As heatwave conditions persist in Delhi, people have begun to use air conditioners for long hours and sometimes the entire day. Be it homes, apartments, or residential societies, the home appliances have slowly turned from a comforting mechanism to a necessity. However, with the increasing use of AC, the risk of AC-related fires has also surged.

Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and non-serviced units are directly linked to fire accidents. Recent incidents in Hauz Khas, Vivek Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Champa Gali have led to concern. The mishaps indicate that the rising use of air conditioners is putting pressure on electrical systems. Air conditioners were not designed to be used for 24 hours. Fire officials and power distribution companies say that lack of maintenance and awareness has put Delhi in such a situation.

ALSO READ: Saket Building Collapse: 4 Dead, 2 MCD Officials Suspended As Probe Reveals Possible Lapses

What Are The Indications

Usually, most appliances show signs before a major incident takes place. Say, a faint burning smell, AC making unusual noises, lights flickering when the unit switches on, or a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. People tend to ignore such signals and then get trapped into a severe accident.

The incidents are getting frequent day by day. The problem is that one is not aware that their homes and electrical systems are even equipped to handle such heavy loads.

Hauz Khas Fire

A few days ago, a retired IAS officer died after a fire led to an AC blast in his house. The incident occurred in a three-story house where his son returned a few days ago from London. The AC had been reportedly serviced a few days ago. The fire spread quickly, leaving almost no time to escape.

Vivek Vihar Fire 

In East Delhi's Vivek Vihar, a massive fire broke out in the early hours in a residential building, in which at least nine people lost their lives. As per the residents, the building suddenly caught fire and spread to several floors within minutes.

Fire officials later said that the blaze erupted, whether from an AC blast or a possible short circuit. The worst part was that the fire quickly spread inside narrow corridors and enclosed spaces.

ALSO READ: Jharkhand Rajya Sabha Election: Grand Alliance In Turmoil Over Seat-Sharing, CPI(ML) Stakes Claim

Ghaziabad Fire

Another similar incident took place in Ghaziabad, where a loud explosion was heard from the 15-floor apartment, and then smoke and flames were seen blowing out of the apartment after an AC unit exploded.