Electricity Act

There are some rules of Bangladesh electricity wiring, usually if there were no electricity rules, we would have done wiring in our own way, which no one could understand later. This would increase accidents. So far 42 % of fire incidents in Bangladesh are due to electrical disturbances (Source: Samokal 16 April 2023). To avoid all these mishaps, Bangladesh has created electricity laws/restrictions. These restrictions or laws are made for the supply and use of electricity mainly with a view to safety.

Electric shock:

When a person is exposed to electricity, the current passes through the person's body to the ground, causing the heart to slow down and thus slow down the heart. Due to this, people start having more contractions and breathing difficulties, and this condition is basically called electric shock.

Rules to be followed in Bangladesh in Electrical wiring of Bangladesh Electricity Act:  

All the rules that are followed in the case of internal wiring are discussed below.

1. Double pole in case of single phase and three phase respectively at the entrance of supply line in any arrangement.

And triple pole main switch and sub main switch with required current rating should be installed.

150% overload current for lighting load and 200% overload current for power load should be considered while selecting main switch.

2. No switches, circuit breakers or fuses shall be used with any earth line.

3. Cables of suitable quality must be used with the required rating to safely carry the current to each load.

4. Distribution Fuse Box (BDB) shall be used for each sub circuit. The fuse must be connected to the load wire.

5. The switchboard will normally be 1.25 meters above the floor.

6. Incandescent lamps or other outlets in bathrooms should not be below 1.3 meters and outlets in common rooms should be hung above 2.5 meters.

7. Sockets of 15 AMP rating should be used in power sub-circuits and 5 AMP sockets in lighting sub-circuits. The socket should be placed 25 cm or 1.3 meters above the floor.

8. A maximum load of 800 watts and a total of 10 points can be used in the lighting sub-circuit.

  9. Power sub-circuits shall be used for loads exceeding 3000 watts maximum and more than 2 socket points.

10. Each circuit or appliance shall be controlled by a separate switch.

11. In 3-p four wire installation the load should be distributed evenly across all phases.

12. Earthing should be done in a safe manner.

13. The safety provision of each sub-circuit should be ensured with the help of fuses or circuit breakers.

14. All power plants, substation switching stations should have fire extinguishing system suitable for extinguishing fire caused by current.

15. All types of tests i.e. earth test, continuity test, insulation test etc. should be done before supplying after any waring.

16. Always be frugal in electricity consumption and pay electricity bills on time.

 Importance of Electrical Rules:

The use of electricity has made the standard of living of people better and better in all aspects. In addition to making life easier, the pace of human life has increased in terms of working hours and increased comfort. Without electricity, people's current life would be completely stagnant and the current civilization would also come to a standstill. Again, the wrong application of that electricity makes life dangerous, immeasurable damage can happen in a moment. Electrical Codes are introduced to avoid all these hazards of using electricity. By ensuring the use of electricity according to the rules, it is possible to avoid any risk of using electricity.

Hazards that can be avoided by following electrical rules:

1. Can be safe from electric shock.

2. Avoid the risk of fire from electrical short circuits.

3. Electrical appliances can be used satisfactorily.

4. The risk of fire can be kept to a minimum.

5. Long term use of electrical appliances can be ensured.

Safety measures against the risks of using electricity

1. Electrical regulations must be properly followed to avoid electrical hazards.

2. Equipment fittings, fixtures used should be of suitable quality.

3. All metal bodies must be earthed.

4. Appropriate size and quality safety equipment must be used.

5. House wiring and appliances shall be subjected to insulation resistance test to ensure satisfactory quality.

6. The whole establishment should be checked in time.

7. Safety devices must be tested at regular intervals to ensure that they are functional when required.

8. After completion of house or establishment wiring work should be properly tested.

9. The earth continuity wire resistance should be checked to see if it has a satisfactory value.

10. High voltage lines or open terminals of equipment should be touched only after switching off the mains switch. When working at high voltage, a tree suitable for high voltage can be insulated by first discharging the line and then working on it.

Precautions to be taken in relation to electrical appliances, machines and accessories etc:

Fires are usually caused by electrical short-circuits. But water should never be used in fire caused by electricity. That is why it is important to inform everyone about the following precautions.

1. First of all turn off the main switch.

2. Ensure that the equipment is properly earthed.

3. Routine inspection should be done to ensure that the insulation of the cables used is good.

4. The appliance should never be disconnected by pulling on the flexible - cord.

5. Before repairing any portable equipment, be sure to disconnect it.