ESTABLISHED in 1992, Prem’s Electrical has grown to become one of the leading distributors of high-quality electrical products and services for residential, commercial, and industrial needs in Guyana.

Named after its founder Neelnarine Sukhram, commonly known as ‘Prem,’ the family-operated business is dedicated to improving the supply of reliable electrical items across the nation.

Located on Alexander Street in Georgetown, Prem’s Electrical has committed itself to adhering to stringent national and international standards. As a registered importer and dealer with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), all products undergo rigorous inspection at the ports of entry and additional checks at their Georgetown sales outlet.

This ensures compliance with mandatory national standards, which is a cornerstone of the company’s operations.

Nirmal Sukhram, Managing Director of Prem’s Electrical, emphasises the importance of meeting these standards.

“For us, it is not only customer satisfaction, but customer safety as well,” he stated. Highlighting the risks of non-conforming products, Sukhram noted that their use could lead to electrical fires, resulting in property damage or loss of life. “A lot of electrical fires have been happening, and we certainly don’t want to be a part of that or a contributor to that,” he added.

To guarantee the quality of their products, Prem’s Electrical meticulously vets manufacturers before procurement. With primary suppliers in the United States, Poland, and the United Kingdom, the company ensures that all fittings and equipment meet the rigorous standards of these countries.

“We have selected our manufacturers based on extensive research, looking at the global standing and the demand for their products,” Sukhram assured.

In 2019, Prem’s Electrical achieved ISO 9001 certification for Quality Management Systems, enhancing their internal management processes.

“It has helped me to get a grasp on what is happening in my internal processes and to manage my business more efficiently,” Sukhram noted.

Sukhram encourages other importers and dealers to register with the GNBS, highlighting the straightforward and beneficial nature of the process.

“They come, they inspect; it is a very simple, easy, straightforward process. We are very happy that it’s being done because it helps us to market our products even better. We definitely meet and exceed all standards for electricals,” he pointed out.

He also advised consumers to purchase from registered businesses and to look for certification marks such as CE and UL on products, ensuring they are visible on the actual items. Additionally, he urged the use of licensed electrical contractors to guarantee proper installation.

“From a personal standpoint, I work hard every day and whatever dollar that I earn, I would hate to see it wasted. Apart from the product failing, you can also have a loss of property or life, which is very extreme,” he emphasised.

Prem’s Electrical stands among several registered businesses adhering to mandatory national standards, including Kanhai’s Electrical, S&L Electrical, National Hardware, and Gafoor’s. Since February 2020, the GNBS has been monitoring various electrical fittings and equipment based on 31 mandatory national standards. These include decorative lighting products, lamp holders, armoured cables, panel boards, and more.

Importers and dealers are required to ensure that their products meet these standards, promoting safety and reliability in Guyana’s electrical market.