Several lives and properties have been lost as a result of accidents and tampering with high voltage electricity.
The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) stated that illegal connections are usually made by unqualified electricians.
“Connections don’t have the required electrical protections. Wiring runs on makeshift poles and some lie exposed endangering unsuspecting children who become victims,” said William Ntladi, DEMS spokesperson.
“These type of connections are commonly referred to as ‘Izinyokanyoka’, due to the underhand manner in which the connections are made and the indiscriminate patterns they follow.
“Substations in some instances find themselves overloaded by illegal connections resulting in breakdowns and failing to supply the required energy as intended hence, load-shadings occurs.”
- Causes of electrocution incidents:
- Downed high voltage power lines in the area of inhabitants and individuals trying to take matters in their own hands.
- Unsafe and uncontrolled usage of electrically powered tools through unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.
- Defective electrical appliances repaired by unqualified technician.
- Overloading of circuits and non-functional circuit breaker, allowing the current to pass through.
- Unprotected switches whereby children stick fingers in.
- Unwitting touch or stepping on a carelessly laid (and totally unsafe) cables left by those who steal electricity more over in the informal settlement dwellings.
- One of the most common ways is with tempering with overhead high voltage power lines.
When people try to connect electricity on their own, electrocution can occur. Sometimes, the culprit is an inexperienced and unqualified person that wanted to do the wiring on their own.
“Illegal connections are not safe as they are usually done by unqualified people who don’t only risk electrocuting themselves, but also expose other people to danger and the risk of injury and death if they make contact with the connection,” said Ntladi.
“Not only is this dangerous for the individual making the connection, but it also puts the rest of the community at risk because these connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing by can easily be electrocuted.”
He added that an additional risk is that illegally connected wires can also make contact to items such as roofs, gutters, and washing lines, making these items live and able to conduct electricity.
Safety tips:
- Do not pull out plugs by the cord. This damages the cable and can lead to electrical wires being exposed.
- Do not put bare electrical wires into sockets.? Do not touch any electrical appliances with wet hands.
- Never use electricity in the bathroom; water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Do not pass electric cords from one room to another through hinges of doors or windows where they can be squashed or damaged.
- Do not overload plug points.
- Never leave electrical appliances unattended while in use.
- Switch off heaters, stoves, and kettles when no longer in use.
- Ensure that you purchase electrical products from reputable companies, distributers, and retailers.
- Be extreme cautious when pruning grown in between high-powered electrical lines. Isolate the power supply first before pruning.
- Avoid playing near power lines or substations.
- Do not fly kites near power lines. If a kite gets stuck in a power line, do not try to retrieve it; you could be hurt.
- Never climb trees or other structures near power lines.
- Avoid connecting electricity illegally. Only authorised or qualified electricians may connect electricity when required.
- Emergency numbers are:? (011) 458- 0911: Life Threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line.? 10177 : National Toll-Free Number.? 112: Cell Phone.
