BUILDING

TECHNOLOGY II

ARCH501

VCAD( Visual College of Art And Design)

Authored by: Tadesse Admassie
ID - 899307157

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Assignment 8
SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL DESIGN

 Explain why we need to pay attention to Electrical design

Electrical design is a crucial aspect of any building or infrastructure project that involves
the installation and operation of electrical systems. The following are some reasons why it is
essential to pay attention to electrical design:
 Safety: Electrical design must prioritize safety to prevent electrical shocks, fires, and
other hazards. Proper electrical design ensures that electrical systems are installed,
grounded, and wired correctly, and can withstand the expected loads and
environmental conditions. This helps to prevent accidents and protect the health and
well-being of people who use the building or infrastructure.
 Efficiency: Proper electrical design can also help to ensure that electrical systems
operate efficiently, reducing energy waste and saving money on utility bills. Electrical
engineers can design systems that minimize power losses, optimize the use of energy-
efficient technologies, and ensure that electrical systems meet the specific needs of the
building or infrastructure.
 Compliance: Electrical design must comply with relevant codes and standards, which
vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of project. Compliance with these
regulations helps to ensure that the electrical system is safe and functional, and it also
helps to prevent costly fines and legal issues.
 Integration: Electrical design must be integrated with other aspects of the building or
infrastructure design, such as mechanical and structural design. This coordination helps
to ensure that the electrical system is integrated seamlessly into the overall design,
minimizing conflicts, and maximizing performance.
 Future-proofing: Electrical design must also take into account future needs and
developments. The design must be adaptable to accommodate changes in technology,
future expansions, and alterations to the building or infrastructure. This ensures that
the electrical system remains relevant and effective for the lifespan of the building or
infrastructure.

 What is Tamper-Resistant Receptacle?

A tamper-resistant receptacle, also known as a TR receptacle, is an electrical outlet designed
with a built-in safety feature that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into the slots.
The slots on a TR receptacle are lined with spring-loaded shutters that remain closed unless
equal pressure is applied to both sides of the shutters simultaneously, such as when a plug is
inserted.

This safety feature is intended to protect children from accidental electric shock caused by
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inserting foreign objects into electrical outlets. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that
all new and renovated residential and commercial construction projects in the United States
include tamper-resistant receptacles in certain areas, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and
kitchens.

 What is ground fault? What device can help us to prevent ground fault?
A ground fault is an electrical fault that occurs when a live wire comes into contact with a
grounded object, such as a metal frame or a water pipe. This can create a dangerous situation
where the electrical current flows through the ground instead of the intended circuit,
potentially causing injury or damage.
To prevent ground faults, a device called a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is commonly
used. A GFCI constantly monitors the current flowing through a circuit and can quickly shut off
power if it detects an imbalance, such as when current is flowing through the ground. This
helps to prevent electrical shocks and fires caused by ground faults. GFCIs are commonly used
in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor outlets, and other areas where water is present, as well as in
power tools and other electrical equipment.

 Draw a Receptacle outlet type GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupter). Explain
how it works and what the buttons are for.
Here is a picture of a receptacle outlet type GFCI:

The receptacle outlet

type GFCI is a type of
electrical safety device
that is designed to
protect against electric
shock by interrupting the flow of electricity when a ground fault is detected. A ground fault
occurs when electricity escapes the normal path of the circuit and flows through the body of a
person or an animal, which can result in serious injury or death.
The GFCI outlet works by constantly monitoring the electrical current flowing through the
circuit. If the GFCI detects an imbalance in the current, it assumes that some of the current is

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leaking out of the circuit, indicating a ground fault. When this happens, the GFCI immediately
interrupts the flow of electricity, preventing further harm.

The buttons on the GFCI outlet are labeled "TEST" and "RESET". The "TEST" button is used to
test the functionality of the GFCI. When you press the "TEST" button, the GFCI should interrupt
the flow of electricity, indicating that it is working correctly. The "RESET" button is used to
restore the flow of electricity after the GFCI has been tripped. This can happen if the GFCI
detects a ground fault, or if it has been manually tripped by pressing the "TEST" button.
Pressing the "RESET" button restores power to the circuit.
It is important to regularly test GFCI outlets to ensure that they are functioning correctly and
providing proper protection against electric shock. If you suspect that a GFCI outlet is not
working correctly, or if it has been tripped and will not reset, it should be replaced by a
qualified electrician.

 Explain what is an arc fault?

An arc fault is an electrical discharge that occurs when current flows through an unintended
path, such as a gap or break in a conductor or an insulation breakdown, causing a luminous
discharge of electricity. These electrical discharges can generate high temperatures that can
ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to a fire.
Arc faults can occur in any electrical system, including homes, commercial buildings, and
industrial facilities. They are a common cause of electrical fires, accounting for a significant
portion of electrical fire incidents. Arc faults can be caused by a variety of factors, including
damaged or degraded electrical insulation, loose connections, and defective equipment.
To prevent arc faults and reduce the risk of electrical fires, building codes and safety standards
require the installation of arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). These devices can detect and
interrupt arc faults in electrical circuits, providing an additional layer of protection against
electrical fires.