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Electrical Hazards in Myanmar's Power Sector

The document outlines the history and structure of the electricity sector in Myanmar, detailing the evolution of various organizations responsible for electricity generation and distribution. It highlights the key objectives of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, including improving electricity supply and promoting renewable energy. Additionally, it discusses the distribution system and the causes of electrical accidents in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in preventing electrical hazards.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
20 views16 pages

Electrical Hazards in Myanmar's Power Sector

The document outlines the history and structure of the electricity sector in Myanmar, detailing the evolution of various organizations responsible for electricity generation and distribution. It highlights the key objectives of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, including improving electricity supply and promoting renewable energy. Additionally, it discusses the distribution system and the causes of electrical accidents in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in preventing electrical hazards.

Uploaded by

kyawtheinhanmepe
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CHAPTER III

ELECTRICAL HAZARD AND ACCIDENT IN MYANMAR

3.1 Background of Electricity Sector in Myanmar


In Myanmar, The Electric Power was firstly used in 1898 for Ruby mine field by
private company with mini-hydro Electric Power. In 1905, Rangon Electric Tram Way &
Supply Company (RET & S) was the first one of Electricity sold to Yangon by Thermal
Power. At 1951, Electricity Supply Board (ESB) was formed under the management of
Ministry of Industry in accordance with the Electricity Act, 1948. In 1972, ESB was
reformed as Electric Power Corporation (EPC), when Ministry of Industry was
reorganized as Ministry of Industry No (1) & No (2). EPC was governed by Ministry of
Industry No (2). In 1989, EPC was transformed as Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise
(MEPE) when Ministry of Industry No (2) was reformed as Ministry of Energy. In 1997,
Ministry of Energy was splatted into two as Ministry of Energy & Ministry of Electric
Power and then Ministry of Electric Power was responsible for Electricity work. In 2006,
State Peace and Development Council reformed MOEP into two as Ministry of Electric
Power No (1) & No (2). Ministry of Electric Power No (1) obligated installation and
maintenance of Hydro Power Station. Ministry of Electric Power No (2) obligated
installation and maintenance of Gas Turbine Power Station, Primary Substation and High
Voltage Transmission Lines and then the power system operation and distribution. In
2012, Ministry of Electric Power No (1) and No (2) was reformed to Ministry Electric
Power. In 2016, Ministry of Electric Power and Ministry of Energy were reformed to
Ministry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE 2018). There are four departments, five
enterprises and two corporations.
a) Department of Electric power and planning (DEPP)
b) Oil and Gas planning Department (OGPD)
c) Department of Electric power Transmission and system control (DPTSC)
d) Department of Hydropower implementation (DHPI)
e) Electric power generation enterprise (EPGE)
f) Electric Supply Enterprise (ESE)
g) Myanma oil and gas enterprise (MOGE)
h) Myanma petrochemical enterprise (MPE)
i) Myanma petroleum product enterprise (MPPE)

