New Delhi, June 15: As temperatures rise, complaints about sudden power outages increase in various areas. While the first blame often falls on electricity companies, experts believe that the real cause may sometimes be the unreported additional power load being used in homes.
According to specialists, electricity distribution systems are designed with a specific capacity in mind, including some extra capacity for future needs. However, every system has its limits. When the demand for electricity in an area exceeds the approved capacity, it puts pressure on the local electricity network. This can lead to issues such as blown fuses, damaged cables, and disrupted power supply.
During summer, the use of air conditioning units in homes surges, significantly increasing electricity demand. Problems arise when residents install new air conditioners or other heavy appliances without informing the electricity company about their increased load.
For instance, if a household is approved for a 5-kilowatt electricity load, over time, they may add one or two air conditioners, geysers, microwaves, and other heavy devices. Consequently, the actual consumption can far exceed the approved limit, while the electricity company’s records remain unchanged. This sudden additional pressure on local transformers and networks can lead to blown fuses, damaged cables, and power disruptions across the area.
Experts note a significant rise in complaints about blown fuses during the summer. A major reason for this is the unbalanced load distribution in consumer meter cabins. Often, new air conditioners are connected to the same phase without checking if the load is evenly distributed across all three phases.
This imbalance can lead to excessive pressure on one phase, causing wiring to overheat, increasing the likelihood of blown fuses, and potentially disrupting power supply. It can also affect the performance and lifespan of appliances.
Electricity specialists advise, “When heavy appliances like air conditioners are not balanced across all three phases, one phase can become overloaded. This can lead to blown fuses, damaged wiring, and reduced appliance lifespan. Consumers should consider their meter cabin as the ‘heart’ of their electrical system. Regular checks and balanced connections are crucial for safe and uninterrupted power supply.”
Experts recommend that consumers consult a licensed electrician before installing a new air conditioner or heavy appliance. They should check the load distribution across all three phases. If necessary, they should transfer load from one phase to another to maintain balance and avoid overloading any single phase. After installing new devices, it is essential to inspect the wiring in the meter cabin.
Consumers should compare their approved load with actual consumption. If electricity usage has increased, they should update their approved load according to the instructions provided in their monthly electricity bill.
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