Chilectra asks citizens not to use "metallic confetti" near electrical lines

SANTIAGO.- On the eve of New Year's celebrations, the company Chilectra has issued a call for citizens to be responsible in using to so-called "metallic confetti", in hopes of preventing electrical blackouts such as those that have occurred in previous years.

The head of communications for the company, Juan Pablo Larraín, explained to Radio ADN that the metallic paper used to make the confetti acts as a conductor and can cause cuts in electrical currents, which would leave a large quantity of homes without electricity.

"We were surprised by the action taken with regards to this product after tissue paper was no longer used, giving way to a metallic paper, which acts as an electrical conductor and causes a short-circuit effect. It does the same as chains that are thrown into the electrical lines, which also cause blackouts", stated Larraín.

Larraín explained that the "metallic confetti" could cause blackouts from 4 or 5 houses to possibly 300 homes depending on the voltage reached.

The representative also stated that improper use of the product not only puts the electrical lines at risk, but also implies a more serious problem for people since "confetti that reaches up to 40 meters into the air and touches the electrical lines while still in contact with a person would generate an electrical charge that could be deadly".