Chapter two

electrical installation materials and

accessories
Introduction
 In order to assemble properly and
intelligently the great number of
available electrical materials ,devices,
fittings and equipment to form a
complete wiring system .we must
understand the basic principles
regarding them 1
 1.1 Wires And Cables
 the term wire and cable are used more nor less
synonymously in house wiring.
Strictly speaking single wire may be bare covered
with installation is known as a wire and several
wires stranded together is known as a cable. but in
practice bare conductors ,whether single or stranded
together are termed as wire and conductors covered
with insulation are termed as cable.
The necessary requirements of a cable are that it
should be conduct electricity
 efficiently
 cheaply and safely
2
 Cont…
this should be neither be so small so as to have a large internal voltage drop nor be too to large
so as to cost too much. such as to prevent leakage current in unwanted direction and to minimize
risk of fire and shock.

3
 Cont…
Comparison of Copper and aluminum
The choice generally is between copper and aluminum.
Copper has better conductivity for a given cross-sectional area
and is preferable, but its cost has risen over the years.
Aluminum conductors are now sometimes preferred for the
medium and larger range of cables. All cables smaller than
16mm2 cross-sectional area must have copper conductors.

4
Cont…

5
Cont…

6
Cont…

7
A cable consists of three parts
• the conductor core-the metal wire or strand of
wires caring current. The insulation or dielectric –a
covering of insulation material to avoid leakage
current from the conductor.
• The protective covering –for protection of
insulation from mechanical damage

Figure 2.1 cable parts

8
 1.2 conductor material
used in cables
copper and aluminiium are the materials used as
conductors in power and lighting cables
copper ;though silver is the best conductor ,but due
to its higher cost it is hardly used
any where. the next best conductor is copper ,it is
cheap comparatively.
The electrical resistivity of pure copper at 20oc is
1.786x10-8ohm.m. it is mathematically strong ,hard,
extremely tough, durable and ductile. it is highly
resistive to corrosion ,oxidation and pitting. 9
Aluminum : is frequently used in place of copper
for bare electric cables used for longer distance
power distribution. The electrical conductivity of
aluminum is about 60% of that of copper.
1.786x10-8ohm.m x60/100=1.07x10-8ohm.m . the only
application of aluminum cables for wiring in
buildings is for a continuous bus bar system of
distribution .it is used some times in blocks of flat or
office buildings for rising mains and sub-mains of
large sectional area .

10
 1.3 insulating materials used in cable

The insulating materials used in electric cable must

posses the following properties
High resistivity
High flexibility
Non flammability
High resistivity to moister, acid or alkaline qualities
.so the type of insulating material is used depends up
on the service for which the cable is required

11
The various types of insulating materials used in
cable are;
1. Rubber :it may be natural or synthetic. Its
dielectric strength is 30kv/mm.
2. PVC(polivinyl chloride) is a man made thermo-
plastic material, which is tough, incombustible and
chemically unreactive.PVC insulated cables are
usually employed for low and medium voltage
domestic and industrial lights and power
installation.

12
Figure 2.3 13
 CONT…
3. Vulcanized Indian rubber:- It is prepped by mixing
indian rubber with minerals such as sulpher ,zinc,red
lead etc.the use of VIR cable is limited to low voltage
distribution and internal wiring as paper-insulated
cables have largely superseded(old fashion).
4. Impregnated paper: it is quite cheap, has low
capacitance ,high dielectric strength(30kv/mm) and
high insulation resistivity (10Mohm-cm).paper
insulated cables are used for conveying large power
in transmission and distribution and particularly for
distribution at low voltage in congested areas.
14
Figure 2.4
15
 1.4 Types of cables used in internal wiring
• The wire used for internal wiring internal wiring of
buildings may be divided in to different groups
according to:
 the type of conductor
 The number of cores
 The voltage grading
 The types of insulation used

16
According to the number of cores, the cables may
be divided in to classes known as single core, twin
core, twin core with ECC(earth continuity
conductor).
According to voltage grading the cables may be
divided in to two classes
250/440volt and 650/1100volt cable.
According to types of insulation cables can be
divided in to:
1. VIR 2.Lead sheathed cables
3. PVC cables 4. weather proof cables
5. Flexible cords and cables 17
 Factors that affects the size of cable
There are many factors that affect the choice of size of
conductor.
1. Load and future development; a current of cable
is expected to carry can be found from the load,
taking into account its possible future development,
i.e. change in use of premises, extensions or
additions.
2. Ambient temperature; The hotter the surrounding
area, the less current the cable is permitted to carry.

18
3. Whether placed in thermal insulation: If cables
are placed in thermal insulation, de-rating factors
must be applied.

4. Voltage drop; The length of circuit, the current it

carries and the cross-sectional area of the conductor
will affect the voltage drop.

19
 General specification of cables
The complete specification of a cable will give the
following information ;
1. The size of the cable
2. The type of conductor used in cable (copper or
aluminum)
3. Number of cores that the cable consists of (single
core, twin core, twin core with ECC etc.)
4. Voltage grade
5. Types of insulation

20
 Cont…
Current Ratings of Cables :-The current carrying
capacity of a cable is determined by the following
factors:
1. Current flowing in a conductor generates heat and
causes the conductor temperature to rise above the
ambient temperature.
2. Different methods of installation or the presence of
external heat sources such as adjacent cables vary the
rate of heat dissipation.
3. The insulation material determines the maximum
conductor temperature which can be sustained
continuously over the expected life of the cable.
• In all cases, the ratings given are the single circuit
ratings, corresponding to continuous loading at the
maximum conductor temperature appropriate to the
insulation material. 21
 Connectors

Fig.2.5 : Common types of connectors for wire conductors.

(a) Spade lug. (b) Alligator clip. (c) Double banana-pin plug. (d) Terminal
strip.

22
 Cont…

Fig.2.6 (continued): Common types of connectors for wire

conductors. (e) RCA-type plug for audio cables. (f) Phone
plug. (g) F-type plug for cable TV. (h) Multiple-pin connector
plug. (i) Spring-loaded metal hook as grabber for temporary
connection in testing circuits. 23
Cont…

24
Cont…

25
 1.5 conduits
The commonest method of installing cables is to
draw them in to a conduit. The conduit can be
steel or plastic steel conduit is made in both light
gauge and heavy gauge of which heavy gangue is
much more frequently used.
In general ,conduits can be classified as
1. light gauge steel-plain(unscrewed)conduit
2. heavy gauge steel-screwed conduit
3. flexible conduit
4. PVC conduit 26
 1. light gauge steel-plain(unscrewed)conduit

This type of conduit is used with special grip

fittings.
Light gauge is the cheapest and quickest of
conduit installations but should be used
where the location is dry and there is little
likelihood of mechanical damage.

27
Cont…

Figure 2. 7 light steel conduit 28

 2. heavy gauge steel-screwed conduit

Though it is very expensive ,this type of

conduit provides a permanent installation with
a maximum of protection for the cables.

Figure 2.8 heavy gauge steel conduit

29
 Cont…
3. flexible conduit ;this usually consists of light
galvanized steel strip spirally wound since the
conduits are flexible and are easily bent no elbow is
required

30
Figure 2.9 flexible conduit
 4. PVC conduit
 This type of conduit wiring is finding wide
applications in internal wiring because it is light
in weight, shock proof, anti-termite, fire
resistance ,acid and alkaline resistance .

