Number 17     

Let’s talk about Electricity and Wires in Costa Rica

We have now been living in Costa Rica for almost 2 months.  We love this country.   Since I arrived I have been so fascinated with the electrical wires.  OK I should not be, but I am.

Growth on wires in Costa Rica= OK

Hanging wires=OK

So please tell me how tall does a meter reader
 have to be in Costa Rica?

Exposed wires= OK

The most common problems in existing homes in Costa Rica are the result of the original owner/contractor wanting to spend a little as possible to complete the construction. The desire to build as cheap as possible results in various problems that render some structures uninhabitable by North American standards.

The first ever electrical code in Costa Rica took effect in 2012. The electrical grid here is designed for Ticos, who generally use comparatively less energy than is consumed in other countries.  The wiring on the streets is amazing by USA standards.  Here are some examples of some actual wires I photographed.

Another dangerous practice is called: Suicide Showers.  That is, electrical circuits running to the shower.  Yes they do…one mistake and you are done.

Electrocution is the number one killer of monkeys in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has lost half of its monkey population between 1995 and 2007 many of which were victims of uninsulated wires, a deadly problem with a simple fix.

Sloth climbing on electrical wires

 I do like the idea of putting extra wire on the poles, just in case you need it.