In the heart of the monsoon season, a time when hope, peace, and celebration fill the air, a hidden danger looms large. It is a risk that multiplies during the months of July to September when compromised electric circuit protection devices cast a shadow over the festivities. While we diligently focus on clean water and nourishing food to safeguard ourselves from communicable diseases, we unknowingly neglect an essential aspect—ensuring the quality of our Switchgear (MCB, RCCB) switches, wires, and electrical devices.

 

Recent incidents of electrocution during the rainy season have thrust the issue of electrical safety into the spotlight. Reports have emerged, piercing our souls, that at the beginning of July alone, approximately 10 precious lives were lost due to electric shocks. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the problem extends its reach beyond the boundaries of our bustling cities.

 

Startling studies reveal that in 2021, the country witnessed a staggering 12,529 deaths attributed to electrocution, translating to an average of 34 lives lost each day. As the monsoon clouds gather, the risk of electrical accidents skyrockets by up to 30%. The consequences of these mishaps are far-reaching—a devastating toll on expensive electronic gadgets due to lightning, fatal encounters with electrocution, short circuits stemming from inadequate cable insulation, and the failure of vital electrical equipment due to moisture and seepage.

 

In the face of such a dire situation, we turn to the wisdom of the National Electrical Code (NEC) of 2011. It beckons us towards a path of action, one that can reduce the risk of electrocution through heightened awareness. Embracing the NEC’s recommendations means employing quality wires, and incorporating Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFFDs), Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), and Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs). We must not underestimate the lurking danger within our homes—a threat that can turn every day, seemingly harmless appliances into instruments of risk. The world is awakening to the gravity of these faults, and so must we. As we immerse ourselves in the monsoon’s embrace, let us do so with an unwavering commitment to our safety. Some of the safety measures that can be adopted to safeguard our loved ones during monsoon include:

 

Install life-saving devices AFDD, RCCB or ELCB to prevent harm and current leakage Governments across states and DISCOMS have recognized the importance of electrical safety and have taken initiatives to make Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) mandatory. However, the challenge of widespread RCCB installation persists, with nearly 90% of homes lacking this crucial device. This alarming gap leaves room for potential disasters to unfold. In the absence of an RCCB, an internal wire breakage can energize the metal housing, posing a severe risk of electric shock to individuals. Recognizing this critical issue, innovative solutions have emerged to simplify the adoption of safety measures. ELCB/RCCB plug tops or adaptors now offer socket-level current leakage protection, making it easier to install these devices with appliances such as washing machines, air coolers, and water heaters (geysers)—devices that are particularly susceptible to the interplay of water, electricity, and human contact. By “inoculating” our homes with RCCB, we fortify our defense against electrical shocks. In recent times, advanced technology such as Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) has emerged as a game-changer in minimizing the risk of electrocution and electrical disasters. By sharing proper knowledge and installing AFDDs in buildings, we can greatly enhance safety. AFDDs provide protection against series and parallel arc faults, acting as a crucial barrier to reduce the risk of electrical fires. Their objective is to detect and mitigate potential faults within building electrical circuits. To successfully detect and address series and parallel arc faults, the installation of an Arc Fault Detection Device is paramount. By incorporating this device, we take a proactive step towards enhancing electrical safety and mitigating potential hazards. The installation of RCCBs and AFDDs plays a pivotal role in ensuring electrical safety. Governments, organizations, and individuals must collectively prioritize the adoption of these devices to protect lives and prevent electrical disasters.

 

Invest in Surge Protection devices to protect home appliances against lightning surges. Surge protection devices (SPD) inhibit transient voltages and divert surges underground thereby protecting expensive electronics and appliances. Voltage Surge protection devices are highly suitable for areas with thunderstorms, cyclones & circuit-bearing electronic equipment. The innovative thought of installing do-it-yourself (DIY) type 3 adaptor from surge arrestor devices can eliminate the probability of blowing of expensive TV sets and electronic gadgets during surges created during lightning/thunderstorms. Generally older buildings do not have electrical voltage surge protection devices built in their electrical plans. According to the data from ICA-India, about 35 % of short circuits and fire accidents reported are from buildings with outdated electrical layouts; Frequent voltage surges can damage every single electric equipment in a house in a split second if surge protection is not a part of the circuitry. The surge protection devices inhibit transient voltages and divert surges into the earth thereby bypassing the device, thereby protecting the expensive electronic appliances.

 

Quality wires (Higher Insulation resistance) to manage electrical fire risk It is to be noted that nearly 20 percent of all accidental fires that take place are not only due to short circuits but poor quality wires and in appropriate wiring practices as well. Ensuring compatibility of wires with the electrical load is essential in homes since these are the ‘veins and arteries’ of our homes and should be of good

quality and right rating. Insulated wires and cables are non-conducive material that offers high resistance to electric current. The insulation protects the wire /cable from the exterior. Due to robust quality insulation, the wire gets protection from getting in contact with the other conductors, keeps it away from any environmental hazardous and controls probable electric leakage.

Over a long period of time the cable tends to see a lots of faults such as overload & short circuit. All these perpetual phenomena will affect the protective sheathing, often referred to as insulation. The protective sheathing will degrade and wear out quicker than the actual wire itself. It is to be noted that nearly 20 percent of all fires that take place are not only due to short circuits but poor-quality wires and in appropriate wiring practices as well. Ensuring compatibility of wires with the electrical load is essential in homes since these are the ‘veins and arteries’ of our homes and should be of good quality and right rating. Insulated wires and cables are non-conducive material that offers high resistance to electric current. The insulation protects the wire /cable from the exterior. Due to robust quality insulation, the wire gets protection from getting in contact with the other conductors, keeps it away from any environmental hazardous and controls probable electric leakage.

 

Over a long period of time the cable tend to see a lots of fault such as overload & short-circuit. All these perpetual phenomena will affect the protective sheathing, often referred to as insulation. The protective sheathing will degrade and wear out quicker than the actual wire itself. The central aspect determining electrical wiring life expectancy is the protective sheathing condition. In all cables over a period of time, there is generally leakage of current from the live conductor through the insulation. In case of inferior-quality of insulation, the amount of leakage current increases drastically. Premium test laboratories and International safety standards specify that current leakage limit in hand equipment is considered to be safe if the leakage value is not more than 0.75mA. This leakage is dangerous for human safety. Better insulation or high insulation resistance in cables protect humans from electrical shocks. The choice of quality wire helps in mitigating the environmental impact to maximum extent.

 

Usage of Miniature circuit breaker (MCB) in incomer distribution boards to prevents overload and short circuits in domestic and commercial installation. Overloading of current is common phenomenon in today’s modern-day homes. Installation of devices such as MCB ensures to disconnect the supply during the fault. These circuit breakers come in different ratings for different types of loads and hence need to be used of the correct rating for the load and from quality brand with mandatory ISI marking contrary to popular belief, these safety equipment and products are very pocket friendly, almost at a fraction of a cost when compared to the essential. To reiterate given the intensity of increasing electrical hazards in monsoon season, safety comes first and should be ensured without fail. It is always recommended to use the best quality electrical devices rather than facing serious ramifications like sudden electrical accidents.