Transformer fire at Hardoi medical college substation disrupts supply

What happened

On a Wednesday afternoon, a transformer at the electrical substation on the medical college campus in Hardoi caught fire. The report says a sudden increase in load was followed by smoke and flames from the transformer leads and cables. Electricity department staff began restoration work and supply to the whole college was shut off. Operations, scans and lifts stopped. Power was restored after about one and a half hours. Patients waiting for operations and tests had to wait, and some left without treatment. No injuries are reported.

Contributing factors

The report attributes the fire to a sudden increase in load, after which smoke and then flames were seen from the transformer cables. No further technical cause is reported.

Lessons learned

1. Monitor load on substation transformers serving critical facilities so rising demand is noticed before a fault.
2. Keep backup power arrangements for medical services during an outage.
3. Have a clear response for electrical faults at essential sites so supply can be isolated and restored quickly.

Source

amarujala.com