical appliances with moist hands or inserting objects into electrical outlets, can help prevent mishaps."
He recommended homeowners create safety protocols. "Teach your family members how to safely disconnect power in an emergency such as storms or earthquakes and what to do in case of an electrical fire or shock," he advised, "Having a plan in place can make a big difference in a crisis."
Finally, Al-Amin emphasised the importance of unplugging unused devices. "Unplugging devices that are not in use is a simple but effective way to reduce the risk of electrical fires," he said. "Not only does it save electricity, but it also ensures that faulty or overheating appliances don't cause accidents when you're not around," he adds.
Both Kalu Mia and Al-Amin agree that while electrical accidents are a severe hazard, they are mostly avoidable with proper measures. Moreover, according to the data, electrical accidents are Bangladesh's major cause of fires and fatalities. Homeowners can significantly minimise electrical hazards by installing proper insulation, maintaining wiring, strategically positioning electrical appliances, and educating family members.
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