Figure 2.10 pvc conduit

31
 Conduit Accessories and Fitting
Conduit couplers :- used to join lengths of conduits -
are threaded on both ends.

Figure 2.11 conduit accessories 32

 Bends ,elbows and tees
• Are generally called conduit fittings
Conduit boxes – are used in surface conduit
wiring as well as concealed conduits wiring.

33
 Cont…

Fig.4 Conduit accessories.

34
Cont…

Fig. Conduit accessories. 35

 Lighting accessories and fittings
Switches
Lamp holders
Plugs and sockets

36
Cont…

37
Cont…

38
 Cont…
1.6 Protective Devices
There are many ways of protecting both installation
and electric appliances from risk of Damage, over
heating , fire which may occur under fault condition
Two most common protecting devices
Fuse protection
Automatic circuit breaking (CB) protection
Both fuse and CB are connected in series with live
wire (Phase)
In three phase 4 wire system since only three lines
are live, fuses & CB are connected in all three lines
39
 fuse
• Consists of a piece of copper or tin-lead alloy wire,
which will melt when carrying a predetermined
current.
• Is placed in series with the circuit to be protected
and automatically breaks the circuit when over
loaded.
• There are three main types of fuses :the rewritable
,the cartridge and high breaking capacity(HBC)

40
Three terms are used in connection with fuses:
1. Current rating :this is the maximum current that a
fuse will carry indefinitely with out undue
deterioration of fuse element.
2. Fusing current :this is the minimum current that
will ‘blow’ the fuse.
3. Fusing factor: this is the ratio of minimum fusing
current to the current rating .
fusing factor= minimum fusing current >=1
current rating

41
 42
Figure 2.12 types of fuses
 Re -wirable Fuse
Semi – enclosed , simple and cheapest
It consists of:
Porcelain base: Carrying the fixed contacts to
which the incoming and outgoing live or phase
wires are connected.
Porcelain fuse carrier: Holding the fusing
element consisting of one or more strands of fuse
wire.
The fuse wire may be of lead, tinned copper ,
aluminum or an alloy of tin lead
43
Advantages of rewireable fuse over the other:
1. Cheapest and most economical type of fuse.
2. Blown fuse element is easy to replace.

Disadvantages of rewireable fuse over the others:

1. Wrong types of fuse element is dangerous to the house hold.
2. Slower to blow compare to other types of fuse.
3. Sparking or arcing is not protected. 44
 2. Cartridge fuse

• It is a totally enclosed type of fuse, whose fuse

element is sealed by a tube which is filled with
fireproof material. It has metal cap on both ends
where the fuse element is welded or soldered.

45
Figure 2.13 cartridge fuse
 Advantages of cartridge fuse over the others:
1. It is simple and quick to replace.
2. The fuse element is protected against sparking or
arcing.
3. It operates faster than the rewireable fuse during
fault conditions.

Disadvantages of cartridge over the others:

1. It is more expensive than the rewireable fuse.
2. It is disposable.

46
 High breaking capacity (h.B.C.) Or high rapturing
capacity (h.R.C.) Fuse
It consists of a pure silver fuse element totally
enclosed in a ceramic tube which is filled with
fireproof materials such as ‘silica’ and it is capable
or interrupting a circuit under a heavy fault current
at the shortest period of time.

47
 Cont…
The rewirable and cartridge fuses are widely
used for protecting domestic installation and small
industrial loads.
HRC/HBC fuses are generally sophisticated
version of cartridge fuses and are widely used in
industrial installation especially in electric motors
They are Fast acting:
Discriminate Between starting
current and Overload current

Figure 2.14 HRC fuse

48
Advantages of H.R.C. or H.B.C. fuse:
1. It operates or interrupts heavy current fault quickly.
2. It is safe to use and less arcing or sparking effect.
3. It is accurate and reliable.
4. Blown fuse element is visible through its
‘indicator’.

Disadvantages of H.R.C. or H.B.C. fuse over the

others:
1. It is more expensive than the others.
2. It is disposable.
49
 Cont…

Type of Fuse Average Fusing factor

Re-wirable Fuse 1.8
Cartridge 1.25 – 1.8

HRC/HBC Up to 1.25

50
 Circuit Breaker
 It is a mechanical switching device designed for
making and breaking a circuit, both under normal and
fault conditions, such as short-circuits and overloads.
 A device designed to open and close a circuit by non-
automatic means, and to open the circuit automatically on a
predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself when
properly applied within it’s rating.
 The circuit-breaker differs from the switch, whereas the
switch is capable of making and breaking a current not
greatly in excess of its normal rated current, the circuit-
breaker is capable of disconnects automatically a faulty
circuit, even in short-circuit conditions. 51
 Cont…
All circuit breakers perform the following functions:
 SENSE when an overcurrent occurs.
 MEASURE the amount of overcurrent.
 ACT by tripping in a timely manner to prevent damage
to the circuit breaker and the conductors it protects.
Types of Circuit Breakers
Instantaneous Magnetic Trip-Only Circuit Breakers
 provide short circuit protection but do not provide
overload protection.
 This type of circuit breaker is typically used in motor
control applications where overload protection is
provided by an over load relay 52
Figure 2.15 Instantaneous Magnetic Trip-Only Circuit Breakers
53
 Cont…
Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers
 Has a trip unit that senses heat to detect an overload
and senses a magnetic field generated by current to
detect a short circuit.
 This type of circuit breaker trips immediately when a
short circuit occurs, but delays an appropriate amount of
time before tripping in the event of an overload.
Interchangeable Trip Circuit Breakers
 This feature allows the user to change the
continuous current rating of the breaker without
replacing the breaker.
 This is done by replacing the trip unit with one
of a different rating.
54
 Cont…

Figure 2.16 Interchangeable Trip Circuit Breakers

55
 Cont…
Current Limiting Circuit Breakers
Current limiting circuit breakers protect equipment
by significantly reducing the current flowing in
the faulted circuit.
One way to accomplish current limiting is with an
additional set of contacts that feature two moveable
arms.

Figure 2.17 current limiting Circuit Breakers

56
 Cont…
Solid-State Circuit Breakers
Solid-state circuit breakers and thermal-magnetic
circuit breakers have similar contact mechanisms,
but their trip units are different.
A solid-state trip unit not only determines when to
trip the circuit breaker, but also has
programmable features and improved accuracy and
repeatability.
The brain of a solid-state trip unit is a
microprocessor.

57
Figure 2.18 solid state Circuit Breakers

58
 Cont…
Circuit Breaker rating
Voltage Rating
 Every circuit breaker has a voltage rating that
designates the maximum voltage it can handle.
 The voltage rating of a circuit breaker can be higher
than the circuit voltage, but never lower.
 Continuous Current Rating
 Every circuit breaker has a continuous current rating,
which is the maximum continuous current a circuit
breaker is designed to carry without tripping.
 This rating is sometimes referred to as the ampere
rating because the unit of measure is amperes, or,
more simply, amps.
59
 Time – current curve

Figure 2.19 time current curve of CB 60

 Selective Coordination
Is the application of circuit protection devices in
series such that, when a fault occurs, only the
device nearest the fault opens. The rest of the
devices remain closed, leaving other circuits
unaffected.

61
Cont…

62
 Main Difference between Fuse and Circuit
Breaker
 A fuse is a device, which is used to protect circuits
from over current, overload and make sure the
protection of the circuit. It is made of porcelain,
glass or porcelain. The fuse link or fuse element is a
thing metal strip made up of Copper, Silver,
Aluminum, Zinc, or alloys. When overload occurs,
the fuse element starts to melt immediately and
break the connected circuit from the incoming
supply. Thus, it protects the whole circuit.