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j) Yangon Electricity supply corporation (YESC)
k) Mandalay Electricity supply corporation (MESC)
The key objectives of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy are -
a) in order to transmit the generated power, through National Grid System to
regions and states by implementing the transmission lines and primary
substations, and by carrying out the distribution plans for electricity supply to
the industries and public,
b) to provide the technical know-how and policy support for using renewable
energy such as bio-mass with cooperation and participation of the local people
in rural areas, remotely located from the National Grid,
c) to meet the electricity demand for the inaccessible areas to National Grid, to be
supplied by Mini Hydro and Diesel Generators,
d) in order to be reliable, the quality of National Grid System for generation,
transmission, distribution and consumption of electricity at the standard voltage
level with the least of power interruption and losses, to be carried out by our
skilled staffs and by getting technical know-how from abroad,
e) in order to fulfill the electricity demand of Myanmar, to encourage the power
generation not only hydro and also natural gas and coal, and to be widely and
commercially operated by wind and solar power plants, and to generate more
electricity from renewable energy resources.
The main functions of the department of electric power planning are to formulate
the short-term and long-term planning of the renewable and hydropower projects, to
analyze and recommend for expanding electric power plants to meet the additional
demand. The department of hydropower implementation is to exploit the hydropower
resources and report the possibility of these resources, to analyze and implement of the
new projects which are formulated from the ministry, and to monitor and report the
progress of the projects. The duties of the Electric Power Generation Enterprise (EPGE)
are - operation, maintaining, and generation processes of the existing state-own
hydropower and thermal electric power plants, and purchasing of the electric power from
the private sector such as - Joint Venture (JV), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), an
Independent Power Producer (IPP) by mean of the system of Power Purchase Agreement
(PPA). Department of power transmission and system control (DPTSC) is responsible for
the development, and implementation of the transmission network and primary
substations, covering the voltage levels of 66 kV, 132 kV, and 230 kV and control the
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processes of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution which are connected
with the national grid. Distribution systems consist of lower voltage levels—33 kV, 11
kV, 6.6 kV, and 0.4 kV. Three distribution corporation and enterprises operate the
distribution systems in the country. The Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC)
is responsible for the supply of electricity to consumers in Yangon region, the Mandalay
Electricity Supply Corporation (MESC) is responsible for the supply of electricity to
consumers in Mandalay region and the Electricity Supply Enterprise (ESE) covers the rest
of the country comprising 13 states and regions, including off-grid generation and
distribution.
Table (3.1) Electricity Utilization in Each Sector

Electricity Utilization in Volume (Million kWh) Total


No Fiscal Year (Million
Residential Industrial Commercial Others
kWh)

1 2014 – 2015 4112.83 2144.85 1754.58 2402.94 10415.20

2 2015 – 2016 3567.15 2119.75 1463.75 6220.80 13371.45

3 2016 – 2017 3451.07 2772.87 1377.92 8406.35 16008.21

4 2017 – 2018 4509.82 1752.78 1703.04 8129.74 16095.38

2018
5 2738.16 1752.78 963.75 4018.04 9472.73
(April-Sept)

Source: Statistics from 2010-2011 to 2018 (April-September), DEPP, MOEE


In Myanmar, electricity is suppling to four sectors, these are residential, industrial,
commercial and others. The residential sector includes electricity user from single-family
homes and multi-family housing. Electricity demand in the residential sector tends to be
highest on hot summer afternoons due to increased air conditioning use, followed by
evenings, when lights are turned on. Industrial sector includes electricity user who use
electricity for processing, producing, or assembling goods, including such diverse
industries as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and construction. The commercial sector
includes electricity user who use the electricity for doing business (shop, warehouses,
restaurant, commercial building, hotel, guest house, company office and etc.) Other usage

25
which include electricity usage by municipal for temporary lighting, street lighting, water
plant, pumping station and public infrastructure, agricultural and etc.,
Table (3.1) shows the electricity utilization by each sector in the respective year.
According to this table, the residential utilization was slightly increased from 39.29% in
2010-2011 FY to 44.10% in 2012-2013 FY. Increase in domestic consumption of
electricity is due to increase in living standard of people, increase in utilization of modern
electronic gadgets such as computer, refrigerators, and satellites receiver, washing
machines etc. in the today modern world. On the other hand, the residential usage was
slightly decreased from 30.03% in 2013-2014 FY to 21.56% in 2016-2017 FY. The reason
is volume of sales to private companies are excluded from residential and included under
others. But the residential utilization was increased in 2018-2019 FY at 28.91% because
of the number of electrified towns and villages by NEP. Similarly, electricity consumption
was also increased in industrial sectors in 2010-2011 FY. This is because of government
of Myanmar has implemented the development of industrial sector by developing several
industrial zones throughout the country. Until recently, however there is insufficient
electricity supply was one of the major problems in impeding industrial sector
development in Myanmar. Other usage which means temporary lighting, street lighting
and private companies’ utilization, was increased dramatically as shown in table 3.4. The
per capita consumptions (kWh) are 186.796 in 2013-2014, 218.711 in 2014-2015, 260.318
in 2015-2016 and 332.594 in 2017-2018 respectively.

