Date:25/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/25/stories/2007012523880300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

High voltage ruins appliances

Swathi Shivanand

Expensive devices damaged in 18 houses because of power fluctuation

DISASTER AVERTED: A resident of Amarjyothi Layout in Hebbal in Bangalore shows the television set that was damaged in voltage fluctuation. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

BANGALORE: The television set suddenly burst into flames. The entire house was engulfed in smoke. After the Ravindran family was shocked to see about half of the television turn molten even as the stabilizer went up in smoke.

A similar incident happened on January 21in many houses on 3rd and 4th Main Roads at Amarjyothi Layout in Hebbal.

Residents said high voltage was the culprit. But Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) Executive Engineer Narasimha Murthy told The Hindu that the problem arose because a palm frond had fallen on the main line and caused shortcircuit.

"Around 12.45 p.m., the television set just blew up and so did many other appliances in our house. But when my husband and daughter saw the television up in flames, they doused it with sand," said Rajam Ravindran, who had a tough time cleaning the scorched marks on the wall and the ceiling.

Praseed K.K. heard bulbs burst and suddenly saw his computer engulfed in smoke. He ran down and turned off the main switch. "When I later surveyed the damage, I saw that my CPU had been totally burnt," he said. Cholanagar Amarjyothi Welfare Association secretary Rudraiah said, "Nearly 18 houses have suffered extensive losses, roughly around Rs. 5 lakh. Even half an hour after the incident happened, the voltage when measured was more than 300, when the average should be around 220." Prof. Hegde, working at the University of Agricultural Sciences, said this was not the first time such an incident had taken place. "About three years ago there was a surge in power and my microwave, voltage converter and modem were damaged," he said. Prof. Hegde has lost the similar appliances this time too. Mr. Rudraiah said power fluctuation was common in the area. "Sometimes, the voltage is so low that even a bulb cannot glow. None of our complaints have been heeded to," he said.

Compensation

If there is a power surge in your house, make sure you turn off the main switch immediately. Then, notify the power authorities. Under the Karnataka Electricity Reforms Code, consumers whose appliances are damaged because of power fluctuation can claim compensation from the electricity companies.