The GaN Revolution: Why Your Next Charger Will Be Tiny (and Better)

 If you've bought a high-end laptop or smartphone charger recently, you probably noticed something strange: it’s significantly smaller than the "bricks" we used to carry, yet it pumps out double the power. This isn't just clever packaging; it's a fundamental shift in power electronics. We are moving away from the Silicon-based MOSFETs that have dominated the industry for decades and moving toward Gallium Nitride (GaN).

As electrical professionals, understanding this shift is crucial. Here is the technical breakdown of why GaN is the future of charging.

The Silicon Wall: Why We Had to Move On

For over 30 years, Silicon has been the gold standard for semiconductors. However, Silicon MOSFETs have a physical "bottleneck." As we try to push more power through smaller spaces, Silicon hits a thermal and frequency limit.

When a Silicon switch operates, it generates heat due to two primary factors:

1. Conduction Losses: Heat generated by the internal resistance of the device while it is "on" ($R_{DS(on)}$).

2. Switching Losses: Heat generated during the transition state between "off" and "on."

To keep the component from failing, manufacturers have to use large heat sinks and bulky transformers. Because Silicon can't switch efficiently at very high frequencies, the passive components (like inductors and capacitors) must be physically large to handle the energy at lower speeds (typically around $100$ kHz).

Enter Gallium Nitride (GaN)

GaN is a Wide Bandgap (WBG) material. In semiconductor physics, the "bandgap" refers to the energy required to free an electron so it can conduct electricity.

• Silicon Bandgap ($E_g$): $\approx 1.1$ eV

• GaN Bandgap ($E_g$): $\approx 3.4$ eV

Because GaN has a much wider bandgap, it can withstand significantly higher electric fields than silicon. This allows the internal layers of a GaN transistor to be much thinner and closer together while handling the same (or higher) voltages. This leads to a massive reduction in capacitance, which is the key to high-speed switching.

High-Frequency Switching: The Secret to Shrinking

The most significant advantage for the form factor is switching frequency. GaN can switch at speeds exceeding $1$ MHz—nearly ten times faster than traditional silicon solutions.

In power electronics, there is an inverse relationship between frequency and the size of magnetic components (transformers and inductors). According to the fundamental relationship:

$$V = L \frac{di}{dt}$$

As the time interval ($dt$) decreases (higher frequency), the required inductance ($L$) to maintain the same voltage decreases. This allows engineers to swap out massive copper-wound transformers for tiny, high-frequency versions that take up a fraction of the space.

GaN vs. Silicon Carbide (SiC): Know the Difference

As an electrician, you might also hear about Silicon Carbide (SiC). While both are Wide Bandgap materials, they serve different niches:

• GaN: Best for "medium" power ($20$W to $600$W) and ultra-high frequency. This makes it perfect for consumer electronics and LED drivers.

• SiC: Best for "high" power (kilowatts to megawatts) and high-voltage environments. You will find SiC in EV drivetrains, solar inverters, and heavy industrial motor controllers.

Why Electricians Should Care

This isn't just about consumer gadgets. The GaN revolution is reaching the infrastructure level.

1. Thermal Management: GaN systems often achieve 95% to 98% efficiency. Less energy is wasted as heat, which translates to cooler operating temperatures in enclosed wall sockets, panels, and data centers.

2. Reduced EMI Challenges: While high frequency can introduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), GaN's clean switching profiles often require smaller, less complex filters than older, "noisy" silicon oscillators.

3. Power Density (PD 3.1): We can now deliver $240$W through a single USB-C cable. This means laptops, high-end power tools, and even small appliances can be powered by standardized, high-efficiency GaN blocks.

Pro-Tip: Reading the Label

When you see a "GaN" label on a charger, look for PPS (Programmable Power Supply) and PD 3.1 support. PPS allows the charger to adjust voltage and current in real-time ($20$mV increments) based on the battery's condition, further reducing heat at the device level.

Conclusion

The transition from Silicon to GaN is one of the most significant leaps in power electronics since the invention of the transistor. For those of us in the electrical trade, it means more reliable, more efficient, and incredibly compact power delivery systems.

