Newsroom
A tragic fire in Limassol that claimed five lives has reignited concerns over electrical safety regulations in Cyprus. Experts are pointing to serious lapses in oversight, faulty installations, and a lack of routine inspections as key factors behind preventable fires.
Avoidable Tragedy
Speaking to K, Abraham Georgiou, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Justice, acknowledged that both the state and consumers have made mistakes. He highlighted the alarming number of fires caused by electrical issues—89 from short circuits, 19 from appliances, and 201 due to electrical or mechanical failures in 2024 alone. Simple safety measures, he stressed, could prevent many of these incidents.
The Risks of Cheap, Unsafe Products
Georgiou also warned about the widespread use of unsafe electrical products, often purchased online or from unreliable sellers. He urged consumers to check for CE safety markings before buying electrical goods.
One major concern is the use of improper sockets and adapters. Cyprus follows the British standard (BS 1363), meaning appliances should have a three-prong plug. However, many retailers sell devices with two-prong systems without providing the necessary adapters. According to Marios Droussiotis, President of the Cyprus Consumer Association, this practice puts consumers at risk.
Overloaded Multisockets & Outdated Wiring
Another overlooked danger is the misuse of multisocket adapters. Georgiou cautioned against overloading them, as they can easily overheat and spark fires. He also stressed the importance of checking the load capacity before use.
Routine inspections of home electrical systems are another crucial safety measure. Georgiou recommended that homeowners schedule checks every 5 to 10 years, while apartment buildings should be inspected every five years. He also suggested Cyprus adopt a system similar to the MOT test for vehicles—where homes must pass regular electrical inspections to be certified as safe.
Government Action After the Fire
In response to the Limassol tragedy, the Ministry of Transport announced that a revised bill on electrical safety inspections will be introduced next week. The ministry criticized a previous bill, arguing that it failed to improve safety and removed the state electricity authority’s (EAC) exclusive right to conduct first-time inspections.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis reaffirmed the government's commitment to stricter regulations, stating, "We want to ensure that electrical installations are properly inspected and that all citizens know their homes have been checked by the EAC, not just anyone."
