Addressing India’s electrical fire risks

Source: The post “Addressing India’s electrical fire risks” has been created, based on “Addressing India’s electrical fire risks” published in “The Hindu” on 13th May 2026.

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Context: Electrical fires are emerging as a major urban safety challenge in India due to rising electricity demand, rapid urbanisation, and ageing electrical infrastructure. The Vivek Vihar fire incident in Delhi in May 2026, which caused multiple deaths, highlighted the growing dangers associated with electrical faults and overloaded systems. Increasing use of air-conditioners and high-power appliances has further intensified pressure on residential electrical systems.

Rising Electrical Fire Risks in India

1. Delhi Fire Service attributes over 80 per cent of fires in the capital to electrical faults.
2. Mumbai Fire Brigade analysis also attributes nearly three-fourths of fire incidents to electrical causes.
3. NCRB data recorded 7,566 fire accident deaths in 2022, with electrical short circuits emerging as one of the largest causes.
4. India recorded a peak electricity demand of 256 GW in April 2026 due to extreme heat conditions.
5. Rapid growth in air-conditioner usage is increasing household electrical load significantly.
6. The International Energy Agency estimates that AC units in India may rise from 93 million in 2024 to around 240 million by 2030.

Causes of Electrical Fires

1. Ageing Electrical Infrastructure

1. Many houses still use decades-old wiring systems not designed for modern electrical loads.
2. Older buildings often have low-quality installation systems and poor maintenance.
3. Existing wiring systems are unable to safely handle appliances such as ACs, geysers, EV chargers, and induction stoves.

2. Overloading Due to Air-conditioners

1. Air-conditioners are among the heaviest electrical loads in households.
2. Simultaneous usage during heatwaves sharply increases electricity demand.
3. ACs are often connected to circuits shared with other heavy appliances, increasing overheating risks.

3. Faulty Electrical Components

1. Counterfeit wires, low-quality breakers, and poor switchboards increase chances of short circuits.
2. Loose or oxidised electrical connections generate excessive heat.
3. Parallel and series arc faults can trigger fires before standard breakers trip.

4. Harmonics and Power Quality Issues

1. Modern appliances such as LED drivers, inverter systems, EV chargers, and variable-frequency devices generate harmonic distortions.
2. These distortions increase heating in neutral conductors and wiring systems.
3. Poor earthing and loose joints further increase ignition risks.

5. Weak Inspection and Maintenance Systems

1. India lacks periodic mandatory inspection of residential electrical installations.
2. Preventive maintenance practices remain weak, especially in older residential buildings.
3. Thermal scans and professional safety audits are rarely conducted.

6. Inadequate Forensic Investigation

1. India faces a shortage of trained fire-forensic experts and electrical investigators.
2. Lack of detailed root-cause analysis limits institutional learning from major fire incidents.

Lessons for India’s Electrical Safety Framework

1. Strengthening Safety Standards: India has already published standards such as IS 302-3 (National Electrical Code) and NBC 2016 Part 4. However, implementation and enforcement remain weak.
2. Adoption of Advanced Protection Systems: Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) can identify dangerous arc faults before fires occur. Such systems are widely used in advanced economies but remain largely absent in Indian homes.
3. Importance of Preventive Inspection: Countries like Japan and South Korea mandate periodic inspection of electrical installations. Similar models can improve early identification of safety hazards in India.
4. Need for Consumer Awareness: Consumers should insist on ISI-marked wiring, breakers, and stabilisers. Immediate attention should be given to flickering lights, burning smells, and overheating sockets. Regular servicing of ACs and thermographic scans can reduce fire risks.

Way Forward

1. Mandatory Periodic Safety Audits

1. Periodic inspection of residential and commercial electrical systems should be made compulsory.
2. Older buildings must undergo special electrical safety certification.

2. Upgrading Electrical Infrastructure

1. Ageing wiring and overloaded circuits should be replaced with modern fire-resistant systems.
2. Dedicated circuits should be installed for high-load appliances such as ACs and EV chargers.

3. Adoption of Advanced Technologies

1. Arc Fault Detection Devices and harmonic monitoring systems should be promoted.
2. Smart electrical monitoring systems can help detect overheating and abnormal current patterns.

4. Stronger Regulation and Enforcement

1. Strict enforcement of National Electrical Code standards is necessary.
2. Use of counterfeit electrical products should be curbed through stronger market surveillance.

5. Capacity Building in Fire Forensics

1. India should develop specialised electrical fire forensic units.
2. Better investigation mechanisms will improve accountability and policy response.

6. Public Awareness and Training

1. Awareness campaigns should educate citizens on safe electrical practices.
2. Resident Welfare Associations and local bodies should conduct regular safety drives.

7. Integration with Urban Planning

1. Electrical safety should be integrated into urban housing policies and building approvals.
2. Fire safety compliance should become mandatory for residential and commercial complexes.

Conclusion: Rising electricity demand and ageing infrastructure have significantly increased electrical fire risks in India. Strengthening safety standards, improving inspections, and modernising electrical systems are essential to prevent future tragedies. A preventive and technology-driven electrical safety framework is necessary for safer urbanisation and sustainable growth.

Question: “Rising electricity consumption, ageing infrastructure, and poor electrical safety standards have increased the risk of electrical fires in India.” Examine the causes of electrical fires and suggest measures to improve electrical safety in India.

Source: The Hindu