3.2 Distribution of Electricity in Myanmar

A power system contains all electric equipment necessary for supplying the
consumers with electric energy. This equipment includes generators, transformers (step -
up and step - down), transmission lines, sub-transmission lines, cables and switchgear.
There are three main part in the power system. The first part is the generation system in
which the electricity is produced in power plants owned by an electric utility or an
independent supplier. The generated power is at the generation voltage level. The voltage
is increased by using step - up power transformers to transmit the power over long
distances under the most economical conditions. The second part is the transmission
system that is responsible for the delivery of power to load centers through cables or
overhead transmission lines. The transmitted power is at extra high voltage (EHV)
(transmission network) or high voltage (HV) (sub-transmission network). The third part is
the distribution system where the voltage is stepped down at the substations to the medium

26
voltage (MV) level. Electricity distribution is the final process in the delivery of electricity
and it carries electricity from the transmission system to the individual end users. The
power is transmitted through the distribution lines (or cables) to the local substations
(distribution transformers) at which the voltage is reduced to the consumer level and the
power lines of the local utility or distribution company carry electricity to homes or
commercial establishments.

Figure (3.1) Electric Power Distribution System

Source : [Link]

Electric power distribution system is shown in Figure (3.1). Electricity is made at a


generating station by huge generators. The current is sent through transformers to increase
the voltage to push the power long distances. The electrical charge goes through high-
voltage transmission lines (230 kV and 132 kV) that stretch across the country. It reaches
a substation, where the voltage is lowered so it can be sent on smaller power lines. Primary
distribution lines (66 kV and 33 kV) carry the medium voltage to distribution transformers
located near the customer premises. Distribution transformers again lower the voltage to
the utilization voltage for lighting, industrial machine and household electrical appliances.

27
The medium voltage level (66 kV and 33 kV) are reduced to 11 kV by step down
transformers. In general, electricity supply to the heavy customers (industries) whose
demand is 33 kV is connected to the medium voltage lines and a separate substation exists
to control and utilize this power. Therefore, the customers who need to high voltage level
are distributed by primary distribution substations. The 33/11 kV distribution substations
are transmitted to the urban and rural areas via 11 kV or 0.4 kV lines. Most of the
residential and commercial users are connected to the 0.4 kV lines from 33/11 kV step
down power substations that are located nearby customer’s house and passes through a
meter that measures how much their family uses. Electricity distribution system for
household is show in figure (3.2).

Figure (3.2) Electrical Distribution System for Household

Source: [Link]

Each house in a street might be alternately connected to a different phase or different


streets might be connected to different phases. This is just to try and balance the demand
on the transformer. A smaller service cable comes off the distribution cable and will feed
the property. This service cable will again be overhead or underground depending on the
local installation. The service cable contains the phase and neutral wires, there’s also a
metal protective sheath around the cable in most cases especially if it’s buried in the

