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New Delhi 19 November 2009

Press Release

ELCB – A small price to pay for safety and peace of mind

Now mandatory for all New electricity Connections of 5 kW and above

• Installation of ELCB is mandatory under Section 61 A of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956
• DERC has directed discoms to ensure compliance to the IER, 1956
• ELCB now a pre requisite for all new connections of 5 kW and above with immediate effect
• All existing consumers having a load of 5 kW and above are advised to install ELCB
• ELCB has many benefits (i) Detects “current to earth” (earth leakage) (ii) Prevents shocks and accidents, (iii) Detects inter-mixing of wires and (iv) Checks wastage of electricity
• Cities in Europe and other developed countries have 100% compliance to ELCB’s
• In India, cities like Mumbai and Bangalore too have near 100% compliance to ELCB’s
• BSES appeals to its consumers to have an ELCB installed as soon as possible

We cannot imagine life without electricity. From mundane activities like making toasts to washing and ironing clothes, to entertainment, our dependence on electricity is increasing by the day. But in case of an earth leakage, this very electricity may turn simple everyday appliances into objects of dread – giving electric shocks, causing serious bodily injury, which sometimes can be fatal.

These shocks and mishaps can be avoided by installing an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB). This simple yet a very useful device detects even a small “current to earth” (earth leakage) in one’s premises, automatically tripping and disconnecting the electricity supply to the premises / equipment, thus preventing serious mishaps.

Another useful benefit of installing an ELCB is that it also detects faulty and inter-mixing of internal wiring. On detection, the ELCB immediately trips, thus preventing potential wastage of electricity and accidents.

Under Section 61 A of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956, it is mandatory for all consumers, having an electricity load of 5 kW* and above, to have an ELCB installed at their premises.

DERC in its latest order has directed the Delhi discoms to ensure strict adherence to Section 61 A of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 and make the installation of an ELCB mandatory and a pre requisite for providing a new connection with immediate effect. “This means that with immediate effect, a consumer taking a new electricity connection will necessarily have to install an ELCB before his meter can be installed and energised”, said a BSES official.

“Over the next few days, in compliance with the DERC directive RPL in South and West Delhi and YPL in East and Central Delhi will be issuing a formal time frame for existing consumers as well to have an ELCB installed”, said a company spokesperson.

“Statutory requirement and the safety benefits of installing an ELCB is commonplace in Europe and other developed countries, even in Mumbai and Bangaluru the installation of ELCBs in premises has been popular for decades. We urge our customers – especially those having or wanting to apply for loads of 5 kW and above, to immediately get in touch with their local electrician and have an ELCB installed. This is a very small price to pay for safety and peace of mind”, said YPL CEO, Mr Ramesh Narayanan.

* 1 kW = 1000 Watts

Calculation of a typical 5 kW load

Appliances	Load (Watts)*	Quantity	Total Watt
Refrigerator (165 Ltr)	150	1	150
Window Air Conditioner (1.5 Ton)	2000	1	2000
Cooler Medium Size	200	1	200
Table Fan/ Ceiling Fan	80	4
Exhaust Fan	150	1	150
Bulb	100	5	500
Tube Light (With Choke)	52	4	208
Washing Machine	500	1	500
Colour TV	150	1	150
Pump Motor (1 H.P)	740	1	740
Total			5033

BSES, Delhi’s premier power distribution company, is committed to ensuring quality and reliable electricity supply to all its consumers.

For further information please contact:

Prashant Dua	Chandra P Kamat
Corporate Communications	Corporate Communications
39999870 / 9312007822	39999642/9350130304