Fire incidents remain a significant concern, claiming lives and destroying assets worth crores every year. Electrical faults, in particular, play a major role in these incidents. According to the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defense, 36.82% of fire incidents in 2022 were caused by electrical issues. Mismanagement in wiring and the use of substandard materials frequently lead to such catastrophes. Addressing these problems requires a systematic approach to ensure safety in households.

The importance of load forecasting

One of the primary causes of electrical fires is the failure to manage load capacity effectively. Overloading electrical panels beyond safe limits leads to overheating, which can cause fires. Proper load management involves limiting continuous loads to about 80% of the panel's capacity to maintain safety margins. However, this practice is often overlooked.

In addition, poorly executed connections and inadequate insulation exacerbate risks. Over time, such deficiencies can result in melted wires or sparks, increasing the likelihood of fire outbreaks.

Risks of cheap-grade wiring

Electrical wiring is the backbone of any system, but the lack of regulatory oversight in production often results in low-quality cables flooding the market. These substandard materials are prone to short circuits and excessive heat generation, even under normal conditions.

Clients sometimes choose low-cost wiring to save on expenses, further compromising safety. To address this issue, consumers must prioritise quality over cost when purchasing cables. High-quality Flame Retardant (FR) cables, for example, provide additional safety by resisting fire hazards and should be used in wiring systems.

Other electrical components, such as extension cords, circuit breakers, and switches, should also be of good quality to ensure the system's reliability and safety.

Overloaded and outdated systems

The risks posed by overloaded and outdated systems cannot be overstated. Excessive use of inverters, poorly managed junctions, and improper installations contribute to a significant number of electrical fires. Regular maintenance and upgrades by qualified professionals are necessary to keep systems safe.

Furthermore, old buildings often undergo functional changes, such as being converted into industrial facilities, without proper adherence to safety guidelines. These repurposed spaces require thorough inspections and updated wiring systems to accommodate increased electrical loads safely.

Bridging regulatory gaps

While building codes and electrical safety laws exist, enforcement remains weak. Many construction projects neglect electrical safety, focusing only on structural and architectural compliance. This gap in regulations leaves electrical systems vulnerable to faults and increases the risk of accidents.

Routine inspections of electrical systems, which should be conducted every three months, are rarely carried out. Strengthening regulatory measures and enforcing regular checks are essential steps in safeguarding homes and businesses.

Raising awareness and promoting training

Public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in encouraging homeowners to prioritise electrical safety. Education on the importance of using certified professionals and high-quality materials can reduce the risks associated with faulty installations.

Training programmes for technicians should focus on equipping them with skills to meet modern safety standards. Building a network of qualified experts can help maintain safe electrical systems as electricity demands grow.