63
 Cont…
• A Circuit breaker is a device which control (make
or break) a circuit automatically, manually or by
remote control under normal and fault conditions
like over current, Short circuit, etc. In circuit
breaker, electromechanical switch and relay
mechanism trip the circuit when an unsafe value of
current (overload or short circuit) attempts to flow in
the circuit connected through circuit breaker. This
way, it protect the connected circuit by discounting
it from power supply during faults such as overload
or short circuit currents.

64
 Cont…

Figure 2.20 fuse and Circuit Breakers 65

 Cont…
Differences between Circuit Breaker and Fuse
 Cont…
A fuse (especially fuse
element or fuse link) is made
up of a piece of metal
Construction (Copper, Silver, Aluminum,
Zinc, or alloys) that melts
when overheated at specific
load.
A circuit breaker has an
internal electromechanical
switch and rely mechanism
that is tripped by an unsafe
value of specified current in
case of overload or short
circuit.

Provides detection as well as Provides interruption only.

Function interruption tasks. This is an Faults detection is performed
automatic process. by relay inside CB.

Operation Fully Automatic Process. Automatic and Manual.

67
Operating Time 0.002 seconds 0.01-0.05 seconds
 Cont… Circuit breaker works on
Fuse works on the
thermal or thermal
heating principle (I2R) i.e.
magnetic
Working Principle thermal property of
(electromagnetism and
current carrying
process is
conductor.
electromechanical)
Fuse provides protection Circuit breaker provides
against overload. It may protection against
Protection
also protect over current overload, over current and
and short circuits. short-circuits.
Breaking capacity Low High
Fuse is independent of an Circuit breaker operation
Ambient
ambient temperature is Depends on ambient
Temperature
during operation. temperature.
Fuse characteristic curve Circuit breaker
Characteristic Curve shifts because of the characteristic curve
68
ageing effect. doesn’t shift.
 Cont… Circuit breaker doesn’t need to
Fuse can be used only once per
replace after each operation i.e.
Replacement & post- operation as it is self
it can be used multiple times. So
operation destructive. Replacement is
it is reliable as compared to
must after completed operation.
fuse.
No need of Auxiliary contacts in Circuit breakers are available
Auxiliary Contacts
a Fuse. with Auxiliary contacts.
No status indication of operation It shows the indication status
Status indication
during the process. during operation.
Fuse can’t be used as an ON- Circuit breaker can be used as an
Switching Operation
OFF Switch. ON-OFF Switch.
Only Singe Pole version is Single and Multiple Pole versions
Pole Version
available. are available.
Fuse cost is low as compared to Circuit Breaker Cost is high which
Cost
Circuit Breaker depends upon applications.
Fuses are widely used for low Circuit breakers are used in high
current operation such as current devices and appliances
Applications electronic equipments and such as transformers, motors
appliances. Also used in home and other heavy machines as
69
wiring as well. well as home wiring protection.
 Distribution board
A distribution board (or panel board) is a
component of an electric supply system which
divides an electrical power feed into subsidiary
circuits, while providing a protective fuse or circuit
breaker for each circuit, in a common enclosure.

Figure 2.21 distribution board

70
 Types of Wiring Systems
 The type of wiring system that may be used shall be
divided into two categories depending on the building
construction:
 Buildings constructed of concrete floors with concrete
blocks used for walls, partitions etc.
Prefabricated buildings constructed of timber, asbestos
cement panels etc. with fiber glass or other approved
insulation material in the exterior walls and roof space.
 Wiring installed in buildings complying with category (1)
above shall be carried out using P.V.C. cable run in
galvanized steel conduit or high impact rigid P.V.C.
conduit concealed within the building fabric.
 Any alteration from the original design that may be made
after the start of the installation shall be carried out using
the same method. 71
 Conductors
The conductors or cables to be used in any part of an
installation shall be determined by consideration of:
1. Current carrying capacity.
2. Temperature conditions (45°C Ambient within a
building and 50°C Ambient outside temperature).
3. Mechanical strength.
4. Voltage drop.

72
 Cont…
Current Carrying Capacity of cables
The live or phase conductors of a 3 Phase sub main
or final sub circuit shall all be of the same cross
sectional area and have the same insulation grade.
Neutral conductor for single and three phase circuits
or sub mains shall be of same cross sectional area
as the live conductors and of same insulation grade.
If a cable supplies an installation of three phase
motors only, no neutral conductor is required.

73
 Cont…
Selections of Types of Wiring
Non Flexible Cables and Conductors for Low
Voltage: Every non flexible cable at low voltage
shall be selected from one of the following types
and shall comply with the appropriate British
Standard referred to below, so far as this is
applicable.
In cables every type, conductors shall be of copper.

74
 Voltage Drops
In order to ensure satisfactory operation of electrical equipment,
it is necessary to maintain the voltage at which it is supplied
within certain limits.
Voltage Drop Limitations
In New Zealand, the nominal supply system is 230/400 volts.
The maximum voltage drop from the point of supply to any
point in the installation is required to be no more than 5% of the
nominal supply voltage, ie, 11.5 V for 230 V phase to earth or 20
V for 400 V phase to phase.
The voltage drop limitation applying to a circuit needs to be
assessed taking account of the function of the circuit and
its relationship with other circuits
Also, the voltage drop in mains and sub mains circuits should
take account of the voltage drop in final sub-circuits (and vice
versa) to ensure the total voltage drop in the installation is within
the required limits.
75
 Cont…
The fall in voltage from the commencement of the
customer’s mains to point on the installation shall
not exceed 3% for lighting and 5% for other loads
of the declared voltage when all the conductors in
the installation are carrying the maximum current
which they have to carry including an assumed
future additional loading.

Voltage drop (V) = Tabulated voltage drop X design current (A) X length
1000

76
 Cont…
Unbalanced Three Phase Circuits
 In many three phase circuits the loading on each phase is
not equal. In these cases, current will flow in the neutral
conductor and the tabulated three phase mV/A .m values
will not strictly apply. Where the imbalance is known to be
small, a conservative method of voltage drop assessment is
to assume balanced three phase load conditions but use the
current flowing in the most heavily loaded phase. However,
where the imbalance is significant, or not readily
determined, it may be necessary to revert to a single phase
basis.
 The single phase voltage drop limit and the tabulated single
phase mV/A.m should be used unless more precise
calculations are performed using vector methods
77
tocalculate the neutral current and then geometrically
 Voltage drop and cable selection calculations

The voltage drop in cable conductor(s) is directly

proportional to the circuit current and the length of
cable run.

(Note division by 1000 to convert millivolts to

volts.)

78
 cont…
The limit of voltage drop permitted between the
origin of the supply and the load to 3% for lighting
and 5% for all other circuits. For a 230 volt single
phase supply this is 6.9 V for lighting and 11.5 V for
other circuits.

