Central Electricity Authority proposes new electrical safety standards

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) of India has released a comprehensive draft of electrical safety and operational standards. Issued under the Ministry of Power, the proposal aims to strengthen safety practices, standardize equipment, and protect both electrical workers and the public from hazards.

The draft includes a technology-specific framework for renewable energy assets, specifically addressing solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power projects. For solar installations, the regulations mandate requirements for earthing, lightning and over-voltage protection, and combiner-box protection with arc-extinguishing capabilities to mitigate fire risks. It also specifies safety-qualification standards for PV modules and includes additional requirements for floating solar projects.

Beyond renewables, the standards cover general electrical safety, including requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as insulating gloves and mats, as well as safety protocols for high-voltage installations and substations. The framework integrates both Indian Standards (IS) and international benchmarks from organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), IEEE, and UL. For multi-storeyed buildings, the draft specifies the use of Fire Retardant Low Smoke (FRLS) cables, while sensitive facilities like hospitals and airports are required to use Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) cables.