Filipino homes and buildings are getting busier as more appliances, more gadgets, more daily energy needs. But while our lifestyles have evolved, many electrical systems haven’t. With fire incidents linked to outdated wiring and overloaded circuits steadily increasing, Schneider Electric is calling for a nationwide shift toward safer, smarter, and more resilient electrical design. For homeowners, developers, and property managers, this is a wake-up call: electrical safety is no longer optional.
The Alarming Reality: Outdated Wiring Still Puts Filipinos at Risk
Despite modern living demands, many properties still rely on old, undersized, and poorly maintained electrical setups. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has identified overloaded circuits, undersized wiring, and even the common “octopus connection” as top causes of electrical fires. In 2024, the country logged 1,800 more fire incidents caused by electrical faults compared to the year before.
With Filipinos using more appliances such as AC units, water heaters, work-from-home devices, gaming rigs, many systems simply can’t keep up.
Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader with over 30 years in the Philippines, stresses that the solution lies in stronger, scalable, and future-ready electrical design.
Five Must-Have Elements for a Safer, Stronger Electrical Foundation
Schneider Electric highlights five key priorities that should guide today’s electrical planning for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.
1. Proper Circuit Protection = Reduced Fire Risk
Modern appliances draw higher loads, making circuit protection more important than ever. Schneider Electric emphasizes the use of automatic circuit breakers that quickly detect faults and shut down power to prevent fires, shocks, and equipment damage.
Their products like Easy9, EasyPact EZC, and MVS circuit breakers are designed to respond rapidly to dangerous electrical conditions — a crucial safeguard for condos, offices, malls, and factories.
2. Backup Power is Essential for Business Continuity
Power interruptions aren’t just an inconvenience, they’re expensive. Consumer advocacy group ILAW reports that MSMEs lose ₱10,000 to ₱30,000 per day, while large businesses can lose up to ₱100,000 daily due to outages.
To minimize losses, Schneider Electric recommends using APC Easy UPS and Easy UPS On–Line, which offer automatic backup and surge protection for critical equipment. MSMEs, call centers, clinics, and data-driven businesses can stay operational even during grid fluctuations.
3. Real-Time Energy Monitoring Helps Cut Costs
The Department of Energy recorded ₱400 million in savings from energy efficiency programs in early 2024, proof that smart monitoring works.
Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert provides businesses with real-time updates, alerts, carbon tracking, and even WAGES (water, air, gas, electricity, steam) insights. These data points help organizations optimize operations, reduce waste, and make smarter financial decisions.
4. Avoid Risks by Using Certified, Durable Switches & Sockets
In 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry seized ₱134 million worth of uncertified electrical products many linked to fire and electrocution hazards.
Schneider Electric stresses the importance of safe, durable components. Their AvatarOn A line includes universal sockets, child-proof shutters, USB ports, and heat-resistant materials ideal for Filipino households that value both function and aesthetic.
5. Scalable, Sustainable Power for Digital-Driven Businesses
With more companies relying on data centers and cloud-based tools, power infrastructure must be scalable. Schneider Electric’s Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular offers live swap capability, letting facilities upgrade power modules without shutting down operations perfect for banks, hospitals, logistics hubs, and IT parks.
This flexibility supports the country’s growing digital economy while ensuring safety and efficiency.
Strengthening Electrical Safety for Filipino Communities
Schneider Electric Philippines Country Solutions Head Harold Lim underscores that well-designed electrical systems are essential for community safety and business continuity. He stresses that proper electrical planning “prevents hazards, protects people and property, and supports national development.”
With global recognition as Time Magazine and Statista’s World’s Most Sustainable Company, Schneider Electric continues to champion solutions that help Filipinos build safer, smarter, and more energy-resilient spaces.
Modern Living Needs Modern Electrical Design
Electrical safety is a long-term investment. Whether you're building a new home, upgrading an office, or managing a commercial property, choosing certified components and future-ready systems will save money, prevent fires, and give you peace of mind.
If you’ve been delaying an electrical upgrade, now is the time to act. A safer home and community starts with smarter choices.