BELLS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OTA KM.

8 IDIROKO RD, BENJA

VILLAGE

112104, OTA

TECHNICAL REPORT ON A THREE MONTHS STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK

EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

AT

INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED

NO 14, SURULERE STREET, IKOLA ODUNSI, IPAJA,

LAGOS STATE

BY

SOWUNMI ABIMBOLA FLORENCE

MATRIC NO:2020/8990

ELECTRICAL/ ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

A REPORT WRITTEN TO BE PRESENTED AS A PARTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR

THE

AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING.

IN THE DEPARTMENT OF

ELECTRICAL/ ELECTRONICS & TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that I, Sowunmi Abimbola Florence of Matric No. 2020/8990 compiled
this report based on my Student Industrial Work Experience Programme carried out at
INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED.

SIWES Coordinator Date/Signature

HOD Date/Signature
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I want to first and foremost thank God Almighty for His Grace and Mercy to embark on

this SIWES programme as well as giving me the will to keep going.

I want to thank my parents, Mr. &Mrs. Sowunmi for their support, prayers as well as their

wise words of advice which have brought me this far in life.

I am also very much grateful to the staff and trainers at INTERCOM SWITCH

INVESTMENT LIMITED that are ever so unrelenting with their teachings and support.

My 3 months experience was worth the time. The experience I was able to gain surpassed

all of my expectations for the SIWES programme. The management made my experience

very much enjoyable.

I also want to lay special thanks to my supervisor, ENGR. GEORGE SOWUNMI, he really

took his time to put me through a lot of things under these 3 months. He is someone of

great virtue, experience, wisdom and knowledge. I really learnt a lot from him.
 DEDICATION

I am dedicating this project to my God almighty, El Roy (the God who sees me). He saw

me through these 3 months. He came through for me in ways that can’t be explain in

words. He indeed deserves all my praise and worship.

I am also dedicating this to my father and mother who have taught me in the way of the

truth and light. They’ve brought me up to be the woman I am today with their unwavering

prayers and wishes which pull through for me in the darkest of times.

I’m lasting dedicating this paper to my siblings, they cheered me on every step of the way
 ABSTRACT

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme was put in place by the Federal Government

to, with a successive result, give students qualified for this programme to have an insight on

what their field of study entails which gives an informative foundation for what, and how to

go about your career of choice towards your completion of your scholastic period, that is, in

my case; B.Sc. This technical report is based on the experience gained during my three

months of industrial training at INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED, Lagos

state. It describes all the activities and my experience gained during the period of the

training. Also, it states the problems encountered, giving viable suggestions for solving as

well as improving the scheme.

 TABLE OF CONTENT

CERTIFICATION.......................................................................................................................ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................................iii
DEDICATION...........................................................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................v
TABLE OF CONTENT.............................................................................................................vi
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................viii
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................1
1.0 THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)...............1
1.1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................1
1.2 OVERVIEW OF ITF........................................................................................................1
1.3 OVERVIEW OF SIWES..................................................................................................3
1.4. OBJECTIVES OF SIWES...............................................................................................4
1.5. AIM OF SIWES...............................................................................................................6
1.6. DURATION OF SIWES AND MOVEMENT SCHEDULE..........................................6
CHAPTER.................................................................................................................................11
2.0 INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED........................................................11
2.1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................11
2.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND GROWTH OF INTERCOM SWITCH
INVESTMENT LIMITED....................................................................................................11
2.3 SERVICES THAT INTERCOM SWITCH PROVIDES................................................12
2.4. INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED DEPARTMENTS AND UNITS. .14
CHAPTER THREE...................................................................................................................17
3.0 EXPERIENCE GAINED/WORK DONE AT INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT
LIMITED..............................................................................................................................17
3.1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................17
3.2 SAFETY & PPEs............................................................................................................17
3.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE..............................................................................................18
3.4. POWER & PROTECTION............................................................................................19
3.5 CHEMICAL EARTHING...............................................................................................20
3.6. CABLE LAYING & CABLE TRAY INSTALLATION..............................................22
3.7 ELECTRICAL WIRING & SINGLE LINE DRAWING (SLD)....................................23
3.8. AUTOMATION & SYNCHRONIZATION..................................................................24
 3.9 EQUIPMENT USED IN THE ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP........................................25
CHAPTER FOUR.....................................................................................................................34
4.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................................34
4.1 CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................34
4.2. SUMMARY...................................................................................................................35
4.3. CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED...............................................................................35
4.4. RECOMMENDATION..................................................................................................35
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................36
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 shows the organogram of INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED.......14

