The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has issued a safety advisory urging the public to take precautions against electrical accidents during the northeast monsoon.In a press release on Monday, G. Santhanayagi, Superintending Engineer, Coimbatore Electricity Distribution Circle (Metro), advised people not to approach or touch snapped power lines, damaged electricity poles or sagging wires.
Such hazards should be reported to the nearest electricity board office or Minnagam, the 24-hour consumer service centre, at 94987 94987.Residents should stay away from transformers, electricity poles and distribution boxes, particularly when water has accumulated around them. They should not attempt to remove fallen tree branches from power lines or cut branches near overhead wires themselves.The advisory also urges people to avoid using electrical appliances during thunderstorms and lightning and to refrain from touching switches or appliances with wet hands or bare feet.
Proper earthing should be ensured for household electrical equipment. Installing a 30 mA residual current circuit breaker (RCCB/RCD) at the main switchboard can help prevent accidents caused by electrical leakage.The public have been advised against tying cattle to electricity poles, drying clothes on stay wires or carrying long metal objects near power lines.
Construction near overhead power lines should be undertaken with adequate clearance, while electrical wiring work should be carried out only by licensed contractors.In the event of an electrical fire, the main power supply should be switched off immediately. Water should not be used to extinguish it.