INTERNAL ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

SYSTEM IN BUILDINGS
POWER REQUIREMENTS

• Depends on the number of appliances used in the building

• Whether it has to be used at the same time or not

Objective is to find the highest number of kw to be supported by the

electrical installation.

• Estimate the number of hours per day an appliance runs.

• Find the wattage of the product
• Find the daily energy consumption using the following formula:
(Wattage × Hours Used Per Day) ÷ 1000 = Daily Kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption
• Find the annual energy consumption using the following formula:
Daily kWh consumption × number of days used per year = annual energy consumption
• Find the annual cost to run the appliance using the following formula:
Annual energy consumption × utility rate per kWh = annual cost to run appliance
INCOMING POWER SOURCE VOLTAGE

The voltage in India is 220 volts, alternating at 50 cycles (Hertz) per second.

This is similar to, most countries in the world including Australia, Europe and the UK and
different from the US that uses 110-120 volt electricity with 60 cycles per second for small
appliances.

What does this mean for visitors to India?

To use an electronic appliance or device

from the United States, or any country
with 110-120 volt electricity, will need a
voltage converter and plug adapter if your
appliance does not have dual voltage.

People coming from countries with 220-240 volt electricity (such as Australia, Europe, and the
UK) only require a plug adapter for their appliances.
DUAL VOLTAGE APPLIANCES

Using US Appliances in India?

Generally, if the appliance is designed to run only on 110 volts, the higher
voltage will cause it to quickly draw too much current, fuse and burn out.
Many travel devices such as laptop, camera and cell phone chargers operate on
dual voltage. Most devices adjust the voltage automatically, some may need to
switch the mode to 220 volts.

Does difference in frequency affect devices?

Most modern electrical appliances and devices are not affected by the
difference. The motor of an appliance made for 60 Hertz will run slightly slower
on 50 Hertz.
THE SOLUTION

VOLTAGE CONVERTERS OR TRANSFORMERS

• For basic electrical appliances such as an iron or shaver, which is not dual voltage, for a
short amount of time a voltage converter will decrease the electricity down from 220V to
the 110V accepted by the appliance.
• A converter with a higher wattage output than the wattage of the appliance should be used.
• However, it's not sufficient for heat-generating appliances such as hair dryers, straighteners,
or curling irons - require a heavy duty converter.

• For long-term use of appliances that have electrical circuitry (such as computers and and
televisions), a voltage transformer is required depending on the wattage of the appliance.
• Devices that run on dual voltage will have a built-in transformer or converter, and will only
need a plug adapter.
• Plug adapters don't convert electricity but allow the appliance to be plugged into the
electricity outlet on the wall.
TRANSFORMERS

• Essential part of a voltage conversion substation.

• Classified into various categories depending upon the type of core or cooling employed

TYPE OF CORE
• Core type transformer
• Shell type transformer

TYPE OF COOLING
• Oil filled self cooled transformer – usually adopted for outdoor transformers
• Oil filled water cooled
• Air blast type
• Dry – Air cooled type
 • In an electrical power distribution system, a ring main unit
RING MAIN UNIT
(RMU) is a factory assembled, metal enclosed set of
switchgear used at the load connection points of a ring-
type distribution network.
• It includes in one unit two switches that can connect the
load to either or both main conductors, and a fusible switch
or circuit breaker and switch that feed a distribution
transformer.
• Ring main cables enter and leave the cabinet. This type of
switchgear is used for medium-voltage power distribution,
from 7200 volts to about 36000 volts.
• The equivalent of a ring main unit is built into a pad-
mounted transformer which integrates switches and
transformer into a single cabinet.

Ring main units can be characterized by their type of insulation: air, oil or gas. The switch used to isolate
the transformer can be a fusible switch, or may be a circuit breaker using vacuum or gas-insulated
interrupters. The unit may also include protective relays to operate the circuit breaker on a fault.
TYPE OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS

In large buildings the type of distribution depends on the building type, dimension, the length of
supply cables, and the loads. The distribution system can be divided in to:

• The vertical supply system (rising mains)

• The horizontal supply (distribution at each floor level)

• In most cases a high voltage supply and transformer substation is required.

