The Chandigarh Union Territory administration has introduced a significant new rule governing the safety certification of electrical installations. The key change defines a specific voltage threshold that determines whether a property owner can self-certify their electrical system or must seek mandatory inspection by a government-appointed electrical inspector.
New Voltage Threshold for Self-Certification
According to the official notification, the administration has set 650 volts as the definitive limit for the self-certification process. This applies to both new electrical installations and existing ones across residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Chandigarh. The process of self-certification must be carried out by the owners through qualified electrical safety engineers, as stipulated under Regulations 32 and 45 of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) norms.
This move aims to streamline the compliance process for a majority of standard installations while ensuring that higher-capacity systems undergo more rigorous scrutiny. For any electrical installation operating above the 650-volt ceiling, the self-certification route is no longer permissible.
Mandatory Inspection for High-Voltage Systems
For installations exceeding the 650-volt limit, the administration has made inspection and testing by the government's electrical inspector compulsory. This step is designed to enhance public safety by ensuring that high-voltage systems, which pose a greater risk, meet all stringent technical and safety standards before being energized or continued to be used.
Officials clarified the procedural timeline, stating that the periodicity for both electrical inspection and self-certification shall not exceed five years. This means all electrical installations in Chandigarh, regardless of their certification path, must be re-evaluated and certified at least once every five years to maintain ongoing compliance and safety.
Implications for Property Owners and Engineers
The notification brings clarity and a structured framework to electrical safety enforcement in the UT. Property owners must now be acutely aware of their installation's voltage rating to determine the correct compliance path. Electrical safety engineers will play a pivotal role in the self-certification process for systems under 650 volts, bearing responsibility for accurate assessment and documentation.
This policy is expected to improve overall electrical safety standards in the city by creating a clear distinction between low-risk and high-risk installations. It delegates responsibility appropriately while ensuring expert oversight where it is most needed, potentially reducing the risk of electrical accidents and fires caused by faulty high-voltage systems.
