THE majority of properties which were built more than 30 years ago could have deficiencies in their electrical and telephone wiring systems that might put householders at risk, Jaume Fornes, the President of the Majorcan Association of Electrical and Telephone Installations Companies (ASINEM) warned yesterday.
Fornes explained that over the past three decades, most homes have doubled, or even tripled the use they make of electrical products such as air conditioning and kitchen equipment, but buildings have not had their installations properly adapted to cope with the soaring demand on power.
The Association would like to give a reminder, said Fornes, that up until 2003, electrical installations in new construction needed to be geared to an electricity supply of 3.3 kilowatts, but that year, legislation put up the power threshold to 5.75 kw.
The President of ASINEM said that the poor maintenance record of electrical and telephone wiring was responsible for between six and seven fires in blocks of flats every year, in Palma alone.
Fornes cautioned that there are whole neighbourhoods which are potentially at risk in the city, along with tourist resorts such as Peguera and Santa Ponsa in Calvia.
He furthered that power supply company GESA-Endesa has a full understanding of the yawning gap between the demand for electricity in such premises and the inadequacy of the installations and metre systems, but pointed out that it was the responsibility of the community leaders in the flats and residential areas to ensure regular inspections and maintenance.
The regional Ministry for Industry apparently provides grants for new electrical installations in properties more than 25 years-old.
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