Thiruvananthapuram: With temples and churches across the state hosting festivals and grand celebrations, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has issued a strong safety advisory, urging organisers and the public to exercise utmost caution while handling electrical arrangements for festivities.
KSEB has made it clear that temporary electricity connections for festival purposes can be taken only with prior permission. Using unauthorised power extensions is illegal, and organisers must obtain approval from the concerned KSEB section office as well as the Electrical Inspector before setting up any temporary connection.
Highlighting the risk of electrical accidents, KSEB stressed the importance of installing Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCB) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB) at the very start of all connections. These safety devices must be tested periodically to ensure they remain fully functional.
The board has also warned against installing decorative lights on trees or buildings located close to overhead power lines. In public spaces, only properly insulated, joint-free wires should be used for lighting arrangements. Decorative lights must be fixed at heights that are out of easy reach, while arches, boards, and festoons should be erected only after maintaining a safe distance from electrical lines.
KSEB further cautioned that unsafe practices such as drawing connections by piercing wires with pins or safety pins, or leaving wire joints poorly insulated, can invite serious accidents. Urging strict adherence to safety norms, the board has called on festival organisers and the public to prioritise safety to ensure celebrations remain joyful and accident-free.
