FSAI unveils six-pillar strategy to cut electrical fire incidents across India
The Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI), Hyderabad Chapter, has introduced a six-pillar roadmap aimed at strengthening electrical safety and reducing preventable fire risks across the country. The initiative was announced during a seminar titled 'Electrical Safety Excellence — Beyond Compliance,' held in Hyderabad on Friday in association with the International Copper Association India (ICA India).
The move comes as nearly 60% of reported fire incidents in India are linked to electrical faults, according to FSAI. The seminar brought together regulators, policymakers, engineers, consultants, safety professionals and industry leaders to discuss challenges arising from rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and the increasing adoption of electric vehicle charging systems and solar power installations.
A key focus of the event was the discussion on electrical safety provisions under the proposed National Building Construction Standards (NBCS) 2026. Experts examined how the framework could impact building design, construction practices and fire safety management.
K. Nanda Kumar, Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government and Ex-Officio Chairperson of the Telangana Electrical Licensing Board, stressed the need for robust safety practices, quality electrical installations and regular audits to minimise risks and protect lives as India's infrastructure expands.
Telangana Director General of Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Vikram Singh Maan noted that a significant proportion of fire incidents are attributed to electrical faults and unsafe installations. He underscored the need for greater collaboration between regulators, industry, designers, installers and end users to strengthen electrical safety and fire prevention.
Chief Engineer of the Telangana Roads and Buildings Department, Linga Reddy, said the proposed NBCS 2026 presents an opportunity to embed safety into infrastructure planning, design, execution and operation while enhancing building resilience.
During the event, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter president Manoj Wahi outlined the organisation's six-pillar strategy: capacity building for electrical professionals, residential electrical safety audits under the Ghar Suraksha Audit programme, electrical safety education for schoolchildren, awareness on safe deployment of EV charging infrastructure and other emerging technologies, public outreach through digital platforms, and improving compliance among micro, small and medium enterprises while creating a national database on electrical accidents.
The day-long programme also featured technical sessions on compliance with NBCS 2026, Indian electrical standards, cable installation practices, earthing and lightning protection, EV charging infrastructure, solar photovoltaic systems, arc flash hazards, electrical asset integrity and fire protection systems aligned with Indian and international safety standards.
