Ghana: Electrical Wiring Standards Under Reviewing—Amoono-Neizer

Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, the Energy Commission, says it is collaborating with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to review the electrical wiring standards to meet the changing trends in the industry.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, who revealed this, said the review has become necessary due to the increasing adoption of renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar panels in the West African nation.

He further noted that there is an increase in the adoption of smart home technologies including lighting, heating and security systems by homeowners.

Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer said the review of the electrical wiring standards would ensure that homeowners designed and installed electrical systems that were safe, reliable and efficient.

The Executive Secretary, who was speaking at the graduation of Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals at the head office of the Energy Commission, urged the practitioners to keep up with the developments and offer services that cater for the growing demand for smart homes.

In all, 267 electrical wiring practitioners from the Greater Accra, Volta and Eastern Regions graduated and were certified as Electrical Wiring Professionals and Inspectors.

Since 2012 when the Electrical Wiring Regulation 2011, L.I 2008 was enforced, the Commission has trained and certified over 14,000 electricians.

Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer hinted that the Commission would, from next year, also undertake a comprehensive review of the Electrical Wiring Regulation, 2011 (L.I 2008).

This, he said would ensure that the regulations are in line with the latest industry advancements and also aligned with international best practices.

While the Commission has been steadfast in focusing on the training and development of electricians, there is a renewed emphasis on ensuring safety within wired premises.

“This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to staying ahead of industry advancements, fostering a culture of safety, and adapting to the evolving needs of the electrical landscape,” he said.

In a speech read for him by Abubakar Suleman, the Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, noted that due to the Certified Electrical Wiring Programme, Ghanaians have become aware of the need to have their electrical installations done by certified Electrical Wiring Professionals and Inspectors.

He said due to the importance and in compliance with the law on wiring regulations, the Ministry of Energy has, since 2012, made it mandatory for its contractors under the National Electrification Scheme and the Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP) to engage only CEWPs/CEWIs for certification of household wirings before the connection of rural consumers to the electricity grid.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com