79
 Cont…
Example
A 3 kW 230 V 50 Hz single-phase motor has an
efficiency of 70% and works at a power factor of 0.6. It
is connected to its starter by single-core p.v.c.-insulated
cables (copper conductors) drawn into steel conduit,
the length of run is 25 m.
The voltage drop in the cables must not exceed 6 V.
Assume an ambient temperature of 35◦C and
protection by fuses. Circuit details:
Motor circuit, starter will offer overload protection.
Ambient temperature 35◦C so Ca is 0.94.
80
81
Minimum BS 88 fuse rating (In) say 40 A (allows for
moderate overcurrent at starting). Starter will offer
overload protection (see BS 7671 requirements 435.2
and 552.1.2). Correction factors applying:

82
83
 Example 2
A p.v.c. trucking containing single-core p.v.c.-
insulated distribution cables (copper conductors) is to
be run 30 m from the main switchgear of an office
building to supply a new 400/230 V T.P. & N.
distribution fuse board. The balanced load consists of
18 kW of discharge lighting. The main and local
distribution boards employ fuses to BS 88 (Gg) Part 2.
The voltage drop in the distribution cables must not
exceed 6 V and the ambient temperature is anticipated
to be 30◦C. For the distribution cables, establish and
state the
84
(i) design current Ib
(ii) minimum rating of fuse in the main switch fuse In
(iii) maximum mV/A/m value
(iv) minimum current rating It (v) minimum cross-
sectional area of the live conductors
(vi) actual voltage drop in the cable (C&G

Referee for solutions and additional problem solutions on

“Electrical Installation Calculations Advanced, 7th Edition --1_2” page 126-136

85
Example
• A three-phase 10 kW motor operates on full load
with efficiency 80% and power factor 0.75. It is
supplied from a switchboard through a cable each
core of which has resistance 0.2 . Calculate the
voltage necessary at the supply end in order that the
voltage at the load end terminals shall be 400 V. The
full load current of the motor is

86
 Cont…
Maximum voltage drop limit
Maximum allowable voltage-drop vary from one country to
another. Typical values for LV installations are given below
in Figure.
Type of installations Lighting circuits Other uses (heating and
power)
Low voltage installations supplied 3% 5%
directly from a public low voltage
distribution system
Low voltage installation supplied 6% 8%
from private LV supply

 These voltage-drop limits refer to normal steady-state operating

conditions and do not apply at times of motor starting,
simultaneous switching (by chance) of several loads, etc. as
mentioned in Estimation of actual maximum kVA
demand (diversity and utilization factors, etc.). 87
 Cont…

Fig. 2.22 Maximum voltage drop (the values shown here are for circuits other than
lighting circuits)

88
 Cont…
• When voltage drops exceed the values shown
in Figure below, larger cables (wires) must be used to
correct the condition.
• The value of 8%, while permitted, can lead to problems for
motor loads; for example:
• In general, satisfactory motor performance requires a
voltage within ± 5% of its rated nominal value in steady-
state operation,
• Starting current of a motor can be 5 to 7 times its full-load
value (or even higher). If an 8% voltage drop occurs at full-
load current, then a drop of 40% or more will occur during
start-up.

89
 Cont…
 Stall (i.e. remain stationary due to insufficient torque to
overcome the load torque) with consequent over-heating
and eventual trip-out
 Or accelerate very slowly, so that the heavy current loading
(with possibly undesirable low-voltage effects on other
equipment) will continue beyond the normal start-up period
 Finally an 8% voltage drop represents a continuous power
loss, which, for continuous loads will be a significant waste
of (metered) energy. For these reasons it is recommended
that the maximum value of 8% in steady operating
conditions should not be reached on circuits which are
sensitive to under-voltage problems (see Fig. below).

90
 Electrical Wiring
What is Electrical Wiring?
 Electrical Wiring is a process of connecting cables and wires
to the related devices such as fuse, switches, sockets, lights,
fans etc to the main distribution board is a specific structure to
the utility pole for continues power supply.
Methods of Electrical Wiring Systems w.r.t Taking Connection
Wiring (a process of connecting various accessories for
distribution of electrical energy from supplier’s meter board to
home appliances such as lamps, fans and other domestic
appliances is known as Electrical Wiring) can be done using two
methods which are
– Joint box system or Tee system
– Loop – in system
They are discussed as follows:
91
 Cont…
Joint Box or Tee or Jointing System
• In this method of wiring, connections to appliances
are made through joints. These joints are made in
joint boxes by means of suitable connectors or joints
cutouts. This method of wiring doesn’t consume too
much cables size.
• You might think because this method of wiring
doesn’t require too much cable it is therefore
cheaper.

92
 Cont…

Fig. 2.23 tee wiring system 93

 Cont…
Loop-in or Looping System
 This method of wiring is universally used in wiring. Lamps
and other appliances are connected in parallel so that each
of the appliances can be controlled individually. When a
connection is required at a light or switch, the feed
conductor is looped in by bringing it directly to the terminal
and then carrying it forward again to the next point to be
fed.
 The switch and light feeds are carried round the circuit in a
series of loops from one point to another until the last on the
circuit is reached. The phase or line conductors are looped
either in switchboard or box and neutrals are looped either
in switchboard or from light or fan. Line or phase should
never be looped from light or fan.

94
 Cont…

Fig. 2.24 loop in wiring system

95
 Cont…
Conduit Wiring
• In conduit wiring, steel tubes known as conduits are
installed on the surface of walls by means of pipe hooks
(surface conduit wiring) or buried in walls under plaster and
VIR or PVC cables are afterwards drawn by means of a GI
wire of size if about 18SWG.
• In Conduit wiring system, The conduits should be
electrically continuous and connected to earth at some
suitable points in case of steel conduit. Conduit wiring is a
professional way of wiring a building. Mostly PVC conduits
are used in domestic wiring.
There are two types of conduit wiring according to pipe
installation
 Surface Conduit Wiring
 Concealed Conduit Wiring
96
 Cont…
Surface Conduit Wiring
 If conduits installed on roof or wall, It is known as
surface conduit wiring. in this wiring method, they
make holes on the surface of wall on equal distances
and conduit is installed then with the help of rawal
plugs.
Concealed Conduit wiring
• If the conduits is hidden inside the wall slots with the
help of plastering, it is called concealed conduit wiring.
In other words, the electrical wiring system inside wall,
roof or floor with the help of plastic or metallic piping
is called concealed conduit wiring. obliviously, It is
the most popular, beautiful, stronger and common
electrical wiring system nowadays. 97
 Cont…

98
Fig. 2.25 conduit wiring
Residential Electrical wiring
 Cont…
 Single Phase wiring installation is the most
common wiring in residential buildings.
 In Single Phase supply 220V there are two lines
(one is Line (Live) and the other one is Neutral)
incoming cables from the utility poles to energy
meter and then directly connected to the main
distribution board (Consumer unit).
 how to wire a single Phase Consumer Unit
Installation in home from Utility Pole to a Single-
Phase Energy Meter & Single-Phase Distribution
board and then How to connect Single Phase
Loads in single Phase Wiring Distribution
System in home electric supply system.
 Cont…
Requirements for Single Phase Wring Installation in Home
Required Materials Number
Single Phase Energy Meter 1
Two Pole MCCB (Molded Case circuit Breaker): 63A to
1
100 A
Double Pole: 63A, 30mA Trip Current RCD 3
Double Pole MCBs: 63A 3
Single Pole MCBs: 20A 6
Single Pole MCBs:16A 3
Single Pole MCBs: 10A 6
Distribution Board Cases 3
Copper strips for MCB common connection 3 (Cu Busbar segment)
Copper strip Busbar for Earth & Ground Link 1 (Cu Busbar segment)
 Cont…
How to Wire Single Phase Main Distribution Board?
To Wire and install a single phase consumer unit for electric supply
distribution in multi sections of a house, follow the steps given below:
• Connect the Incoming Live and Neutral (L and N) wires from the
electric utility pole to the Single Phase Energy meter.
• Connect the Incoming Live and Neutral (L and N) Wires to the 2
Pole Molded Case Circuit Breaker “MCCB” as shown in fig 2.26.
It will be used as a main switch for all sections in the home.
• Connect the MCCB to the Double Pole MCBc, RCD, Single Pole
MCBs respectively for each sections and the outgoings wires and
cable to the sub circuits and final sub circuits. Do the same steps
for each section (3 Switch boards in our case). Keep in mind that
proper connection should be done for Neutral and Live wires in the
whole system as shown in fig 2.26 If confused, wiring color codes
for IEC and NEC are given below in the info section for both
single phase and three phase wiring.
• Now, Connect the electrical devices and appliances with the Earth
link terminal which leads to earth electrode in the earthing and
grounding system as shown in fig 1.
 Cont…