Figure 3.1 shows PPEs to wear while at work..........................................................................17
Figure 3.2 shows a Multimeter..................................................................................................18
Figure 3.3 shows a variety of Surge Protectors........................................................................20
Figure 3.4 Diagram of a Chemical Earth Pit.............................................................................22
Figure 3.5 4-Core armoured cable...........................................................................................22
Figure 3.6 Single Line Drawing................................................................................................23
Figure 3.7 shows InteliGen 200 and InteliGen 500...................................................................24
Figure 3.8. Hydraulic cable lugger............................................................................................26
Figure 3.9. Allen Keys..............................................................................................................27
Figure 3.10 Cable Cutting Knife...............................................................................................27
Figure 3.11. Rivet Gun..............................................................................................................28
Figure 3.12 Hand drill...............................................................................................................29
Figure 3.13 Me using a hand drill.............................................................................................30
Figure 3.14 Jigsaw.....................................................................................................................30
Figure 3.15 My Instructor using a Jigsaw.................................................................................31
Figure 3.16 Hand File................................................................................................................31
Figure 3.17 Me using a Hand File to smoothen out the crevices of the cutouts of an enclosure
...................................................................................................................................................32
Figure 3.18 a hole cutter............................................................................................................33
Figure 3.19 Me using a hole cutter to punch out holes in an enclosure....................................33
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

1.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter contains a brief insight on the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and

the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), the important reasons why

students are expected to undergo this training, and the aims and objectives of the

organization. The scheme served three months SIWES at INTERCOM SWITCH

INVESTMENT LIMITED.

1.2 OVERVIEW OF ITF

Established in 1971, the Industrial Training Fund has operated consistently and

painstakingly within the context of its enabling laws Decree 47 of 1971 as Amended in

the 2011 ITF ACT. The objective for which the Fund was established has been pursued

vigorously and efficaciously. In the four decades of its existence, the ITF has not only

raised training consciousness in the economy but has also helped in generating a corps of

skilled indigenous manpower which has been manning and managing various sectors of

the national economy.

Over the years, according to its statutory responsibility, the ITF has expanded its

structures, developed training programs, and reviewed its strategies, operations, and

services to meet the expanding, and changing demands for skilled manpower in the

economy. Beginning as a Parastatal

1
“B” in 1971, headed by a Director, the ITF became a Parastatal “A” in 1981, with a

Director-

General as the Chief Executive under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry. The Fund has

a 13member Governing Council and operates with 14 Departments and 2 Units at the

Headquarters, 40 Area Offices, 4 Skills Training Centres, and a Centre for Industrial

Training Excellence.

▪ The Board of Governing Council

A Governing Council of thirteen members drawn from the public and private sectors will

be appointed by the Federal Government to manage the Fund. This is to reflect the

cooperative spirit of the enterprise, the need for private employers, organized labour, and

the providers and users of training to cooperate in identifying training needs and devising

training policies and systems.

As part of its responsibilities, the ITF provides Direct Training, Vocational and

Apprentice Training, Research and Consultancy Services, Reimbursement of up to 50%

of Training contributions paid by employers of labour registered with it, and administers

the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). It also provides human

resource development information and training technology service to industry and

commerce to enhance their manpower capacity and in-house training delivery effort.

