{"id":1417,"date":"2025-02-07T13:30:45","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T13:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nfees.org\/blog\/?p=1417"},"modified":"2025-03-29T13:30:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T13:30:02","slug":"iot-device-for-electrical-safety-fact-vs-fiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nfees.org\/blog\/iot-device-for-electrical-safety-fact-vs-fiction\/","title":{"rendered":"IOT DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY FACT VS FICTION"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IOT DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY FACT VS FICTION<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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An illusionary device termed \u201cIoT – based microcontroller device tested and verified by NABL accredited lab<\/strong>” has recently been wrongly portrayed as a panacea for all electrical and fire hazards. Since the orders came from the Government and the implementing machinery who are responsible for the safety of the citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution are themselves aiding such a misconceived idea jeopardising the safety of the citizens, it has become necessary to project the facts and circumstances that can endanger the persons and properties. This article evaluates the technical parameters published by the manufacturer, the test certificate issued by a laboratory, Government Orders, and circulars of Government departments and shows how fallacious product claims with misleading information, create an environment of non-compliant and unsafe electrical installations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Index<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
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  1. \n

    Introduction<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Reference<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Safety Provisions and Verification Tests<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    IoT-based Warning and Fault-Clearing System – A False Claim<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Wrong Certifications Supporting the False Claim of the IoT Device<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Wrong Interpretations and Misconceptions<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  7. \n

    Government Circulars<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  8. \n

    Site Study<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Violations of Regulations, Code of Practice, and Standards<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  10. \n

    Conclusion<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  11. \n

    Recommendation<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  12. \n

    Confirmation by the Authors<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex A<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Test report claiming to have NABL accreditation<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex B<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Confirmation from NABL about the test report in annex A<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex C<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Certificate of accreditation for IoT device by electrical inspectorate<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex D<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Advisory by electrical inspector to install IoT-based device in high-rise buildings<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex E<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Mumbai fire brigade circular to use IoT-based device<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex F<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Fire brigade notice to install IoT-based device for fire approval<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex G<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Circular from the energy department explaining about IoT device<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex H<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Circular from urban development department to use IoT device<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Annex I<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– Non-standard test report by CPRI<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    1. \n

      Introduction : <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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      An illusionary device termed \u201cIoT-based warning and fault clearing system\u201d has recently been wrongly portrayed as a panacea for all electrical and fire hazards. Since the orders came from the Government and the implementing machinery who are responsible for the safety of the citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution are themselves aiding such a misconceived idea jeopardising the safety of the citizens, it has become necessary to project the facts and circumstances that can endanger the persons and properties. This article evaluates the technical parameters published by the manufacturer, the test certificate issued by a laboratory, Government Orders, and circulars of Government departments and shows how fallacious product claims with misleading information, such as “tested by NABL accredited lab,” create an environment of non-compliant and unsafe electrical installations<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      1. \n

        Reference :<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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        The following references quoted in this document and available with us are produced as Annex:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        I.<\/strong>\u00a0 The Circular MUVINI-2021\/Pro. No. 114\/Energy-5, dated 27\/08\/2021 by the Industries, Energy, and Labour Department of Government of Maharashtra (Annex G).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        II.<\/strong>\u00a0 Certificate of Accreditation no CEI\/TECH\/139\/2022, dated 31 May 2022 by Chief Electrical Inspector, Industries, Energy, and Labour Department (Annex C).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        III.<\/strong>\u00a0 Performance evaluation report by CPRI (Annex I).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        IV.<\/strong>\u00a0 Test report no. Test\/21-22\/TR\/ENE\/42, dated 30.06.2021 from M\/S Nashik Engineering Cluster, referred to as test report by NABL Accredited testing and calibration laboratory (Annex A).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        V.<\/strong>\u00a0 Mumbai Fire Brigade daily circular no 66, dated 14.10.2022 regarding the installation of IoT-based security devices for electrical systems in all high-rise buildings and other non-residential buildings within Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation limits (Annex E).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        VI.<\/strong>\u00a0 CEI\/1\/9\/2020\/263-294, dated 03.05.2021 (Page no. P-1 to 3) (not available).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        VII.<\/strong>\u00a0 MGC\/F\/7433, dated 26.08.2022 (not available).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        VIII.<\/strong>\u00a0 CEI\/TECH\/277, dated 27.09.2022 (not available).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        IX.<\/strong>\u00a0 CEI\/Tech\/36\/2024, dated 24\/09\/2024 Advisory for installation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in high-rise buildings by the Chief Electrical Inspector, Industries, Energy & Labour Department (Annex D).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        X.<\/strong>\u00a0 IS732: Code of Practice for Electrical Wiring (can be downloaded from BIS website).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        XI.<\/strong>\u00a0 IEC 61010: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement and control (can be purchased from IEC website).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        XII.<\/strong>\u00a0CEA Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply Regulations 2023 (CEA regulation) (can be downloaded from CEA website).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        XIII.<\/strong>\u00a0Confirmation from NABL about the test report mentioned in item IV as a wrong claim, misleading, and action taken against the laboratory (Annex B).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        XIV.<\/strong>\u00a0Government Circular No: MCO-2024\/Pro.No.349\/Navi-14, dated 29 November 2024 by Maharashtra Government Urban Development Department (Annex H).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        XV.<\/strong>\u00a0Extract from BMC\/Mumbai Fire Brigade demanding IoT-based devices for fire NOC (Annex F).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        1. \n

