Building a Safer India: Copper’s Critical Role in Electrical Fire Prevention

The recent tragic fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, serves as a harrowing reminder of the catastrophic impact of electrical fires. Claiming the lives of at least 27 people, including nine children, fire engulfed the two-storey building housing the TRP Game Zone. The facility, packed with around 300 people, primarily children drawn in by the allure of summer vacation and weekend leisure, descended into a scene of chaos and despair. As search and rescue operations continue, this grim episode highlights the pervasive threat posed by electrical fires, particularly in areas where crowded spaces and substandard infrastructure amplify the risk to dangerous proportions.

The statistics paint a worrying picture. As reported in media, a disturbing trend was observed during the second half of 2023, which saw 112 fire accidents, resulting in 131 deaths and 164 injuries. Heavily impacting both residential and commercial areas, electrical short circuits were identified as the primary cause in 58% of these fires, closely followed by other electrical faults at 49%.

We must ask ourselves: will we merely react to these tragedies, or will we take proactive steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place?

With increasing occupancy, hot summers, and rapid urbanisation in India, the threat of electrical fires has become a significant public safety concern. These alarming figures call for urgent proactive intervention to address the root causes of electrical fires.

One of the major factors contributing to the prevalence of electrical fires is the use of low-quality wires and cables. Substandard conductor materials increase the risk of short circuits and fires, posing a grave threat to public safety. Consumers need to prioritise safety by investing in reliable, high-quality electrical components. ETP-grade copper conductors, renowned for their superior electrical and physical properties, offer a safer alternative to mitigate the risk of electrical fires. By ensuring all copper conductors in buildings, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of these devastating incidents.

Government intervention is paramount in ensuring compliance with safety measures. Recent directives from the honourable Prime Minister mandating fire and electricity audits are a step in the right direction. However, greater emphasis must be placed on using only copper conductors in buildings and recognising copper’s attributes to mitigate the risk of electrical fires. It is encouraging to see various government agencies and leading construction companies, including the Central Public Works Department, DLF, and Raheja, advocating for using only copper conductors to protect lives and properties.

The consequences of inaction are dire. Relying on low-quality materials to save costs in the short term can have devastating long-term consequences, jeopardising lives and incurring higher expenses when accidents occur. It is necessary to shift our focus from the initial cost to the life cycle cost and understanding of risks while ensuring electrical safety in buildings. By prioritising safety and investing in high-quality materials, we can prevent fire accidents and mitigate the escalating impact of overheating, especially during scorching summers.

As we mourn the lives lost in the Rajkot tragedy and countless other incidents, it is crucial to understand that we have the power to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place. It is incumbent upon us to take proactive measures to prevent future electrical accidents and safeguard the lives and property of our citizens. The time for action is now. We cannot afford to wait for more lives to be lost before we act.


Mayur Karmarkar, Managing Director, International Copper Association (ICA) India

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