The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Coimbatore Branch Office successfully organized a pivotal Manak Manthan Programme focused on the Draft Indian Standard entitled Guide for Electrical Layouts for Residential Buildings (first revision of IS 4648:1965). Held at the Library Conference Hall of Coimbatore Institute of Technology, this comprehensive programme brought together esteemed officials, subject matter experts, policymakers, electrical consultants, contractors, industry leaders, and academia to discuss and enrich the framework that will guide safe and future-ready electrical installations in homes across India.
Opening the programme, Smt. G. Bhavani, Scientist – F/Senior Director, Head, BIS Coimbatore Branch Office, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and participants, highlighting the crucial role BIS plays as India’s National Standards Body. She emphasized the importance of standards as the silent language of trust and safety, underscoring the significance of the updated draft standard in ensuring safer homes, efficient energy use, and the prevention of electrical hazards.
The event was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Sivaguru Prabakaran, I.A.S., Commissioner of Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation. Shri Prabakaran spoke eloquently on the importance of integrating resilient urban planning and public welfare with robust electrical safety standards.
Keynote addresses by eminent dignitaries enriched the discussions further:
Shri R. Maniarasu, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department, Coimbatore, shared perspectives from his extensive experience in infrastructure development and the execution of large-scale projects.
Dr. A. Rajeswari, Principal of Coimbatore Institute of Technology and a distinguished academician in Electronics and Communication, spoke on the evolving technological demands impacting residential electrical design.
Er. A. Srinivasan, former President of Electrical Installation Engineers’ Welfare Association, provided expert insights into practical challenges and solutions in electrical installations.
The technical discussion session, spearheaded by Shri Hemant M. Sali, Technical Advisor to Maharashtra PWD and member of BIS ETD 20 Committee, along with Ms. Jyotsna Priya Ragu, Scientist-C and Deputy Director, BIS, Coimbatore Branch Office drew special attention to the draft standard’s key aspects. The standard addresses installation safety, wiring layouts, load calculations, energy efficiency, earthing and protection systems, and provisions for future technologies such as electric vehicle charging and solar power integration.
The draft standard’s main objectives focus on resident safety, reliable power supply, energy efficiency, and readiness for future electrical needs in all residential buildings, from single homes to apartment complexes, for voltages up to 1000V a.c./1500V d.c. It emphasizes coordinated planning among architects, engineers, and contractors, detailed layout specifications for wiring and equipment placements, and robust compliance with Central Electrical Authority and National Building Code norms.
Participants engaged actively in an open house discussion, sharing suggestions and queries that will help refine the standard before its final adoption.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Rino John S., Scientist-D and Joint Director at BIS Coimbatore.
BIS Coimbatore extends sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, and participants for their contributions. This initiative marks a significant step towards building safer homes, advancing sustainable electrical infrastructure, and setting a benchmark for urban residential electrical planning in India.