COUNTRIES PAY HUGE COSTS IN LIFE AND MONEY FOR ELECTRICAL FIRES

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, every year in India, approximately 17,700 fire accidents are reported. Of these, around 28% are caused by electrical short circuits. This represents an electrical fire reported every 30 minutes. These fire accidents result in approximately 1,500 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries annually.

In this article series, We will discuss some surprising statistics about electrical fires and electrical safety, explore the reasons behind these issues, and suggest possible solutions. To start, let's take a closer look at the situation in India.

In India, nearly 1,500 people die each year as a result of fire accidents, which averages to about four deaths per day. Beyond this tragic loss of life, this situation also has significant economic consequences. Losses are estimated to be substantial, with a considerable portion attributed to fires of electrical origin.

Where and When Electrical Fires Can Happen

Electrical fires can occur in various situations due to multiple causes, including:

• Poor or damaged insulation
• Overloading an electrical circuit by connecting several power strips in succession
• Lack of regular maintenance on electrical installations
• Ground faults caused by improper use of power cables, such as a cable being crushed under the feet of a bed or piece of furniture

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in India, 60% of all fire accidents occur during the day. However, of the remaining fires that happen at night, 65% are deadly due to the lack of warning while residents are asleep. This underscores the vital importance of properly maintained and protected electrical systems and the necessity of thoroughly checking electrical installations at the first sign of any issues. For instance, if you notice burn marks on an electrical outlet, it is a clear indication that something is not functioning correctly and needs immediate attention.

India’s fight back against fire risks

In India, the government has taken steps to address fire safety concerns. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set guidelines for electrical installations to ensure safety and prevent electrical fires. According to these guidelines, it is essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections of electrical systems in both residential and commercial buildings.

In 2017, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) introduced mandatory periodic safety audits for electrical installations in industrial and high-rise buildings. These audits are aimed at identifying potential hazards and ensuring that installations comply with safety standards.

Additionally, the National Building Code (NBC) of India mandates the installation of smoke detectors and fire alarm systems in commercial and high-rise residential buildings. While these systems are effective in reducing the risk of disaster by providing early warnings, it is crucial to address the root causes of electrical fires through regular inspections and maintenance of electrical panels and wiring.

The Role of Surge Protection Devices and Earthing Systems

One effective way to combat electrical fires is through the use of surge protection devices and earthing systems. Surge protection devices (SPDs) help protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes by diverting excess voltage safely to the ground. This prevents overheating and potential fires caused by electrical surges.

Similarly, a proper earthing system ensures that any fault current is safely grounded, reducing the risk of electrical shocks and fire. Regular maintenance and inspection of earthing systems are essential to ensure their effectiveness and safety.

JMV LPS LTD is a leader in electrical protection, specializing in safeguarding against the risks of fire, shock, and electrocution. Discover more articles on electrical safety here on the JMV Blog.