A series of recent tragic incidents and official data have sparked growing concern in Cyprus over the safety of electrical devices on the market, the effectiveness of inspections, and the broader legal framework governing household appliances. Several tragic fires have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, highlighting significant gaps in consumer protection and market oversight.

Tragically, unsafe heating methods have also led to multiple fatalities, as seen in the most recent incident where two individuals died in a makeshift space heated by a charcoal grill in Limassol today.

It is reminded that in the early hours of February 15, a five-person household in the Ayios Nikolaos area of Limassol was engulfed in flames, believed to have been caused by an electrical malfunction.

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According to information presented in the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce yesterday, fires caused by malfunctioning electrical devices led to 5 deaths in 2023, 4 in 2024, and 7 (+2) in 2025. The Fire Service reported a total of 166 such fire incidents in 2023 (with 36 injuries), 122 in 2024 (22 injuries), and 20 in 2025 (1 injury). More than fifty people were rescued across these three years, but fatalities remain alarmingly high.

The tragic death toll from fires or fumes has reached 9 this year alone, following the recent fatal incident involving two men in Limassol.

Authorities have also conducted operations targeting counterfeit and unregulated goods. In 2022, 88 operations uncovered thousands of counterfeit items, unlicensed e-cigarettes, and nitrous oxide canisters. While these raids continued in subsequent years—53 operations in 2023 and 15 in 2024—the Pan-Cyprian Consumer Association warns that a significant number of electrical adaptors and devices still fail to meet required safety standards. Their president, Marios Drousiotis, claims that more than half of adaptors in circulation are unsuitable, urging stricter enforcement and transparency about investigation findings, particularly when fires or electrocutions may involve defective appliances.

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Multiple agencies—ranging from the Police and Fire Service to the Electromechanical Services Department—conduct parallel inquiries when a fire occurs. Recent fatal incidents in Limassol and other areas have prompted plans to send suspect devices abroad for specialized testing.

In response, the Department of Electromechanical Services is preparing proposals for updated protocols and legislation.

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A public consultation process is underway for a new bill that would mandate regular inspections of household electrical systems, akin to a “MOT” for homes. It is reminded that since 2017, discussions on amending the outdated legislation have been ongoing. In 2024, after two parliamentary meetings, the Minister withdrew the bill during the third. For the past year, the matter had been frozen and shelved.

Officials are also considering stricter requirements for the initial installation checks, to be carried out by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus or certified inspectors, aiming to enhance consumer safety and reduce risks tied to substandard appliances and wiring.