Process Stability in Electrical Works Isn’t Luck—It’s Design: 

Process Stability in Electrical Works Isn’t Luck—It’s Design: Applying the 6M Framework for Quality and Safety

by Ohm Engineering Works | Jun 28, 2025 | Electric Company

In electrical installations and maintenance, performance and safety don’t just happen by accident. They are the result of deliberate design, thorough planning, and disciplined execution.

Whether you're managing a residential wiring project or a high-voltage industrial substation, adopting the 6M framework helps identify and eliminate hidden risks that silently erode quality, reliability, and compliance.

Let’s explore how this proven framework—Man, Machine, Material, Method, Measurement, and Environment—can be applied directly to electrical works for improved process stability and long-term system integrity.

 1. MAN: The Human Factor in Electrical Work

People are the foundation of any successful electrical project.

Ask yourself:

Is the electrician or technician licensed and experienced?

Are they trained in the specific equipment or installation standards (e.g., IS 732 for wiring, IS 3043 for earthing)?

Do they understand the safety risks and design intent?

Is there clarity on roles, reporting, and escalation?

⚠️ Common Failures:

Untrained labor installing panels, bypassing protective devices, or misinterpreting drawings can lead to arc flash hazards, fire risks, or fatal electrical shocks.

✅ Adopt: Periodic training, toolbox talks, and supervision during critical work stages.

2. MACHINE: Equipment Reliability and Readiness

Electrical tools, machinery, and installed systems must operate at optimal performance.

Ask yourself:

Are the tools (megger, multimeter, crimpers, etc.) calibrated and in good condition?

Are panels, breakers, relays, and switchboards tested and commissioned?

Are there any ignored alarms, unusual sounds, or overheating signs in existing equipment?

⚠️ Common Failures:

Using damaged breakers, loose busbars, or misaligned contacts in switchgear causes load interruptions or insulation failure.

✅ Adopt: Preventive maintenance schedules and equipment audit checklists.

3. MATERIAL: Quality of Components and Cabling

The quality and handling of materials directly affect installation reliability.

Ask yourself:

Are cables of the right size, voltage grade, and type (FRLS, XLPE, etc.)?

Are materials stored properly, away from heat, water, or mechanical damage?

Have materials passed visual and test inspections before use?

⚠️ Common Failures:

Using undersized cables, counterfeit breakers, or corroded terminals leads to overheating and panel failure.

✅ Adopt: Use ISI/IEC-certified materials from approved vendors. Inspect before use.

4. METHOD: Execution Process and Work Standards

Following the right process is critical in electrical work.

Ask yourself:

Are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place and followed on-site?

Is the work done as per the design drawings, safety codes, and technical standards?

Are there checks at every stage—conduit routing, cable pulling, termination, testing?

⚠️ Common Failures:

Skipping steps like earthing resistance tests or tightness checks often leads to nuisance tripping or system failure later.

✅ Adopt: A documented, stage-wise execution checklist with sign-offs.

5. MEASUREMENT: Precision in Testing and Validation

Without proper measurement, no electrical system can be truly verified as safe.

Ask yourself:

Are the insulation resistance, earth resistance, and loop impedance tests conducted with calibrated tools?

Are test results repeatable and within allowable limits?

Are reports properly documented for future audits or expansion?

⚠️ Common Failures:

Uncalibrated test kits or skipped tests may miss latent faults, causing issues during energization.

✅ Adopt: Mandatory pre- and post-installation testing protocols using traceable instruments.

 6. ENVIRONMENT: The Surroundings Matter

External factors like heat, dust, and moisture can silently degrade your installation.

Ask yourself:

Is the electrical system installed in an area with controlled temperature, dust, and moisture?

Are IP-rated enclosures used where needed (e.g., IP65 for outdoor DBs)?

Have ventilation and protection systems been considered in panel rooms?

⚠️ Common Failures:

Panels installed in humid or dusty environments without protection corrode, short-circuit, or degrade faster.

✅ Adopt: Use suitable enclosures, gland plates, filters, and proper room design for long-term reliability.

✅ Conclusion: Don’t Leave Quality to Chance

The best electrical installations don’t just meet deadlines—they stay safe, reliable, and maintainable over time. The 6M framework helps you detect weaknesses early, design with foresight, and execute with discipline.

By integrating this structured thinking into every stage—planning, procurement, installation, testing, and handover—you ensure that every wire, switch, and panel contributes to a stable and resilient system.