Whether you're installing smart home hubs or maintaining industrial power supplies, expect to see GaN "Inside" more of your equipment in the very near future.

Hashtags: #GaN, #PowerElectronics, #Electrician, #ElectricalEngineering, #GalliumNitride, #FastCharging, #TechExplained, #SiliconVsGaN, #Efficiency

Disclaimer: This blog post features content developed with the assistance of AI, including technical summaries, visual concepts, and script-based logic. Technical data reflects current industry standards in wide-bandgap semiconductor research.

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Beyond the Switch: Why Smart Home Wiring Demands Professional Precision

The shift from traditional mechanical switches to smart home automation is more than just a convenience upgrade—it is a fundamental change in how residential electrical circuits operate. For the modern electrician, "smart" technology means moving beyond simple "open and close" logic to managing mini-computers embedded within the walls.

While many homeowners attempt these installations as DIY projects, the reality is that smart home technology is rarely "plug and play." Understanding the underlying circuitry is the only way to prevent flickering LEDs, frequent device dropouts, and dangerous code violations.

The Neutral Wire: The Unsung Hero of Automation

The most common hurdle in smart home retrofits is the presence (or absence) of a neutral wire. In a traditional circuit, a switch simply interrupts the "hot" wire to turn a light off. However, a smart switch is an active electronic device. It needs to power its own internal Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Thread radio 24/7 to listen for commands from an app or voice assistant.

Without a neutral wire, the switch cannot complete its own internal 120V circuit to stay "alive" while the light is off. When DIYers encounter a box without a neutral, they often make choices that compromise both the home’s safety and the device’s performance.

The Dangers of the "Bootleg Neutral"

One of the most hazardous mistakes found in the field is the "Bootleg Neutral"—connecting the smart switch’s white neutral wire to the bare copper ground screw.

While this may technically complete the circuit and allow the switch to function, it is a direct violation of the National Electrical Code (NEC). It intentionally puts current onto the grounding system, which is designed only for emergency faults. This can energize metal faceplates or other grounded components, creating a significant shock hazard for anyone touching the switch.

Navigating the "Switch Loop" Challenge

In many older homes, electricians find "switch loops," where the power goes directly to the light fixture first, and only a single pair of wires (Hot and Switched Hot) is sent down to the wall box.

Professionals know that there are only three real solutions here:

1. Rewiring: Pulling a new 3-wire Romex to provide a dedicated neutral.

2. No-Neutral Switches: Utilizing specialized "power-stealing" switches (like Lutron Caséta) that can operate on a micro-current.

3. Smart Bulbs/Remotes: Bypassing the switch logic entirely with a constant-power setup.

Professional Best Practices: Stability and Safety

Even when the wiring is correct, physical and electronic factors can cause issues:

• Box Fill and Arc Faults: Smart switches are significantly bulkier than standard toggles. Forcing these devices into small, crowded junction boxes can lead to pinched wires or loose wire nuts. As professionals, swapping for "deep" boxes or utilizing pigtails is essential to prevent arc faults.

• AFCI Compliance: Modern Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are highly sensitive. Poorly designed smart switches can sometimes generate "noise" that triggers nuisance tripping. Using high-quality, reputable hardware is key to a stable system.

• Load Balancing: Ensuring the switch is rated for the specific wattage of the LED load prevents the common "ghosting" effect, where lights glow dimly even when switched off.

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Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned journeyman or an apprentice just starting out, mastering these nuances is what separates a "handyman job" from a professional electrical installation. By troubleshooting DIY errors and adhering to strict code standards, we ensure that the smart home of the future remains a safe home today.

Disclaimer: This content was developed using AI-generated resources, including scripts, images, and voice-over concepts.

Calculate Your Home Load Like a Pro: A Technical Guide for Electricians

 In the electrical trade, "close enough" isn’t good enough. Whether you’re sizing a new 200A service or recommending a standby generator, relying on "rules of thumb" or "square-footage guesses" is a recipe for code violations or system failure.