The main thrust of ITF programs and services is to stimulate human performance,

improve productivity, and induce value-added production in industry and commerce.

2
 Through its SIWES and Vocational and Apprentice Training Programmes, the Fund also

builds capacity for graduates and youth self-employment, in the context of Small-Scale

Industrialization, in the economy.

The Industrial Training Fund is a grade ‘A’ Parastatal operating under the aegis of the

Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It has been operating for 50 years as

a specialist agency that promotes and encourages the acquisition of industrial and

commercial skills required for national economic development. (ITF, nd.)

1.3 OVERVIEW OF SIWES.

SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) was established by the

Federal Republic of Nigeria in the year 1973 to cater to the problem of underdevelopment

and skill acquisition and also to impart practical knowledge and skills to students, thus

bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practice.

The Scheme exposes students to industry-based skills necessary for a smooth transition

from the classroom to the world of work. It affords students of tertiary institutions the

opportunity of being familiarized and exposed to the needed experience in handling

machinery and equipment which are usually not available in educational institutions.

The major reason behind the embankment of students in SIWES was to expose them to

an industrial environment and enable them to develop occupational competence so that

they can readily contribute their quota to national economic and technological

development after graduation. Besides the practical knowledge acquired, it introduces the

3
 student to the rules and regulations, principles, and etiquette of the environment grading

their various disciplines and capacities.

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme is the accepted skill training program,

which forms part of the approved minimum academic standard in the various degree

programs, for all Nigerian Universities. So, the scheme affords the students the

opportunity of familiarizing and exposing them to the needed experience in handling

equipment and machinery which are usually not available in the institutions related to

their course of study. (Akerejola, 2012)

The 300-level Industrial attachment is targeted towards exposing students to the hands-on

practical aspect of various lessons that have been taught in class and to provide other

practical training relevant to the field of engineering and general development. This

report details the experience gained at INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED.

1.4. OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

• The Industrial Training Fund’s Policy Document No. 1 of 1973 which established SIWES

outlined the objectives of the scheme. The objectives are to:

• Prepare students for industrial work situations that they are likely to meet after

graduation.

• Make the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance students’

contacts for later job placements.

4
• Provide an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial

skills and experience during their courses of study.

• Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery

that may not be available in their institutions.

• Provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work situations

thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

• Enlist and strengthen employers, and involvement in the entire educational process and

prepare students for employment in Industry and Commerce.

• Provide students the opportunity to develop attitudes conducive to effective interpersonal

relationships.

• Provide students the opportunity to understand informal organizational SIWES

interrelationships.

• Students will be able to outline at least five specific goals with several staff members by

comparing performance with job duties and develop a draft plan with staff to accomplish

performance needs, supervision plan, and rewards.

• It will be able to develop a draft agency or project budget and will be able to identify

methods of obtaining revenue to support the budget.

• Provide tools to use in prioritizing tasks of an assigned project and create with staff a

tentative schedule for completion based on these tasks. (M., 2009)

5
1.5. AIM OF SIWES

To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills to produce results in

form of goods and services.

1.6. DURATION OF SIWES AND MOVEMENT SCHEDULE

The program lasted for thirteen weeks. I resumed at the INTERCOM SWITCH

INVESTMENT LIMITED, 14, Surulere Street, Ikola Odunsi, Ipaja, Lagos state, on the

17th of July, 2023. The schedule of movement for my industrial attachment was drafted

for Thirteen weeks and it is as follows:

Schedule for INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED SIWES PROGRAMME

SCHEDULE OF MOVEMENT
S/N SCHEDULE OF MOVEMENT SECTIONS DUTIES

1 17/07/2023 - 22/07/2023 ▪ SFTY. & PROT. ORIENTATION &

▪ APPL. DEPT. TRAINING ON SAFETY
ALONG SIDE
APPLICATION
SOFTWARE
2 24/07/2023 - 29/07/2023 ▪ PROG. & CNFIG. MAINTENANCE OF
▪ MAINT. & SERV. MCCB BREAKERS AS
WELL AS
PROGRAMMING &
CONFIGURATION OF A
CONTROLLER.

