MODULE II

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Distribution Systems
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DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
The part of power system which distributes electrical power for local use is known
as DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

In general the distribution system is that part of power system which conveys
electrical from major substations(which are supplied by transmission lines) to
consumers as per their requirement

This system is the electrical system between the substation fed by the transmission
system and consumer meter.

Distribution line generally consists of

• Feeders
• Distributors
• Service Main

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FEEDER
A feeder is a conductor which connects the
substation into the area where power is to be
distributed.

Feeders are conductors which connects the major

substation to the distributor

No tapings are taken from the feeder.

So the current in it remains the same throughout.

Main consideration in the design of feeder is the

current carrying capacity.

DISTRIBUTOR
A distributor is a conductor from which tapings are taken from pole mounted
transformer to the consumer.

Distributors are conductors to which various consumers are connected through

service mains

The current through a distributor is not constant because tapings are taken at various
places along its length.

Voltage drop is main consideration. 5

SERVICE MAINS
A service main is generally a small cable which connects the distributor to the
consumer’s meter.

The connecting links between the distributor and the consumer terminals.

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INTRODUCTION

Distribution system is a part of power system, existing between distribution

substations and consumers.

It is further classified on the basis of voltage

• Primary distribution system – 11KV or 6.6KV or 3.3 KV

The part of electrical – supply system existing between the distribution substations
and the distribution transformers is called the primary system.

• Secondary distribution system – 415 v or 230 v

The secondary distribution system receives power from the secondary side of
distribution transformers at low voltage and supplies power to various connected
loads via service lines.

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CLASSIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
It can be classified under different considerations as:

1. Type of current :
a. AC distribution system
b. DC distribution system

2. Type of construction :
a. Overhead system
b. Underground system

3. Type of service :
a. General lighting & power
b. Industrial power
c. Railway
d. Streetlight etc

4. Number of wires :
a. Two wire
b. Three wire
c. Four wire

5. Scheme of connection :
a. Radial distribution system
b. Ring or Loop distribution system
c. Interconnected distribution system 8
AC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM :

AC distribution systems is the electrical system between the step-down substation

fed by the transmission system and the consumers’ meters.

The AC distribution system is classified into :

i. Primary distribution system

• Voltages higher than general utilisation and handles large blocks of electrical
energy than the average low-voltage consumer uses.

• Commonly used primary distribution voltage 11kv, 6.6 kv, 3.3 kv.

• Electric power from the generating station is transmitted at high voltage to the
substation located in or near the city.

• At this substation, voltage is stepped down to 11kv with help of step-down

transformer.

• Power is supplied to various substations for distribution or to big consumers at this

voltage.

• This forms the high voltage distribution or primary distribution.

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ii. Secondary distribution system

• It is that part of AC distribution system which includes the range of voltages at

which the ultimate consumer utilizes the electrical energy delivered to him.

• The secondary distribution employs 400/230 v, 3-phase, 4-wire system.

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DC & AC SYSTEMS OF SUPPLY

Advantages of ac systems
• The transmission of electrical energy at a wide distance after generation is possible
with much less losses.
• Maintenance cost is low
• step up and step down easily possible

Transmission Loss
• Transmission loss : Difference in amount of electrical energy generated to the
amount reached to the consumers is known as transmission and distribution loss.
• Distribution loss is weakest and contributes much compared to transmission loss
• Transmission loss contributes to approx. 17% whereas distribution loss contributes
nearly 50%
Two types of loss : Technical and nontechnical loss
• The technical losses are due to energy dissipated in the conductors, equipment
used for transmission line, transformer, sub- transmission line and distribution line and
magnetic losses in transformers.
• Depend on the network characteristics and the mode of operation.
• There are two Type of Technical Losses
– Permanent / Fixed technical losses
– Variable technical losses 13
There are two Type of Technical Losses – Permanent / Fixed technical losses – Variable
technical losses

Permanent / Fixed Technical losses:

• Fixed losses do not vary according to current.

• These losses take the form of heat and noise and occur as long as a transformer is
energized.

• Between 1/4 and 1/3 of technical losses on distribution networks are fixed losses.

• Fixed losses on a network can be influenced in the ways set out below.
1. Corona Losses.
2. Leakage Current Losses.
3. Dielectric Losses.
4. Open-circuit Losses.
5. Losses caused by continuous load of measuring elements
6. Losses caused by continuous load of control elements.

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VARIABLE TECHNICAL LOSSES

• losses vary with the amount of electricity distributed

• Between 2/3 and 3/4 of technical (or physical) losses on

distribution networks are variable Losses.

• By increasing the cross-sectional area of lines and cables

for a given load, losses will fall.

REASONS FOR TECHNICAL LOSSES

• Lengthy Distribution lines

• Inadequate Size of Conductors of Distribution lines
• Installation of Distribution transformers away from load
centers
• Bad Workmanship
• Transformer Sizing and Selection
• Switching off transformers

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DISADVANTAGES OF AC SYSTEMS

• Corona effect : The phenomenon of ionization of surrounding air around the

conductor due to which luminous glow with hissing noise is rise is known as the
corona effect.

• More spacing required between insulators

• If UG cables are used dielectric losses due to potential stress will be more

• Ferranti effect : The effect in which the voltage at the receiving end of the
transmission line is more than the sending voltage is known as the Ferranti effect.

• Very complicated transmission system

• Resistance is high due to skin effect (tendency for alternating current to flow mostly
near the outer surface of an electrical conductor, such as metal wire. The effect
becomes more and more apparent as the frequency increases.

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DC SYSTEM OF SUPPLY

• Small cross-sectional area conductor required.

• Corona losses are very less

• No dielectric losses

• Price of DC cables are low

• Suitable for high power transmission

DISADVANTAGE OF DC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

• For High Voltage transmission, DC cannot step up the level of Voltage

• There is a limit of DC Switches and Circuit breakers

• System is complex and costly

• The level of DC Voltage can not be change easily

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 ACCORDING TO SCHEME OF CONNECTIONS

• Radial Distribution system

• Ring main distribution system

• Interconnected distribution system

In case of any feeder failure, the one ring network of distributors is

associated consumers would not get any fed by more than one feeder
power as there was no alternative path
to feed the transformer

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Radial Distribution System

Separate feeders radiate from a single substation and feed the distributors at one
end only.

Only one path is connected between each consumer and substation.

Electrical power flows along a single path.

If interrupted, results in complete loss of power to the customer.

Advantages :

• Low cost
• Simple planning

Disadvantages :

The radial system is employed only when

power is generated at low voltage and the
substation is located at the centre of the load.

Distributor or nearer to feeding end is heavily

loaded.