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ground. The service cable comes in, the phase and neutral pass through the service head,
into the meter and then into the consumer unit. The electricity is going to flow from the
phase, pass through the main fuse, then through the meter and into the consumer unit. The
phase and neutral then enter the electricity meter which quantifies how much energy is
being consumed. In older properties this meter might be mechanical or digital or even a
digital smart meter. The phase and neutral will then leave the electricity meter and enter
the consumer unit or fuse board. This varies in size depending on the size of the property
and how many circuits there are. Inside the consumer unit we first have the main switch
or main double pole switch. This controls the supply of electricity to the rest of the
consumer unit and all its circuits feeding the property. This switch is manually flipped to
cut the power. This switch disconnects both the phase and the neutral at the same time.
The cables typically enter the main switch via the top terminals. At the bottom we find the
neutral wire which connects to a neutral block. We might find one or more phase wires
coming out of the bottom of the main switch to feed the RCD’s, if there aren’t RCD’s used
then a bus bar will feed the circuit breakers and we’ll look at that shortly. This RCD switch
is constantly monitoring the electrical current. It’s checking if the current in the phase line
is equal to the current in the neutral line, if it isn’t then there is an electrical fault and the
device will quickly and automatically cut the power to everything past the switch.
Typically, an RCD will break the circuit if it measures a difference of 30 milli amps as
anything above this is dangerous for humans. From the bottom of the RCD there was a bus
bar. This is just some conductive metal which the electricity flows along and connects into
each of the MCB’s. The MCB or miniature circuit breaker controls individual smaller
circuits. The MCB protects the circuits in two ways, overload and short circuits. The MCB
is rated to handle a certain amount of current passing through it, for example 32Amps for
the plug sockets. If this value is exceeded on that circuit, for example by gradually
plugging too many things in, then the MCB will trip and cut the power to protect itself.
The other protection it offers is short circuit protection. In the event of a short circuit, for
example the live touches the neutral, then the circuit is bypassed and there will be a large
and instantaneous increase in current. This will create a magnetic field inside the MCB
which will cut the power to protect itself. The neutral block is then connected to the RCD
which checks if the current flowing out is equal to the current flowing back in. The neutral
then flows from the RCD to the main neutral block and from there back to the main switch
which is connected to the electricity meter and the service head. So, electricity can then
flow from the main distribution phase line, up through the service head and main fuse. It
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then flows through the electricity meter and into the consumer unit main switch. Cables
with green and yellow stripes are called the earth cables. This earth cable usually runs
along with the phase and neutral wires into the fixtures such as light switches and plug
sockets. Some appliances will also use an earth wire for added protection typically if the
device uses a metal casing.
3.3 Causes of Electrical Accident in Myanmar
A severe shock can cause much more damage to the body than is visible. A person
may suffer internal bleeding and destruction of tissues, nerves, and muscles. Sometimes
the hidden injuries caused by electrical shock result in a delayed death. Shock is often only
the beginning of a chain of events. Even if the electrical current is too small to cause injury,
their reaction to the shock may cause them to fall, resulting in bruises, broken bones, or
even death. Injury from electrical hazard can come from both direct and indirect sources.
Major causes of electrical accident in Myanmar are as follows:
a) High voltage overhead power lines
b) Underground power lines
c) Exposed and cracked service wires
d) Improper wiring and insulation failure
e) Ungrounded electrical system
f) Overload in electrical system and
g) Working in wet condition.
Sometimes high voltages lead to additional injuries. High voltages can cause
violent muscular contractions. Worker may lose balance and fall, which can cause injury
or even death. High voltages can also cause severe burns. Most people do not realize that
overhead powerlines are usually not insulated. More than half of all electrocutions are
caused by direct contact with energized powerlines. Employer must be especially aware
of the dangers of overhead lines. When dump trucks, cranes, work platforms, or other
conductive materials (such as pipes and ladders) contact overhead wires, the equipment
operator or other workers can be killed. If they do not maintain required clearance
distances from powerlines, they can be shocked and killed.
Underground power lines pose a special hazard to operators of equipment used
during trenching and excavation activities. Therefore, operators need to be aware of the
hazards penetration of energized power lines poses and take positive steps to eliminate the
hazard before digging. Penetration of energized underground conductors by workers can
result in shock and even death.
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Electrical hazards exist when wires or other electrical parts are exposed. Wires and
parts can be exposed if a cover is removed from a wiring or breaker box. The overhead
wires coming into a home (service wires) may be exposed. Older electrical equipment and
appliances may have exposed electrical parts. If the people contact exposed live electrical
parts, they will be shocked. An electrical hazard exists when the wire is too small a gauge
for the current it will carry. When a wire is too small for the current it is supposed to carry,
the wire will heat up. The heated wire could cause a fire. Insulation that is defective or
inadequate is an electrical hazard. Usually, a plastic or rubber covering insulates wires.
Insulation prevents conductors from coming in contact with each other. Insulation also
prevents conductors from coming in contact with people. Sometimes the insulation inside
an electrical tool or appliance is damaged. When insulation is damaged, exposed metal
parts may become energized if a live wire inside touches them. Electric hand tools that are
old, damaged, or misused may have damaged insulation inside. If they touch damaged
power tools or other equipment, they will receive a shock. They were more likely to receive
a shock if the tool is not grounded or double insulated.
When an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard exists. The metal
parts of an electrical wiring system that we touch (switch plates, ceiling light fixtures,
conduit, etc.) should be grounded and at 0 volts. If the system is not grounded properly,
these parts may become energized. Metal parts of motors, appliances, or electronics that
are plugged into improperly grounded circuits may be energized. When a circuit is not
grounded properly, a hazard exists because unwanted voltage cannot be safely eliminated.
If there is no safe path to ground for fault currents, exposed metal parts in damaged
appliances can become energized.
Overloads in an electrical system are hazardous because they can produce heat or
arcing. Wires and other components in an electrical system or circuit have a maximum
amount of current they can carry safely. If too many devices are plugged into a circuit, the
electrical current will heat the wires to a very high temperature. If anyone tool uses too
much current, the wires will heat up. The temperature of the wires can be high enough to
cause a fire. If their insulation melts, arcing may occur. Arcing can cause a fire in the area
where the overload exists, even inside a wall.
Working in wet conditions is hazardous because it may become an easy path for
electrical current. If someone touch a live wire or other electrical component and they are
well-grounded because they are standing in even a small puddle of water, they will receive
a shock.
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3.4 Electrical Accident in Myanmar

