Amid rising air conditioner installations during the ongoing heatwave, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has issue advisory to upgrade their sanctioned electrical load before connecting new AC units.
The utility warned that failing to upgrade the load could lead to electrical hazards, equipment damage, and localised power disruptions while outlining key safety and energy-efficiency measures.
Tripura Heatwave Drives AC Demand, TSECL Flags Safety Risks of Overloaded Home Connections
Agartala: As soaring temperatures continue to grip the State, the growing demand for air conditioners has prompted the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) to issue a public advisory highlighting an often-overlooked safety concern—installing new AC units without upgrading the sanctioned electrical load.
Rather than focusing solely on energy conservation, the state power utility has cautioned that inadequate electrical load capacity could expose households to serious safety risks while also affecting the stability of the local power distribution network.
Unchecked AC Installations Can Trigger Electrical Hazards
According to TSECL, many consumers purchase and install air conditioners without first assessing whether their existing electricity connection is capable of handling the additional load.
The corporation warned that such practices can overload domestic wiring and electrical systems.
The utility said operating an air conditioner on an insufficient sanctioned load increases the possibility of short circuits, electrical fires, damaged meters, overheated wiring and interruptions in electricity supply, which may also impact neighbouring consumers connected to the same distribution network.
Officials urged residents to complete the sanctioned load enhancement process through the nearest TSECL office before commissioning a new air conditioner.
Load Upgrade Seen as a Preventive Safety Measure
TSECL stressed that increasing the approved electrical load is not merely an administrative requirement but an important preventive measure that helps ensure safe operation of high-power appliances.
The corporation advised consumers against compromising electrical safety to save time or avoid procedural formalities.
It noted that a properly upgraded electrical connection protects household appliances, reduces the likelihood of accidents and strengthens the reliability of the state’s power infrastructure during periods of peak electricity demand.
Utility Shares Practical Tips for Consumers
Along with the advisory, TSECL released a list of recommended practices aimed at improving both safety and energy efficiency.
Consumers have been advised to:
- Obtain sanctioned load enhancement before installing a new air conditioner.
- Service AC units at least once every year through qualified professionals.
- Keep outdoor condenser units clean and unobstructed.
- Maintain thermostat settings between 24°C and 26°C for optimum performance.
- Ensure indoor humidity remains between 40% and 60%.
- Reduce heat gain by using curtains, blinds or proper insulation.
- Allow only trained technicians to install or repair air conditioners.
- Ensure the home’s electrical system has proper earthing.
- Prefer BEE 5-Star rated air conditioners for improved energy efficiency.
- Use ceiling fans alongside air conditioners and switch off unnecessary electrical appliances to reduce overall electricity demand.
Unsafe Practices That Consumers Should Avoid
The utility also identified several common mistakes that can increase electrical risks.
It advised consumers not to:
- Install a new air conditioner without first upgrading the sanctioned electrical load.
- Ignore periodic servicing and preventive maintenance.
- Block the air inlet or outlet of the AC.
- Operate several high-power appliances on the same electrical circuit simultaneously.
- Ignore abnormal sounds, overheating or burning odours from the unit.
- Delay repairs after detecting faults.
- Set temperatures below 24°C unnecessarily, as this significantly increases electricity consumption
- Choose an air conditioner with a capacity unsuitable for the room size.
Power Utility Links Safety with Grid Reliability
TSECL said consumer awareness and responsible electricity usage play a vital role in preventing electrical accidents, particularly during the summer when power demand rises sharply.
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The corporation added that timely load enhancement, routine maintenance and adherence to electrical safety practices would help minimise risks inside homes while supporting a more reliable power supply across the state.
It also noted that efficient AC usage contributes to lower electricity consumption and aligns with broader environmental sustainability goals.
