When it comes to the wire and cable industry, safety is uncompromising and a critical aspect for many brands of repute, notes Hemant Gadhave.
While the wire and cable market is congested with many unorganized sector firms. It has been observed that manufacturers in the unorganized sector use subpar materials with insufficient as well as poorer copper conductivity. The small amount of copper in these poor conductivity wires will also increase the end user’s power consumption and result in conductor heating when they are used for work. Because the low-quality insulations cannot withstand this temperature, the insulation breaks down, posing an electrical or fire hazard.
According to research, it is the toxic gases emitted during the burning of the insulating material that cause casualties in a short-circuit-induced fire, not the fire itself. Clearly, these inferior materials prove to be fatal in the event of an unintentional fire. When dealing with cables and wires the following protocols should be followed:
Graded Products: To ensure additional safety, consumers can look out for products with the “S-Mark” product safety certification from the Standardization, Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate. Goods must comply with the International Electro-technical Commission’s (IEC) rules in order to meet applicable safety requirements. The presence of the SAFETY Mark also signifies the presence of internal safeguards against fire and electrical hazards. When purchasing wires and cables, one can keep an eye out for these markings.
Consumer Awareness: Consumers lack technical knowledge, particularly with relation to items such as cables. Consumers must understand and be aware of these standards, and at the same time, reputable businesses must also continue to manufacture goods with user safety and ensure that user safety comes first.
Adhering to installation practices: Correct wire and cable installation by the end user is also critical. A wire installation guideline (IS732: Code Of Practice For Electrical Wiring Installations) exists, and it should be followed throughout installation. For wire laying via conduit, the proper size must be utilized while ensuring generous usage of wires. The appropriate size of conduit is critical because it provides the most area for heat dissipation. If heat dissipation is insufficient, it (heat) will deteriorate the insulation over time, posing a fire/electrical hazard.
Wiring inspections: Connection of wire is another important factor. Loose connection will generate spark and due to spark temperature will rise. Over a period, this temperature rise will deteriorate insulation and further lead to fire/electrical hazard. It is important to ensure that no loose connections must be made during installation. As a result, excellent installation practices are critical for maintaining the health of the wire system. Checking for loose wiring is an additional step that should be followed, especially during installation of new appliances.
In terms of product advancements, there have been several improvements in product with regard to consumer safety. Flame Retardant (FR), Flame Retardant Low Smoke and Halogen (FR-LSH), and Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) are new fire retardants designed with human safety in mind.
Currently, the wire and cable sector is undergoing several advancements in order to fulfill the changing needs of its customers.
About the author: Hemant Gadhave is Senior Vice President Business at Panasonic Life Solutions India.
