Fires, Standards & National Electric Codes

.. Engr. Ferdaus Al Amin F/10723 Abstract:

Bangladesh has a lot of standards, codes, policies, laws, rules and regulations. After a number of multistoreyed building collapse or major fault in Dhaka, BNBC(Bangladesh National Buildin Code) was drafted in 19931. Sadly to say it was neither prompltly reviewed and updated. Almost the same BNBC came into effect as an Act in 2006(a span of 13 long years). All standards and codes (recommendation) in technical areas need review and/or updating atleast once a year. This has to be done because of Fast Technical changes or new technological developments in that area. Much hyped BNBC does not address the inadequacy of a National Electric Code for Bangladesh. As such most of them are poorly inspected or implemented.

creation of a Bureau meaning Office. Although Bureaucracy is not thought to be an even a fairly 'efficient' system in any manner nowadays, it was the mainstay of agricultural societies since the inception of agricultural economies 1000(thousand)years back. An aim to reach a common goal was felt by societies as early as in the agrarian economies. Being in conglomerate always needed one or more targets to accomplish. Setting targets also lead to agreements. Agreements lead to a set of procedures or guidances or methods to be followed or abide by. It is these agreements that have later foreseen the record keeping of agreements. Record keeping of agreements has ultimately lead to the development of standards. History of Standards can be traced to 1800 AC. They all started with manufacturing in industrial grade machineries. Industrial grade machineries needed repeated job functions for the same kind of products. These repeated processes led to development of common methods to be followed. These common method applied in a common platform led to the formation of the early Standards.

Introduction:
This paper / article is an attempt to highlight the issue of much needed National Electric Code for Bangladesh and a strong body to appoint Electrical Inspectors(Qualification of such Inspectors). Bangladesh has Electic Licensing Board(ELB). But it only issues Licenses for working Electrical Individuals and companies. Supervision of any Electrical works or Installations via qualified Electrical Inspectors is totally absent in Bangladesh. Much to the surprise of professional such as ourselves, media in Bangladesh interview the eminent business personnel and even eminent lawyears on serious factory fires resulting in human carnage.

Definitions:
Any standardization process needs Definitions. Surprising to say Digital Bangladesh also lacks a proper definition from the Government. In the absence of such definition, villagers in Bangladesh think Digital Bangladesh is all kinds of developments but mainly visual. The different definitions are available at various levels for Standards A standard is an agreement between the parties involved, such as manufacturers, sellers, purchasers, users and regulators of a particular product, process or service. It contains a technical specification or other precise criteria designed to be used consistently as a rule, guideline, or definition.

History of Standards and Codes:

Being in the whirlpool of LLDC, Bangladesh's standardization approach was and still a bureaucratic process. Also creations from a bureaucratic process also comes from the method of
1 Round Table Discussion on Implementation of National Building Code; 3 pm_June 30, 2010_VIP Lounge_National Press Club Keynote Paper on National Building Code and Its Implementation Architect Planner Salma A. Shafi 1

Advantages of Standards Its adoption ensures to all operators a clear

reference in terms of technical specifications, quality, performance and reliability. Its objective is to ensure that products and services are suitable for their
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purpose and they are comparable and compatible. Standards are a summary of best practice. Their creation arises from the experience and expertise of all interested parties and they are drawn up to meet the demands of society and technology
{Ref URL: http://www.normapme.com/english/definitio n.ht}

them as founders. ANSI was originally established as the American Engineering Standards Committee (AESC). According to Paul G. Agnew, the first permanent secretary and head of staff in 1919, AESC started as an ambitious program and little else. Staff for the first year consisted of one executive, Clifford B. LePage, who was on loan from a founding member, ASME. An annual budget of $7,500 was provided by the founding bodies. ......... unquote The Russian Story on Standards................. The Russian of standards is slightly more tough than their American counter points

Any standard is the result of a collective work that involves national standardization bodies, producers, users, research organizations, and consumers. Please note it is a collective effort. All famous international bodies such as IEEE(recommendations) , ITU(recommendations), ANSI(Americal National Standards Institution) and so on have recommendation committees

Countries with Standards

Countries like the USA, ex- USSR (present Russia), Britain, Germany, France were in the forefront of setting up standards or recommendations for standards The American story of Standards: The history of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the U.S. voluntary standards system is dynamic and evocative of the market-driven spirit that continues today.

