E - LV Distribution
The system earthing is one protective measure commonly used for the protection
F - Protection against electric shocks
G - Sizing and protection of conductors
H - LV switchgear: functions & selection
J - Overvoltage protection
L - Power Factor Correction
LV distribution
against electric shocks. These systems earthings have a major impact on the
LV electrical installation architecture and they need to be analysed as early as
possible. Advantages and drawbacks are to be analysed for a correct selection.
Another aspect needing to be considered at the earlier stage is the external
encountered and need to be considered independently. As a result of these
has to be made.
protection (protection against direct contact) with provision for fault protection
(protection against indirect contact). Coordinated provisions result in a protective
measure.
One of the most common protective measures consists in “automatic
disconnection of supply” where the provision for fault protection consists in the
implementation of a system earthing. Deep understanding of each standardized
system (TT, TN and IT system) is necessary for a correct implementation.
but also by electric arcs in cables and connections. These dangerous electric
arcs are not detected by residual current devices nor by circuit breakers or fuses.
The arc fault detector technology makes it possible to detect dangerous arcs
and thus provide additional protection of installations. See chapter F §9 for more
information.
Sizing and protection of conductors
Selection of cross-sectional-areas of cables or isolated conductors for line
conductors is certainly one of the most important tasks of the design process of
protective devices, the voltage drop along these conductors and the estimation
of the prospective short-circuit currents: the maximum value relates to the
overcurrent protection and the minimum value relates to the fault protection by
automatic disconnection of supply. This has to be done for each circuit of the
installation.
LV switchgear: functions & selection
Once the short-circuit current are estimated, protective devices can be selected
for the overcurrent protection. Circuit breakers have also other possible functions
such as switching and isolation. A complete understanding of the functionalities
Correct selection of all devices can now be done.
Overvoltage protection
Direct or indirect lightning strokes can damage electrical equipment at a distance
of several kilometres. Operating voltage surges, transient and industrial frequency
over-voltage can also produce the same consequences. All protective measures
against overvoltage need to be assessed. One of the most used corresponds
protection within the electrical installation request some particular attention.
consumption, reduced cost of energy, better use of electrical equipment. These
measuring electricity consumption either per application (lighting, heating,
electricity consumption still keeping the same level of service provided to the user.
Reactive energy
The power factor correction within electrical installations is carried out locally,
globally or as a combination of both methods. Improving the power factor has a
direct impact on the billing of consumed electricity and may also have an impact