“We will conduct thorough inspections of gaming zones with the involvement of fire officers, zonal officials, and health inspectors,” Nath said. “Given the potential risk of short circuits at EV charging stations, especially those located in apartment complexes, we will also initiate checks in collaboration with BESCOM and the electrical inspectorate.”
Nath pointed out a gap in safety checks, noting that while electrical inspectorate permissions are required during the construction of apartments, no additional permissions are sought when setting up EV charging stations post-construction. “We will start a comprehensive assessment to ensure all EV stations meet safety standards. This proactive approach aims to mitigate risks and enhance overall safety in Bengaluru.”
Raghavendra B, an expert, said, “To ensure that EV charging stations within their jurisdiction are short circuit proof, authorities can implement a series of stringent measures and guidelines. Firstly, they should establish clear regulations and standards. This involves creating and enforcing regulations that require all EV charging stations to adhere to international safety standards and regularly updating local electrical codes to include the latest safety requirements for EV charging infrastructure. Authorities should also focus on certification and licensing. Mandating that only certified electricians and technicians can install and maintain EV charging stations, and requiring the use of certified equipment that meets recognised safety standards, will help ensure that installations are carried out correctly and safely.”
Harsha Gowda, another expert, suggested regular inspections and audits are crucial. “Authorities should conduct regular inspections of EV charging stations to ensure compliance with safety standards and identify potential hazards. Implementing random audits can help verify ongoing compliance and prompt maintenance. Additionally, establishing strict maintenance protocols is essential. Station operators should adhere to a strict maintenance schedule, including routine testing of protective devices like circuit breakers and GFCIs. A reporting system for maintenance activities and any incidents related to electrical faults should also be established. Training and education play a vital role in maintaining safety. Authorities should offer training programmes for electricians, station operators, and maintenance personnel on the latest safety protocols and best practices.”
He further added that public awareness campaigns can educate users about the importance of using certified EV stations and reporting any issues. Ensuring advanced safety features are incorporated into the stations is another important measure. Authorities should mandate the installation of surge protection devices to guard against voltage spikes, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against ground faults, and automatic shut-off features to activate in case of fault detection.
“Ensuring the quality of components used in EV stations is high and that they are certified for safety is also crucial,” he said.
Sources said that authorities should develop and enforce emergency response plans for incidents involving EV charging stations and ensure rapid response mechanisms are in place to address any electrical faults or incidents promptly.
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