Consumers at far end of feeder would be

subjected to serious voltage fluctuations. 19
Radial Distribution system 20
Ring or Loop Distribution System

• It consists of two or more paths between power sources and the customer.
• The loop circuit starts from the substation bus-bars, makes a loop through the area
to be served, and returns to the substation.
Advantages :
• Less conduct or material is required.
• Less voltage fluctuations.
• More reliable

Disadvantages :
Its difficult to design as compared to the design of
radial system.

Interconnected Distribution System

It is supplied by a number of feeders.

Radial primary feeders can be tapped off from the interconnecting tie feeders.
They can also serve directly from the substation.
Advantages :
• Increases the reliability of supply
• Losses are less
• Quality of service is improved
Disadvantages :
• Its initial cost is high 21
• Difficult in planning, designing and operating
Ring or Loop Distribution system Interconnected Distribution system

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 ELECTRIC LINES, CABLES & WIRES

Underground & Overhead Systems

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ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES / OVERHEAD LINES
• For many decades overhead lines have been proven to be a reliable solution,
both technically & economically. Back then no other alternative & competitive
system available.

• There are overhead transmission interruptions due to unplanned external causes

like storms, bushfire, lightning, trees, animals, vehicle accidents and vandalism.

• However modern technologies with continuous developments of manufacturing &

installation makes it possible for underground systems to be competitive with
overhead lines technically, environmentally & economically.

VARIOUS WAYS OF TRANSMISSION ARE MENTIONED BELOW :

1. Overhead transmission lines – long distance transmission – mostly rural

Transmission of electricity is done with the help of conductors/ material with good
conductivity with or without insulation
The most common conductor in use for transmission today is aluminium conductor
steel reinforced (ACSR). Also seeing much use is all-aluminium-alloy conductor
(AAAC). Aluminum is used because it has about half the weight and lower cost of a
comparable resistance copper cable

Overhead electricity lines are usually held up by wooden poles or steel towers.
Typically overhead lines are more common in rural areas as they are used to cover
greater distances. Underground electricity cables are laid below the ground. Usually,
these are found in built up areas such as cities. 24
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES / OVERHEAD LINES
2. Cables /Underground cables – Cities / towns – convenient

A length of a single insulated conductor ( solid or stranded) or two

or more such conductors, each provided with its own insulation
which are laid up together is called a cable.

Underground cables essentially consist of a conductor, an

insulating system, a wire screen and a sheath. At the core is
an electric conductor; in the case of extra-high-voltage (EHV) lines,
this is usually made of copper.

The most common types of direct burial cable used in residential

projects are underground service entrance (USE)
and underground feeder (UF).

3. Wires

Any conductor which is composed of a conducting material and

is uniform in diameter and circular in cross-section is called a wire.

A wire is a single conductor(material most commonly being copper

or aluminum) while cable is two or more insulated wires wrapped in
one jacket. Multiple conductors that have no insulation around
would be classified as a single conductor.
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OVERHEAD LINES

The basic overhead transmission line structure :

i. Conductors
ii. Supports and cross arm brackets
iii. Insulators ( suspension , post and pin type)
iv. Pole fittings
v. Stays or guy wire
vi. Miscellaneous items such as Lightning arrestors, guard/ground wires etc

Bare conductors

The most widely used conductor material for power transmission and distribution are :
• Copper
• Aluminium

Due to their

• Electrical conductivity
• Weight , strength & durability
• Cost and
• Installation flexibility

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Design principle of OH Transmission Line:

i. Minimum clearances

ii. High insulation level / proper selection of insulator

iii. Economical transmission voltage level.

iv. Optimum conductor size

v. Enough mechanical strength of supporting tower

vi. Optimum span length

vii. Deciding distribution voltage level

viii. Selection of pole size

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Pre – Line Design Considerations:

Basic requirements to be considered when designing OH distribution lines:

i. Potential number of Customers and total load ( Demand & Peak load)

ii. Estimation of potential load growth

iii. Selection of voltage for line operation

iv. Size and location of transformers

v. Selection and route

vi. Length of line

vii. Life cycle coasts

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Design Principle

The main technical aspects in the design of overhead lines are ensuring that :

• The mechanical load forces do not exceed the strength of structures or other
components,

• There are adequate clearances – between the conductors and ground or from
other objects in the vicinity of the line.

Loading on OH Structures

The loads on a structure consist of three mutually perpendicular systems of load

acting normal to the direction of line, and parallel to the direction of the line.

These loads can be described as :

• Vertical load

• Transverse load

• Longitudinal load

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OVERHEAD LINES

• Voltage at the tail end of the line should be within

the prescribed limits which are ±5%

• It should be able to conduct the desired load

efficiently

• The line should be strong enough to stand during

adverse climate conditions

• Earthing should be proper

• Anti climbing device and danger boards should be

provided on each pole for OH lines 6.6kV and above

Jumpers –
• If the OH line crosses some building or road,
number of guards should be provided
Electric continuity - forms
electrical connection between
• The jointing of conductors should be done with two conductors or equipment’s.
sleeves of proper size

• Jumpers of proper size should be used 31

CLEARANCE

• Maximum vertical distance between any live part of overhead equipment and parts
of any fixed structures
i) Long duration 320 mm
ii) Short duration 270 mm

• Minimum lateral distance between any live part of overhead equipment and parts of
any fixed structures
i) Long duration 320 mm
ii) Short duration 220mm

• The maximum length of span should be

– With wooden poles : 40-50m

– Tubular poles : 50-80m
– RCC poles : 80-100m
– Steel towers : 100-300m

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LINE SUPPORT

• They must be mechanically strong with factor of safety of 2.5 to 3

• They must be light in weight without the loss of strength.
• They must have least numbers of parts.
• They must be cheap.
• Their maintenance cost must be minimum.
• They must be easily accessible for paint and erection of line conductors.
• They must have longer life.
• They must be pleasing shape.

LINE SUPPORTS TYPES

• Wooden Poles
• Steel-tubular Poles - rail poles
• Concrete Poles – RCC(Reinforced Cement Concrete) Poles – PSC (Pre stretched
Cement Concrete) poles
• Steel Towers.
• depending on the importance of load, location, and place, cost effect of such
construction, including maintenance cost, and its profit

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WOODEN POLES
• Wooden poles were used for 400 volts and 230 volts L.T. Line and 11 K.V. H.T

• Used for short spans

• The cost-effective

• Expenditure incurred for its foundation is also comparatively very less.

• If proper maintenance and treatment are done on the wood, the wooden pole last
for a long period

• The double pole structure of the A or H types is used where greater strength is
required.

• The wood used for electric pole must be free from defects.

• Have limitation in height and diameter

• Straight wood is much preferable for the purpose.