GOST (Russian: ) refers to a set of technical standards maintained by the EuroAsian Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (EASC), a regional standards organization operating under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). All sorts of regulated standards are included, with examples ranging from charting rules for design documentation to recipes and nutritional facts of Soviet-era brand names (which have now become generic, but may only be sold under the label if the technical standard is followed, or re-named if they are reformulated).
{ref: URL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOST}

The European Story:

With the formation of EU, various reforms have been formulated by the EU member countries. Standardization process has also taken a significant quality roots in developments. The following are the excerpts from {ref: URL:http://www.normapme.com/english/europstand.h tm} European Standards (EN) are documents that have been ratified by one of the 3 European Standards Organizations, CEN, CENELEC or ETSI. They are designed and created by the ESOs together with all interested parties through a transparent, consensual process. European Standards are a key component of the Single European Market. The Internal Regulations, Part 2, states that
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{ Ref: http://www.ansi.org/about_ansi/introduction/ history.aspx?menuid=1 }

Quote....... In 1916, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (now IEEE) invited the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers (AIME) and the American Society for Testing Materials (now ASTM International) to join in establishing an impartial national body to coordinate standards development, approve national consensus standards, and halt user confusion on acceptability. These five organizations, who were themselves core members of the United Engineering Society (UES), subsequently invited the U.S. Departments of War, Navy and Commerce to join

the European Standard carries with it the obligation, to be implemented at national level, by being given the status of a national standard and by withdrawal of any conflicting national standards. This means that ENs must be transposed into a national standard in all UE and EFTA countries. Member states must also withdraw any conflicting national standard: the EN prevails over any national standard. According to their fields of competence, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI deliver European Standards. Click on the links below to find: - a CEN standard - a CENELEC standard - an ETSI standard

1982). The Standards and Testing Institution (Amendment) Ordinance, 1988 (Ordinance No. XI of 1988). The Standards of weights and Measures(Amendment) Act, 2001 The Standards and Testing Institution Employee Service Rules, 1989. The standards of weights and Measures Rules, 1982 (as Amended, 2006) The Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged commodities) Rules, 2007

{ref: http://www.bsti.gov.bd/about.html} Inspite of noble aims of the Government, Standardization, even though minimum is not usually acceptable by people. The reasons for little and snail advancement of Bangladesh in standardization is due to some Manufacturing (export oriented) companies. But being in the control of the Ministry, things have more of bureaucratic nature than solve the problem attitude. Opportunities are here for Bangladesh to develop recommendation bodies. They can be similar to IEEE, IETF or similar bodies. These type of bodies make Recommendation periodically, without bindings to follow. But being a recommendation body, less formal periodical meetings, study groups, recommendation ultimately become defacto standards. These recommendations have aided faster development and common manufacturing practice. The standards have benefited the country as a whole. Waiting for such a venture.

The Bangladesh Scenario:

Although Bangladesh has a Standardization body called BSTI{STANDARDS AND TESTING INSTITUTION}, BSTI has mostly been plagued by traditional bureaucracy. The aim of formation of such body, though noble, has never lived upto its funcional esteem. Following will clarify, the above conclusion so inferred.

The main functions of BSTI

BSTI is entrusted with the responsibility of formulation of national Standards of industrial, food and chemical products keeping in view the regional and international standards. BSTI is responsible for the quality control of the products which are ensured as per specific national standards made by the technical committees formed by BSTI. BSTI is also responsible for the implementation of metric system and to oversee the accuracy of weights and measures in the country.

