There are many literatures/reports available on how to prevent shock and fire in low voltage electrical installation. Sometimes, overload of information may lead to confusion. Here, an attempt has been made to eradicate any confusion by providing simplified, precise information as per IS standards which is similar to IEC standard.
Problem: Electric Shock
Electrical shock and major fire accidents in India is a regular phenomenon in India and most of these are caused from electrical installation of building.
Main reasons for accidents
High risk location due to water, outdoor, ground, rough area, touch earthed metal, water pipes.
Solutions
• Install ELCB (earth leakage circuit breaker) 30mA for all lights, sockets, bathroom and outdoor electrical circuits.
• Prefer RCBO 30mA: Miniature circuit breaker (MCB) for overcurrent and for shock ELCB 30mA. MCB+ELCB 30mA, combined in one is device called Residual Current breaker with Overload protection (RCBO).
Cost to use AFDD: Prefer, flat, 3 sockets circuits of 10 circuits: RCBO Nr. 10 + AFDD 3 Nr. Panel cost = Rs. 40,000.
In one: (MCB+ELCB 30mA) = (RCBO) =Isolation, Overcurrent, Short Circuit+Electric Shock, additional protect fire
(MCB+ELCB 30mA+AFDD) = (RCBOA) = Isolation, Overcurrent, Short Circuit+Electric Shock+Fire Protection from Arc
Electricians Training and Education as per Standard: This is most Important. How to do it?
• Standard on site guide book for electricians to do work in residential building, as in UK? No
• Any electrical Installation course as IS standard for electricians in ITI, training schools, colleges etc? No
• Electricians to pass examinations and license to work, as in UK? No
Conclusion
• Shock: Mandatory, ELCB 30mA or RCBO 30mA each circuit, Rs. 1,000, saves loss of life.
• Fire: Mandatory in Risk items, ELCB 300mA, Rs. 5,000. save life and billions of rupees loss. Note: This is a brief guideline. All are advised to take professional advice for any electrical work.
For more details, contact: gajariaa@hotmail.com