• Normally HV switchgear and substation transformers are installed at ground floor (or basement ).
Sometimes appliances with large power demand installed on the top floors (converters and
motors for lifts, air-conditioning equipment and electric kitchens).
• The arrangement of the rising mains depends on the size and shape of the building and suitable
size of shafts for installing cables and bus ducts must be provided in coordination with the
building architect.
• The vertical supply system are implemented in several ways, some of which are: single rising
main, grouped supply, individual floor supply, ring main supply, double feed supply and others.
METERING PANELS

• Metering and sub-metering of energy and resource use is a critical component of

operations and maintenance.
• Metering for energy/resource efficiency refers to the measurement of quantities of
energy delivered, for example, kilowatt-hours of electricity,
• Metering may also involve identifying times of use for the various energy sources,
the instantaneous demand for energy, as well as identify energy use for a collection
of buildings, individual buildings, rooms, or specific equipment.
• Metering provides the information that when analyzed allows the building
operations staff to make informed decisions on how to best operate
mechanical/electrical systems and equipment.
• These decisions will ultimately affect energy costs, equipment costs, and overall
building performance.
METERING APPLICATIONS

• Data Recording.
• Total Consumption.
• Time-of-Use Metering
• Peak Demand Metering
• Load Survey (Profile or Time-Series Data).
• Monitoring and Control
• Load Control. METERING HIERARCHY
• Load Scheduling
• Leak Detection.
LOW & HIGH TENSION/ VOLTAGE METERING PANELS
• HT panels involve high voltage which comes from step up
transformer for example voltages ranging from 6.6kV,
11kV, 33kV.
• LT Panels involve voltage which comes from step down
transformer around 415V.

Panels just are voltage switching devices

which serves as protection for distribution
transformers.
 SUB METERING PANELS

• Sub-metering uses a series of connected power

meters to measure the energy consumption of
individual pieces of equipment.
• Commercial uses – to track energy consumption
across different floors, departments, and pieces
of machinery.

Benefits
• Pinpoint energy consumption.
• Prevent equipment breakdowns.
• Provides benchmark numbers.
• Double-check utility bill.
• Identify inefficiencies.
RISING MAINS
SELECTION OF TYPE OF RISING MAIN
The following factors affect the selection of
the type of rising main:
• Load assessment
• Load distribution
• Environmental conditions such as ambient
temperature, grouping and humidity
• The heights of riser
• Voltage drops
• Fault level
• Future expansion

The selection of cable as rising mains is limited by its current carrying capacity (CCC).
As a rule of thumb, when the demand exceeds 800A, bus-duct is preferred.
SUB MAINS

A sub-main electrical circuit can be defined

as a circuit connected directly from the
main LV switchboard to a sub-main
distribution panel or a rising main for
final connection of the minor current-using
equipment.

SELECTION
The following factors affect the selection of the type of sub-main cables:
• Load distribution area
• Environmental conditions such as ambient temperature, grouping and humidity if the load
centre is far away the main riser
• Voltage drop consideration if the load centre is far away the main riser
• Future expansion.
TYPES OF UPS
Standby UPS
The basic Standby UPS is an uninterruptible power source that delivers short-term, battery-sourced power
during outages.
• Hardware receives utility power, under normal conditions, through a direct AC connection.
• The standby unit and its inverter are essentially on hold until backup power is needed.
• Can also safeguard data and sensitive equipment from surges, spikes, and dips.
• Commonly used to protect computers, modems, VoIP equipment, and other hardware.
• Least expensive – also referred to as an Offline UPS

Online UPS
An On-line UPS is a type of uninterruptible power supply that utilizes either a double or delta conversion
technology.
• Network equipment does not receive electricity directly from the AC outlet.
• AC power travels to a rectifier, where it becomes DC power, then the battery, and then an inverter.
• After inversion back to AC, the power is delivered to equipment.
• Creates an energy-efficient online UPS system where some power skips the processing steps.
• Circuit is seamless – more expensive

Line-interactive UPS
A Line-interactive UPS is one type of uninterruptible power source that can regulate voltage automatically.
The technology responds to high and low voltage conditions.
• Units also support systems during outages without battery drainage.
• The inverter/converter technology allows the unit’s battery to be charged throughout normal operations.
• During an outage, this Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) converts battery power to AC flow for
device delivery.
SIZING OF A UPS

UPS is typically rated by Volt-Amps (VA). It is the voltage and current supplied by the UPS to the
equipment. Miscalculation and draining the UPS to beyond its capacity then you risk shortening the
service life of the UPS's batteries and worse.

One of the most important things to be considered is the “power requirement”.

For example: To operate 3 Fans, 3 Tube lights, 8 LED lights, 1 television & 1 refrigerator at the time of
power failure, the power consumed by these items will be total of the power consumed by these
individually:
• 1 Fan – 70 Watts
• 1 tube light – 40 watts
• 1 led light – 7 watts
• 1 led television – 70 watts
• 1 Refrigerator - 140 Watt
Therefore your total power requirement is (3x70 + 3x40 + 8x7 + 1x70+ 1x140) = 596 watts.
SIZING OF A UPS

A UPS is usually recommended for running energy backup for lights, ceiling fans, computers, television
etc. Operating the refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner etc. will need a higher capacity UPS.

