Did you know your home is safe from fires due to electrical insulation? It is a crucial element of every house but least visible and the most ignored one. It may not be the most glamorous feature of your house but plays a major role in safeguarding your house and loved ones from devastating effect of electrical short circuits as well as EMF.
Fires caused by electrical faults are not only distressing but also rank among the most common and devastating types of residential fires. According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 3,375 fire incidents were reported in the past two years due to electrical short circuits.
According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, 70%-80% of the fires were caused due to electrical short circuits.
This is where electrical insulation acts as a silent guardian, working diligently to prevent electrical fires and protect us. By understanding the critical role of electrical insulation and implementing proactive measures, homeowners can reduce the risk of electrical fires, protecting their family and property.
See also: How to ground electrical wires?
Electrical insulation
Imagine your electrical wires are like cars on a highway, carrying electricity instead of passengers. Now, just as cars need lanes to stay in and avoid crashes, electrical wires need insulation to keep their electric ‘traffic’ flow smooth and safe.
Electrical insulation is like the guardrail along the highway, providing a protective barrier around the electrical conductors like wires and cables. It’s made up of materials like rubber or plastic that don’t conduct electricity. This insulation keeps the electric current contained within wires, preventing them from straying where it shouldn’t and safeguarding them from sparks or fires.
Good electrical insulation acts as a superhero for your wires, keeping them safe and preventing electrical mishaps.
Leading causes of electrical hazards
Inferior quality or damaged electrical insulation can lead to fires. Over the time, insulators can deteriorate, become brittle, or develop cracks, which results into exposed conductors. This can result in short circuits and electrical arcing, which generate excessive heat and can ignite surrounding materials. When electrical appliances like air conditioners, coolers, and fans are heavily used, the risk of fires increases manifold. With the arrival of monsoon season, the risk amplifies even further.
During prolonged use of electrical wires, an inferior quality insulator emits toxic gasses and volatile organic content (VOC). The gasses and VOC coming out into the environment may cause critical diseases like cancer, asthma, etc.
Identifying potential insulation issues
Schedule regular inspections with a qualified electrician to assess the condition of your electrical insulation. Inspect visible wirings in your home for signs of damage, such as frayed or exposed wires, cracked insulation, or burn marks. Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses can be a sign of problem. If you experience these issues, consult an electrician to investigate the cause and make necessary repairs.
Usage of green earthing wires
Green earthing wires, commonly referred to as grounding wires, play a vital role in electrical safety. These wires provide a direct path for electrical currents to flow into the ground, preventing the build-up of excess electricity and reducing the risk of electrical fires. Ensure that your home’s electrical system is properly grounded with the green earthing wires. Consult a qualified electrician to understand the grounding system in your home and make necessary adjustments.
Switchgears on duty
Switchgears are an essential part of electrical systems, serving as devices that control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. Investing in high-quality switchgears can be a game-changer when it comes to human safety and fire prevention. These specialised products enhance insulation and incorporate advanced safety features like earth leakage detection, and arc-fault detection. This technology plays a crucial role in identifying and responding to hazardous electrical arcing, one of the leading causes of electrical fires.
RCCB to rescue
Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) are essential for safeguarding against ground faults and leakage currents. They come with several advanced features to ensure maximum protection and safety. First, the Real Trip Indicator provides a clear and accurate indication when the RCCB trips due to an earth leakage/earth fault in the circuit, allowing for quick identification and resolution of issues. The Locked Knob feature enhances safety by enabling the unit to be securely ‘locked off’ during maintenance and ‘locked on’ for critical loads, preventing accidental operation. RCCBs also offer robust protection from current leakage, reducing the risks of fire incidents and electrocution caused by poorly insulated apparatus or faulty wires.
Further, the Cooler Operation design features a special depression that forms a tunnel when units are installed next to each other, facilitating faster expulsion of hot air and maintaining a low body temperature. Importantly, RCCBs operate well irrespective of supply voltage, thanks to their electromechanical design, ensuring continuous protection against earth leakages and faults under varying voltage conditions.
Conduit chronicles
When it comes to protecting your electrical wiring, uPVC conduits and fittings are the top choice. Conduits are built to last long, with high impact resistance and zero corrosion, ensuring they stay reliable for years. They’re also immune to fungal attacks and can handle extreme temperatures from -50°C to 60°C, making them versatile for different environments. The fittings feature brass insertions for added strength and durability. The smooth interior of these conduits makes it easy to pull wires, saving time and effort during installation. In short, uPVC conduits and fittings provide a durable, efficient, and hassle-free solution for keeping your electrical wiring safe.
Electrical fires can be dangerous, but by prioritising electrical insulation, you can protect your home and loved ones. Understanding the importance of electrical insulation and taking appropriate steps can greatly reduce the risk of fires. Invest in quality insulation, maintain your electrical system, and consult professionals to ensure that it meets the required safety standards. By embracing insulation, you can enjoy as you have taken steps to keep your home safe. Don’t wait until it’s too late – make electrical insulation a priority.
—The author is executive president and chief business officer (Power BU and FMEG) at Polycab India.
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