To help you stay ahead of the game, we’re breaking down the NEC Article 220 requirements for residential load calculations. This step-by-step guide ensures your installations are safe, efficient, and ready for whatever the future of the home holds.

1. Choosing Your Methodology: Standard vs. Optional

Before pulling out the calculator, you need to decide which path to take.

• The Standard Method (Part III): This is the "old school" reliable way. It involves calculating specific demand factors for lighting, appliances, and motors. It’s more granular and is often used for multi-family dwellings or complex builds.

• The Optional Method (Part IV): This is the preferred choice for most single-family homes with at least a 100A service. It simplifies the math by using a flat demand factor (typically 40%) for everything over the first 10kVA of the "other" load.

2. The Foundation: General Lighting & Receptacles

According to the NEC, you must allow for 3 VA per square foot for general lighting and general-use receptacles. This covers all habitable rooms, hallways, and bathrooms.

Pro Tip: Don’t include open porches, garages, or unfinished spaces not adaptable for future use in this square footage calculation, but always account for the required circuits in those areas separately.

3. Dedicated Appliance Circuits

Beyond the general lighting, you must account for the heavy hitters:

• Small Appliance Branch Circuits: At least two 20-amp circuits for the kitchen/dining area, calculated at 1,500 VA each.

• Laundry Circuit: At least one 20-amp circuit calculated at 1,500 VA.

• Fixed Appliances: Water heaters, dishwashers, and disposals should be calculated at their nameplate rating.

4. Understanding Demand Factors (The 3,000 VA Rule)

You don’t just add everything up and call it a day. The NEC recognizes that every light in the house won’t be on at 12:00 PM while the dryer is running and the dishwasher is in mid-cycle.

For general lighting and small appliance loads:

• The first 3,000 VA is calculated at 100%.

• The load between 3,001 and 120,000 VA is calculated at 35%.

• Anything over 120,000 VA is calculated at 25%.

5. The HVAC Exception: Non-Coincident Loads

One of the biggest mistakes an apprentice can make is adding the heating load and the cooling load together. Per NEC 220.60, where it is unlikely that two dissimilar loads will be used simultaneously (like your furnace and your AC), you only need to include the larger of the two in your total calculation.

6. Sizing for the Future

With the rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and all-electric heat pump conversions, a 100A service is rapidly becoming obsolete. When performing a load calc for a client, always look ahead. Adding a 50A EV charger or a 15kW heat pump backup strip later can easily push a standard service past its limit.

The Bottom Line

Accuracy equals safety. By mastering Article 220, you protect your reputation, your client's property, and ensure that the backup systems you install—be they generators or battery walls—are sized to perform when the grid goes down.

Disclaimer: This article features AI-generated content, including the technical summary and structure. It is intended for educational purposes and should be used in conjunction with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) and your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regulations. Always verify nameplate ratings and local amendments before finalizing service sizing.

Why Senior Engineers Are the Best Prompt Engineers: Domain Expertise Trumps Code in the AI Era

The rise of AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), is rapidly reshaping the engineering landscape. While the initial instinct might be to focus on coding prowess in this new era, a subtle yet profound shift is occurring: domain expertise is becoming more valuable than raw coding ability, especially when it comes to prompt engineering. And who embodies this domain expertise better than a seasoned senior engineer?

For years, the career trajectory of an engineer has been largely defined by their ability to write efficient, scalable, and bug-free code. But with AI models now capable of generating remarkable code snippets, debugging, and even designing architectures, the bottleneck is moving. It's no longer about how to write the code, but what code to write – and more importantly, what problem are we trying to solve?

This is where the senior engineer shines as the quintessential prompt engineer.

The Problem with "Junior" Prompting

Imagine asking a junior engineer, fresh out of college, to "build a microservice for user authentication." They might diligently research best practices, pick a popular framework, and write perfectly functional code. But they might miss crucial edge cases, fail to consider long-term scalability issues, or overlook compliance requirements. Why? Because they lack the deep, nuanced understanding of the domain.

