Can a cctv installer or system integrator do the wiring to install the cctv cameras in the lift if given an order for cctv installation inside lifts ? .
Diclaimer : This is only our opinion and please consult a legal expert for getting the legal view .
We at Indus Cartel Pvt ltd are often requested by housing societies to install CCTV cameras inside elevators. However, as a responsible service provider, we politely refuse these requests and urge societies to follow proper procedures.
As per the Maharashtra Lifts Act, 2017, only licensed electrical contractors with prior permission from the Electrical Inspector can undertake wiring work related to lifts. If an unqualified company undertakes illegal wiring, it jeopardizes the safety of residents. Still, we lose contracts because other providers readily disregard the law.
Through this document, we aim to create awareness about the Maharashtra Lifts Act 2017 among our customers. We have explained the licensing requirements for lift-related electrical work, penalties for non-compliance, and outcomes in case of accidents. Our steadfast commitment to safety may cost us business, but we will not compromise on residential welfare.
Our view :
Based on the Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017, a CCTV company cannot do the wiring to install CCTV cameras in the lift unless they have a valid electrical contractor’s license issued under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations.
The key points regarding wiring for lifts from the Act are:
- Any electrical work related to lifts needs to be done by an “approved contractor” who possesses a license issued by the Chief Electrical Inspector (Section 2a, 5)
- The license is granted to electrical contractors who have a valid electrical contractor’s license under the Central Electricity Authority regulations (Section 5)
So a CCTV company would not be allowed to do the lift wiring for CCTV cameras unless they fulfill these criteria of having the approved electrical contractor’s license. The wiring needs to be done by a properly licensed electrical contractor as per the regulations.
As per the Act, if the managing committee of a society has given an order for CCTV cabling in lifts without taking permission from the electrical authority as per the Act, then the following would be the liabilities:
- Liability of Managing Committee:
- The managing committee can be prosecuted under Section 32 for contravening the provisions of the Act and penalties prescribed (fine up to Rs. 50,000 and additional fine up to Rs. 1,000 per day for continuing contravention).
- As per Section 33, the people in-charge of and responsible for the managing committee would also be deemed guilty and liable for punishment.
- Liability in case of accident:
- If the accident is due to faulty CCTV wiring, then the CCTV contractor would be liable under Sections 32 and 25. The managing committee can also face action for contracting an unauthorized company.
- If the accident is NOT due to CCTV wiring, still the managing committee can face prosecution if non-compliance to any provisions of the Act led to unsafe conditions under Sections 21 and 32.
- CCTV Contractor’s liability:
- Prosecution and penalties under Section 32 if their faulty wiring caused the accident.
- Concurrent liability under Section 25 for the accident even if caused by other factors, but related to malfunctioning of safety provisions.
So in summary, the managing committee would be prosecuted for non-compliance to the Act. The contractor may also be liable if involved in accident causation. And penalties can be fines up to Rs 50,000 plus additional Rs 1,000 per day – depending on factors causing the accident.