The appliances need more VA than the power requirement in Watts due to the nature of the devices. The
ratio is called Power factor.

Hence Power supplied (or VA rating of UPS) = Power requirement (power consumed by equipment in
watts) / Power factor. Usually at homes, power factor ranges from 0.65 - 0.8, taking 0.7 for the
calculations,

Hence, Power of UPS (VA) = 596/0.7 = 851 VA

So a UPS with 900 VA will be suitable.

UPS Basis For Comparison UPS Inverter

Definition The UPS is an electrical device The inverter converts the

The UPS allows the power to flow
that provides power to the load unidirectional current into
through the system so that the data can
when the main power fails. bidirectional.
be saved before the primary supply is
fully shut down.
• Protects the system from power
surges. Has a battery which connects
with power supply of the devices Function Act as a flywheel storage Main function is to convert
system AC power to DC power.
during the power loss from the mains.
• The circuit consists the inverter,
battery and the controller. The UPS c
Switch over Immediate Takes time
• Converts the AC to DC using a rectifier
and DC to AC using an inverter. Backup Electricity Electronic power

Types Offline, Online, Line interruptive Stand Alone and Grid Tie
INVERTER or Standby UPS. Inverter.
The inverter inverts the direct current to
an alternating current.
• It does not generate electric power; Connection Directly connected to the It is connected to the
the power is supplied from the battery. appliances. battery and appliances.
• The input voltage of the inverter is the
constant DC power source
Cost More Expensive Less Expensive
• The frequency of the output wave
remains 50 or 60 Hertz. Circuit Inverter and Controller Battery
• It takes the supply from the AC source
and charges the battery. Supplying Power Short Duration Long Duration
• During the power cut, the inverter
Voltage Fluctuation Do not have Have
receives the supply from the battery
and provides the power supply to the Use For domestic and industrial use. Only for Domestic Use.
electrical equipment.
SERVER POWER REQUIREMENTS
SERVER POWER REQUIREMENTS

• A server is a computer designed to process requests and deliver data to another computer over
the internet or a local network.
• On average, 45 to 60 watts per square foot is typical for a server room.
• However, a densely packed Windows server room may require 80-100 watts per square foot or
more. Additionally, the server room power requirements for the overhead lighting, UPS, rack
mounted fans and air-conditioning units are to be considered.
• Next, estimate the number of outlets required and their approximate placement.
• For any floor-mounted outlets, consider using power whips (outlets attached to flexible
cabling) instead of fixed outlets to allow some flexibility in moving server racks.
• The server's electrical load has to be distributed across the circuits, and built into the
expansion planning guidelines.
• Consider isolating cooling and ventilation power onto its own circuit to prevent power
fluctuations.
SERVER POWER REQUIREMENTS

• All power cables should be shielded in a flexible steel conduit encased in a

cooper shield to prevent electrical noise (EMI) from reaching your network
cables and equipment.
• The power redundancy requirements of the Windows server room will depend
on the uptime requirements.
• Data centers with domain controllers, DNS servers, web servers and other
mission critical systems will require backup generators as well as UPS units.
• Segregate the servers (and circuits) that will be tied to generator power and
which will simply be tied to Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).
• Finally, check the quality of the power coming into the building, to ensure it
meets the Indian Standard Code specifications. If not, consider installing power
conditioning devices.
LIGHTNING

The occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and
the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Surges - underestimated risk
The function of a lightning protection system is to protect structures from fire or mechanical destruction
and to prevent that persons in buildings are injured or even killed. An overall lightning protection system
consists of external lightning protection (lightning protection/earthing) and internal lightning protection
(surge protection).

Functions of an external lightning protection system

• Interception of direct lightning strikes via an air-
termination system
• Safe discharge of lightning current to earth via a
down-conductor system
• Distribution of the lightning current in the ground
via an earth-termination system
• Functions of an internal lightning protection
system
Lightning Arrester Working Principle
When a voltage surge traveling along the conductor reaches the point at which a lightning arrestor is
installed it breaks down the insulation of the arrester momentarily, allowing the voltage surge to discharge
to ground.
As soon as the system voltage drops below the predetermined value, insulation between the conductor and
ground is restored and further current flow to ground stops.

