Lack of adherence to electrical safety codes impacting India’s real estate sector adversely

India needs to advocate the importance of fire-retardant materials and good quality cables said,Ms.N Priya Ravichandran, Joint Director, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service (TNFRS)at a session on ‘Electrical Safety at Residential, Commercial and Public Buildings’hosted byInternational Copper Association (ICA)India yesterday.

“We, as a community, need to advocate the importance of fire-retardant materials and good quality cables.This technical session is an eye opener for all the stakeholders and to reiterate the importance of safety & quality vis-à-vis cost,”she said.

“With India joining the league of fastest developing nations globally, the real estate sector has witnessed a rising demand. Last year around 40 million square feet were delivered in the country,and it is expected to deliver 46 million square feet this year.

It is estimated that the country will have a 40% market share in the next 2-3 years. Lack of adherence to electrical safety codes have marred this expansion. These limitations not only result in energy loss but have also caused 56% of all fateful electrical accidents,”said Mr. Amol Kalsekar, Chief Manager, International Copper Association. The session, third in the series, was held in association with Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) and supported by Builders Association of India - Southern Centre (BAI).