• The top of the pole should be cut into a sharp cone shape so that water cannot stay
on the top of the pole 34
CONCRETE POLES

• Used in 11 KV and 400/230-volt system

• Costlier than wooden pole
• Cheaper than steel pole
• Longer life
• Maintenance cost is negligible
• Strength greater than wood but less than steel
• Made up of cement concrete

Disadvantage
• Heavy
• Breakable
• Handling and transportation difficulty

STEEL POLES

• Load bearing Capacity is more

• Used for 400/230 V low and medium current system
• Last longer with proper maintenance
• High cost
• Longer spans possible 35
STEEL TUBE
• Poles should be straight – Clean – Rust free – Defect free
• Inside and outside of the pole are to be coated with bitumen up to the length, which
is to be grounded under the soil
• Remaining length with red oxide
• Pole cap at top of the pole

RAIL ELECTRIC POLE

• The strength of rail pole is maximum
• cost is maximum
• Heavy
• The cost of transportation, loading and unloading are more
• Used in 11 KV and 33 KV system
• Rail pole used in overhead line are of generally in four sizes. – 30 Kg per meter, – 37 Kg
per meter, – 45 Kg per meter – 52 Kg per meter.

RAIL POLE
• 45 Kg per meter rail pole in 11 KV
• 33 KV - 45 Kg - 52 kg per meter
• The length of the different size rail pole differs from 9 meters to 13 meters.
• Before using of rail pole, one coat red oxide on the rail pole should be coated.
• If we apply tar coat on the bottom part up to certain height above the ground, the
durability of the pole increases. 36
CONDUCTOR

• A conductor is one of the most important components of overhead lines.

• A good conductor should have the following properties:

– high electrical conductivity
– high tensile strength in order to withstand mechanical stresses
– relatively lower cost without compromising much of other properties
– lower weight per unit volume

COPPER

• High conductivity
• Greater tensile strength
• Best conductivity
• Large current density (more current carrying capacity per unit cross-sectional area)
• Small CS area
• It is durable and high scrap value
• High cost

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COPPER
• High conductivity
• Greater tensile strength
• Best conductivity
• Large current density (more current carrying capacity per unit cross-sectional area)
• Small CS area
• It is durable and high scrap value
• High cost

ALUMINIUM
• Cheaper than copper

• Lighter in weight

• Second in conductivity

• At higher voltages, there is less corona loss in aluminium conductor • As the melting
point of aluminium is low , therefore there is more damage to the aluminium conductor
when short circuited

• Jointing of aluminum is much more difficult than copper

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STEEL
• Lowest in conductivity
• High tensile strength
• In a damp atmosphere it is rusted
• Its use is limited

TYPES OF CONDUCTORS

• AAC : All Aluminium Conductor

• AAAC : All Aluminium Alloy Conductor
• ACSR : Aluminium Conductor, Steel Reinforced
• ACAR : Aluminium Conductor, Alloy Reinforced

A.C.S.R

• Aluminium conductor with steel reinforced

• Central core of galvanized steel wire
• Done to increase the tensile strength of aluminium conductor
• The steel conductors are galvanized in order to prevent rusting and electrolytic
corrosion
• ASCR has a larger diameter than any other type of conductor of same resistance
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A.A.C
• All Aluminium conductors are made up of one or more strands of Aluminium
wire depending on the specific application.
• AAC are a refined concentric lay stranded Aluminium conductor with a minimum
metal purity of 99.7%.
• High current carrying capacity
• Excellent resistance to corrosion
• Ideal for use in coastal areas
• Suitable for low and medium voltage lines in urban areas

A.A.A.C
• Concentric lay stranded aluminium alloy conductors are made out of high
strength Aluminium-Magnesium-Silicon alloy
• High strength to weight ratio
• Better sag characteristics
• Improved electrical properties
• Excellent resistance to corrosion

A.C.A.R
• Aluminium conductor alloy reinforced is formed by concentrically stranded wires
of aluminium on high strength with alloy core.
• All of the above properties ( AAAC)
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INSULATORS

• Device used to contain, separate or support electrical

conductors on high voltage electricity supply networks

• Comes in various shapes, and types

• Made up of polymers, glass and porcelain each with

different densities, tensile strengths and performing
properties in adverse conditions

PROPERTIES OF INSULATORS :

• They must be mechanically very strong.

• Their dielectric strength must be very high.
• They must provide high insulation resistance to the leakage
currents.
• They must be free from internal impurities or flaws,
• They should not be porous.
• They must be impervious to the entrance of gases or liquids
into the materials.
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INSULATING MATERIALS :
• Porcelain Insulators
• Glass Insulators
• Steatite Insulators
PORCELAIN INSULATORS
• The porcelain is manufactured from china
clay
• If the insulating material is manufactured at
lower temperature, its mechanical properties • Due to high dielectric strength,
improve , but the material remains porous
and when it is put in service it may
deteriorate
• If the insulating material is manufactured at • Impurities air bubbles, cracks,
higher temperature, the porosity of it
decreases but the material becomes brittle
GLASS INSULATORS
The glass is made tough by
annealing
ADVANTAGES
• They have very high tensile
strength
• When properly annealed they
have high resistivity
• They have low coefficient of
thermal expansion
the glass insulators have simpler
design
• They have higher compressive
strength than porcelain
impurities can be easily detected
• They are cheaper than porcelain

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DISADVANTAGES OF GLASS ADVISORS

1. The moisture easily condenses over the surface due to which dirt will deposit on its
surface and it will help to the leakage of currents
2. For higher voltages, the glass cannot be casted in irregular shapes, since due to
irregular cooling, internal strains are caused

STEATITE INSULATORS

• It is a magnesium silicate found in various proportions of magnesium oxide and silica

in many parts of the world
• It has a very high tensile strength as compared to porcelain insulators

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TYPES OF INSULATORS

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TYPES OF INSULATORS

Pin Type Insulator

• Secured to the cross arm on the pole

• Groove on upper end of the insulator for housing the conductor

• Used for transmission of lower voltages

• Single pin type insulator is used to transmit voltages up to 11kV

• Not economically feasible for 33kV and higher transmission lines

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• Secured with steel or lead bolts onto transmission poles

• Typically used for straight running transmission lines

Suspension Type Insulators

• For high voltage > 33 kV

• Consists of a number of porcelain discs connected in series by

metal link in the form of a string

• Suspended at the bottom end of the string while the other end of
the string is secured to the cross arm of the tower