3 31/07/2023 - 04/08/2023 ▪ CIVIL & CONS. • VISIT TO A SITE

▪ PROG. &
CNFIG. WHERE ERECTION
▪ SYNCHRO.

6
 OF SLABS WERE

TAKING PLACE.

• SYNCHRONIZATION

OF DIESEL AND GAS

ENGINE

4 07/08/2023 - 12/08/2023 ▪ MECH. & • INSPECTION ON AN

CABLE
INSTALLATION ONGOING PROJECT
DEPT.
WERE CABLE TRAYS

ARE BEEN LAID.

• VISIT TO AN

ONGOING PROJET

WHERE LAYING OF

HT & LT CABLES

TOOK PLACE

5 14/08/2023 - 19/08/2023 ▪ EARTHING / • INSTALLTION OF

SURGE CHEMICAL EARTH
PROTECTION PIT
DEPT.

6 21/08/2023 – 26/08/2023 ▪ ELEC. COMPO. • TRAINING ON

ANALYSIS SPRING- CHARGED
TRAINING CIRCUIT BREAKER
DEPT.
• TRAINING ON SLD
(SINGLE LINE
DRAWING)

• WIRING OF AN

7
 ENCLOSURE (SELF
EVALUATION TEST)

7 28/08/2023 – 01/09/2023 ▪ SYNCHRO. • MOUNTING OF

▪ PANEL ENCLOSURE
INSTALLATION
▪ DOCUMENTATI • CONNECTING&
ON& REPORT TROUBLESHOOTING
DEPT. THE ENCLOSURE.

• DRAFTING REPORT
ON THE
COMPLETION OF
THE ENCLOSURE.

8 04/09/2023 – 09/09/2023 ▪ INSPECTION • RESEARCH ON OLTC

▪ DOCUMENTATI TRANSFORMER
ON& REPORT
DEPT • ASSESSMENT OF
▪ RESCH. & DEV. KNOWLEDGE OF
OLTC
TRANSFORMER

• DRAFTING A
REPORT ON OLTC
TRANSFORMER.

9 13/09/2023 – 16/09/2023 ▪ RESCH. & DEV • SUBMISSION OF

▪ DOCUMENTATI SIWES
ON& REPORT PERFORMANCE
DEPT RATING LETTER
▪ TRAINING
DEPT. • RESEARCH ON ACSR
CONDUCTOR

10 18/09/2023 – 21/09/2023 ▪ RESCH. & DEV • TRAINING ON

▪ TECH. DEEPSEA
TRAINING ELECTRONICS ®
DEPT CONTROLLER

• FIELD STUDY ON
DEEPSEA
ELECTRONICS ®

8
 SOFTWARE
INTERFACE

• RESEARCH ON CAN
COMMUNICATION

11 25/09/2023 – 30/09/2023 ▪ PWR. & CTRL. • TRAINING AND

▪ PROG. & RESEARCH ON
CNFIG. CONTACTORS.
▪ TECH.
TRAINING • REPORT
DEPT. SUBMISSION ON
▪ RESCH. & DEV TRAINING ON
CONTACTORS

• PROGRAMMING OF
A COMAP ®
INTELIGEN 500
CONTROLLER

• PROGRAMMING &
SYNCHRONIZATION
OF A COMAP ®
CONTROLLERWITH
A WOODWARD ®
EASYGEN 3000 XT

12 02/10/2023 – 06/10/2023 ▪ SYNCHRO. • SYNCHRONIZATION

▪ PANEL OF 1250 kVA CAT®
INSTALLATION DIESEL ENGINE &
1000 kVA PERKINS®
GAS ENGINE.