The Bangladesh Scenario in the Electric Codes:

As mentioned earlier, Bangladesh has no National Electric Code for implementation of any electiric Installations or even simple products like an electrical cable extensions. In the absence of a strong Code like National Electric Code 1. to recommend the appointment of Electrical Inspectors(Qualification of such Inspectors) 2. to set standards of electric outlets in buildings and factories 3. to set standards for the methods of implementing domestic and industrial electrical wiring

Laws Governing BSTI

The Standards and Testing Institution Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XXXVII of 1985). The Standards of weights and Measures Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. XII of

4. to set standards for all electric

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appliances (both active or passive) 5. to set measurements of any electric installations 6. to set up unique electricians codes and database 7. to set up written responsibility for works performed by any electrical professional(electricians, electrical technologists, electrical engineers) 8. and many more like these It will be impossible for any Government in Bangladesh to prevent electrical fires in Markets of Bangladesh (specially towns, huts and upazillas), in factories of Bangladesh, in househlds of Bangladesh and in many other similar electrical installation based entities.

that time on, the NFPA has led fire safety efforts in the U.S.

Ref: The History of the National Electrical Code |

eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5062903_historynational-electrical-code.html#ixzz2EjHbQSl7

Excerpts from the US NEC

Administration and Enforcement The US NEC is not considered as a law. It relies on local jurisdiction to implement whole or part (may be)of the NEC and its interpretation. What the US NEC says:This article is informative unless specifically adopted by the local jurisdiction adopting the National Electrical Code. (See 80.5.) 80.1 Scope. The following functions are covered: (1) The inspection of electrical installations as covered by 90.2 (2) The investigation of fires caused by electrical installations (3) The review of construction plans, drawings, and specifications for electrical systems (4) The design, alteration, modification, construction, maintenance, and testing of electrical systems and equipment (5) The regulation and control of electrical installations at special events including but not limited to exhibits, trade shows, amusement parks, and other similar special occupancies and who will be in this body: again the US NEC recommends: 80.2 Definitions. Authority Having Jurisdiction. The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure. Chief Electrical Inspector. An electrical inspector who either is the authority having jurisdiction or is designated by the authority having jurisdiction and is responsible for administering the requirements of this Code. Electrical Inspector. An individual meeting the requirements of 80.27 and authorized to perform electrical inspections.
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A Review of some items from US National Electric Code

Let's now review some of the codes of the US NEC(Natioanal Electric Code)

History of formation of the US NEC(National Electric Code)2 The First Electrical Regulating Body is Formed
The origins of the National Fire Protection Agency can be traced back to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. .......

Forming NFPA
Underwriters Laboratory(UL) was an immediate success. During the next few years, four more similar organizations were started in the U.S. Each focused on a different branch of fire safety, including electrical and lighting work as well as sprinkler systems. With five different organizations acting independently, electrical installers were following five separate codes. This made uniform systems and connections nearly impossible. On November 6, 1896, representatives from each of these organizations came together at a meeting in New York to discuss fire, electrical, and sprinkler safety and uniformity. ........ Article 1 read "This organization shall be known as the National Fire Protection Agency." From
2 US NEC(National Electric Code 2002)

80.3 Purpose. The purpose of this article shall be to provide requirements for administration and enforcement of the National Electrical Code. 80.5 Adoption. Article 80 shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the local jurisdiction adopting the National Electrical Code. 80.7 Title. The title of this Code shall be NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, of the National Fire Protection Association. The short title of this Code shall be the NEC. . (and more are there) I'd provide some more Titles of the US NEC here: ARTICLE 90 Introduction 90.1 Purpose. (A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. (B) Adequacy. This Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use. FPN: Hazards often occur because of overloading of wiring systems by methods or usage not in conformity with this Code. This occurs because initial wiring did not provide for increases in the use of electricity. An initial adequate installation and reasonable provisions for system changes will provide for future increases in the use of electricity. (C) Intention. This Code is not intended as a design speci fication or an instruction manual for untrained persons. . (and more are there) Chapter 1 General ARTICLE 100 Definitions Scope. This article contains only those definitions essential to the proper application of this Code. It is not intended to include commonly defined general terms or commonly de- fined technical terms