• Each unit or disc is designed for low voltage

• No of discs in series depend upon the working voltage

• Cost effective for higher voltage transmission

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Strain Type Insulators

• Used in the dead end of the line or in corners or sharp curve –

line is subjected to greater tension

• For low voltage lines shackle insulators are used as strain

insulators

• For high voltage transmission lines, strain insulators consists of

an assembly of suspension insulators

• Disc of strain insulators are used in vertical plane

• When the tension in lines is exceedingly high, at long river

spans, two or more strings are use in parallel

Shackle Insulators

Similar to strain type insulator

• Used in sharp curves, end poles
• Designed to support lower voltages
• Single, round porcelain parts that are mounted horizontally or
vertically
• Can be used either in a horizontal position or in vertical
position
• Can be directly fixed to the pole with a bolt or to the cross
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arm
Stay Type Insulators

• Also called egg insulators

• Primarily used to prevent stay wires from

becoming energized from accidently broken
live wires

• Mounted at a height of at least 3m from

ground level

Lightning Arrestors

• Rod gap arrestor • Lead oxide type

• Sphere gap lighting arrestor • Pellet type of lead peroxide

type
• Horn gap lighting arrestor
• Thyrite type
• Expulsion type arrestor

• Impulse protective gap with electrolyte lighting Miscellaneous Fittings

arrestor
• Danger plate
• Electrolytic type • Anticlimbing Device
• Bird guards 48
STEEL TOWERS
• The electrical tower is defined as the tower which is used for carrying the high voltage
(above 230 kv) transmission lines.
• Made up aluminum or steel
• Gives them strength for supporting the heavy electrical conductor.
• The electrical towers are broadly classified into various types.
– Self supporting towers
– Guyed or stayed towers

SELF SUPPORTING TOWERS

• Classified into two
– Wide base
– Narrow base

• Wide base
– Lattice with roasted connection
– Each leg has separate foundation

• Narrow Base
– Lattice construction of angle, channel or tubular steel section with bolted or welded
connection
– Requires less steel and aluminum
– Cost of foundation is more 49
GUYED OR STAYED TOWERS

• Portal or V type
• Have two supports connected at the top by a cross arm and provided with four guys
• Foundation: V resting at an angle to one another
• Portal resting on its foundation

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UNDERGROUND TRANSMISSION LINES

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UNDER GROUND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
• Used for power applications where it is impractical, difficult, or
dangerous to use the overhead lines
• Widely used in densely populated area
• Costly: range from four to ten times as much as an equivalent
length of overhead line.
• MORE complex in construction and maintenance
• Challenges – Providing enough insulation so that cables can be
within inches of grounded material – Dissipating the heat
produced during the operation of the electrical cables.

COMPARISON BETWEEN OH AND UG TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

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Overhead lines Underground cables

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CABLES
wire is a single conductor whereas a cable is a group of conductors.

Underground electricity cables are laid below the ground. Usually, these are found in
built up areas such as cities.

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WIRES & CABLES

Wires and cables are purpose built conductors

The size and type of wire/ cable must suit the power rating
required for their use. The higher the power the thicker the wire/
cable

WIRES

A wire is a single strand or a group of strands of an electrically

conductive material.

Wires are available in three types : solid, stranded & braided

Domestic & small industry wiring in appliances

The size of the wires is one of the important aspect, if you are
using smaller wires in a place where larger size of wires are
needed, it might be possible that wire can overheat and cause
short circuit. Before, using any device, be sure that you have
grounding wire.

Solid wires are perfect for use in higher frequencies, it offer low
resistance and stranded wire shows higher resistance to metal
fatigue 55
Types of Internal wiring

• Cleat wiring
• casing and capping wiring : wooden / PVC
• CTS or TRS wiring
• Lead sheathed wiring

• Conduit wiring
a) Surface or open type
b) Concealed type

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Cleat Wiring

• Cables used are of VIR (Vulcanized Insulation

Rubber) or PVC type
• Cables are held by porcelain cleats of 6mm
• Cleats are made in two halves (base & cap)
• The whole is then screwed on wooden plugs
previously cemented into the wall
• To ensure longer life, cleats must be used at
intervals of 30cm and in no case at more than
60cm.

❑ Advantages:
• Cheapest system of internal wiring
• Installation and removal is easy and quick
• Material is recoverable after the dismantlement
• Inspection, addition and alterations can be
easily made
• Skill required is little.

❑ Disadvantages:
• Not good looking
• Wires are exposed to mechanical injury or
damage
• Any damage to the insulation directly leads to
electric shock. 57
Wooden casing and capping wiring

• The cables used in this type of wiring is either VIR,

PVC or any other approved insulated cables.
• The cables runs through the wooden casing
enclosures.
• Casing consists of V- shaped grooves.
• Capping is screwed to casing by means of 13mm 4
wooden screws fixed at every 15cm.

✓ Suitable for low voltage domestic installations in dry

places and where there is no risk of fire hazards

Advantages:

• Cheap in cost
• Easy to install and rewire
• Provides good insulation as conductors are good
distance apart.
• Easy to inspect the wiring by opening the capping.

Disadvantages:

• Risk of fire
• Requires workmanship, so the labour cost is more.
Similar points are applicable for PVC casing and
capping wiring 58
Precautions to be taken

• The casing-capping used must be of first class seasoned straight, smooth and hard
teak wood.

• Casing must be kept at least 3.2mm apart from the walls or ceilings by means of
porcelain pieces of thickness not less than 6.5mm in order to keep the casing dry
at the back.

• Gaps should be avoided

• The casing and capping must be painted with the paint as specified in IS.732
before erection.

CTS OR TRS WIRING

• This type of wiring is also used for house wiring and is quite cheap

• Cab tyre sheathed (C.T.S) wire or tough rubber sheathed (T.R.S) wire is normally
used as conductor for this wiring

59
CTS or TRS wiring
(CTS – Cab Tyre Sheathed Cable or Tough Rubber Sheathed Cable wiring)

– The cable used must be of TRS cables with a circular oval shape.

– TRS cables – conductors are insulated with vulcanised rubber insulation and has a
protective covering made of tough rubber sheath

– TRS cables are sufficiently chemical proof, steam proof but are slightly affected by
lubricating oils.

– TRS cables run on well seasoned, perfectly straight and varnished teak wood batten of
thickness 10mm at least.

Merits: Field of application:-

– Installation is easy and quick
– Long life
– Fire proof up to certain level
commonly used for low voltage
wiring and is extensively used for
lighting in domestic, commercial or
industrial buildings except workshops

– Absolutely free from chemical reactions.

Demerits:
– Good workmanship is required
60
– Cannot be recommended in all places, such as open to sun and rain falls.
Lead sheathed wiring:

– This type of wiring employs conductors insulated with VIR and is covered with an outer
sheath of lead - aluminum alloy containing about 95% lead.

– Metal sheath give protection to the cable from corrosion, dampness, and mechanical
injury.