The principle consists in creating one or

more preferred impact points for a
lightning strike using low impedance,
conductor elements. These then conduct
and dissipate the lightning current into
the ground. This coherent system enables
the lightning to be captured and
dissipated whilst providing protection to
the structure.
TYPES OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM

There are five types of lightning protection systems

for protecting structures against lightning:
• Rods
• Meshed conductors
• Catenary wires
• Early streamer emission lightning protection
system
• Protection by «natural» components
TYPES OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM

Lightning Arrester Types

The principle lightning arrester types are as under:
• Rod gap arrester
• Expulsion type lightning arrester
• Valve type lightning arrester
 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Rods
 Ease of installation  Limited to protecting small size structures
 Economic  Mechanical withstand constraint of the masts
 Can be integrated seamlessly and discreetly into the building
structure
Meshed Conductors
 Reduction of electromagnetic radiating effects within the  Complex and costly to install
protected structure.  Often not aesthetic due to the complexity of the structure
 Spreading of lightning currents over several down conductors
 Contributes to overall equipotential between the conducting
structures and ground
Catenary wires
 Reduction of electromagnetic radiating effects within the  The catenary wires can be a danger in handling areas where
protected structure. Spreading of lightning currents over several lifting equipment is used
down conductors  Complex and costly to install
 Contributes to overall equipotential between the conducting  Often not aesthetic due to the complexity of the structure
structures and ground
 Protection of open zones
Protection by «natural» components
 Simplification of the installation and reduction of costs  Difficult to maintain (electrical continuity check, identification
of the parts of the structure involved in the protection, etc.)
 Possible partial or total removal of «natural» elements
participating in the protection when the building is modified
Early streamer emission air terminal
 If the area to be protected is a dangerous area, lightning  Minimum lightning conductor height of 2 metres
conductor can be installed outside  Mechanical withstand constraint of the masts
 Possible to protect several buildings with the same lightning
conductor
 Economic
 Possible to protect a structure and its surrounding environment
at the same time
 Protection of open zones
 Can be integrated seamlessly and discreetly into the building
ELECTRIC WIRES

Size of Wires
Common wire sizes are 10, 12 and 14 – a higher number means a smaller
wire size, and affects the amount of power it can carry.

Wire Lettering – The letters THHN, THWN, THW and XHHN represent
the main insulation types of individual wires.
a. T – Thermoplastic insulation
b. H – Heat resistance
c. HH – High heat resistance (up to 194°F)
d. W – Suitable for wet locations
e. N – Nylon coating, resistant to damage by oil or gas
f. X – Synthetic polymer that is flame-resistant

Types of Wires – There are mainly 5 types of wire:

a. Triplex Wires
b. Main Feeder Wires
c. Panel Feed Wires
d. Non-Metallic Sheathed Wires
e. Strand Wires
Color Codes – Different color wires serve different purposes, like:

a. Black: Hot wire, for switches or outlets.

b. Red: Hot wire, for switch legs. Also for connecting wire between 2
hardwired smoke detectors.
c. Blue and Yellow: Hot wires, pulled in conduit. Blue for 3-4 way switch
application, and yellow for switch legs to control fan, lights etc.
d. White: Always neutral.
e. Green and Bare Copper: Only for grounding.

Wire Gauge, Ampacity and Wattage Load

ELECTRICAL CABLE
An electrical cable also has different types, color and application as its
determining factors.
Types of Electrical Cables – There are more than 20 different types of cables
available today, designed for applications ranging from transmission to heavy
industrial use. Some of the most commonly-used ones include:
1. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable
2. Underground Feeder Cable
3. Metallic Sheathed Cable
4. Multi-Conductor Cable
5. Coaxial Cable
6. Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable
7. Ribbon Cable
8. Direct-Buried Cable
9. Twin-Lead Cable
10. Twin-axial Cable
11. Paired Cable
12. Twisted Pair
Cable Color Code –Different countries/regions
have different cable color coding, and it is essential
to know what is applicable in your region. However,
active conductors cannot be green/yellow, green,
yellow, light blue or black.
Cable Size – Cable size is the gauge of individual
wires within the cable, such as 14, 12, 10 etc. – again,
the bigger the number, the smaller the size.

• Safety is very important.

• Before starting any electrical project that includes
wiring and cabling, one has to obtain permission
from the local building inspector.
• Once the job is done, the installation has to be
inspected for compliance with local codes and
regulations.
Electrical wire size is sold in square mm unit in India. Electrical wires sizes start from 1.0 Sq mm and can
go up to 6 Sq mm for domestic / home purposes.

WIRE SIZE (SQUARE MM) FUNCTIONALITY/PURPOSE

1 Sq mm Wires Earthing Purpose

1.5 Sq mm Wires Distribution purpose, from switchboard to lighting/fan points

2.5 Sq mm Wires Distribution Board (DB) to mainboards in a room

4.0 Sq mm Wires Geyser/Heaters, Electrical Induction stove, other electrical appliances

which require 15 Amperes

6 Sq mm Wires For Air conditioners (up to 1.5 Tons capacity)