As explained by Mr. Georgios Sarris, Honorary Member of ELITHE (a non-profit organization dedicated to “Technological Innovation for Safe Electrical Installations”), according to recent data, 85.7% of residences in the country were built before 1990, and over 2.6 million homes are over 50 years old.
This age, combined with the increased energy demands of modern households—air conditioners, heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, photovoltaics—creates a high-risk environment for electric shock and fire.
The main deficiencies in older installations include the lack of reliable grounding, outdated or inadequate protective devices (AC-type Residual Current Devices), worn wiring, few outlets, and uncontrolled interventions by unqualified personnel. In Greece, it is estimated that 4,500–5,000 urban electrical fires occur annually.
Greek Legislation
Prevention is critical. Greek law requires regular inspections and the issuance of a Responsible Installer Declaration (ΥΔΕ) certifying the safety of the electrical installation. The owner is responsible for renewing the ΥΔΕ every 2 to 10 years, depending on the building type, while the inspecting electrician must identify hazardous deviations and deterioration before issuing the declaration.
European statistics show that the problem is not only Greek: 86% of homes in Europe are over 25 years old, with a corresponding increase in the risk of electrical fires and serious injuries. The economic cost is estimated at €6–7 billion annually, while over 1,000 lives are lost each year due to electrical system-related fires.
Measures for Upgrading Installations
To address these risks, recommended measures include: replacement of old AC-type RCDs with Type A or F, upgrading grounding, replacing wiring, adding outlets, surge protection, installing smoke and heat detectors, and Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD) in areas with combustible materials.
At the same time, enhancing subsidy programs, such as including electrical upgrades in energy efficiency programs (“Exoikonomo”) or special social protection incentives, can reduce the financial burden on homeowners and strengthen household safety.
Electrical installation safety is not only a technical issue: it is a critical factor for public health, economic resilience, and life protection. Preventive maintenance and timely upgrades are an investment that saves money, reduces risks, and protects citizens from serious accidents.