from related codes and standards. In general, only those terms that are used in two or more articles are defined in Article 100. Other definitions are included in the article in which they are used but may be referenced in Article 100. Part I of this article contains definitions intended to apply wherever the terms are used throughout this Code. Part II contains definitions applicable only to the parts of articles specifically covering installations and equipment operating at over 600 volts, nomina l. . (and similarly the US NEC goes for 1000 pages, some chapter headlines are quoted below as picture)

Bangladesh Electrical Scenario:

If one looks at Bangladesh electrical product market, one will be ashtonished to find the following: 1 90% of domestic and industrial enterprises donot have a working electrical drawing available in case of emergency electrical work. This spells disasters in the offing. 2 Over 90% of electrical wire for domestic market have fake products. A wire with 3/029 from Eastern Cable (which follows some Europen standards) will have several fake bundles with under spec copper
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diameters. A normal customer is unable to make the distinction between original and fake 3 99% of Extensions cable used in house hold do conform to any specifications (because there is none). The provide loose contact and under sized cable, even the best ones. 4 Who controls the multi-pluggability of these Extension cable or sockets(making a socket adaptable to several country standard electric outlet makes the electrical outlet non standard and prone to electrical fire hazard 5 How the wiring in a factory be done(No national recommndation is I guess available). In such absense factory wiring through a struss which need to be inside steel tubing(to prevent fire spreading) is usually bare or over plastic conduit. This exposes all factories to fire hazard due to electrical connections mad this way 5.1 5.2 Where will the MDB placed in a house hold? Where will be the bathroom light switch? (inside bathroom? Not recommended in US NEC or Canadian NEC) How high will a floor level switch be placed (No national body recommendation) Where are the waterproof electrical switch?(Again, no national recommndation is I guess available). In the absence of such recommendation, water launches are using non recommended electrical outlets, exposing every user to electrical hazards and death due to electrical shocks

to lessen cost, do not use our our technical knowledge, experience and common sense. An electrician is good enough for them. In the absense of any National electric Code, businesses are not bound to follow them. This exposes workers to serious safety hazards. The tragedy example Tazreen Apparels is very much fresh. This is no accident. Such accidents can and need to be prevented. To avoid such inciddence in future, a Bangladesh National electric Code is a necessity more now than ever.

What are we doing in Bangladesh:

Currently I am not aware of any serious activity in forming a Bangladesh National Electric Code. With this article in the Institution of Engineers, I as an Electrical Engineering professional have put forward my thoughts. Any entity, be it the Government or professioal body funding the formation of a Bangladesh National Electric Code is welcome by many professioal like me. I'll put in my US and Canadian experience in forming the draft of a Bangladesh National electric Code. It will be an independent non-influnced professional body, separate entity from Electrical Licensing Board. It will have all its recommendations reviewed every two years by circulating invitations to all stakeholders of a Bangladesh National electric Code . Engr. Ferdaus Al Amin is an Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduate from BUET. His long career spans in serving the following organizations: Asstt. Engr. BPDB Divl. Engr. BT&TB Ch. Tech. Etisalat, Dubai, UAE Prod. Asste: Celestica, Canada Prod. Asste: MDS, Sciex, Canada Design & Project Engineer(Fibre Network): AT&T Engineering, USA Gen. Manager Technology, Fiber @ Home, Dhaka, Founder & CEO, La'Bay Corporation, Chittagong(current) He can be reached at ferdausalamin@yahoo.ca la-bay@mail.com

5.3

5.4

Such non-conformity in Electrical sector is huge. Why I put Non-conformity in the commas, because the very conformity rules are non existent. We as professioals are using our technical knowledge, experience and common sense to avoid future catastrophies. But our our technical knowledge, experience and common sense application for use in industrial and domestic application come at a price tag. So business owners,

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