Figure 2.:26 Single Phase Electrical Wiring Installation in Home

 Cont…
If you have to install single phase mains distribution
system different sections around the home (large area),
follow the following important things before doing so.
 As we shown in the fig 2.26, use separate main breaker
and boards for each sections (3 different sections in our
case). This way, electric supply would not interrupted
on other section if one of the CB or MCB trip due to
some reasons (Short Circuit etc). The whole system will
go off at once if we connect each section loads (Fans,
Light etc) directly to the main distribution board.
 If we use single circuit instead of three circuits for each
section, high current will flow through the whole circuit
if load of a single section increased which cause to
overheat the cables. So there may be a risk of electric
fire and hazard as well due to overheated cables In the
building.
 Cont…
 Moreover, due to more current flowing in the cable,
voltage drop may be increased and there the
appliances and devices may not get the proper and
rated voltage, so they might not work properly.
 Use the proper cable size and rated main breaker. In
other words, The main breaker should capable to
handle to load of all sections around the home. The
same should be done for DP and SP breakers in sub
distribution board which should handle the load
(Lighting points , washing machine, fans etc) of
desired section for sub and final sub circuits.
105
 Cont…
Electrical Wiring Color Codes of NEC and IEC
Wiring Color Codes:
Weused Red for Live or Phase , Black for Neutral and Green/yell
ow for Earth Wire. You may use the specific area codes i.e. IEC
– International Electro-technical Commission (UK) or NEC
(National Electrical Code [Ethiopia] where;
have NEC(Ethiopian standard):
Single Phase 220V AC:
red, blue, yellow, brown = Phase or Line, black = Neutral
and Green/Yellow = Earth Conductor
IEC(International Electro-technical Commission):
Single Phase 230V AC:
Brown = Phase or Line, Blue = Neutral and Green = Earth
Conductor
 Cont…
In a Three Phase Wiring Distribution System (Star Connection i.e. 3 Phase, 4 Wire
System); Line to Line Voltage = 380V AC (208V in US) … Three Phase System
Line to Neutral Voltage = 220V (120V in US) … Single Phase System
I.e.
L1 to L2= 380 V
L2 to L3= 380 V
L3 to L1= 380 V
And L1 to N = 220 V
L2 to N = 220 V
L3 to N = 220 V
in UK and other Countries(IEC)
L1 to L2= 400V
L2 to L3= 400V
L3 to L1= 400V
And
L1 to N = 230V
L2 to N = 230V
L3 to N = 230V
 Cont…
Wiring Diagram of single Phase Distribution Board In Home
Below is given layout wiring diagram of single phase
consumer unit installation.

Figure 2.:27
 Cont…
How to Connect Single Phase Loads in a 1-Phase
Wiring Distribution System?
 For Single Phase Loads (230V or 220V) Washing
Machines, TV, Power socket, Lighting Points, Fans
etc, can be directly connected to the Phase and
Neutral wire through proper wiring and controlling
as shown below.
 Note that Earth or ground wire must be connected to
each of the electrical appliances and equipment
connected to both single phase and three phase
supply system to avoid electric shock and hazard.
 Cont…

Figure 2.:28 single phase loads

110
 Cont…
General Precautions
• Electricity is Our Enemy, if you give it a chance to kill you, Remember, they
will never miss it. Please read all caution and instruction while doing this
tutorial in practical.
• Disconnect the power source before servicing, repairing or installing
electrical equipment's.
• Use the proper cable in size with this simple calculation method ( How to
determine the suitable size of cable for Electrical Wiring Installation)
• Never try to work on electricity without proper guidance and care.
• Work with electricity only in presence of those persons who has good
knowledge and practical work and experience who know how to deal with
electricity.
• Read all the instruction and cautions and follow them strictly.
• Doing your own electrical work is dangerous as well as illegal in some
areas. Contact the licensed electrician or the power supply company before
practicing any change in electrical wiring connection.
• The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the
display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in wrong format.
So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too
dangerous.
 Three Phase Electrical Wiring
Installation in Home – NEC & IEC
how to do a Three Phase Consumer Unit Installation from
Utility Pole to a 3-Phase Energy Meter & 3-Phase
Distribution board and then How to connect Single Phase &
Three Phase Loads in a Three Phase Wiring Distribution
System in home electric supply system.
What is Three Phase & Single Phase Power?
 In power generation plants, Three Phase power is generated
by electrical generator or alternator. In an alternator, the
generated voltage and current by three independent coils in
stator are apart by 120 𝑜 from each other.
 The generated power from alternators then transmitted and
distributed through transmission and distribution lines to the
sub distribution.
 Cont…
 In industrial and commercial buildings, they need high power.
So they are connected to the three phase Delta connection(3
Phase – 3 Wire System – No Neutral Wire) before
distribution transformer and then manage the required voltage
and current according to their needs in three phase and single
phase supply.
 On the other hands, buildings that need high power in three
phase and single phase, they are connected to the secondary of
distribution transformer. This way, they get three phase Star
connection (3-Phase, 4 Wire System with Neutral Wire).
 In the Star connection, Three Phase Line to Line (Phase to
Phase) voltage are (380)415V AC and Single Phase Line to
Neutral (Phase to Neutral), there are 230V AC (220v).
 In Three Phase Supply, motors and large electric heaters can
be directly connected to the Three Phases while in in Single
Phase, load (Light, fan etc) can be connected in between
Phase and Neutral through proper protective devices.
 Cont…
Why We Need Three Phase Power Supply?
 To operate high power equipment and appliances such
as electric motors and high power rated air compressor
etc, we need Three Phase Power supply instead of
Single Phase Power supply.
 In ordinary homes, we mostly use Single Phase power
supply to operate lighting load, fans, washing machines
etc, but in some cases as well as industries offices high
torque motors, multi-storey & large buildings, Three
Phase power supply needs to operate and maintain the
system.
In our previous posts, We did it for Single Phase electrical
wiring installation in home and already know that what
are MDB, DB, Final Sub Circuit, MCB, MCCB, CB and
RCD etc.
 Cont…
Requirements for Three Phase Wring Installation
• In this tutorial, we need the following wiring accessories to
wire three phase power in home.
Three Phase Energy meter 1 No
Three Pole MCCB, 63A, 1 No
Double Pole, 63A, 30mA Trip Current RCD, 3 Nos
Double Pole MCBs, 63A, 3 Nos
Single Pole, 20A, MCB, 6 Nos
Single Pole, 16A, MCB, 3 Nos
Single Pole, 10A, MCB, 6 Nos
Distribution board cases, 3 Nos
Bus bar Link for Neutral Cable Connections 1 No
Copper strips for MCB common connection, 3Nos (Cu Busbar
segment)
Copper strip Busbar for Earth & Ground Link 1 No
 Cont…
How to Wire There Phase Main Distribution Board?
 Generally, Electric supply and service providers install
a single phase energy meter when load is less than
7.5kW (10HP) in domestic areas (consumer unit for
home). If the limit is exceeded, then it’s recommended
to install a 3-phase energy meter for consumer units.
when load is exceeds from 7.5 kW, then 3-phase
electrical wiring is recommended in domestic areas
(homes).
 In this tutorial, We assume that we will only connect
single phase load (Light points, fans, TV, Power Socket,
AC etc.) in this three phase electrical wiring
installation.
 As we can see that the total load is exceeded the limit of
single phase electrical wiring installation as we will be
feeding different rooms and areas in home, that’s why
we have to wire our distribution in three phase system.
 Cont…
Practical Procedure of Three Phase wiring of distribution board
& installation
On this we will see the basic electrical wiring of bulb, fans etc (i.e.
Sub-circuits and final sub circuits) in our previous posts, so follow the
steps below to do the same as mention below..

