Diwali Electrical Safety: Protect Your Home While Celebrating

Before Diwali: preparation checklist

A little preparation before Diwali prevents most emergencies during the celebrations. Work through this checklist a week before the festival.

First, inspect every jhalar string you plan to use. Look for cracked insulation, exposed wires, damaged plugs, and signs of rodent chewing. Any string with visible damage should be discarded immediately — not repaired, discarded.

Second, test every socket and switch you will use. Ensure they grip plugs firmly, have no discolouration or heat marks, and switch cleanly. If a socket is loose or discoloured, get it replaced before the festival.

Third, clean your distribution board. Dust accumulation is a fire hazard, especially when circuits are heavily loaded. A gentle vacuum or a dry brush clears the dust and gives you a visual inspection of the board.

Fourth, press the RCCB test button. It should trip instantly. If it does not, call an electrician immediately. The RCCB is your family's protection against electrocution.

Fifth, check that your fire extinguisher (if you have one) is in date and accessible. Most homes do not have one — this is the year to get one. A small ABC-rated extinguisher costs around ₹1,000-₹2,000 and can stop a small electrical fire before it becomes a disaster.

• Inspect all jhalar strings — discard damaged ones
• Test sockets and switches — replace loose or discoloured ones
• Clean the distribution board — dust is a fire hazard
• Press the RCCB test button — it should trip instantly
• Check the fire extinguisher — or buy one
• Ensure the distribution board is accessible (not blocked by decorations)

During Diwali: safe installation practices

When installing jhalar lights and decorations, follow these principles every time.

Keep cables away from high-traffic areas. A jhalar cable across the entrance is a tripping hazard and can be damaged by foot traffic. Route cables along walls, around door frames, or above head height.

Keep cables away from heat sources. Diwali is also the time for diyas, candles, and lamps. A jhalar cable draped over a candle is a fire in the making. Keep cables and diyas well separated.

Keep cables away from sharp edges. A cable running over a sharp metal railing or a rough concrete edge will have its insulation damaged over time. Use protective sleeving or route differently.

Never overload a socket. Each wall socket is designed for a certain current. If you are plugging multiple jhalar strings into one socket via a multi-plug adapter, you are creating a fire risk. Spread the load across multiple sockets on different circuits.

Use genuine ISI-marked products. A cheap jhalar string from a roadside vendor may save ₹200 upfront, but it uses substandard wire and plastic that can melt, smoke, and catch fire. Buy from reputable shops and check for ISI marking.

The big moment: Lakshmi Puja and peak load

The highest risk moment of Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja timing — usually around 6-8 PM. Every home switches on every light at the same time. The room lights, the jhalar lights, the decorative stars, the animated displays — everything is on at once.

This is when circuits are most likely to trip. And because everyone is busy with the puja, a tripped circuit often results in someone resetting the breaker repeatedly — or, worse, fitting a 'temporary' bypass.

Plan for this moment. If you have a dedicated festive lighting circuit, it will carry the jhalar load separately, reducing the risk. If you do not, spread the load: put room lights on one circuit, jhalar lights on another, and decorative displays on a third.

Also, be aware of what else is running at that time. Geysers, air conditioners, ovens, and other high-power appliances should be switched off during the puja peak to reduce the overall load.

Emergency response: what to do if something goes wrong

Despite all precautions, emergencies can happen. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can prevent a small incident from becoming a disaster.

If you smell burning plastic, switch off the main supply at the distribution board immediately. Do not wait to locate the source. Switch off first, then investigate. A burning smell means insulation is heating or melting, and every minute counts.

If you see smoke or sparks, evacuate the area and then call. Do not try to fight an electrical fire with water — water conducts electricity and can electrocute you. Use a dry powder fire extinguisher or, in a pinch, cover the fire with a thick blanket to starve it of oxygen.

If someone receives a shock, do not touch them while they are still in contact with the source. Switch off the power first, or use a wooden or plastic object (not metal) to move them away from the source. Then call for medical help.

We are available 24×7 during Diwali on 90236 80510. Our emergency response is faster during the festive season because we know demand is high. Save the number in your phone before Diwali.

• Burning smell: switch off the main supply immediately
• Smoke or sparks: evacuate and call, do not use water
• Electrical shock: switch off first, then move the person with a non-conductive object
• Call 90236 80510 for emergency electrician — 24×7 during Diwali
• Also know 101 for fire service if the situation escalates

After Diwali: don't forget the dismantling

The festival ends, but the work is not over. Leaving jhalar lights up through the winter and into the summer means they will degrade and be unsafe for the next Diwali.

Dismantle within two weeks of the festival. Coil cables carefully, without kinks, and store them in a dry place. If you have a large installation, label the bundles so you know which is which next year.

Check each string for damage as you dismantle. Note any that need replacement before next year. This saves you the last-minute rush next Diwali.

We offer post-festival dismantling services at ₹800-₹2,500. It saves you the effort and ensures your jhalar lights are stored properly for reuse.