Similarly, a junior prompt engineer might ask an LLM, "write me a Python script to connect to a database." The LLM will provide a perfectly valid script. But a senior engineer would ask: "write me a Python script to connect to a PostgreSQL database named 'customers' on host 'https://www.google.com/search?q=db.example.com', with read-only access, handling potential connection errors gracefully and retrying three times before failing. The script should also log connection attempts and failures to a specified file path."

The difference is stark. It's the difference between a generic answer and a tailored, robust solution.

Domain Expertise: The Secret Sauce

Senior engineers have spent years, often decades, immersed in specific problem spaces. They've witnessed system failures, navigated complex legacy codebases, participated in countless design discussions, and felt the pain points of poorly implemented solutions. This experience translates into:

1. Understanding Nuance and Edge Cases: They instinctively know the "gotchas" – the unexpected inputs, the system interactions that break things, the subtle performance bottlenecks that emerge under load. This allows them to craft prompts that anticipate these issues.

2. Defining the "Right" Problem: Before even thinking about a solution, a senior engineer excels at clearly defining the problem itself. They understand the business context, the user needs, and the technical constraints. This clarity is paramount for effective prompting. If you ask an AI to solve the wrong problem, even the most brilliant AI will give you the wrong answer.

3. Knowing What's Missing: When presented with an AI-generated solution, a senior engineer can quickly identify gaps, inefficiencies, or potential security vulnerabilities. Their deep domain knowledge acts as a powerful critical filter, allowing them to iterate on prompts and refine solutions until they meet real-world requirements.

4. Strategic Thinking Beyond the Code: Senior engineers don't just think in terms of lines of code; they think about system architecture, deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and the overall business impact. Their prompts reflect this holistic perspective, guiding the AI towards more comprehensive and valuable outputs.

5. Effective Communication with Abstract Concepts: Prompt engineering is, at its heart, a form of communication. Senior engineers, through years of leading teams and explaining complex ideas, are adept at articulating abstract concepts, requirements, and constraints in a clear and unambiguous manner – precisely what LLMs need to generate useful results.

The Future of Engineering: A Partnership

This doesn't mean coding skills become obsolete. Far from it. Senior engineers will still need to understand the underlying code generated by AI, to review it, integrate it, and debug truly novel problems that AI can't yet solve. However, their primary value proposition shifts from being the primary code generator to being the chief architect and director of AI-driven development.

Think of it like this: if AI is the incredibly skilled junior developer who can write code at lightning speed, the senior engineer is the experienced tech lead who provides the clear, precise, and context-rich instructions. The better the instructions (prompts), the better the output, and the faster the project progresses.

The AI era isn't about replacing engineers; it's about augmenting them. And in this augmented future, the senior engineer, with their invaluable domain expertise, is perfectly positioned to be the most effective prompt engineer, guiding AI to build the solutions of tomorrow.

⚡ Kerala’s 2023 Electrical Installation Guidelines: Key Highlights & Safety Insights

The Kerala Government’s 2023 Guidelines for Electrical Installations are a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring safety, efficiency, and standardization across the state’s electrical infrastructure. Developed under the leadership of the Chief Electrical Inspector, these guidelines bring Kerala in line with the Electricity Act 2003, modern safety codes, and technological advancements.

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🔧 General Principles & Policy Framework

• The guidelines align with the Electricity Act 2003, focusing on safety, reliability, and sustainability.

• They aim to standardize installation practices and enforce consistent safety measures across various sectors.

• Public consultations and expert committees ensured that the guidelines reflect practical challenges and stakeholder needs.

• Regular revisions are planned to stay aligned with national and international standards.

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🧠 Who Framed These Guidelines?

A technical committee chaired by the Chief Electrical Inspector included members from PWD, KELCON, National Safety Council, and consumer representatives. Public suggestions were incorporated to ensure a balanced, well-informed approach.

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🔌 Technical Guidelines at a Glance

⚙️ Extra High Voltage (EHV) Substations

• Circuit breakers at both incoming and outgoing sides.

• Fire protection for oil-filled equipment >2000 litres.

• Surge arresters with leakage monitors mandatory.

