Uncovering the Exploitation of Indian Standards and Manipulative Business Tactics (e.g. Extensive Metro Rail Project)
Introduction:
India has seen several large-scale projects in which manufacturers and suppliers are propagating subjects related to safety and reliability, but unfortunately, they are not complying with known and recognized national and international practices. One such example is the use of Earthing in metro rail projects, specifically in Chennai Metro Rail. The tender documents for this project, designed by M/S SYSTRA RAIL, reveal the violation of compliance to standards. The use of IEEE80, promoted by software companies, is the main reason for the unreliable and non-compliant solutions in these projects. This article sheds light on these issues and emphasizes the importance of following Indian standards for electrical safety.
Full Article: Uncovering the Exploitation of Indian Standards and Manipulative Business Tactics (e.g. Extensive Metro Rail Project)
Large-Scale Projects in India Violating Safety and Reliability Standards
An Introduction
In India, several large-scale projects are being carried out without proper adherence to safety and reliability standards. The use of unreliable and non-compliant solutions has become a common practice, leading to potential dangers and risks. One such example is the use of Earthing in metro rail projects, specifically in Chennai Metro Rail.
Tender Specification
The tender documents for the Chennai Metro Rail, designed by M/S SYSTRA RAIL, reveal the propaganda and misleading information propagated by software companies promoting IEEE80. These companies have influenced the use of illogical and non-scientific ideas in the design and implementation of metro railway projects.
Earth Fault Calculation
The tender includes calculations conducted by M/S SYSTRA MVA CONSULTING (INDIA) PVT.LTD, which indicate that an earth fault in the Low Voltage powerline (230 volt) produces a Ground Potential Raise (GPR) of above 15kV. To mitigate this, two large-sized earth mats are constructed under the metro railway station: one for the LV electrical system and another for clean earth.
Non-Compliant Solution
The solutions recommended in the tender are not only in violation of Indian standards but also fail to comply with any recognized international practices. The tender specifications appear to be a collection of fancy phrases borrowed from multiple standards, resulting in a misguided and unreliable design.
Misuse of IEEE80 Standards
The software companies promoting IEEE80 have created a false narrative, leading to the misuse of this guide as a solution for all earthing problems in India, regardless of the operating voltage. This misguided belief has resulted in significant mistakes in projects of national interest.
To gain a deeper understanding of various IEEE documents, refer to the IEEE SA – Standards Board Operations Manual – Clause 1
As a consequence, the reputation of IEEE 80 is being tarnished by these software companies.
Highlights from the Specification
- A grid as per IEEE 80 is constructed underground for Low Voltage applications.
- The soil resistivity mentioned is 30 ΩM, and the earth electrodes are encased with earth enhancement material of 0.12 ΩM.
- The drawings depict a conventional “TWO FOR NEUTRAL, TWO FOR BODY” configuration, which deviates from the standards mentioned in the tender.
Comment: This is a ridiculous and non-compliant approach.
Comment: The use of enhancement material only increases the corrosion of the electrodes. Moreover, 30 ΩM itself indicates highly corrosive soil.
Comment: This not only violates the specified standards but also misrepresents the standards and regulations of India.
Unfortunately, once such wrong specifications are created, they are followed in numerous projects without any scrutiny. These substandard installations underground cannot be rectified, making them a long-lasting hazard for the metro rail.
The first step towards rectification would be for all designers to strictly adhere to Indian standards or, at the very least, the recommended IEC standards mentioned in the current CEA safety regulations.
The tender specification mentioned above is a flagrant violation of the safety regulations of the Government of India. Therefore, the government should implement mechanisms to penalize the designers responsible for these incorrect designs and seek compensation from them.
Misuse of Indian Standard
In India, the utilization of Indian standard IS 732, based on IEC 60364, in industrial and commercial Low Voltage installations is almost non-existent. These standards are largely overlooked, with more than 75% of electrical safety rules in IS732 unknown to the industry.
Compare this to the USA, where the National Electrical Code (NEC) or NFPA70 is mandated and followed as a fundamental requirement.