Based on the data from the Ministry of Electricity and Energy total no of 861
electrical accidents were occur during 2015 to 2019. During this case 768 people were
dead and 241 people were injuries. The condition of the people dead and injured caused in
2015 to 2019 are described in Table (3.2) and Figure (3.3). Table (3.3) and Figure (3.4)
show the condition of the electrical accidents caused in monthly during 2015 to 2019.

Table (3.2) People Dead and Injured Caused by Electrical Accidents in Myanmar
(2015-2019)

Year Injuries Dead Total

2015 48 186 234

2016 84 212 296

2017 53 185 238

2018 56 185 241

2019 28 171 180

Total 269 939 1189

Source: Electrical Inspection Department Data, 2019

Fig (3.3) People Dead and Injured Caused by Electrical Accidents in Myanmar

250
212
186 185 185
200 171

150

84
100
48 53 56
50 28

0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Year
Injuries Dead

Source: Data from Table (3.1)

32
Table 3.3 Monthly People Dead and Injured Caused by Electrical Accidents in
Myanmar (2015-2019)

Month Year Total


2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Injuries 2 4 3 6 1 16
January
Dead 7 5 9 13 8 42
Injuries 4 - - 3 4 11
February
Dead 3 - 7 6 6 22
Injuries 3 2 4 4 2 15
March
Dead 5 15 9 9 8 46
Injuries 1 7 3 3 - 14
April
Dead 19 12 21 15 6 73
Injuries 8 4 8 11 3 34
May
Dead 25 21 26 18 12 102
Injuries 4 26 14 7 3 54
June
Dead 23 32 20 22 32 129
Injuries 8 9 3 4 2 26
July
Dead 23 22 19 25 28 117
Injuries 4 5 1 6 3 19
August
Dead 23 38 19 20 30 130
Injuries 2 7 6 6 4 25
September
Dead 15 18 18 22 15 88
Injuries 8 6 6 4 4 28
October
Dead 18 28 20 20 12 98
Injuries 3 6 4 2 2 17
November
Dead 14 15 10 8 11 58
Injuries 1 8 1 - - 10
December
Dead 11 6 7 7 3 34
Source: Electrical Inspection Department Data, 2019