 First of all, connect the three-phase energy meter as shown in fig. (

if you don’t sure that how to wire a 3-phase energy meter, then
check this simple tutorial which shows how to wire a three phase
Energy Meter.
 Connect the MCCB (Moulded Case circuit Breaker) as main
switch to the incoming three phases (R, Y, B) from 3-phase energy
meter. (Check the wiring color code for different areas in below
section)
 Now connect the outgoing three phases (R, Y, B) from
MCCB (Molded Case circuit Breaker) to the DP (Double
Pole MCB , RCD, SP (Single Pole MCBs and load) as shown in
fig)
 Cont…
 Now connect the residual current device(RCD) from
Double Pole with Phase (Line) and Related Neutral
Link. The Out going Phase lines should be
connected to the final and final sub circuits. The
same can be done for Neutral Wires.
 Finally, Connect the electrical appliances with the
Earth link terminal which leads to earth electrode in
the earthing and grounding system as shown in fig
below.
 Do the same steps for all three distribution boards
for different rooms and areas.
118
 Cont…

 You may also use a Four

Pole MCCB instead
of Three Pole MCCB.
Simply connect the Neutral
wire in the last slot of that
MCCB (Incoming and
Outgoing like other phases)
and then connect the
outgoing Neutral to copper
strip (i.e. Earth Link) as
shown in fig.

Fig 2.29 Three Phase Electrical Wiring Installation Diagram

 CONT…
MCCB (Molded case circuit breakers) are a type of electrical
protection device that is commonly used when load currents
exceed the capabilities of miniature circuit breakers. They are
also used in applications of any current rating that require
adjustable trip settings, which are not available in plug-in
circuit breakers and MCBs.
 There are basically two types of safety device in a modern
installation :-
 Circuit breakers to protect the Load
 Residual current devices (RCDs) to protect people. A
circuit breaker reacts if too much current flows through a
circuit, where as an RCD reacts if there is a current leakage,
e.g. in the case of a ground fault.
120
 Cont…
Wiring Diagram of Three Phase Distribution Board

Fig 2.30 – Electrical Wiring Diagram of Three Phase & Single Phase Consumer Unit with RCD
 Cont…
Wiring Color Codes of IEC and NEC
Wiring Color Code:
We have used Red for Live or Phase , Black for Neutral and Green for
Earth Wire. You may use the specific area codes i.e. IEC –
International Electro-technical Commission (UK, EU etc) or NEC
(National Electrical Code [Ethiopian standard] where;
NEC (Ethiopian standard):
Single Phase 220V AC:
red, blue, yellow, brown = Phase or Line,
black = Neutral and Green/Yellow = Earth Conductor
Three Phase 380 AC:
yellow = Phase 1 or Line1, Red = Line 2, Blue = Line 3, black = Neutral and
Green/Yellow = Earth Conductor
IEC(International Electro-technical Commission):
Single Phase 230V AC:
Brown = Phase or Line, Blue = Neutral and Green = Earth Conductor
Three Phase 415 AC:
Grey= Phase 1 or Line1, Black = Line 2, Brown = Line 3, Blue =
Neutral and Green= Earth Conductor
 Cont…
 How to Connect Single Phase & Three Phase Loads
in a Three Phase Wiring Distribution System?
 As mentioned above, Three Phase loads (415V or 380V
AC Such as 3-Phase Motors) can be directly connected
to the three lines accordingly i.e. there is no need to
connect to the neutral point. For Single Phase Loads
(230V or 220V AC Light, TV, Power socket, Fans etc),
They can be connected to the Phase and Neutral wire as
shown below.
 Note that Earth or ground wire must be connected to
the electrical appliances and equipment connected to
both single phase and three phase supply system for
safety.
 Cont…

Figure 2.30 Single Phase & Three Phase Load Connected in Three Phase Supply System
 Cont…
CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT
1. Division of Installation into Circuits
a. An electrical installation should be divided into
circuits where necessary or practicable and each
circuit should be separately protected and
controlled.
b. A schematic wiring diagram showing the main
distribution system should be displayed near the
main switch with rating of estimated or above.

125
 Cont…
Basic Requirements of Circuits
A. Protection
Each circuit should be protected by an overcurrent
protective device with its operating current value closely
related to the current demand of the current using
equipment connected or intended to be connected to it
and to the current carrying capacity of the conductor
connected. This arrangement will avoid danger in the
event of a fault by ensuring prompt operation of the
protective device at the appropriate current value which
will otherwise cause damage to the cable or the current
using equipment.
A fault on one circuit should not result in the shutting down
of any unrelated parts of the installation as far as reasonably
126
practicable.
 Cont…
For this, it is recommended that—
i. fixed lighting fittings of an installation should be
arranged to be fed by two or more final circuits;
ii. lighting final circuits should be electrically separated
from power circuits except that it may be connected
to bell transformers or electric clocks;
iii. power circuits for kitchens should be electrically
separated from other power circuits
Where the supply is designed to be taken from
more than one transformer, interconnection
facilities between the main incoming circuit
breakers should be provided if requested by the
electricity supplier. 127
 Cont..
B. Control
Each circuit should be provided with means of interrupting the
supply on load and isolation for electrical servicing and testing
purposes without affecting other circuits.
C. Identification
a. Protective devices of each circuit should be clearly labelled or
identified so that the rating of the devices and the circuits they
protect can be easily recognized.
b. Every socket in a three phase installation should be marked
with the appropriate phase identification (e.g. L1, L2 and L3
etc.) in a permanent manner.
D. Electrical separation for essential circuits
Final circuits for emergency lighting, fire fighting equipment and
fireman’s lift should be electrically separated from one another and
from other circuits.
128
E. Load distribution
Cont…
Single phase loads in an installation with a three phase supply
should be evenly and reasonably distributed among the phases.
F. Arrangement of neutral conductor
a. Neutral conductor of a single phase circuit should not be
shared with any other circuit.
b. Neutral conductor of a three phase circuit should only
be shared with its related phases in a three phase four wire
system.
c. For a poly-phase circuit, the neutral conductor should
have at least the full size of current carrying live
conductors to cater for any imbalance or harmonic
currents which may occur in normal services. For balanced
three-phase systems where the total harmonic distortion
due to third harmonic current or multiples of the third
harmonic is greater than 15% of the fundamental line
current.
129
 Cont…
Final Circuits Using 16A Socket Outlets to Requirements
(1) General
a. Ring or radial final circuits should be used.
b. The circuit, with spurs if any, may feed
permanently connected equipment and an unlimited
number of socket outlets in a limited floor area
determined by Table below.
(2) Spurs
a. (a) For a final circuit in compliance with Table below
the number of fused spurs connected is unlimited but
the number of non-fused spurs should not exceed
the total number of socket outlets and fixed
equipment permanently connected in the circuit.
130
 Cont…
a. A non-fused spur should feed only one single or one twin
socket outlet or one permanently connected equipment. Such a
spur should be connected to a circuit at the terminals of socket
outlets or at joint boxes or at the origin of the circuit in the
distribution board.
– (c) A fused spur should be connected to the circuit through a
fused connection unit, with the rating of the fuse not
exceeding that of the cable forming the spur, and not exceeding
13A in any event.
(3) Separate circuits Separate circuits are to be used for:
(a) socket outlets and fixed appliances in kitchens;
(b) electric water heaters;
(c) permanently connected space heaters; and
(d ) air-conditioning units.
131
 Cont…
Table

