The president of the Cyprus Electrical Contractors Association has warned of urgent safety risks posed by substandard electrical equipment, following a fatal house fire in Limassol that claimed an entire family’s lives.
In a strongly worded statement, George Kyriakou criticised authorities for delays, inaction, and inadequate inspections, saying these failures have led to preventable deaths, fires, and property damage.
“The market is flooded with unsafe electrical equipment, much of which has been tested abroad and found to be dangerously unfit for use,” Kyriakou said. He called for stricter regulations, mandatory compliance with safety standards, and the establishment of a robust market monitoring system.
Kyriakou highlighted years of stalled legislative reforms, with proposals dating back to 2017. A long-overdue bill to enhance inspections was withdrawn last year by the transport minister, who instead requested another round of public consultation, leaving the issue unresolved.
“The responsible authorities know the risks but claim they are bound by European regulations. Meanwhile, dangerous electrical products are installed in thousands of homes,” he said.
Citing government data, Kyriakou noted three fire-related deaths in 2024 and five in 2025, alongside hundreds of fires and close calls. He warned that if authorities continue to neglect the issue, the consequences will only worsen.
