Amid rising temperatures and increasing power consumption in the national capital, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has expressed concern over the growing risk of air-conditioner related accidents during the peak summer season.
The traders’ body has warned that incidents of AC blasts and fire hazards could increase if proper precautions are not taken.
The warning comes in the backdrop of a recent incident in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area, where a retired IAS officer reportedly lost his life following a blast in an air-conditioner unit. The incident has triggered concern among traders, market associations and industrial units across the city.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said that the organisation has issued a detailed advisory regarding AC safety and maintenance for nearly 20 lakh traders in Delhi. CTI has also written to all 768 market associations and 56 industrial associations in the city, urging them to spread awareness among shopkeepers and factory owners.
According to CTI, while AC explosions are relatively rare, such incidents can become extremely dangerous and even fatal when they occur.
Five Major Reasons Behind AC Blasts, CTI highlighted five key reasons that can lead to AC explosions and fire incidents during summer:
1. Refrigerant Gas Leak and Spark CTI stated that refrigerant gases such as R32, R290 and R22 are commonly used in AC units. Among them, R32 and R290 are mildly flammable. If there is a gas leak and a nearby spark caused by loose wiring, short circuit or welding work, it can trigger a fire or explosion.
2. Use of Wrong or Cheap Gas The organisation warned that some local mechanics use LPG or other cheap flammable gases in place of approved refrigerants to reduce servicing costs. Such practices increase pressure inside the compressor and may lead to explosions.
3. Compressor Overheating Dirty air filters, clogged condenser coils and low gas pressure increase the load on the compressor. Continuous operation in extreme heat can raise the compressor temperature beyond 200 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of bursting.
4. Electrical Faults Loose wiring, damaged capacitors and voltage fluctuations can cause short circuits. In case of gas leakage, even a small electrical spark may result in a major fire incident. CTI added that moisture during the monsoon season further increases the risk.
5. Improper Servicing and Lack of Vacuuming According to CTI, vacuuming the AC system before gas filling is essential. If air remains trapped inside, oxygen mixed with refrigerant gas under pressure can create explosive conditions.
The body alleged that many untrained technicians skip this important step.
CTI Issues Safety Advisory
The traders’ body also issued several precautionary measures for traders, shop owners and industrial units to avoid such accidents.
CTI advised that AC servicing should only be done through company-authorised or trained technicians and customers must insist on proper bills and documentation.
It further stated that while welding in AC units using R32 or R290 gas, the refrigerant must be completely removed before starting any repair work.
The organisation also advised traders not to keep flammable items, garbage, oil or combustible material near outdoor AC units.
Shopkeepers have been urged to immediately switch off the AC and disconnect power supply through the MCB if they notice unusual sounds, burning smell or ice accumulation in the unit.
“Nearly 90 per cent of AC blast incidents during summer are linked to wrong gas filling or careless repair work. Saving Rs 500 on servicing can put lives and property worth lakhs at risk,” CTI said in its advisory.
CTI has appealed to all traders and factory owners in Delhi to get their AC units inspected immediately in view of the extreme heat conditions and rising electricity load across the city.
