A Survey of Electrical Materials Counterfeiting in Bayelsa State: A Case Study of Yenagoa Local Government Area

Abstract

Electrical cables are the bedrock of every electrical wiring and installation. In this study, some essential cable properties (size, electrical resistivity and flame retardant) of electrical cables sold in Bayelsa state were determined according to NIS-approved methods. Four commonly used electrical cables (1 mm2, 1.5 mm2, 2.5 mm2, and 4 mm2) in Bayelsa State were sampled. Results obtained showed that most of the electrical cables sold within the Yenagoa metropolis fell below International Standards. Only 58% of the 1 mm2, 43% of the 1.5 mm2, 62% of the 2.5 mm2 and 46% of the 4 mm2 cables met the NIS recommended sizes. For electrical resistivity, most of the cables failed to meet the NIS recommendations. The resistivity of 45% of the 1 mm2 sampled cable, 39% of 1.5 mm2, 52% of the 2.5 mm2 and 33% of the 4 mm2 sampled cable were above the maximum limits approved by the Nigeria Industrial Standard. High resistivity observed in these cables can lead to electrical fire due to temperature buildup within the cable. Most of the cable insulators were made from good fire retarding materials. 92% of the 1 mm2, 93% of the 1.5 mm2, 89% of the 2.5 mm2 and 87% of the 4 mm2 cable insulators had flame retarding characteristics. Results from this study can be used as a guide by standard regulatory agencies to monitor the sales of electrical cables in the state since most of the cables sampled in this study fell below National and International standards. Keywords: Electrical cables, electrical fire, electrical resistivity, fire retardant, standards