There are
only two dynamic forces in a building, electricity and water. Since
both of these applications are concealed, they remain ‘out of sight and
therefore ‘out of mind'. Improper wiring can prove to be hazardous to
life and property.
It is observed that majority of fires and
resulting fatalities are caused due to faulty electrical wiring and
unsafe electrical installations in homes. Unsafe conditions, such as
overloaded circuits, absence of grounding wire, misuse of extensions
cords etc cause fire and shock injuries.
The following are some of the causes for fires or short-circuit
Electrical
wiring made of pure copper has low resistance and high current carrying
capacity. This enables it to withstand heavy electrical loads with
ease. Which is why using pure copper wires while planning electric
circuit is a must.
Key steps to ensure Safe wiring & Safer homes
Selection of Cables
Highlights of National Building Code
Only Copper Wiring
Use of Minimum1.5 Sq.mm wiring
Use of minimum 4.0 Sq.mm for power circuits
Use multi-stranded copper wires for greater strength and flexibility.
Use
copper wires made of pure copper (electrolytic) only for optimum
current carrying capacity. You can ensure this by buying cables of
reputed brands that are ISI marked.
Well Planned Points
Ensure that you plan for adequate number of plug points for now and for the future to avoid overloading of circuits.
Derating
Concealed
electrical wiring reduces the heat dissipation, leading to heating of
wires and increased resistance and reduced current carrying capacity.
This can lead to overloading and short circuit due to burning of the
insulation. Derating is the correct way to compensate for the reduction
in the current carrying capacity of the wire by increasing the size of
the wire.
Independent Circuits
Ensure independent circuits for each room
Keep higher load gadgets like AC's, Geysers, Heaters, Irons etc in separate circuits.
Isolate each major circuit and connect it to a miniature circuit breaker (MCB)
Circuits should be further sub-distributed for each room
Earthing
Follow right earthing practices to avoid electrical shocks
Use Copper wires, plates and rods for earthing, as galvanized iron plates and rods tend to corrode and disintegrate
Click below for videos on Best House Wiring Practices
Important Links
For Global Information on developments in Building Wire technology click here
ICPCI endeavors
to raise concern on safe wiring issues by conducting various promotion
programs among homeowners on Safe housewiring practices in association
with organisations such as the Fire Brigade Services, Loss Prevention
Association, Consumer Education Research Centre amongst others conducts
awareness programs. ICPCI has till date reached out to more 100,000
electricians and contractors, educating them on the best house wiring
practices. We have also created a film on "Safe Wiring and Installation
Practices" which is screened during our seminars and is available in 9
regional languages. watch video