– The lead covering is made electrically continuous and is connected to earth at the
point of entry.

– These cables run on wooden batten and fixed by means of linked clips.

Merits:

• Provides better protection

• Easy to fix
• Long life
• Free from electric shock

Demerits:

• Good workmanship is required

• It is costlier than TRS wiring
• It is not suitable for places where chemical corrosion may occur.
• Skilled labour and proper supervisions is required. 61
Precautions to be taken during installation

• The clips used to fix the cables on battens should not react with the sheath.

• Lead sheath should be properly earthed to prevent shocks due to leakage currents.

• Cables should not be run in damp places and in areas where chemicals (may react
with the lead) are used

62
SURFACE AND CONCEALED WIRING
Open/ Surface wiring:
• As a word suggests open means
exposed. It is a wiring method using
cleats, knobs, tubes and flexible
tubing for the protection and
support of insulated conductors
running on the walls
• Open wiring system does not give
aesthetically good look. Nowadays
this system is rarely used.
• The need of skilled professional
electrician/ technician cannot be
denied.
• In this system there is a risk of
mechanical injury to users.
• In this wiring system chance of
electrical shock is more to users.
Concealed wiring:
• As a word suggest concealed means
“Hidden”. So, this wiring is done inside the
floors/walls and it is further concealed/
hidden by plastering the wall. In other words,
using plastic or electrical wiring inside a wall,
ceiling or floor with plastic or metallic piping
is called secret concealed conduit wiring.
• Concealed conduit electrical wiring system
is the most popular, aesthetically beautiful
and stronger. It is most as it is common type
of electrical wiring used nowadays, as the
surface look neat and clean.
• For concealed wiring system, professional
electrician/ technician needs to be more
skilled.
• In this system there is no risk of mechanical
injury.
• In this wiring system there is no risk of
electrical shock to users from cable. 63
SURFACE AND CONCEALED WIRING
Open/ Surface wiring:
• Open wiring system is not that safe and
durable as compared to concealed
wiring.
• Risk of fire due to short circuit is also
present in open wiring system. But it is
easily visible so chances of fire can be
prevented or reduced easily.
• This system is less expensive (costly) as
compared to concealed wiring system.
• In this wiring system all the cables are in
open air, therefore fault can be easily
detected and can be fixed quickly.
• In this system no channels or chase are
required in wall. So, less time is
consumed.
• Addition/Alteration in open wiring is
easy.
Concealed wiring:
• Concealed wiring system is safe and
durable.
• Risk of fire due to short circuit inside is
always more.
• This system is expensive (costly) as
compared to open wiring system.
• In this wiring system all the wires are in
closed Electrical conduit, therefore fault
cannot found easily and cannot be fixed
quickly and easily.
• For making channel/ chases in the wall, it
requires more time.
• Addition/Alteration in concealed wiring is
very difficult.
64
PVC AND METAL CONDUITS
A conduit is defined as a tube or channel. Tubular
conduit is the most commonly used material in
electrical installations. When cables are drawn through
the conduit and terminated at the outlet or switch
points, the system of wiring is called conduit wiring.

Conduit wiring:

• Steel tubes are installed on the surface of

walls by means of saddles and VIR or PVC Advantages:
cables are drawn
• The conduits must be electrically and – Protection against mechanical
mechanically continuous and connected damage
to earth at some suitable point. – Fire protection
• Conduit size is stated in terms of its outer – Provides water proof
diameter. – Shock proof if proper earthing has
• The smallest size of conduit is 12mm, and been done.
is seldom used in practice except in
cheap competitive work. Disadvantages:

In general the conduits can be classified as: – Very costly

– Difficult in erection and requires
• Light gauge steel plain more time
• Heavy gauge steel screwed conduit – Experienced and skilled persons
• Flexible conduit are required
65
• PVC conduit
WIRES & CABLES

CABLES

A cable, on the other hand, consists of two or more insulated

conductors and can be either bare or covered.

Cables consist three types of wire, in which first wire carry

current, second makes loop complete and third for grounding
purpose. The wires in cables posses different gauge number,
codes and size.

The codes of wires indicates the electrical capability and

insulation ability of cables.

UF covered cables are best for outdoor grounding. NM are best

for indoor and BX can be used anywhere indoor or outdoor.

Electrical Cables are used in power transmission, electrical and

telecommunications signals. Some examples of cables are
twisted pair, coaxial cable and fiber optic cable. Main
advantage of cables are its strength and insulation.

Small & big industries

Distribution lines
Transmission lines
66
TYPES OF WIRES

1. Vulcanized India Rubber ( VIR)

67
TYPES OF WIRES

2. Cabe Tyre Sheath wire(CTS)

68
TYPES OF WIRES

3. Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC)

69
 CABLES

A metallic sheath of lead or aluminum is provided over the insulation to protect the
cable from moisture, gases or others damaging liquids.

70
CONSTRUCTION OF CABLES

Core or Conductor
A cable may have one or more than one core depending upon the type of service for
which it is intended. The conductor could be of aluminum or copper and is stranded in
order to provide flexibility to the cable.

Insulation
The core is provided with suitable thickness of insulation, depending upon the voltage
to be withstood by the cable.

The commonly used material for insulation are impregnated paper, varnished cambric
or rubber mineral compound.

Metallic sheath
A metallic sheath of lead or aluminum is provided over the insulation to protect the
cable from moisture, gases or others damaging liquids.

Braiding
Braiding is provided to protect the metallic sheath from corrosion and from mechanical
damage due to armoring. It is a fibrous material like jute or hessian tape.

71
CONSTRUCTION OF CABLES

Armouring
Its purpose is to protect the cable from mechanical injury while laying it or during the
course of handling. It consists of one or more layers of galvanized steel wire or steel
tape.

Serving
To protect armouring from atmospheric conditions, a layer of fibrous material is
provided.

