TNPDCL Issues Electrical Safety Guidelines for Public During Northeast Monsoon

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has issued electrical safety guidelines for the public and electricity department employees during the northeast monsoon. The advisory warns of electrical leakage, accidents and fatalities caused by heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning.

Electrical Safety Tips for the Public

TNPDCL has advised residents to follow these precautions during the rainy season:

- Stay away from electric poles, transformers, distribution boxes, power lines and stay wires.

- Avoid walking through stagnant rainwater near electrical installations.

- Never touch or remove snapped power lines. Keep others away and inform electricity officials immediately.

- Do not cut or remove tree branches touching power lines.

- During thunderstorms, take shelter inside safe buildings and avoid open spaces, isolated trees and overhead wires.

- Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones during lightning.

- Never touch electrical switches or appliances with wet hands or near damp walls.

- Disconnect the power supply if electrical leakage occurs, but only if it is safe to do so.

- Do not tie cattle to electric poles or wires, dry clothes on electrical wires, or use them to support banners.

- Arrange periodic checks of home wiring and protective devices through qualified electricians. Installing Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) can improve protection, but proper insulation is also essential.

TNPDCL Safety Instructions for Electricity Workers

The corporation has instructed electricity department employees to obtain the necessary permissions and verify that the power supply is disconnected before starting repair work. Prescribed safety procedures, including earthing, must be followed.

Workers should use appropriate protective equipment, including helmets, insulating gloves, safety footwear and safety belts. Repairs in waterlogged areas should begin only after a safety inspection.

Field teams must respond promptly to snapped wires, leaning electric poles, damaged transformers and tree branches obstructing power lines. Barricades and warning signs should be installed around hazardous locations to protect the public.

TNPDCL has also directed staff to prioritise power restoration at drinking water supply installations, hospitals, telecommunications facilities and crowded public places. Repair work should be avoided during heavy rain, lightning, thunderstorms and strong winds until conditions are safe.

TNPDCL Emergency Helpline Number

Residents can report power outages, snapped wires, electrical leakage and damaged electricity infrastructure through the following helpline:

Minnagam Helpline: 94987 94987

The number is available for calls and WhatsApp complaints.

TNPDCL has urged the public to remain alert, avoid electrical hazards during the northeast monsoon and report dangerous situations immediately.