Fire risks in electrical installations: the review

Abstract

In India, fire poses a significant risk to a variety of industries. Media outlets across the nation report on fires virtually every day. Not only these fires result in the loss of numerous lives and injury to a large number of people, but they also caused extensive property damage. During the past two decades, India's construction industry has flourished, notably for highrise structures. As a result of their special character, fires in residential structures, particularly high-rise buildings, become more complicated and salvaging activities more difficult, sometimes resulting in a large number of fatalities and substantial property losses. The scenario has become more complex due to the fast modernization of Indian industry. A fire is a mishap may at times result in loss of life and property. We have strong regulatory measures, standards, good material specifications and national building construction codes. However, we are facing fire accidents on regular basis. After the investigation fire authorities are concluded that 80% of fire accidents happened due to electric short-circuits. Fire safety norms mandated by National Building code (Ref Indian National Building code 2016 part 4) is not given any significance of fire loads related to electrical installation and its components. More over National building code given lesser importance to the quality aspects of materials and components which can play a significance role of origination of fire accidents. The National building code considering only fire load related to cable and insulation failures. During my recent survey and analysis of few fire accidents pointing out that the failure in the electrical components and equipment’s are related to the appliances are the major cause of fire. This review intends to understand the gap in the existing system and extend to further studies to find out a proper solution.