Tamil Nadu has more than 3 crore electricity connections under categories including home, business and industry. The electricity required for this is generated and distributed through thermal, wind, solar etc. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu was experiencing a large number of electrical accidents.
Hence it is mandatory to install RCD device for those who get new or temporary electricity connection. However, it is said that it is not properly followed in a few places. After this, the power board has instructed the employees to ensure that the relevant equipment is installed.
In the circular sent by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board to all Chief Engineers etc., “According to the rules of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission, it has been advised that those who get new or temporary electricity connections should install RCD (RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE).
Therefore, all Divisional Officers are hereby directed to ensure that the applicants install RCDs as per the norms of the Regulatory Authority. Among the safety features, installation of RCD is mandatory before activating the distribution. And this matter will be closely monitored.”
We inquired about this at the power board. Some of the Chief Engineers who spoke to us said, “Electrical accidents are a regular occurrence in Tamilnadu. Especially in AC, refrigerator, TV set etc., electrical leakage occurs from time to time in the house. This sometimes results in fatalities. Many times the related devices become unusable.
That is why the Electricity Board has now decided to seriously monitor that new electricity connection recipients should install RCD devices. Once this device is installed it will ensure that electricity is supplied only at a steady level. Then accidents will be prevented,” he said.