Amidst the continuously increasing heat in Delhi, the risk of accidents related to air conditioners is also increasing. Recently, a retired IAS officer died due to a blast in his AC unit in Hauz Khas area. After this incident, concern has increased among traders and market associations. Delhi’s big business organization Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has termed this matter as serious and has advised all traders and factory owners to exercise caution. CTI has given some tips by which the risk of AC blast can be avoided.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal has issued an advisory related to AC by writing a letter to 768 market associations and 56 industry associations of Delhi. The organization has advised about 20 lakh traders to immediately get the ACs installed in their shops and factories. CTI says that the cases of AC blast may be less, but when such an accident occurs, the loss is huge. Therefore, instead of being careless, it is very important to take necessary steps in time. The organization has asked people to get service done only by trained technicians.

According to CTI, the biggest cause of AC blast is gas leak and spark. Gases like R32, R290 and R22 used in AC are mildly flammable. If gas leaks from the pipe and creates a spark nearby, such as short circuit or loose wiring, then the risk of fire and explosion increases. Many times people also get welding or other electrical work done near the AC, which further increases the danger. CTI said that in such cases even small carelessness can prove fatal.

The second major reason is said to be filling wrong gas. Many times, local and untrained mechanics fill cheap and flammable gas in the AC to save money. In some cases, gas like LPG is also used, whereas the AC system is not made for it. Due to this, the pressure inside the machine increases very rapidly and the compressor may burst. CTI has advised people to get gas filled only from authorized or trained technicians of the company and to take the bill for every service so that responsibility can be fixed in case of any problem later.

According to CTI, overheating of the compressor is also a major reason for AC blast. If the filters of the AC are dirty, the condenser coil is jammed or the gas is reduced then the pressure on the machine increases. In such a situation, the compressor keeps heating up continuously and its temperature can reach more than 200 degrees Celsius. Due to continuous heating, pressure inside the machine increases and there is a risk of blast. Therefore, it is very important to get the AC cleaned and serviced from time to time so that the machine continues to function properly.

Electrical faults are also becoming a major cause of AC accidents. There is a risk of short circuit due to loose wiring, bad capacitor and voltage fluctuation. If gas is leaking at the same time, even a small spark can cause fire. This danger becomes greater due to increase in humidity during the monsoon season. CTI said that people should stop using old wires, bad plugs and overloaded boards. If necessary, get the wiring checked by an electrician so that any major accident can be prevented before it happens.

CTI said that many fake and inexperienced technicians do not vacuum the system before filling the gas. This process is very important because it removes the air present inside the machine. If air remains inside, oxygen, gas and high pressure can combine and create a blast-like situation. The organization has warned people that choosing a cheap mechanic just to save a little money can lead to huge losses. It is very important to follow the correct technical procedure so that the AC works safely.

CTI has also given some important security tips to businessmen and common people. The organization said that AC service should always be done by a trained technician and the full bill should be taken. Do not keep oil, garbage or any flammable material near the outdoor unit of the AC. If there is a burning smell from the AC, strange noise is heard or ice starts forming, then immediately stop the machine and cut off the power from the MCB. CTI says that most of the AC blasts that happen in summer are due to wrong repairs and cheap gas. One should not risk one’s life or loss of lakhs just to save a little money.