EFAopines major electrical reformation in India
Guwahati:Engineers’ Forum Assam (EFA) expresses concern over the deaths of manyindividuals due to electrocution in the country and opines for a debate tochange the working domestic voltages from 240 (alternate current with 50 hertz)to 120 (or even lower in volt differences). Accordingto the media reports, Assam lost 979 human lives due to electrocution since2001-02, where the highest number of electrocution casualties (88) was recordedin 2016-17. More shockingly Assam witnessed 57 electrocution related deaths inthe last four months (April, May, June and July 2017). “Thestatistics relating to electrocution deaths in the State remain appalling. Webelieve a debate becomes a necessity over the layout of the live wires, itstimely maintenance, public awareness over the use of electrical appliancesacross the country,” said a statement issued by the forum of qualifiedengineers. Itadded that the use of bamboo or other living trees to carry out the electricalwires should (must) be stopped and the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd must replace all such temporarypoles across the State with prescribed posts. Theforum also insists on using proper fuse wires (or other protectivearrangements) as a precautionary measure in all electrical systems. Replacingfuse wires with other heavy cables in high voltage electrical appliances isnothing but inviting a disaster, vows the EFA statement. “FinallyIndia should debate whether 110/120 voltmay be an adoptable option in place of present 220/240 volt to reduce the fatality of the system. At least thedeveloped nations like USA, UK and even our Asian friend Japan use lower voltlines to decrease the risk factors,” stated the forum. Otherwise,two live/phase with one neutral arrangement can be adopted where the customersmay opt for single phase line to use in lighting (preferably with LED bulbs),digital screening of television, computer, mobile phones etc and low watt fans.Others, who prefer heavy electrical appliances, may go for multi-phase supplylines. “Weunderstand that it would be a major policy shift for a country like Indiainvolving a huge volume of resources. But if the authority wants to put theweight in favour of human lives, it must actively debate over the matter for anamicable resolutions,” concluded the forum.
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