Need an AC upgrade? Get Fewa approval first

All customers need to consult them before increasing the capacity of their air-conditioners.

Powerful air-conditioners have topped the list of residents' priorities, and more people are opting to upgrade their ACs from one to two tonnes or more.

However, the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) has warned that such "a risky act may cause a big fire".

Mohammed Saleh, director-general of Fewa, said all customers need to consult them before increasing the capacity of their air-conditioners.

"It is critical to check all the electric supplies before opting for an AC upgrade to ensure its durability and avoid any possible short circuits or fires."

Records show that many blazes have been blamed on power supplies with poor quality, he warned. 

"It is also critical to set the AC thermometer to a certain temperature, not too high or too low. This allows the AC compressor to cool down. Otherwise, it will keep operating until heating up or exploding the power supplies. 

"This also extends the life span of the air-conditioner itself and reduces your electricity bills."

The longer the air-conditioner works, the more it can cause fire, he added. "Overloading mostly burns the main smelter, electric wires, and distribution panel ending in an outage in the entire house or building."