Preventing electrocution and electrical fires

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, around one lakh people lost their lives because of electrocution in the last decade alone.

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Electrocution, electrical fire and lightning kill 15,000 a year. Also, 75000 (approx.) suffer because of these deaths; there is loss of property and assets, and the dreams of many people associated with the deceased shatter. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, around one lakh people lost their lives because of electrocution in the last decade alone. The annual average of fatalities rose to 12,500 per year, or 30 fatalities every day.

Causes of electrocution and electrical fire hazard

Electrocution and electrical fires in electrical installations can result from various issues such as overcurrents caused by overloads or short circuits, the presence of harmonics, and earth faults. Electric arcs in cables, loose connections and failure or incorrect selection of protection devices also pose significant risks. Additional causes include improper cable selection, mismatched lighting components, misuse of extension cords for heavy loads, and outdated or damaged equipment. Overvoltages, inadequate earthing design, and lack of proper testing or verification further contribute to these hazards.

Role of adequate earthing/ grounding

Grounding/earthing means connecting to the general mass of the earth. Grounding is so widespread in an electric system that earth connections are made at practically every point in the system, from the generators to the consumers' equipment.

There are two types of grounding: Neutral grounding and General (equipment) grounding.

The objectives of the general grounding system