ZESCO attributes market fires to illegal connections

The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation ZESCO has attributed the regular occurrences of fires at market places to illegal connections.

In a statement posted on its social media handle, the power utility described these connections as a time bomb.

The corporation said legal connection from a ZESCO certified electrician has proper fuses, grounding, and wiring that cuts power during a fault, preventing disaster.

ZESCO statement reads:

Recent market fires show illegal connections are a ticking time bomb. The danger isn’t just constant; it peaks at specific times.

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES:
• During Peak Hours (Morning/Evening):
Overloaded illegal wires overheat as more stalls switch on fridges, cookers, and lights, causing fires.
• At Night:
Damaged or exposed illegal wires can smolder undetected, leading to a major blaze when everyone has gone home.
• In the Rainy Season:
Water seeps into makeshift connections, causing short circuits, sparks, and electrocution.

THE HIDDEN DANGERS:
• Slow Burn: Wires degrade over time, insulation melts, and a fire can start inside a wall long before it’s seen.
• Chain Reaction: One illegal connection can overload the entire market’s supply, burning down neighboring legal businesses.
• Instant Electrocution: Exposed live wires can kill instantly, especially in crowded or wet conditions.

PROTECT YOURSELF:
A legal connection from a ZESCO-certified electrician has proper fuses, grounding, and wiring that cuts power during a fault, preventing disaster.

Report illegal connections and schedule a safety inspection with ZESCO today on 0978783000.

Together, we can protect lives, property, and our national power grid.

#ZESCO #PoweringTheNation #StopVandalism #StopCableTheft