Advantages

• Better general appearance

• Less liable to damage through storms or lighting
• Low maintenance cost
• Less chances of faults
• Small voltage drops

Disadvantages

The major drawback is that they have greater installation cost and introduce insulation
problems at high voltages compared with equivalent overhead system. 72
Properties of insulating material

• High resistivity
• High dielectric strength
• Low thermal co-efficient
• Low water absorption
• Low permittivity
• Non – inflammable
• Chemical stability
• High mechanical strength
• High viscosity at impregnation temperature
• Capability to wit stand high rupturing voltage
• High tensile strength and plasticity.
73
Insulating materials for cables

Rubber
• It can be obtained from milky sap of tropical trees or from oil products
• It has the dielectric strength of 30 kv/mm
• Insulation resistivity of 17 ohm.cm
• Relative permittivity varying between 2 and 3
• They readily absorbs moisture, soft and liable to damage due to rough handling and
ages when exposed to light.
• Maximum safe temperature is very low about 38 c

Vulcanized India Rubber

• It can be obtained from mixing pure rubber with mineral compounds.

i.e. zinc oxide, red lead and Sulphur and heated upto 150 c
• It has greater mechanical strength, durability and wear resistant property
• The Sulphur reacts quickly with copper so tinned copper conductors are used
• It is suitable for low and moderate voltage cables

74
Insulating materials for cables

Impregnated paper
• This material has superseded the rubber, consists of chemically pulped paper
impregnated with naphthenic and paraffinic materials.
• It has low cost, low capacitance, high dielectric strength and high insulation
resistance.
• The only disadvantage is the paper is hygroscopic, for this reason paper insulation is
always provided protective covering.

Varnished cambric

• This is simply the cotton cloth impregnated and coated with varnish.
• As the varnish cambric is also hygroscopic so need some protection
• Its dielectric strength is about 4kv/mm and permittivity is 2.5 to 3.8

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• This material has good dielectric strength, high insulation resistance and high melting
temperatures
• These have not so good mechanical properties as those of rubber
• It is inert to oxygen and almost inert to many alkalis and acids.
75
Insulating materials for cables

XLPE Cables ( cross linked poly – ethene)

• This material has temperature range beyond 250 – 300 c
• This material gives good insulating properties
• It is light in weight, small overall dimensions, low dielectric constant and high
mechanical strength, low water absorption.
• These cables permit conductor temperature of 90C and 250C under normal and
short circuit conditions.
• These cables are suitable up to voltages of 33 kv.

76
CLASSIFICATION OF CABLES

• Low tension (LT) – up to 1000 V

• High tension (HT) – up to 11,000V
• Super tension (ST) – from 22KV to 33KV
• Extra high tension ( EHT) Cables – from 33KV to 66KV
• Extra super voltage cables – beyond 132 KV

77
78
UNDERGROUND CABLING SYSTEMS

Underground cables essentially consist of a conductor, an insulating system,

a wire screen and a sheath. At the core is an electric conductor; in the case of extra-
high-voltage (EHV) lines, this is usually made of copper. ... An outer copper wire screen
discharges fault currents and keeps the electric field in the cable.

The high-voltage underground cables used on the National Grid system can be one of
Three types :
• Direct buried / Cables buried direct underground
The three conductors are buried in a trench in the ground,
sometimes with cooling pipes as well.

• Trough / Draw in system

The three conductors are closer together and contained in a
concrete trough flush with the ground surface. These are used
in places along canal towpaths and elsewhere

79
UNDERGROUND CABLING SYSTEMS

• Tunnel / solid system of laying the cable

Cables can be placed in a tunnel bored for the purpose deep beneath the
ground. This has always been a way of getting cables under rivers but is being used
more and more in urban areas as well. Various designs have been used, with the
conductors often bundled together

Underground cables are used for power applications where it is impractical, difficult, or
dangerous to use the overhead lines. ... The underground cables have several
advantages over the overhead lines; they have smaller voltage drops, low chances of
developing faults and have low maintenance costs

80
Cable laying

• The moisture of the soil should not enter the core of the cable
• It must have high insulation resistance
• It should be able to withstand the heat produced due to flow of current
• It should not be capable of being damaged while handling or laying in the ground.
• It should be sufficiently flexible
• It should not be bulky
• It should not be costly

81
DISTRIBUTION / PANEL BOARD

82
PANEL BOARD / DISTRIBUTION BOARD

An assemblage of parts including one or more switches and fuses arranged for the
distribution of electrical energy to final sub-circuits

Distribution boards (DB)

• Main distribution board
• Branch distribution board

MAIN DISTRIBUTION BOARD

• Provided with a circuit breaker on each circuit, or a switch with a fuse or live
conductor and link on the neutral or earthed conductor of each circuit.

• The switches shall always be linked

• Looping by cable connections at incoming and outgoing of these devices should

be avoided

83
LOCATION

• The location of the main board should be such that it is easily accessible for fireman
and other personnel to quickly disconnect the supply in case of emergencies

• Provision for locking arrangement

• Open type switch boards shall be placed only in dry situations

• In a damp situation or flammable or explosive dust, vapour or gas is likely to be

present, the switch board totally enclosed or made flameproof

• It shall not be erected above gas stoves or sinks, or within 2.5m of any washing unit in
the washing rooms

• Incase of switchboards unavoidably fixed in places likely to be exposed to weather,

to drip or to abnormal moist atmosphere, the outer casing shall be weatherproof
and shall be provided with glands or bushings or adopted to receive screwed
conduit, according to the manner in which the cables are run

• Adequate illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about the switch
boards when installed doors
84
BRANCH DISTRIBUTION BOARD

Provided with a fuse or MCB or both of adequate rating/setting, on the live conductor
of each sub-circuit and the earthed neutral conductor shall be connected to a
common link and be capable of being disconnected individually for the testing
purposes

• Lights and fan may be wired on a common circuit

• Such sub-circuits shall not have more than a total of ten points of lights, fans and 5A
socket outlets

• The load of such circuits shall be restricted to 800watts

85
INSTALLATION ON DISTRIBUTION BOARDS

• The distribution fuse boards shall be located as near as possible to the centre of the
load they are intend to control

• They shall be fixed on suitable wall and shall be accessible for replacement of
fuses, and shall not be more than 2m from the floor level

• These shall be of either metal clad type or all insulated type

• Where two or more DB feeding low voltage circuits are fed from a supply of
medium voltage , these DB shall be

1. Fixed not less than 2m apart; or

2. Arranged so that it is not possible to open the two at the same time, namely, they
are interlocked and metal case is marked Danger 415volts and identified with proper
phase marking and danger marks

3. Installed to room or enclosure accessible to only authorized persons

• All distribution boards shall be marked lighting or power as the case may be , and
also marked the voltage and the number of phases of the supply

86
WIRING OF DISTRIBUTION BOARDS

• In a branch DB , the total load of the consuming devices shall be divided as far as
possible evenly between the number of ways of the board, leaving the spare
circuit for future extension

• Avoid unnecessary crossings

• Clearance of 2.5cm will be maintained between conductors

• If required a pilot lamp shall be fixed and connected through an independent

single pole switch and fuse to the bus bar of the board

• In a hinged type board, the incoming and outgoing cables shall be fixed at one
end or more points according to the number of cables on the back of the board
leaving suitable place in between cables, and shall also, if possible, be fixed at the
corresponding points on the switchboard panel

87
SWITCHES

88
SWITCHES
A device capable of making, carrying, and breaking currents under normal circuit
condition which may include specified operating overload conditions and also
carrying for a specified time currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such
as those of a short circuit

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SWITCHES

• A switch may be directly manipulated by a human as a control signal to a system,
such as a computer keyboard button, or to control power flow in a circuit, such as
a light switch

• Automatically operated switches can be used to control the motions of machines,

for example, to indicate that a garage door has reached its full open position or
that a machine tool is in a position to accept another work piece.

