Guidelines issued to avoid electrical accidents during monsoon rain in Salem

The Tamil Nadu Electrical Inspectorate (TNEI) department issued guidelines to the public to avoid electrical accidents considering the ongoing monsoon rain.

Salem Electrical Inspector P. Jeyaprabha said that considering the monsoon rain, all the electrical work should be done only by qualified licensed electrical contractors and only ISI-marked electrical appliances, cables, and wires should be used. The electrical installation should be tested for insulation strength and replaced if required.

Do not carry cable TV wires near the OH electrical lines. Install switches and plug sockets, at an accessible height and away from the approach of children. Provide and maintain earth electrodes properly to earth metallic body of electrical appliances. Periodically test the electrical installation for insulation strength and replace if required. Avoid using stay wires and electrical fixtures as poles or support to tie wire ropes to dry wet clothes. Do not go near or touch the transformers, pillar boxes, electrical poles, stay wires and fencing. Do not nail on the wall where concealed PVC conduit wiring is done, Ms. Jeyaprabha added.

Instructing that electrical poles should not be used as support for pandals or displaying advertisement boards, the electrical inspector said that if any snapped electrical conductor is noticed, inform the electricity board official and not to touch or go near them. Make sure that there is easy access to switch off the supply source quickly in case of an emergency. Do not use electrical appliances and phones during lightning or thunder. Do not stand near open windows or doors during thunder or lightning. Do not go near the pillar box when rainwater gets stagnated and inform the nearby Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) office immediately, she said.

If there is thunder or lightning, seek shelter immediately. Move to a large, sturdy building or to metal-topped vehicles such as cars or buses. Do not take shelter under isolated trees or isolated huts and tents. If no shelter is nearby, find a low spot away from trees, power lines and poles, and metal fences. Make sure outdoor electrical outlets in the balcony area or terrace are the weatherproof type, Ms. Jeyaprabha added.