KR CIRCLE:Following complaints from pedestrians, Bescom has come up with a design solution to make transformers safer. They will soon move up handles of their switches, and clear up the space for those using the footpaths.
A mishap reported on May 18, 2013 in Church Street, when pedestrian Manojkumar Patil got an electric shock from the fencing cover around a transformer, has prompted Bescom to look around for a solution.
The horizontal operating pipe or handle of the GOS (group operating switch) fixed to a pole has been inconveniencing pedestrians in some areas and will now be moved up to a safer height.
Sheela, General Manager (Quality Standard and Safety), Bescom, said, “We will spend Rs 20 lakh to modify 1,000 GOS pipes in two sub divisions of Bengaluru. The work has been entrusted to Gugan Engineerings. Similarly, about 60,000 pipes will be modified across the city in the next phase." Bescom will first implement the project in Basavanagudi and Sahakara Nagar. The first 1,000 pipes will be modified within a fortnight.
Aesthetic transformers
A tender has been floated to invite a rethink on safe transformer design, according to sources. The successful bidder will suggest alternative equipment for the Distribution Transformer Centres. The brief is that they should also look good.