Type of Rating of Overcurrent Protective Min. Copper Conductor Maximum Floor

Circuit Device (HBC fuse or Miniature Size of Rubber or PVC Area Served(m2)
Circuit Breaker)(Ampere) Insulated Cable for the
Circuit and Non-fused
Spur (mm2)
Ring 32 2.5 100
Radial 32 4 50
Radial 25 2 20

132
Ring circuits
Cont…
 In this system the phase, neutral and circuit protective
conductors are connected to their respective terminals at the
consumer unit, looped into each socket outlet in turn and then
returned to their respective terminals in the consumer unit, thus
forming a ring. Each socket outlet has two connections back to
the main supply.
 The requirements for a standard domestic ring circuit are as
shown in the bullet points below. An unlimited number of socket
outlets may be installed provided the following points are taken
into account.
 Each socket outlet of twin or multiple sockets is to be regarded
as one socket outlet.
 The floor area served by a single 30 A or 32 A ring final circuit
must not exceed 100m2 in domestic installations.
 Consideration must be given to the loading of the ring main,
especially in kitchens and utility rooms, which may require
separate circuit(s). 133
 Cont…
 When more than one ring circuit is installed in the
same premises, the socket outlets installed should be
reasonably shared among the ring circuits so that the
assessed load is balanced.
 Immersion heaters, storage vessels in excess of
15litres capacity or permanently connected heating
appliances forming part of a comprehensive space-
heating installation, are supplied by their own
separate circuit.

134
 Cont…

Figure 2.31 Domestic ring circuit with spurs

135
 Cont…
 Permanently connected equipment Permanently
connected equipment should be locally protected by
a fuse which does not exceed 16 A or be protected
by a circuit breaker not exceeding 16 A rating.
Radial circuits
 In a radial circuit the conductors do not form a loop
but finish at the last outlet. As with the ring circuit,
the number of outlets in any circuit is unlimited in a
floor area up to the maximum allowed. In each case
this will be determined by the estimated load and
shock protection constraints.
136
 Cont…
 The current rating of the cables is determined by the
rating of the overcurrent protection device, i.e. 30 A
or 32 A cartridge fuse or MCB.

Figure 2.32 radial circuit

137
 Cont…
What is Load?
The load refers to the item that requires the supply in order to function.
For example, this might mean the lights in a circuit, a heater, a motor to
drive a pump or any item of equipment (or combinations of these) that
require an electrical supply in order for them to work is called load.
Electrical loads are rated in watts or kilowatts (W and kW ). The size of
the load is generally stamped on the equipment or marked on a
nameplate. This can contain the:
 rating in watts
 supply voltage
 frequency of the supply
 full load current.
If this information is not available on a nameplate, then it would be
necessary to refer to the manufacturer’s literature to establish the
requirements of the load.
138
 Cont..
Switching of lighting circuits
There are numerous switching arrangements that make
up a lighting circuit. This section will look at the most
common ones. It would not be practical to look at all
the possible combinations, as there are simply far too
many.

139
 Cont…
One-way switching
The most basic circuit possible is the one-way switch
controlling one light, as shown in Figure 6.01. In this system,
one terminal of the one-way switch receives the
switch feed; the switch wire leaves from the other terminal and
goes directly to the luminaire (a). Once operated, the switch
contact is held in place mechanically and therefore the
electricity is continually flowing through to the light (b).

Figure 2.33 One-way switching

140
 Cont…

Figure 2.34 One-way switching for wiring with single-core cables

two-way switching
Sometimes we need to switch a light on, or off, from more
than one location, e.g. at opposite ends of a long corridor.
When this is required, a different switching arrangement must
be used, the most common being the two-way switch circuit.
In this type of circuit, the switch feed is feeding one two-way
switch, and the switch wire goes from the other two-way
141
switch to the luminaire(s).
 Cont…
• If we now operated the switch, the contact would move
across to energise terminal C.

Figure 2.35 two way lighting

142
 Cont…
Intermediate switching
If more than two switch locations are required, e.g. in
a long corridor with other corridors coming off it, then
intermediate switches must be used. The intermediate
switches are wired in the ‘strappers’ between the two-
way switches. The action of the intermediate switch is
to cross-connect the ‘strapping’ wires. This gives us
the ability to route a supply to any terminal depending
upon the switch contact positions.

143
 Cont…
Intermediate switching

Figure 2.36 three way lighting

144
 Cont…
General rules for non-metallic sheathed cables
1. Use only copper conductors.
2. Provide over-current protection of 16 amperes for
general purpose wiring (lights and receptacles).
3. Install a maximum of 12 outlets on a general purpose
circuit (lights and receptacles).
4. Run cable as a loop system in continuous lengths
between outlet boxes, junction boxes and panel boxes.
Make joints, splices and taps in the outlet boxes.
5. Where cables pass through a hole in a joist or a stud,
bore the hole 32 mm (1.25 inches) back from the face
of the stud or joist, or protect the wires from driven
nails by using approved protection plates.
145
 Cont…
7. Secure wires every 1.5 m (5 feet) when run on the sides of joists
or studs and 300 mm (12 inches) from each outlet box.
8. Protect wires that are exposed within 1.5 m (5 feet) of the floor.
9. Keep cables a minimum of 25 mm (one inch) from heating
ducts or use insulation installed between the conductors and heat
ducts.
10. Where cables run through or along metallic studs, joists,
sheathing or cladding, ensure that the cables are:
 Protected from mechanical damage both during and after installation
 Protected by an insulation insert secured to the opening in the stud
11. The term ‘neutral’ (white) has been changed to ‘identified
conductor’ (white).

146
 Cont…
Outlet Boxes
1. Set outlet boxes flush with the finished wall or ceiling and
secure them to studs or joists.
2. Ground all outlet boxes.
3. Ensure all junction boxes are accessible after installation.
4. Leave at least 150 mm (6 inches) of wire out of each outlet
box for joints and connection of equipment.
5. Surround the outlet boxes with a moisture resistant barrier
when the wall or ceiling requires a vapour barrier.

147
 Cont…
LIGHTING FIXTURE
Install 3-way on stairs
Light fixtures that are installed in clothes closets
shall be totally enclosed (no exposed bulbs)
 Bulbs located below 2.5 m (7 feet) require
mechanical protection
 Garages having more than one man door require
lighting controlled by each door (3-way switch)

148
 Cont…
LIGHTING
 3-way switching is required on stairway lighting when a
stairway has four or more risers AND is leading to a
finished area or to an outside entrance.
 Switches cannot be located within 500 mm from a bathtub
or shower. Switches located within 1 m of a bathtub or
shower shall be protected by a ground fault current
interrupter (RCD) of a class A type.
 An identified conductor must be installed at each location of
a manual or automatic control device for the control of
permanently installed luminaries at a branch circuit outlet.

