Over the last few months, about ten incidents of electric vehicles going up in flames have been reported in West Godavari, NTR and other districts in the state, according to The Hindu.
Nine persons were killed when a fire broke out in an electric vehicle godown in Secunderabad a few days ago.
“All electric charging stations should be designed, installed and certified as per the safety norms.” Director of Electrical Safety G. Vijayalakshmi told The Hindu.
Adherence to safety norms could prevent fire accidents in electric vehicle showrooms and at houses of EV owners and avoid further risks of electrocution and injuries. Protective gears should be put in place and standard equipment used to charge the vehicles.
“Showroom and vehicle owners should follow international standards. In a few cases, the vehicle owners are using substandard sockets, chargers and other equipment, besides overcharging the vehicles,” Ms. Vijayalakshmi, who is also the Chief Electrical Inspector, stated. “Adaptors should not be used. Portable sockets should also not be used to charge vehicles.”
In addition, precautions should be taken while charging the vehicles. Such as ensuring there was no overloading of input and output devices. Each charging station should be tested and checked by the electrical inspector or an electrical safety engineer before being put available to use.
Moreover, owners should ensure that the vehicles are parked five meters away from the charging points. Suitable lightning protection system should also be put in place and charging points be equipped with a device to check uncontrolled reverse power flow from the vehicle.
Reiterating the need for proper earthing, firefighting, fire detection, alarm and control systems should be provided as per relevant Indian standards at all charging stations. Owners of charging stations should also make sure to inspect the facility every year.
It is important that safety norms and standards be implemented by the industry to avoid any accident and ensure electric vehicles are safe, reliable and convenient.