The Indian propogandists only educate in areas that align with their interests, neglecting the fundamental requirements outlined in IS732.
By neglecting Indian standards, which are often superior to others, and blindly adhering to American, European, and British standards, our nationalism is compromised. Companies may do this to protect their business interests, but it is perplexing why Indian consultants and contractors, who have no international affiliations, make such mistakes.
Conclusion
Improving electrical safety in India requires a comprehensive understanding of propaganda by software companies and their misleading tactics. The electrical engineering community must prioritize implementing fundamental safety measures as per Indian standards. This will lead to a significant improvement in electrical safety across the country.
Summary: Uncovering the Exploitation of Indian Standards and Manipulative Business Tactics (e.g. Extensive Metro Rail Project)
Several large-scale projects in India are using manufacturers/suppliers propaganda in subjects related to safety and reliability, which violates national/international practices. An example is the use of Earthing in metro rail projects. The tender specifications for Chennai Metro Rail designed by M/S SYSTRA RAIL reveal the non-compliant and unreliable solutions being used. The propaganda by software companies promoting IEEE80 is to blame for these illogical ideas. The tender specification is a collection of fancy sentences from various standards, failing to inform customers about the limitations of IEEE80. The reputation of IEEE 80 is being spoiled by these software companies. It is crucial for designers to strictly follow IS standards and regulations to ensure safety and reliability in these projects. The misuse of Indian Standard IS732 and neglecting fundamental safety measures as per Indian standards is a serious issue. Electrical safety in India can only improve if the electrical engineering community understands and implements the fundamental safety measures outlined in Indian standards.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions – Misuse of Indian Standards and Propaganda Business
1. How are Indian standards being misused in the propaganda business?
Indian standards are often misused in the propaganda business as a means to manipulate information or present false claims. Companies or individuals might falsely claim that their products or services comply with Indian standards to gain credibility or deceive potential customers.
2. What are the consequences of the misuse of Indian standards in the propaganda business?
The consequences of misuse of Indian standards in the propaganda business can be significant. It leads to a loss of trust among consumers who rely on these standards for making informed decisions. It can also harm competition as dishonest businesses gain an unfair advantage over those who genuinely adhere to standards.
3. How can I identify if Indian standards are being misused in a particular business or project?
To identify the misuse of Indian standards in a business or project, you can:
- Verify the claims made by a business regarding compliance with Indian standards through official channels or relevant regulatory bodies.
- Look for legitimate certifications or accreditation related to Indian standards that have been obtained by the business.
- Read reviews or seek feedback from other customers who have used the products or services in question.
4. Is the misuse of Indian standards a legal offense?
Yes, the misuse of Indian standards can be considered a legal offense. It can be seen as a violation of consumer protection laws, intellectual property rights, or any relevant legislation governing standards and false advertising. Businesses found guilty of such offenses can face penalties, lawsuits, and damage to their reputation.
5. What actions can be taken against businesses involved in the misuse of Indian standards?
Businesses involved in the misuse of Indian standards can face legal consequences, including fines, legal injunctions, or withdrawal of licenses. Consumers can also take legal action against such businesses to seek compensation for any damages incurred due to false claims or misleading information.
6. How can we ensure the proper use of Indian standards in large metro rail projects?
To ensure the proper use of Indian standards in large metro rail projects, it is essential to undertake strict quality control measures, including:
- Regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with Indian standards by contractors and suppliers.
- Enforcing penalties or strict consequences for non-compliance with Indian standards.
- Independent testing and verification of materials and equipment used in the project.
- Detailed documentation and record-keeping to track adherence to Indian standards.
7. How can consumers protect themselves from falling victim to propaganda businesses misusing Indian standards?
Consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to propaganda businesses misusing Indian standards by:
- Researching about the product or service, checking for genuine certifications, and looking for trusted sources that validate claims.
- Reading product reviews and seeking recommendations from trustworthy sources.
- If in doubt, consulting experts or seeking professional advice to assess the authenticity of claims made by a business.
- Reporting any suspected misuse of Indian standards to relevant authorities or consumer protection agencies.
