Nagpur: As temperatures soar across Vidarbha, air coolers are offering much-needed relief—but a faulty or unsafe cooler can turn into a “silent killer” inside homes. In recent months, several tragic incidents have been reported in Nagpur and nearby areas, where innocent lives, including children and homemakers, were lost due to electric shocks caused by coolers.

Taking serious note of the situation, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has urged citizens to follow strict safety precautions while using air coolers.

Homemakers, Children Most Vulnerable

Data indicates that a majority of victims in such accidents are homemakers and young children. While homemakers often face risks while filling water in coolers or operating switches with wet hands, children tend to accidentally touch the metal body or grill while playing nearby.

Several recent incidents across the city have left families devastated, highlighting how minor negligence can lead to fatal electric shocks.

Technical Faults Behind Deadly Shocks

According to MSEDCL’s technical department, if a cooler has internal faults and the house lacks proper earthing, electric current can pass through the entire metal body of the cooler. Any contact in such cases can result in a life-threatening shock.

Citizens are advised to:

• Get proper earthing checked by a certified electrician before using a cooler
• Purchase only ISI-marked coolers to avoid risks from poor-quality wiring
• Avoid using substandard or damaged electrical appliances

ELCB a Must for Every Home

Installing an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) is now essential for household safety. This device automatically cuts off power supply within seconds if any current leakage is detected, preventing major accidents.

Key Safety Tips While Using Coolers

• Always switch off the power and unplug the cooler before filling water
• Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands
• Use a dedicated power socket for the cooler
• Avoid overloading a single socket with multiple devices
• Keep children away from the cooler
• Immediately repair any faults through qualified technicians

What to Do in Case of Electric Shock

In case of an electric shock:

• Do not touch the victim directly
• Use a dry wooden object to separate the person from the power source
• Seek immediate medical assistance

For reporting electrical emergencies, citizens can contact MSEDCL’s 24x7 helpline numbers: 1912, 19120, 18002123435, 18002333435.

MSEDCL has appealed to citizens to ensure proper technical checks and follow safety norms to prevent such avoidable tragedies and ensure a safe summer.