Executive Summary
This case study highlights a critical public safety hazard caused by technical negligence and improper maintenance. It explores how using incorrect fuse materials and failing to perform thorough line inspections can lead to life-threatening situations for the public.
1. The Incident Overview
A Zonal Office of a Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) received a complaint regarding a snapped conductor. The team repaired the line and re-energized it, but the conductor snapped again at the exact same spot.
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The Consequence: The falling live wire landed on a consumer’s tin-shed house, energizing the entire structure.
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The Human Toll: The homeowner was electrocuted upon touching the electrified tin fence. This incident led to significant public outrage and a hostile situation at the site.
2. The Investigation
Despite checking the line all day, no immediate faults were found. The team then decided to inspect every transformer on the line. Upon inspecting a 10 KVA transformer near the complainant’s house, a shocking discovery was made:
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The Critical Error: Instead of a standard fuse link of the correct rating, the fuse barrel was fitted with the thick lower portion of a blown fuse. This prevented the fuse from blowing during a fault, causing the conductor to overheat and snap repeatedly.
3. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
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Unauthorized Fuse Modification: Using thick wire or blown fuse parts instead of a proper fuse link is a fatal violation of electrical safety.
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Inadequate Inspection: The line was re-energized without identifying the root cause of the initial break or performing a post-repair inspection.
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Negligence in Duty: A lack of sincerity and technical discipline during maintenance led to this near-fatal event.
4. Lessons Learned & Professional Recommendations
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Standardized Fuse Links: Always use the manufacturer-recommended fuse link rating for transformers. Never use “jugaad” or temporary thick wires.
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“Find the Root Cause”: If a wire snaps twice in the same spot, do not re-energize until the underlying technical issue is identified and resolved.
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Public Safety Commitment: Linemen must be diligent and sincere in their duties, as a small oversight can turn a residential home into a death trap.