PANAJI
The Electricity Department has appealed consumers to adhere to regulations governing the installation of power generating units or face legal action as it issued an advisory in view of electrocution cases in the recent past.
To address this urgent issue, the Department has cited regulations 4.15 to 4.19 of the Supply Code 2018, officially notified on February 21, 2019.
The advisory states it is imperative that consumers who have installed such power generating units without Department’s permission take immediate action to disconnect these devices.
Reconnection should only occur after the installation of isolating devices capable of effectively isolating Departmental mains, including the neutral line, in compliance with the Regulations.
This process must be undertaken with the assistance of a State authorized licensed Electrical Contractor, and all necessary technical and operational details must be submitted promptly.
The Department emphasizes that failure to comply with these directives will hold consumers accountable for any damage caused to Department apparatus or human life, as outlined in Regulation 4.19. Any subsequent modifications made after notifying the Department must be promptly communicated for inspection and approval.
Consumers who have installed power generating devices without informing the Department or obtaining permission are urged to immediately disconnect and isolate these units from their internal wiring connected to the Department's system.
It is crucial that adequate isolating devices are installed by State licensed electrical contractors to ensure the safe operation of these power generating units.
Furthermore, consumers must submit a test report detailing the connection of the generating device with internal wiring to the jurisdictional Division/Sub-division for inspection and permission for equipment usage.
Unauthorized connection of generating devices will result in consumers being held fully responsible for any damage to Departmental infrastructure or loss of life, subjecting them to civil and criminal prosecution.
It may be recalled that the 'back field' power transmitted from a inverter of 'Fitness Factory' had charged the neutral wire which eventually electrocuted a linesman at Bicholim.
