Enhancing Electrical Safety in India: Bridging the Awareness Gap

Enhancing Electrical Safety in India: Bridging the Awareness Gap 

by Ohm Engineering Works | mar 18, 2025 | Electric Company 

Introduction

Electrical safety is a critical concern in India, where rapid urbanization and increasing power demand highlight the importance of proper electrical infrastructure. While solutions to ensure electrical safety exist, a significant lack of awareness in their implementation continues to pose risks. The root cause of this issue lies in how electrical products are perceived—as commodities rather than essential safety solutions.

From MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and wires to switches, sockets, and lighting appliances, every component plays a vital role in safeguarding homes and industries. However, the selection and application of these products require expert knowledge, which is often missing in purchasing decisions.

Challenges in Electrical Safety Implementation

1. Lack of Product Application Awareness

One of the primary challenges is the absence of guidance in selecting the right electrical products. Consumers, including homeowners and businesses, often make decisions based on price rather than functionality, leading to unsafe installations.

Example: Choosing an undersized wire for a high-load application can cause overheating and fire hazards.

2. The Role of Traders and Dealers

Electrical traders and dealers act as intermediaries between manufacturers and consumers. However, many prioritize sales over technical consultation. They seldom ask critical questions about the application, environment, or load capacity, leading to misinformed purchases.

Key Issues:
✔ Lack of training for dealers on product selection.
✔ Selling based on price rather than safety and performance.
✔ No structured process to ensure end-use suitability.

3. Manufacturers’ Limited Role in Training

Manufacturers have a crucial role in educating the supply chain. However, many do not invest sufficiently in training dealers and channel partners, resulting in improper product recommendations. Technical brochures and guidelines alone are not enough—hands-on training and regular updates are necessary.

The Need for a Solution-Oriented Approach

To bridge the awareness gap and improve electrical safety in India, the industry must adopt a more solution-based approach rather than focusing solely on sales.

1. Encouraging Traders and Dealers to Ask the Right Questions

• Instead of selling generic electrical products, dealers should understand the customer’s requirements, including load calculations, environmental conditions, and safety considerations.

• If unsure, they should consult manufacturers before making recommendations.

2. Manufacturer-Led Training and Checklists

• Regular training programs for dealers, electricians, and contractors.

• Checklists for product selection to guide traders in making informed decisions.

• Technical support channels where traders can quickly verify product suitability with manufacturers.

3. Implementing Compliance Standards in Product Selection

• Mandatory certifications and standard compliance checks before sale.

• Promoting the use of ISI-marked and BIS-certified products.

• Ensuring electrical audits in commercial and residential buildings for safety compliance.

The Way Forward: A More Regulated and Educated Market

While some manufacturers have initiated awareness programs, they are not widely implemented. A more structured and mandatory approach is required to:
✅ Ensure proper training across all levels of the supply chain.
✅ Promote safe and efficient product selection based on application needs.
✅ Reduce electrical hazards, fires, and accidents caused by improper installations.

Conclusion

Electrical safety in India can be significantly improved by shifting the focus from product sales to application-based solutions. Both manufacturers and traders must take responsibility in ensuring consumers receive the right products for their needs. Awareness, education, and industry-wide collaboration will be key to creating a safer and more reliable electrical ecosystem.