• Earthing design to control touch and step voltages.

🔋 Transformer Installations

• Outdoor: Minimum 3m clearance, fencing, lightning protection.

• Indoor: Only dry-type allowed in residential/commercial zones.

• Unitized: Dry or hermetically sealed transformers (<1000 kVA) with interlocks.

⚡ Generator Installations

• HV generators must have earthing, relays, and noise control.

• Portable generators ≤10 kVA must have RCD/ELCB protection.

• Parallel operation requires synchronization, neutral switching, and reverse power relays.

🌍 Earthing Standards

• Compliance with IS 3043/2018.

• Earth resistance: ≤1 ohm for HT.

• Duplicate earthing for transformers and generators.

🌩️ Lightning Protection

• Use of natural down conductors in RCC structures.

• Class I–IV Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) with appropriate mesh sizes.

💡 Switchboards

• Copper: 1.2 A/mm², Aluminium: 0.8 A/mm² current density.

• IP54 enclosures and fire-resistant materials mandatory.

• Proper grading of breakers required for protection and selectivity.

🔌 Low Voltage Cables

• Minimum sizes: 4 mm² (Al) and 2.5 mm² (Cu).

• Voltage drop limit: ≤3%.

• Power and control cables must be segregated.

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🏢 Special Installations

🏙️ Multi-Storeyed Buildings (>15m)

• Only dry-type transformers permitted inside.

• Fire pumps, lifts, and emergency lights need dual power supply with changeover.

• Lightning protection (Class II), floor-wise isolation, and fire barriers in ducts are mandatory.

🏥 Hospitals & Healthcare

• TN-S or IT earthing systems mandatory in critical zones like ICUs and OTs.

• Medical IT systems must have insulation monitoring with alarms ≤50 kΩ.

• Life support systems need backup within 0.5 seconds.

☀️ Solar Installations

• Anti-islanding protection for grid-tied systems.

• Earth resistance ≤5 Ω and mandatory surge protection.

• All systems >30 kW must be inspected.

🚗 EV Charging Stations

• Must support CCS, CHAdeMO, and Type-2 connectors.

• 30mA RCDs, fire-retardant construction, and emergency stop features.

• Annual inspections and bi-directional meters for net metering.

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🛡️ Safety and Compliance Essentials

• Fire safety: Sand buckets, extinguishers, smoke detectors.

• Documentation: Logs of test results, maintenance, and breakdowns.

• Transformer failure reporting: Within 48 hours.

• Mandatory inspections for high-risk zones like EHV sites, hospitals, and EV stations.

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🚫 Prohibited Practices

• No outdoor transformers in high-rise or corporation areas.

• No bare conductors in lifts or hazardous zones.

• TN-C systems strictly forbidden in medical locations.

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🧭 Final Thoughts

Kerala’s 2023 Electrical Guidelines mark a progressive step toward modernizing the state’s infrastructure. By combining global best practices with local realities, these rules promise a safer and more reliable power distribution system.

Whether you're an electrical contractor, building promoter, facility manager, or consumer, understanding and implementing these guidelines is key to ensuring safety, compliance, and sustainability in the years ahead.

🔌 Do You actually Need a Voltage Stabilizer for Modern Appliances? Let's Find Out

 🔌 Do You actually Need a Voltage Stabilizer for Modern Appliances? Let's Find Out. With today’s rapid advancements in electronics, many homeowners are questioning whether traditional voltage stabilizers are still necessary. Modern refrigerators, air conditioners, and TVs claim to work across wide voltage ranges — so are stabilizers still relevant, or can they actually cause harm?

Let’s break this down.

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🧠 What’s Changed in Modern Appliances?

Most new-generation appliances, especially those using inverter technology or SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply), are built to handle a much wider voltage range — often from 100V to 300V.

That means if your electricity supply falls within this range, these appliances can:

• Operate safely without a stabilizer

• Manage voltage fluctuations internally

• Offer built-in protection from over- and under-voltage

✅ In most urban homes with relatively stable power, a stabilizer may no longer be necessary.

