Fire incidents in the Philippines are often linked to electrical systems that have not kept pace with modern safety standards. Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, is urging developers, engineers, and property stakeholders to strengthen their approach to electrical design by placing greater emphasis on safety, scalability, and reliability as fire risks linked to weak electrical infrastructure continue to rise.
Schneider Electric powers safer, smarter, and more efficient electrical systems in the Philippines protecting businesses and homes from fire risks while improving energy use.
Many homes and buildings still rely on outdated or poorly designed electrical systems, with overloaded circuits, undersized wiring, and unsafe setups like “octopus connections” identified by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as major fire hazards. In 2024 alone, the BFP reported over 1,800 more fire incidents caused by electrical faults compared to the previous year. Rising appliance use and hybrid work setups are driving energy demand beyond what many existing systems can safely handle.
In response, Schneider Electric identifies five critical elements local businesses, developers, and homeowners must prioritize to build safe and resilient electrical infrastructure across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces:
Circuit protection and system reliability
Modern households and businesses use high-demand equipment such as air conditioners, water heaters and computing devices including servers, computers, or gaming consoles, that need dedicated circuit breakers to prevent overloads and fire risk. To reduce these risks, Schneider Electric urges developers to use automatic circuit breakers that quickly detect and stop faults, preventing fires, electric shocks, and damage while ensuring a safe, stable power supply. Its solutions—such as the Easy9, EasyPact EZC, and MVS circuit breaker ranges—are engineered to respond swiftly to electrical faults, helping safeguard residential, commercial, and industrial spaces by minimizing fire risks and preventing costly damage.
Backup power for business continuity
Power outages continue to cause daily losses ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 30,000 per day for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in key urban centers, while large businesses incur 100,000 in revenue losses daily, according to consumer advocacy group ILAW—disrupting operations, damaging equipment, and threatening long-term profitability. To reduce these impacts, Schneider Electric emphasizes the need for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems such as the APC Easy UPS and Easy UPS On–Line that provide businesses with automatic battery backup and surge protection for critical equipment, ensuring operations remain online during outages or power fluctuations.
Real-time energy monitoring
In early 2024, the Department of Energy reported ₱400 million in electricity and fuel savings through energy efficiency programs, highlighting the potential of real-time monitoring for economic and environmental gains. To support similar outcomes, Schneider Electric offers solutions like the Power Monitoring Expert that supports energy optimization by providing real-time insights, live alerts, carbon tracking, and water, air, gas, electricity, steam (WAGES) data compatibility to help businesses detect inefficiencies, control costs, and make informed decisions.
Durable, modern switches and sockets
In early 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry seized over ₱134 million worth of uncertified electrical products due to safety risks like fire and electrocution. Schneider Electric highlights the importance of using certified, durable, and heat-resistant components. Solutions like AvatarOn A offer safer, more reliable switches and sockets with child-proof shutters, universal sockets, convenient USB ports, and durable materials that stay secure and resist wear.
Scalable, sustainable power
As businesses go digital, data centers must scale quickly while ensuring uptime, efficiency, and cost control. To meet rising power demands without downtime, many are turning to flexible systems that can easily expand as their needs increase. Schneider Electric supports this shift with solutions like the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular, which has a live swap feature that allows users to add and replace power modules without business downtime—helping them scale efficiently, improve safety, and grow sustainably. The result is a smarter, more agile approach to powering the digital economy.
“Electrical systems, when properly designed, prevent hazards, protect both people and properties, and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support business continuity, community safety, and the country’s national development,” said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head of Schneider Electric Philippines.
With more than 30 years of experience in the Philippines and global recognition as the World’s Most Sustainable Company by Time Magazine and Statista, Schneider Electric continues to lead efforts in developing forward-thinking power solutions that build safer, more energy-resilient power infrastructure for Filipino communities.