33
Fig (3.4) Monthly People Dead and Injured Caused by Electrical Accidents in

December Myanmar

Dead

Injured
November

Dead

Injured

Dead
October

Injured
September

Dead

Injured

Dead
August

Injured

Dead
July

Injured

Dead
June

Injured

Dead
May

Injured

Dead
April

Injured

Dead
March

Injured
February

Dead

Injured

Dead
January

Injured

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Source: Electrical Inspection Department Data, 2019

34
A total no of 939 peoples have died and 269 people were injured and nearly to die
over the five years period from 2015 to 2019 due to electrical accidents. Average no of
188 peoples were fatal and 54 people were injured in every year. Most of the peoples were
non-electrical technician and 80% of the people were died during the electrical accidents.
Rainfalls and storms can cause electrical safety hazards. Lightning, downed power lines
and poles may lead to bodily harm or loss of life and property. It was found that the number
of electrical accidents occurred in Jun to October are higher than the other month. Note
that Jun to October are rainy season in Myanmar and rains inflict massive damage on
electrical components than any other seasons and hence, precautions should be taken
accordingly. Most of the electrical accident in rainy season are found in the following
condition: (1) maintaining the overhead transmission line, (2) cutting the tree near the
transmission line, (3) climbing any tree that is touching or is near to power lines (4)
touching the electrical tower and pole, down power line and (5) using the electrical
appliances in wet condition.
3.5 Electricity Law and Electrical Inspection for Safety in Myanmar
The electricity law was enacted in the year 1984 to replace the Electricity Rules
1937. The Law was amended by the State Law and Order Restoration Council Law
No.3/90 in the year 1990. On 27th October 2014, this Law was amended by the Electricity
Law (2014) (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No.44 /2014). The Electricity Law primarily aims
to supervise electric power generation, transmission; distribution and utilization for the
general safety of public. Inspection 37 and approval off all under stated electrification is
made in accordance with the Electricity Law expect for defense and special purposes. For
electrical safety, Law is prescribed by Chapter (7), section (30) to (34). According to Rules
and Regulations (1985), Electrical Inspection Department, Directorate of Industrial
Supervision and Inspection under Ministry of Industry is servicing inspection for public
electrical safety.
Priority aims of the Electrical Inspection Department are the safety of public from
electrical hazard. They are:
a) To protect the human health and safety from electrical hazard.
b) To improve the efficiency of the electrical appliances and human resources.
c) To prolong the life of Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
d) To determine the dispute or argue between electricity supplier and consumer.
e) To be used the electricity beneficially and safety.

