ICAI organizes session on Revised ‘National Electrical Code India 2011’ in Delhi

International Copper Association India (ICAI) in support with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) organized a special session on the Revised ‘National Electrical Code India’ in Delhi. The objective of this seminar was to develop Electrical Safety amongst key constituents of building industry and industry stakeholders, through a nationwide awareness campaign which was accomplished successfully with this last session in Delhi.

The seminar was inaugurated by Mr. A.P. Joshi, ADG (Border) Central Public Works Department along with other industry experts like Mr. Anil Kumar, Former DG, Central Public Works Department, Mr. Dinesh Kumar, E-n-C, Central Public Works Department Delhi, Mr. M.C. Chauhan Advisor, Railway Electrification, Mr. Sandeep Mehta, Chief Engineer, DDA.The event was attended by over 100 professionals including electrical engineers, Electrical Consultants, A grade Electrical Contractors, designers, manufacturing associations, policy makers, technical officers across various industrial sectors.

Currently, Delhi is facing a constant problem of power crisis hampering the commercial and residential areas in the city. Additionally, there are a lot of places wherein the wiring is unfinished without proper wiring infrastructure that poses as a threat to property and lives of the people in those areas including offices, educational institutes and hospitals etc. The city suffers from frequent power blackouts and high electricity bills thereby causing disturbance in routine life of the consumers. With the rising demand for electricity and due to the increase in residential properties, schools, commercial spaces it is essential to have an indestructible flow of power supply for Delhi.

Electricity being one of the essential commodities, if uncontrolled can also be a serious threat of injury to persons or live stocks, or damage to properties by fire. Thus rules & regulations have been framed to ensure that all electrical installations provide adequate degree of safety from fire and shock risks, to those who operate installations and their associated apparatus, equipment’s and machines. It is important that every individual involved in design and construction of electrical installation must be familiar with the principle set of regulations issued by Bureau of Indian Standards for Electrical Installation, commonly known as ‘National Electrical code of India’.

Sanjeev Ranjan, Managing Director, ICAI said, “Delhi represents India at a global level and also houses several institutions of national and regional importance. Considering the stature and responsibility it holds with this position, the city’s infrastructure and development needs to be of futuristic level. We are thankful to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for their unwavering support in the NEC nationwide campaign, which has helped us underline the utmost priority to give attention to the Electrical Safety. The National Electrical Code of India issued by BIS has undergone revision considering changes in technology, practices and the pattern of usage of electricity in India. It is necessary to move the NEC standards from voluntary to mandatory which will further help in creating a verification process of the electrical installations and designs to avoid any fire incidents and loss to property and lives.”

He further added, “These provisions are expected to serve as adoption model to keep the electrical installation and right wiring practice at par with the best practices in the world. Therefore each individual involved in design and construction of electrical installation must be aware with the standard set of regulations. In our attempt to improve electrical safety in India we were able to reach out to the electrical engineers and utilities and impart them with latest provisions in the revised National Electrical Code of India 2011.”

Mr. A.P. Joshi, ADG (Border) Central Public Works Department said, “Delhi is the largest urban agglomeration in India by land area and population. Being at the forefront of the country’s development plan, it is imperative to have basic electrical installation in place which will further improve the power quality. Keeping this in mind, it’s important for the consultants dealing with electrical installation to understand the ground safety rules and regulations while installing electricals to avoid any kind of accident and enable a continuous flow of electricity. This is a commendable initiative by ICAI along with other industry experts to reach out to consultants, urging them to adopt the updated version of the code.”

This session mainly concentrated on the key provisions in Revised National Electrical code of India 2011 followed by standard good practices in Electrical Wiring System, Earthing of Electrical Installation, Lightning Protection of Electrical Installation and Electrical Safety in Special Buildings.

ICAI and BIS together successfully organised these seminars in over 15 cities across India with an aim to provide new thrust to standardization and quality control while installing, handling, repairing or working on electrical installations. The sessions also highlighted various topics like reducing any threats due to electricity and prevent property damage. They addressed over 1300 industry professionals in order to increase the awareness on best practices in electrical wiring and improving electrical safety.