Regulation Standards for imported electrical items developed – decline in fires related to faulty electrical fittings

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 10, 2018

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has collaborated with the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) to monitor electrical items being imported into the country. This follows the approval of several technical regulatory standards in the Electricity Sector.

The regulations developed by the GNBS Civil Engineering Committee includes safety measures for armoured cable, panel boards, knife switches, conduits, tubing and cable fittings among others.

Director of the GNBS, Candelle Walcott-Bostwick said a total of ten standards have already been approved by the agency. Twenty additional regulations are expected to be developed to further monitor the sector.

“This will be a boost to our electrical sector, and electricians will have better quality products to use when they are doing their work.”

Walcott-Bostwick explained that the development of the standards is aimed at the reduction of fire-related incidents due to faulty electrical fittings. She encourages electricians and importers to consult with the agency for the specifications required for electrical items when importing.

“When these standards are enforced, products not conforming to the standards will not be accepted on the local market,” Walcott-Bostwick emphasised.

In 2017, Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle reported a 30 percent decline in fire calls countrywide. The Fire Chief said a further reduction is expected this year.

 

By: Crystal Stoll.