• Switches may be operated by process variables such as pressure, temperature,

flow, current, voltage, and force, acting as sensors in a process and used to
automatically control a system. For example, a thermostat is a temperature-
operated switch used to control a heating process.

• A switch that is operated by another electrical circuit is called a relay.

• Large switches may be remotely operated by a motor drive mechanism. Some

switches are used to isolate electric power from a system, providing a visible point
of isolation that can be pad-locked if necessary to prevent accidental operation of
a machine during maintenance, or to prevent electric shock.
89
EARTHING SYSTEMS & PROTECTIVE DEVICES

90
INTRODUCTION :

• Continuous earth wire from the substation run along the line

• Wire is solidly connected to the substation provided at the substation and later on
every sixth pole is earthed

• All metallic parts other than conductors shall be efficiently earthed

• Galvanized iron wire of 8SWG or bigger size is used

• British Standard Wire Gauge is a set of wire sizes given by BS 3737:1964 (now
withdrawn), and is generally abbreviated to SWG.

• It is also known as: Imperial Wire Gauge or British Standard Gauge

91
EARTHING :

• connect any electrical equipment to earth with a very low resistance wire, making
it to attain earth’s potential

• The wire is usually connected to a copper plate placed at a depth of 2.5 to

3meters from the ground level

• The earth resistance is affected by the following factors:

1. Material properties of the earth wire and the electrode

2. Temperature and moisture content of the soil
3. Depth of the pit
4. Quantity of the charcoal used

NECESSITY OF EARTHING :

• To protect the operating personnel from danger of shock in case they come in
contact with the charged frame due to defective insulation.

• To maintain the line voltage constant under unbalanced load condition.

• Protection of the equipment

• Protection of large buildings and all machines fed from overhead lines against
lightning. 92
METHODS OF EARTHING :

• Plate Earthing
• Pipe Earthing

PLATE EARTHING

• In this method a copper plate of

60cm x 60cm x 3.18cm or a GI plate
of the size 60cm x 60cm x 6.35cm is
used for earthing.

• The plate is placed vertically down

inside the ground at a depth of 3m
and is embedded in alternate layers
of coal and salt for a thickness of 15
cm.

• In addition, water is poured for

keeping the earth electrode
resistance value well below a
maximum of 5 ohms.

• The earth wire is securely bolted to

the earth plate. A cement masonry
chamber is built with a cast iron
93
cover for easy regular maintenance.
PIPE EARTHING

• Earth electrode made of a GI

(galvanized) iron pipe of 38mm in
diameter and length of 2m
(depending on the current) with
12mm holes on the surface is placed
upright at a depth of 4.75m in a
permanently wet ground.

• To keep the value of the earth

resistance at the desired level, the
area (15 cms) surrounding the GI
pipe is filled with a mixture of salt and
coal.

• The efficiency of the earthing system

is improved by pouring water through
the funnel periodically. The GI earth
wires of sufficient cross- sectional
area are run through a 12.7mm
diameter pipe (at 60cms below) from
the 19mm diameter pipe and
secured tightly at the top as shown in
the following figure.
94
 When compared to the plate earth system the pipe earth system can carry larger
leakage currents as a much larger surface area is in contact with the soil for a
given electrode size. The system also enables easy maintenance as the earth wire
connection housed at the ground level.

RULES FOR EARTHING :

• In the case of lead and conduit house wiring, the earthing must be continuous by a
single solid conductor of 14 S.W.G

• All the metallic covering of the main switch, distribution box, ceiling fans, brackets
along with the earth point of the wall socket should be earthed

• The metallic cover of all medium-voltage mechanics should be earthed by two

separate earth connections. This means that double earthing is done in the case of
medium voltage mechanics

DOUBLE EARTHING

Offers minimum resistance to the flow of leakage current

Minimum distance between two earth electrode should be 5cm approx.

95
METHODS OF IMPROVING THE EARTH RESISTANCE:

• Soldering Nuts And Bolts

• Increase In Plate Area

• By Powder Charcoal And Salt

• Depth Of Plate

• By Pouring Water

RESISTANCE OF EARH ELECTRODE

96
PROTECTIVE DEVICES:

• Fuse

• Relays

• Miniature Circuit breaker (MCB)

• Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)

• Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB)

FUSES :

safety device used in any electrical installation, which forms the weakest link between
the supply and the load

97
CHARACTERISTICS OF FUSE MATERIAL

• Low Melting Point

• Low Ohmic Losses

• High Conductivity

• Lower rate of deterioration

SELECTION OF FUSE WIRE

a. Maximum current rating of the circuit

b. current rating of the smallest size of wire or accessories to be seen, the fuse wire
inserted should be of size so that when the current with reference to the factors (a)
and (b) is increased it should blown out

FUSING ELEMENTS

1. Lead – up to 3A

2. Lead and Tin - up to 15A

3. Tinned copper – above 15A

98
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FUSES

1. Rewireable Or Kit-kat Fuses

• These fuses are simple in construction

• It is cheap
• Available up-to a current rating of 200A
• They are erratic in operation
• Performance deteriorates with time

2. Plug fuse:

• The fuse carrier is provided with a glass window for visual

inspection of the fuse wire

3. Cartridge fuse :

• Fuse wire usually an alloy of lead is enclosed in a strong fiber

casing.
• The fuse element is fastened to copper caps at the ends of
the casing.
• They are available up-to a voltage rating of 25kV.
• They are used for protection in lighting installations and
power lines.

99
4. Miniature cartridge fuse

• These are the miniature version of the higher rating cartridge

fuses, which are extensively used in automobiles, TV sets, and
other electronic equipment

5. Transformer fuse blocks

• These porcelain housed fuses are placed on secondary of

the distribution transformers for protection against short
circuits and overloads.

6. Explusion fuses

• These consist of fuse wire placed in hollow tube of fiber lined

with asbestos.
• Suited only for out door use for example, protection of high
voltage circuits

7. Semi-enclosed re-wirable fuses:

• These have limited use because of low breaking capacity.

8. Time-delay fuse:

• These are specially designed to withstand a current overload

for a limited time and find application in motor circuits 100
9. HRC Fuse
HRC FUSE ( High Rupturing Capacity)

The high rupturing capacity or (HRC) fuse

• consists of a heat resistant ceramic body.