35
For electrical safety, electrical inspection, supervision and knowledge are
sufficient. Electrical inspection and supervision section are served by the Department of
Electrical Inspection. The awareness must cooperate in the media and popular areas. In
line with electrical law (2014) and electrical Rules and Regulation (1985) activities
relating with electrical producing, distributing, transmitting and using from State Owned
Enterprises, cooperatives and private sectors are inspected in order to use safely. Electrical
Inspection Department is testing and inspection following case. Electrical Inspection
Department is carrying out inspection of electricity related business and the electrical
equipment in accordance with the electricity law and existing regulations as follows: (a)
Inspection the high and low power utilization, the internal wiring of the public buildings,
electrical appliances such as battery chargers, heater, welder, generator, power meter and
etc. (b) Inspection elevator, escalator, high voltage line and sub-station and issuing the
certificate of electrical safety for public buildings, housing estates and industrial
complexes. (c) Inspection the generation and utilization by using generator and issuing the
certificate of registration for power generation and distribution. (d) Issuing the electrical
professional certificate to the certified person. (e) Issuing the certificate of conformity and
certificate of electrical safety after testing the local and import electrical and electronic
goods with IEC Standards at laboratory. The Electrical Inspection Department open basic
electrical training courses and special upgrade electrical training courses to foster skillful
electrical workers as well as electrical technicians for human resources development.
Electrical Inspection Department reminds that the best way to protect the family and home
against the risk of electrical fires or electrocution is to hire a qualified, licensed electrician
to perform any electrical work in the home.
All the electricity user must be known and followed all the prescription in
Electricity Law Chapter (12) Prohibitions section (44 to 53). In section (46), no person
shall engage in electrical installation and maintenance without having an Electrical
Professional Certificate are prescribed and whoever violates the prohibition contained in
section 46 shall, on conviction, be punished with fine a minimum of kyats 50,000 to
maximum of kyats 300,000. In section (51) and section (52) no person shall engage in
construction of building, planting of trees or other activities within the Right of Way for
Electric Power Line and shall access to electricity through a connection, wasting, utilizing
electricity without the permission of Permit Holder are prescribed and whoever violates
the prohibition contained in section 51 and 52 shall, on conviction, be punished with a
minimum of kyats 100,000 to maximum of kyats 300,000. If such person continues such
36
activities after the first offence, such person shall be punished with maximum
imprisonment of three years and may be punished with fine.
3.6 Electrical Safety Instruction for Household
Ministry of Electricity and Energy and Electrical Inspection Department,
Directorate of Industrial Supervision and Inspection under Ministry of Industry instructed
the following instruction, to safe around the home from electrical hazards and remember
the rules for using electricity the right way.
a) Never overload a circuit with high wattage appliances.
b) Prevent overloaded wiring by using the right size and type of wire.
c) Prevent exposure to live electrical parts by isolating them.
d) Prevent exposure to live wires and parts by using insulation.
e) Prevent shocking currents from electrical systems and tools by grounding
them.
f) Prevent shocking currents by using GFCI’s/RCD/RCCB/ELCB.
g) Prevent too much current in circuits by using overcurrent protection devices
such as CB, MCB, Fuse and etc.
h) Make sure all electrical outlets are three-hole, grounded outlets.
i) Use proper wiring and connectors.
j) Use and maintain tools properly.
k) Wear correct personal protective equipment (PPE) if needed.
l) Turn off all electrical appliances when you go out. Teach children this
habit by example.
m) Know your appliances. Read and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
n) Practice extension cord safety. Cords are for temporary indoor use, away
from moisture, heat, or metal pipes, and never under rugs.
o) Never use any electric appliance in the tub or shower.
p) Never touch an electric cord or appliance with wet hands.
q) Do not use electrical appliances in damp areas or while standing on damp
floors.
r) In areas where water is present, use outlets with “ground fault circuit
interrupters” or GFCI.
s) Extension cords should never be used for permanent power installations.
If power is required for more than the short duration, permanent electrical
installation should be used.
37
t) Teach children not to put things into electrical outlets and not to chew on
electrical cords.
u) Never allow the children to climb the trees near power lines, utility poles
or high-tension towers.
v) Check appliances periodically to spot worn or cracked insulation, loose
terminals, corroded wires, defective parts and any other components that
might not work correctly.
w) If you are not a qualified person, don’t repair and replace the defective
parts and appliances.
x) Replace the defective parts and appliances or have them repaired by a
person qualified to do so.
y) Do not plant trees, shrubs, or bushes under power lines or near
underground power lines.
z) Do not cut trees, shrubs, or bushes under power lines or near underground
power lines.
aa) Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. If there is a downed power
line, call the township electricity office, and warn others away.

38

Common questions

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From 2010 to 2018, electricity consumption in Myanmar experienced notable trends. Residential electricity usage percentages slightly increased until 2013 due to higher living standards and increased use of electronics, but later decreased as private sales were reclassified under 'others.' Industrial consumption rose from 2010 due to an expansion of industrial zones, though it faced constraints from inadequate supply. Overall consumption per capita also increased significantly, reflecting broader access to electricity over the period .