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⚠️ When a Stabilizer Might Still Be Necessary

However, stabilizers still have their place in some situations:

• If your voltage frequently dips below 100V or rises above 300V

• You live in a rural or unstable power area

• You use older appliances with narrow voltage tolerance

• You’re powering devices from a generator or inverter, where voltage is less predictable

In these cases, a stabilizer can protect your equipment from damage.

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⚡ Can a Stabilizer Actually Cause Damage?

Here’s the part most people don’t consider:

Tap Switching Inside Stabilizers

Most stabilizers use relay-based tap switching to adjust the output voltage. When the input voltage changes, the stabilizer switches between different transformer taps to correct it. This tap-switching can:

• Cause voltage jumps or surges, especially during fast switching

• Lead to electrical stress on compressors, inverter drives, or sensitive electronics

So yes — low-quality or old stabilizers can introduce new problems, especially when paired with modern appliances.

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🔄 The Myth of “Zero-Crossing Switching”

Some stabilizers claim to switch taps at the zero-crossing point of the AC wave (where voltage is momentarily zero), which helps reduce surges.

But here’s the catch:

• AC supply (50 Hz) crosses zero 100 times per second

• Mechanical relays take 20–40 milliseconds to switch — far too slow to guarantee perfect zero-cross switching

👉 So in relay-based stabilizers, "zero-crossing switching" is more marketing than reality. Only servo-controlled or solid-state stabilizers can truly offer smooth or precision switching.

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✅ Recommendations: When to Use a Stabilizer

Appliance Type	Wide Voltage Range?	Stabilizer Needed?
Inverter AC	Yes (100–300V)	❌ Not needed if voltage is stable
Smart/LED TV	Yes	❌ Usually not needed
Inverter Fridge	Yes	❌ Not needed unless voltage < 100V
Washing Machine	Varies	⚠️ Check appliance rating
Desktop PC/Monitor	No (sensitive SMPS)	✅ UPS or stabilizer recommended
Old CRT TV/Fridge	No	✅ Stabilizer needed

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📝 Final Thoughts

Modern appliances are smarter and more resilient — they’re designed to handle the ups and downs of our power supply without external help.

✅ If your voltage typically stays within 100–300V, and your appliance supports it, you’re probably better off without a stabilizer.

⚠️ But if you live in an area with poor or unstable supply, choose a servo-controlled stabilizer — not a basic relay type.

Electrical Accidents in Kerala: An Analysis of Causes (2018-2021)

This document analyzes the primary reasons behind electrical accidents in Kerala, India, based on data collected from 2018 to 2021. The analysis covers fatal and non-fatal accidents involving humans and animals, providing insights into the key factors contributing to these incidents. The data highlights the importance of safety measures, proper maintenance, and public awareness to mitigate electrical hazards. The information is taken from the documents available at Electrical Inspectorate website.

Key Observations and Analysis

1. Accidental Contact with Live Electric Wire/Equipment: This is consistently the leading cause of fatal accidents involving humans across all three years. The high numbers suggest a significant lack of awareness, inadequate safety protocols, or negligence in handling electrical equipment and infrastructure.

2. Snapping of Conductors: This is a major cause of fatalities among animals. The snapping of conductors can be attributed to factors such as aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, weather conditions (e.g., storms, heavy rainfall), and external factors like tree branches falling on power lines.

3. Violation/Neglect of Safety Measures/Lack of Supervision: This reason accounts for a substantial number of both fatal and non-fatal accidents. It indicates a systemic issue with safety culture, training, and oversight in workplaces and public spaces.

4. Defective Appliances/Apparatus/Tools: Defective equipment contributes significantly to electrical accidents. This highlights the need for regular inspection, maintenance, and replacement of faulty appliances and tools.

5. Unauthorized Work: Engaging in electrical work without proper authorization and expertise is a dangerous practice that leads to preventable accidents.

6. Inadequate/Lack of Maintenance: Poor maintenance of electrical infrastructure and equipment is a recurring factor in electrical accidents. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and upgrades are essential to prevent failures and hazards.