• Used were high power is supplied

• The silver or bimetallic fuse element is welded to the end brass caps.

• The space surrounding the fuse element is filled with quartz powder.
This filler material absorbs the arc energy and extinguishes it.

• When the current exceeds the rated value the element melts and
vaporizes.

• The vaporized silver fuses with the quartz and offers a high resistance
and the arc is extinguished.
101
Advantages of H.R.C.Fuses

• simple and have easy installation.

• cheaper as compared with other type of circuit interrupter of the same breaking
capacity
• high breaking capacity
• do not require any maintenance
• operation is quick and sure
• do not deteriorate with time.
• They are quite reliable and can be selected for proper discrimination.
• They are capable of clearing high as well as low currents.
• They have current limitation by ‘cut off’ property

Disadvantages of H.R.C.Fuses

• After each operation , its replacement is required.

• Interlocking is not possible in these types of fuses.
• They lack relays in complete discrimination.

102
ADVANTAGES OF REWIREABLE FUSE
• Simple and easy instalment
• It is the cheapest form of operation
• Operation is quick and sure
• It requires minimum time to replace
• It requires no maintenance
• It has current limiting effect
DISADVANTAGES OF ORDINARY FUSES
a. Unreliable operation:- it is due to
i. Oxidation of fuse wire
ii. Loose connection causes the local heating
iii. Heat radiating device used in the circuit
iv. Single phasing
b. Lack of discrimination
c. Small time lag
d. Misuse
e. Low rupturing capacity:- the use of
rewireable fuse is limited to 4kA in faulty circuit
TERMS RELATED TO FUSES :
Rated current:
It is the maximum current, which a
fuse can carry without undue heating
or melting. It depends on the
following factors:
1. Permissible temperature rise of the
contacts of the fuse holder and
the fuse material
2. Degree of deterioration due to
oxidation
Fusing current:
The minimum current at which the
fuse melts is known as the fusing
current.
It depends on the material
characteristics, length, diameter,
cross-sectional area of the fuse
element and the type of enclosure
used.
103
Different types of Circuit breakers : MCB & MCCB, ELCB & RCCB

1. MCB ( Miniature circuit breaker)

• Electro mechanical device

• Operate automatically and break the faulty circuit
• It guards from Overload protection, short circuit protection or the
fault caused by imperfect design

OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF MCB

An MCB function by interrupting the stability of electrical flow

through the circuit once an error is detected. In simple conditions this
circuit breaker is a switch which routinely turns off when the current
flows through it and passes the maximum acceptable limit.
Generally, these are designed to guard against over current and
overheating.

MCB is substituting the rewireable switch-fuse units for low power

domestic and industrial applications in a very quick manner

These are obtainable in different pole versions like single, double,

triple pole & four poles with neutral poles if necessary.

104
1. Actuator lever - used to
manually trip and reset the
circuit breaker. Also indicates
the status of the circuit breaker
(On or Off/tripped). Most
breakers are designed so they
can still trip even if the lever is
held or locked in the "on"
position. This is sometimes
referred to as "free trip" or
"positive trip" operation.
2. Actuator mechanism - forces
the contacts together or apart.
3. Contacts - Allow current when
touching and break the current
when moved apart.
4. Terminals
5. Bimetallic strip
6. Calibration screw - allows the
manufacturer to precisely adjust
the trip current of the device
after assembly.
7. Solenoid
8. Arc divider / extinguisher

105
ADVANTAGES OF USING MCB’S OVER SWITCH FUSES

• MCBs are essentially tamper-proof as they have enclosures of a sealed type.

• MCBs afford closer protection than the rewireable

• These are available in plug-in design also, in which case they can be pushed into
circuit bus-bar even in energized condition. Thus replacement is easy.

• These are modular in design which permits their use in various combinations. In
the case of triple pole types, since they are gang operated, there is no possibility
of single phasing.

• MCBs can assume the function of a switch as well as a protective device and
consequently they may be used to control, as well as protect, the circuits and
apparatus

106
2. MCCB ( MOLDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER )

• The MCCB is used to control electric energy in distribution n/k and is having short
circuit and overload protection. This circuit Breaker is an electromechanical
device which guards a circuit from short circuit and over current.

• The primary functions of MCCB is to give a means to manually open a circuit,

automatically open a circuit under short circuit or overload conditions. In an
electrical circuit, the over current may result faulty design
•
The MCCB is an option to a fuse since it doesn’t need an alternate once an
overload is noticed. Unlike a fuse, this circuit breaker can be simply reset after a
mistake and offers enhanced operator safety and ease without acquiring
operating cost.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MCCB

• The range of rated current us up to 1000 amperes

• Trip current may be adjusted

• Thermal/thermal magnetic operation

107
3. ELCB (EARTH LEAKAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER)

An Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) is a safety

device used to protect the circuit from the electrical
leakage. When someone gets an electric shock,
then this circuit breaker cuts off the power at the
time of 0.1 secs for protecting the personal safety
and avoiding the gear from the circuit against short
circuit and overload.

ELCB is a security device used in electrical system

with high Earth impedance to avoid shock. CHARACTERISTICS :

It detects small stray voltages on the metal • This circuit breaker

enclosures of electrical equipment, and interrupts connects the phase,
the circuit if a dangerous voltage is detected earth wire and neutral

Once widely used, more recent installations instead • The working of this circuit
use residual current circuit breakers(RCCB) which breaker depends on
instead detect leakage current directly. current leakage

It is Voltage operated and also Current operated

The main purpose of earth leakage protectors is to

prevent injury to humans and animals due to electric
shock 108
4. RCCB (RESIDUAL CURRENT CIRCUIT BREAKER)

• A RCCB is an essential current sensing equipment used to guard a low voltage

circuit from the fault.

• It comprises of a switch device used to turn off the circuit when a fault occurs in the
circuit.

• RCCB is aimed at guarding a person from the electrical shocks. Fires and
electrocution are caused due to the wrong wiring or any earth faults. This type of
circuit breaker is used in situations where there is a sudden shock or fault
happening in the circuit.

• For instance, a person suddenly enters in contact with an open live wire in an
electrical circuit. In that situation, in the absence of this circuit breaker, a ground
fault may occur and an individual is at the hazardous situation of receiving a
shock. But, if the similar circuit is defended with the circuit breaker, it will tour the
circuit in a second therefore, avoiding a person from the electric shock. Therefore,
this circuit breaker is good to install in an electrical circuit.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RCCB

• Both wires phase and neutral are connected through RCCB

• Whenever there is any ground fault occurs, then it trips the circuit
• The amount of current supplies through the line should go back through neutral
• These are a very effective type of shock protection
109