The consumer unit in homes is designed to protect against electrical faults through several mechanisms. It features a main switch that controls electricity supply to circuits, and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) that cut power if there is a current imbalance, indicating a fault. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) protect individual circuits by tripping when overloaded or short-circuited. These features work together to prevent potential hazards, such as fires or shocks, by ensuring that dangerous currents do not reach unsafe levels .

The Ministry of Electricity and Energy aims to enhance electricity supply to underserved areas by implementing transmission lines and substations to connect regions via the National Grid System. For areas not easily accessible to the grid, the ministry promotes using renewable energy sources like mini hydro and diesel generators. There is also a focus on providing technical knowledge and policy support for renewable energy use with community cooperation, particularly in rural areas. This strategy includes meeting electricity demand through diverse power generation methods, such as solar and wind, and improving grid reliability .

The structure of Myanmar's electricity sector evolved through several major changes over more than a century. Initially, electricity was used in Myanmar in 1898 with mini-hydro power for mining, followed by thermal power in 1905 for public supply. In 1951, the Electricity Supply Board was formed under the Ministry of Industry according to the 1948 Electricity Act, which was later reorganized into the Electric Power Corporation in 1972. Subsequent reforms led to the establishment of the Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise in 1989 and the Ministry of Electric Power in 1997. Further restructuring occurred in 2006 and 2012, ultimately leading to the current Ministry of Electricity and Energy, formed in 2016, overseeing four departments and various enterprises .

The Department of Power Transmission and System Control in Myanmar is responsible for developing and implementing the national transmission network, including the management of primary substations at voltage levels of 66 kV, 132 kV, and 230 kV. It also oversees the processes related to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity linked to the national grid, ensuring effective control over the country's electrical distribution system .

Grounding an electrical system is crucial as it ensures that metal parts of the system which can be touched remain at zero voltage, preventing them from becoming energized and posing a shock hazard. Improper grounding leaves these components at risk of carrying electrical currents in fault conditions. If grounding is inadequate, surplus currents from faults may not be safely directed away, causing metal parts in these systems to become live, greatly increasing the risk of shock and fire hazards .

Periodic increases in residential electricity utilization in Myanmar are influenced by multiple factors, such as rising living standards which lead to higher adoption of electrical appliances, including air conditioners and refrigerators. Seasonal variations also play a role; for instance, demand peaks during hot summer afternoons due to increased air conditioning use. Finally, expansion of electricity access through the National Electrification Plan (NEP) has resulted in more homes being connected to the grid, thus raising overall residential electricity consumption .

High-voltage transmission is crucial for power distribution in Myanmar as it allows electricity to be efficiently transmitted over long distances, minimizing power losses. By using step-up transformers, generated power is elevated to an extra-high voltage which is economical for long-distance transmission. This system helps deliver power to load centers, ensuring that electricity is effectively distributed across regions. The reliance on such infrastructure is part of national efforts to maintain a reliable power supply with minimal interruptions .

Electrical accidents in Myanmar pose significant risks, including injuries such as internal bleeding, destruction of tissues, and severe burns due to high voltage exposure. Common causes include contact with uninsulated high-voltage overhead lines, underground power lines, exposed service wires, and failures in insulation or wiring. Additional hazards arise from improperly grounded systems, system overloads, and working in wet conditions. Such accidents often result from direct contact with energized components or safety lapses that lead to electrical exposure .

Myanmar has addressed renewable energy integration by encouraging not only hydroelectric power generation but also exploring commercial exploitation of wind and solar power plants. The Ministry of Electricity and Energy formulates plans and provides policy support for harnessing renewable resources. Additionally, projects under the Department of Electric Power Planning focus on short-term and long-term expansion of renewable and hydropower projects, indicating a strategic priority in diversifying energy sources .

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