Analysis of user acceptance of information and communications technology for electrical safety inspection based on a choice experiment and hierarchical Bayesian model

Abstract

The development of information and communications technology has resulted in changes in electrical safety inspection. Electrical safety inspectors plan to introduce smart devices that detect causes of extensive electrical fires in real time without problems of power disconnections and on-site visits. However, smart inspection is expected to encounter acceptance issues because users are unaccustomed to it and obligated to pay additional costs for device installation and data communications. This study aims to investigate smart inspection acceptance using survey data. A hierarchical Bayesian model is employed to explore the effects of users' characteristics on its acceptance. The respondents prefer attributes of smart inspection to those of the prevailing method of on-site inspection, excluding monthly inspection costs. They prefer more frequent and extensive inspections, and prefer to avoid power disconnections and physical interaction. Accordingly, the government should inform users that smart inspection is convenient and accurate. It is also attractive to users who wish to avoid on-site visits because of privacy issues. The acceptance rate can increase if the government reduces inspection costs using the existing smart devices and communications infrastructure, and offers real-time electrical safety information using smart phones and in-home displays.