Tuesday 19 February, 2008

Could we suggest an Electrical Definition to the Height of a Building?

Back Ground
The Indian statutes are defining a Multistoried Building/High Rise Buildings as one having a height of more than 15m. The height is defined to measure from the average street level to the plinth level of the terrace. When there are two approach roads in different levels, we the Kerala Electrical Inspectorate direct to measure the height from the highest level, if fire engine access is there.

I like to get your suggestions in my observation explained below:
The height of a building is defined with the statutes in fire safety angle. What I am thinking is 'Electrical Safety' and 'Fire Safety' are entirely different, though them are mutually interlinked in some angles. Electrical faults may finally lead to electric fire and hence the fire safety inter related. But always the electrical faults may not lead to electric fire alone, instead electric shock to human or damage to the equipments, cables, etc. What I like to ascertain that the measures taken for the fire safety need not be taken same for the electrical safety, particularly in the case of height of the building. But every where with the statutes, for the electrical aspects height of the building is taken same as that of fire safety.
Confusions/Disputes are usually getting aroused in many related cases. For example consider a building in a slanted plot (or it can be in level plot also). It may have 4 floors under-ground and 3 floors above-ground, hence totally 7 floors. But, as per the existing laws it will not come under multistoried building category. Hence, no fire safety restrictions and the same for the electrical side also. In other words, the concerned electrical engineer of the project doesn't have the head ache to design considering the relevant electrical safety regulations as in the case multistoried buildings. Also, KSEB need to give power supply even without getting the clearances from Electrical Inspectorate.

Now, think back what I explained above. The building is being actually 7 storied; the electrical safety need to be same as in the case of a 7 storied high rise building. Where as fire safety is enough, 4 floors being below ground and the fire engine is accessible in the top road level, in case of emergency.
I am trying to ask, why can't we think about having a different definition about the height of the building in electrical safety aspects? Please forward your suggestions and ask me any more clarification about what I explained above.
Regards
James
Thiruvananthapuram
Assistant Electrical Inspector
Dept. of Electrical Inspectorate
Govt. of Kerala
India

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