APDCL fences off transformers
The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has started fencing off 261 transformers and taking other safety measures on 23rd October 2013. in Guwahati to prevent any electrical accidents and ensure public safety, according to The Telegraph, Calcutta, India.
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The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has started fencing off 261 transformers and taking other safety measures in Guwahati to prevent any electrical accidents and ensure public safety, according to The Telegraph, Calcutta, India.
There are 4,469 distribution transformers in two electrical circles – Guwahati Electrical Circle-I and Guwahati Electrical Circle-II.
“The fencing off started on September 18 and we hope to complete the first phase (261 transformers) within this month,” said the APDCL spokesperson Chandra Mudoi. Mudoi recently said that the transformers in the city’s busy and flash flood-prone areas have been identified while safety measures for rests would be carried out phase-wise.
Mudoi said that apart from fencing off, the height of some of the transformers was being increased to prevent accidents. “We are using concrete materials and galvanised iron wires this time to prevent theft. We are also renewing the earthing system, where necessary, and are using armoured cables for safety. Protective fencing off will help us keep people away from the transformers and thereby prevent accidents,” he said.
However, the APDCL is facing space problem as people are opposing to the fencing off in some areas. Another senior APDCL official said: “We are fencing off for the safety of people as transformers are situated close to footpaths, culverts and markets but in some areas people are unwilling to vacate the space that needs to be fenced off. We had to take police to help in Birubari as a person was opposing it. We are facing similar problems in Uzan Bazar, Panbazar and some other places.”
Thought the absence of a gang switch in the transformers was one of the important observations of the survey, the APDCL official said safety could also be maintained without the gang switch. He claimed: “Gang switch is for disconnecting power supply during repair. But we have a fuse on top of each transformer, which we can use to disconnect power supply while carrying out any repair. Besides, installation of a gang switch will cost us around Rs 30,000 and we have to keep the cost factor in mind too.”
Source: The Telegraph, Calcutta, India
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