Why quality electrical equipment is key to fire safety
Tune in to this exclusive interview with S.S. Warick, Director of Maharashtra Fire & Emergency Services, as he discusses the impact of electrical equipment on fire incidents and the importance of adhering to quality standards in electrical installations. He also provides recommendations for the developer community to prevent electrical fire accidents.
When it comes to fire accidents, how do you see the role of of electrical equipment?
Currently, statistics indicate that approximately 60 to 65% of nationwide fire incidents stem from electrical faults, leading to significant loss of life and property. While multinational companies in industries diligently manage electrical installations with regular inspections, concerns remain regarding the oversight of 11 KV and lower loads by concerned authorities. We are concerned about that as majority of fire accidents occur in this area. Insufficient guidelines further compound this issue. All this may pose concerns as our nation progresses towards developed status from developing.
Do you believe that incidents like these are a result of not adhering to quality standards?
Yes, absolutely. Quality is paramount because without reliable power, survival becomes challenging. Nowadays, there is a growing trend of constructing high-rise buildings exceeding 70 meters in metropolitan regions like MMR and PMR. The same trend is witnessed in metro- and mini-metro cities also across the country. This necessitates a robust infrastructure. For instance, firefighters and building occupants rely on lifts during emergencies, highlighting the need for strong backup systems for critical electrical installations such as lighting and lifts. This ensures functionality even during emergencies. Firefighting systems also require sustainable electrical supply to operate effectively during fire incidents.
What advice, suggestions, or recommendations do you have for the developer community?
Take a simple example of 2 BHK flat of a 15-storey building. Once the OC is granted, immediately the owner puts the AC in the halls. If we consider all the gazettes coming in which are not considered at the initial stage for calculating the loads and the loads goes haywire within the 2 to 3 years of the building life. Considering at least 5 years building life, we have to take the load and we have to plan all basic electrical infrastructure accordingly.
The developer community often go for the minimum ones – that we should do away with. They should anticipate that how the building will be utilized in long terms. Typically, developers initiate projects and await residents, who bring their own preferences for interior design and electrical loads. Consequently, the load which is planned at the initial stage goes haywire within 2 to 3 years. It’s crucial to anticipate and plan for maximum possible loads during the initial planning stages itself.
For example, consider a 2 BHK flat in a 15-storey building. Upon receiving occupancy clearance (OC), owners promptly install air conditioners in their living spaces. When accounting for all such appliances that were not initially factored into load calculations, the planned loads can become insufficient within the 2 to 3 years of the building life. Considering at least 5 years building life, they should calculate the load and plan all basic electrical infrastructure accordingly.