          Safety Provisions and Verification test :<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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          Observance of the healthiness of an electrical installation involves an initial physical verification test followed by periodical verification, which is a prerequisite.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          The Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety in Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023<\/strong>, and the Bureau of Indian Standards<\/strong>\u00a0prescribing provisions applicable for the safety of electrical installations are outlined below:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          i.<\/strong>\u00a0Regulation 14(3)<\/strong>\u00a0insists that the materials and apparatus used shall conform to the relevant standards. The IoT-based microcontroller<\/strong>, the subject of this document, is not in compliance with any standards. Any practice involving materials and apparatus without specific standards is a violation of Regulation 14(3)<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          ii.<\/strong>\u00a0Regulation 33(2)<\/strong>\u00a0stipulates that testing and verifications shall be carried out as per relevant standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          iii.<\/strong>\u00a0The relevant standards prescribing verification tests for electrical installations are governed by the following clauses of IS 732-2019: Code of Practice for Electrical Wiring Installations<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          a) Continuity of conductors<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.2)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          b) Insulation resistance<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.3)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          c) Insulation resistance testing<\/strong>\u00a0to confirm the effectiveness of protection by SELV, PELV<\/strong>, or electrical separation (Cl. 6.4.3.4)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          d) Insulation resistance testing<\/strong>\u00a0to confirm the effectiveness of floor and wall resistance\/impedance (Cl. 6.4.3.5)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          e) Polarity test<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.6)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          f) Testing to confirm effectiveness of automatic disconnection of supply<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.7)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          g) Testing to confirm the effectiveness of additional protection<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.8)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          h) Test of phase sequence<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.9)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          i) Functional tests<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.10)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          j) Voltage drop<\/strong>\u00a0(Cl. 6.4.3.11)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          The tests mentioned above are physical tests conducted by a skilled person with test instruments as per the standards mentioned in the test requirements. It should be noted that the standards specify that if any test above indicates failure to comply, that test, and any preceding tests whose results may have been influenced by the fault indicated, shall be repeated after the fault has been rectified.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          iv.<\/strong>\u00a0Every circuit needs to be tested<\/strong>\u00a0once installed and before energization, as per Regulation 45(5)<\/strong>. It should be noted that every electrical installation comprises several such circuits.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          v.<\/strong>\u00a0Regulation 32<\/strong>\u00a0insists on the periodical inspection of every electrical installation, in addition to an initial verification, to ensure its upkeep over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          The testing devices used in the initial verifications must be compliant with IEC 61557-1<\/strong>\u00a0to meet the required operating uncertainty under various influential quantities (accuracy and performance), over-voltage categories, EMC compatibility, etc. Due to challenging technological issues, manufacturers are marketing such devices internationally in a portable arrangement only, rather than sleek panel-mounted ones. Any sleek panel-mounted monitoring device without a national or international product standard will either be fancy or have a crude, non-standard arrangement, resulting in incorrect monitoring and unnecessary power outages or misinformation on the threshold limits of safety parameters.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          The statutory provisions outlined above aim to facilitate accurate diagnosis of sensitive electrical issues to avoid fire and the loss of life and property. Hence, any compromise or lapse in adhering to these provisions will undermine the system’s purpose, compromising the safety and reliability of the electrical system.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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          1. \n

            IoT-based warning and fault-clearing system – a false claim<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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            i. <\/strong>The product, an IoT-based microcontroller system, is contained in a small box of approximately 200x200x100 mm, consisting of one 3-pole, 32-amp MCB with a shunt trip, and a display for various energy parameters. The product, called Smart Electrical Auditor<\/strong>, claims that it:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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