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To prevent a tragedy like an AC explosion at home, experts advise regular electrical audits, adherence to earthing standards, good quality wiring, functioning fire extinguishers
A short circuit in an AC compressor is believed to have sparked the explosion in Faridabad. The blast ignited a fire, quickly filling stairwells with smoke and blocking escape routes.(AI-generated image)
The explosion of an air conditioner unit in Faridabad’s Green Field Colony in the wee hours of Monday that claimed the lives of three family members and their pet dog, while their teenager escaped from a balcony, underlines the hidden risks of everyday appliances like ACs.
The incident took place at 3.30 am when the family was asleep on the second floor of a rented four-storey building, PTI news agency quoted a senior police officer as saying.
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Understanding how and why such disasters happen, and how they can be averted, is critical for every household.
How The Faridabad Tragedy Unfolded
At around 3.30 am, a short circuit in an air conditioning compressor is believed to have sparked the explosion. The blast ignited a fire, quickly filling stairwells with smoke and blocking escape routes. The family found themselves trapped, with a locked rooftop door sealing their fate. Although firefighters arrived later, the delays proved fatal. The teenage son, who narrowly escaped, was badly injured by the time help arrived.
The three deceased have been identified as Sachin Kapoor (49), his wife Rinku Kapoor (48), and their daughter Sujjain (13), and their pet dog died while a fourth member sustained fractures to his legs.
What Causes AC Explosions And Fires?
AC explosions are rare, but under the right conditions, they can occur and escalate rapidly. Several technical factors contribute:
Electrical Short Circuits: Short circuits are a leading cause of home fires. National fire department data (e.g., Chennai) reports that up to 60% of domestic fires originate from electrical short circuits, with 20% of those involving air conditioners, as per a Times of India report. In Andhra Pradesh alone, electrical short circuits claim around 200 lives yearly.
Residual Pressures from Maintenance: In Ghaziabad, a technician’s death stemmed from an AC compressor explosion, where remaining pressurised nitrogen triggered a sudden burst. Experts point to incomplete nitrogen purging and inadequate maintenance as root causes.
Aging Wiring and Insulation: PVC insulation, common in wiring, degrades thermally over time. Under heat stress, aged PVC may unexpectedly conduct, causing massive short circuits. A scientific study highlights this unpredictable shift from insulator to conductor.
Arc Flash Phenomena: Electrical faults can lead to arc flashes—explosive discharges reaching tens of thousands of degrees, vaporizing metal conductors in microseconds. These arc blasts can cause violent explosions and fire outbreaks.
How To Protect Yourself At Home
To prevent such disasters, vigilance in maintenance, infrastructure, and emergency readiness is key. Experts across electrical safety and fire prevention offer several indispensable guidelines:
- Regular Electrical Audits
Electrical load audits can identify overloaded circuits and inadequate wiring. In Uttar Pradesh, a spike in short-circuit fire incidents—over 100 fatalities—was tied to wiring unable to handle peak loads. Experts urge regular testing to prevent such breakdowns.
- Compliance with Building & Electrical Codes
India’s National Electrical Code (2023) requires testing thousands of installations annually. Data generation shows that 42% of fires in buildings trace back to electrical short circuits due to poor design or maintenance.
Additionally, adherence to earthing standards defined by the Central Electricity Authority can greatly mitigate fire risks.
- Install Protective Devices
Modern wiring should include residual-current devices (RCDs) or RCBOs to trip circuits upon detecting leakages or faults. India’s electrical guidelines mandate such protective systems, especially in sensitive zones.
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- Choose Quality Installation & Cables
Wiring should employ high-quality components, like copper conductors, to prevent overheating and circuit failure. Advocacy groups like ICA India highlight copper’s benefits: high heat resistance and better conductivity reducing accident risks.
- Professional Maintenance & Care
Faulty compressors, clogged filters, and dirty coils force ACs to overheat. Use licensed professionals for servicing. Always ensure systems are fully depressurized and purged before any repair. Never turn on the AC until maintenance ends.
- Control Use During High Load
In winter or peak demand seasons, when entire homes draw more power, wiring is vulnerable. Industry experts warn that overloaded circuits are a common cause of electrical fires.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies
Always keep functioning fire extinguishers on each floor. As Tamil Nadu Fire Officers advise, in case of an electrical fire, first shut the main power supply, then use sand or a suitable fire extinguisher—never plain water.
- Provide Easy Escape Routes
Ensure stairwells and rooftop access are never blocked or locked. Maintain functional windows or ladders. In the tragedy, the locked rooftop door was one of many tragic failures.
Key Insights From Industry Reports
The Bureau of Indian Standards updated India’s national electrical code in 2023 to address unsafe wiring and installation practices.
A Lok Sabha-approved fire safety proposal in Mumbai showed that nearly 70% of fire incidents are due to short circuits, calling for mandatory electrical audits in high-density buildings.
The Faridabad disaster was a cruel reminder that everyday appliances—if ignored—can turn deadly. While comfort has become second nature, safety cannot be taken for granted. Regular maintenance, proper wiring, compliant installation, and emergency readiness can save lives.
Take precautions seriously today—so a routine night does not become a tragedy tomorrow.
About the Author
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev…Read More
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev… Read More
September 09, 2025, 10:17 IST
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