149
 Cont…
GARAGES
 Provide at least one separate circuit to the garage and one
duplex receptacle for each car space. The lighting may come
off this circuit.
 One receptacle shall be provided for each garage door
opener and be located within 1 m of the opener.
 Using the same trench for gas sub-service lines and
electrical power conductors is permitted as long as they are
separated by 12 inches of well tamped earth.
 Attached garage receptacles need to be tamper resistant and
have arc-fault protection.
 Detached garage receptacles do not need to be tamper
resistant or be arc-fault protected.
150
 Cont…
Electric Dryer
 Provide a 32 amp circuit breaker with a 2-pole common trip
 Use 3x10 mm2 copper wire size.
Electric Range
 Provide a 40 amp circuit breaker with a 2 pole common trip
 Use 3x8 mm2 copper wire size.
 Use a 50 amp receptacle rated 220/380 volt.
 Use a 25 amp receptacle rated 220/380 volt.

151
 Cont…
Receptacles (General socket outlet)
 Install duplex receptacles in the walls of every
finished room or area so that no point along the floor
line of any usable wall space is more than 1.8 m
horizontally from a receptacle.
 Ground all receptacles.
 Connect the receptacles so that the silver terminal
screw (or the screw identified as ‘white’) on the
receptacle is connected to the white circuit wire; the
brass terminal screw (or the screw identified as
‘black’ or ‘hot’) on the receptacle is connected to the
black (or red) circuit wire. 152
 Cont…
 Connect only one wire under each terminal screw. Do not use the
terminal screws and the ‘quick-connect’.
 Receptacles shall be of the tamper resistant type (except receptacles
dedicated to stationary appliances e.g. microwaves, washing machines
or receptacles located above 2 m from the floor).
 Each branch circuit supplying 220V receptacles rated 20A or less shall
be protected by a combination-type arc-fault circuit interrupter, except
for:
 Washrooms or bathrooms
 Sump pumps
 Refrigerators, gas range, counter tops, permanently fixed island and a
peninsular counter space greater than 600 mm in kitchens.
 The entire branch circuit need not be provided with arc-fault
protection if an arc-fault receptacle is installed at the first outlet and
the wiring method consists of armored cable between the outlet and
the breaker. 153
 Cont..
Bathrooms and Washrooms
 Install one duplex receptacle, protected by a Class A ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) within 1 m (39 inches) of the wash basin.
 Receptacles cannot be located within 500 mm of a bathtub or
shower. Receptacles located 500 mm to 1 m from a bathtub or
shower must be of a Class A type.
Outdoor
 Provide at least one receptacle on a separate circuit. Receptacles
located on the dwelling(residence) including attached carports and
attached garages are to be protected by a GFCI.
 All receptacles (except for automobile heater receptacles) installed
outdoors and within 2.5 m of a finished grade shall be protected by
a ground fault circuit(RCD).
 Receptacles exposed to weather shall be provided with wet location
cover plates (in use extra duty) whether or not a plug is inserted
into the receptacle.

154
 Cont…
Kitchen receptacles
 Provide a sufficient number of receptacles (16A split or 20A
T-slot) along the wall behind counter work surfaces
(excluding sinks, built-in equipment and isolated work
surfaces less than 300 mm long at the wall line) so that no
point along the wall line is more than 900 mm from a
receptacle measured horizontally along the wall line.
 Refrigerators and microwave ovens require separate
circuits.
 A separate circuit is recommended for dish washers, but not
required.

155
 Cont…
Laundry Room or Area
 Install a separate circuit and include at least one
receptacle for the washing machine and another one
in a convenient location.
Utility room or area
 Install at least one receptacle on a separate circuit
for the utility room.
 Install one receptacle in each undeveloped area.
 Each utility room shall have a light controlled by a
wall switch.
 Furnace switch must be located between point of
entry to the room and furnace.
156
Cont…

157
158
 Cont…
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
 Install smoke alarms on each floor level, including
basements.
 Install smoke alarms within 5 m (16 feet) of bedrooms.
 Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are not to be
installed on a circuit protected by a ground fault circuit
interrupter or arc fault circuit interrupter.
 When more than one smoke detector is being installed,
interconnect the smoke detectors with 14/3 NMD-90 cable
and connect according to manufacturer’s instructions.
 A smoke detector needs to be installed in every bedroom
and interconnected together.
 Wi-fi smoke detectors hard wired for power with battery
back-up are acceptable allowing for wireless inter-
connectivity between devices. 159
 Fire alarm
What is a Fire Alarm System?
 A fire alarm system is intended to enable a fire to be
detected at a sufficiently early stage so that people who
are at risk can be made safe either by escaping from the
fire, or by the fire being extinguished (also to prevent
extensive property damage). Neither of these measures
can be used until people are made aware of fire.
 The effectiveness of the fire detection and alarm
system depends on the stage of the fire at which it is
operated. In order for all the occupants to escape
without too much difficulty, an early alarm should
operate before the escape routes becomes smoke-logged
to such an extent as will cause occupants to have
difficulty finding their way out of the building. 160
 Cont…
Why use a Fire Alarm System?
 Fire Alarm Systems are used to protect life and
property.
It protects by:
a. detecting a fire at an early stage
b. alerting and evacuating occupants
c. notifying the relevant personnel
d. activating auxiliary functions e. g. smoke controls,
lift homing etc
e. identifying and guiding fire fighters
161
 Cont…
What is a Fire Alarm System made up of?
Components forming the fire alarm System made up of
nine Items
1. Smoke / Heat Detectors (Fire Detectors )
2. Alarm Panels ( Control and Indicating Equipment)
3. Alarm Bells (Fire Alarm Devices )
4. Manual Call Points
5. DECAM Panel (Fire Services Signalling Transmitter)
6. DECAM Station ( Alarm Monitoring Station )
7. Extinguishing Panels ( Control for automatic fire
protection equipment)
8. Gas/Sprinkler (Automatic fire protection equipment)
9. Charger/Battery (Power Supply Equipment) 162
Cont…

163
 Cont…

Figure 2.37 fire alarm system 164

Cont…

Figure 2.38 fire alarm control system 165

Cont…

166
167
 Cont…
MANUAL PULL STATIONS

Figure 2.39 manual fire alarm system 168

 Cont…
Figure 2.40 VOICE SYSTEM ONE VOICE SYSTEM ONE-WAY

169
 Cont…

Figure 2.41 fire alarm emergency telephone system 170

 Ethiopian standard electrical symbols
 Symbols according to Ethiopian building code
standard (EBCS) for electrical installations and
degree of protection provided by enclosures for
electrical equipment (lighting fittings) shall be as
indicated in Tables 26.1 and 26.2, on “EBCS-
10”respectively.

171
Table 26.1 Graphical symbols for electrical installations

Note: Darkened
symbols
indicate
flush[recessed]
installations.

172
Table 26.1 Graphical symbols for electrical Installations (conte'd)

173
Cont…

174
Cont…

175
Cont…

176
Cont…

177
Cont…

178
Cont…

179
Two bed room residence
For the residential design given;-
1. Draw the electrical plan for a
given construction plan
2. Draw the circuit diagram of eac
house that you have designed

180