Improperly installed electric vehicle charging equipment in underground parking facilities increases the risk of fire.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Ministry of Emergency Situations made the statement in an appeal to the public on the safe operation of electric vehicle charging equipment.
The ministry said the number of charging devices in Azerbaijan has been steadily increasing as the use of electric vehicles has expanded in recent years:
“However, failure to comply with relevant standards and regulations when installing and operating electric vehicle charging equipment can lead to fires and other dangerous incidents, potentially harming people’s lives and health, as well as property. In particular, violations of relevant standards and regulations, including fire safety requirements, can cause equipment to overheat, short circuits and, ultimately, fires with serious consequences.”
The ministry noted that the unplanned installation of charging equipment in the underground parking facilities of apartment buildings without taking relevant requirements and technical specifications into account, the use of cables and equipment unsuitable for the electrical load, improper cable routing and the failure to provide necessary fire protection measures significantly increase the risk of fire:
“In addition, failure to regularly monitor the technical condition of charging equipment, using damaged cables and devices, failing to eliminate malfunctions in a timely manner, and conducting the charging process without supervision and without observing safety requirements also create a fire hazard.”
The ministry called on individuals and legal entities involved in installing and operating electric vehicle charging equipment, as well as electric vehicle owners, to strictly comply with the relevant safety rules:
“Electric vehicle charging equipment must be installed in full compliance with the ‘Rules for the Installation of Electrical Equipment’ and the technical specifications approved by the energy supply company, and all relevant safety requirements must be strictly observed. It is dangerous to use a charging device if the device, power cable or port is damaged, or if there is a smell of burning insulation, smoke or an unusual noise. It is also prohibited to use cables with damaged insulation or exposed conductors, leave them energized or splice the power cable.”