• ON-SITE
EXPERIENCE ON CT
RATING
APPLICATION

13 09/10/2023 – 13/10/2023 ▪ PWR. & CTRL. • ON-SITE TRAINING

▪ PROG. & ON CAN-CAN
CNFIG. SUCCESSIVE
▪ TECH. COMMUNICATION.
TRAINING

9
 DEPT.
▪ RESCH. & DEV

10
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the historical background of INTERCOM SWITCH

INVESTMENT LIMITED. The history as well as the function of The Nigerian

Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) functions, The Ibadan Electricity

Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc management, what links these bodies to

INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED as well as the company’s services,

vision and missions in Nigeria.

2.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND GROWTH OF INTERCOM SWITCH

INVESTMENT LIMITED

Intercom Switch Investment Limited has been in existence since 2008 and within

that space of time they have been able to build up a reputable standing in the Electrical

Engineering Sector in Nigeria, though they base in other sectors in the likes of

Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Automobile, Import& Export as well as

Agriculture.

At the moment, they are very renowned for their application of GRID to

EXISTING POWER systems which with their innovative tech system, they have

achieved a very successive, seamless, user-friendly synchronization which came in to

11
 play due to the insidious fuel increase where a lot of companies especially manufacturing

companies have closed down due to the cost of production.

Intercom Switch Investment Limited, with their ever so unrelenting team and

cooperation they have made this new application very successful which gave them a

ground breaking recognition in the Electrical sector in Nigeria. And they are one of the

very few Electrical Companies that are certified by NEMSA (The Nigerian Electricity

Management Service Agency). Hence gaining them recognition from IBEDC (The

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company) as well as IKEDC (Ikeja Electricity

Distribution Company) and many more.

Over the years, based off survey, they’ve been able to serve over 220 companies in

Nigeria as well as Ghana and other countries in West African. They are presently the

West African Service Ambassador for ComAp®.

As of 2022, they were able to span out to America were they presently have an

office which is located in Texas, U.S

2.3 SERVICES THAT INTERCOM SWITCH PROVIDES

Intercom Switch Investment offers inspections before putting across solutions, after

which a proper report is drafted out to the clients via email to give an official, informative

and responsive reply to the inspection conducted. Which the contents of the report are as

follows;

12
 ▪ The client’s complaint

▪ Our observations

▪ The environmental conditions

▪ Drafted out theories on the observation/issue taken

▪ Draft out viable solutions with time constraints

▪ Also give the best advice on what to do

▪ With a concluding and reliving remark for the client.

Below are the main Technical Services Intercom Switch is known for;

• Panel building & installation Services

• Project Management

• Project Planning & Feasibility Studies

• Supply of LV, MV & HV components

• Training Programs

• Inspection & Commissioning

• Synchronization & Power Control

• Automation Power Systems

• Maintenance of Diesel & Gas Engines

13
 • Supply & Rental of Diesel & Gas Engine

• Supply of Transformer as well as other heavy duty components, and many more.

2.4. INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED DEPARTMENTS AND UNITS

Figure 2.1 shows the organogram of INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED

2.4.1 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

• Human Resources

• General Service

14
 • Protocol

• Information And Communication Technology

• Security

2.4.2 OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS

• Technical Services

• Projects

• Planning And Report

• Material Management and Warehouse

• Base Operations

• Document Control Center and Archive

2.4.3 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

• Projects Costing/ Controls

• Procurement

• Contracts

• Technical Supports

• Engineering Services

15
 • Maintenance & servicing

2.6.4 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND RELATIONS

• Business Development

• Public/ Community Relations

• Logistics Shipping and Customs

• Nigerian Development (NCD)

2.6.5 FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS

• Admin and Budgeting

• Tax Management

• Treasury

• Credit Control

2.6.6 EXTRA-DEPARTMENTAL UNITS

• Internal Audit

• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)

• Quality Assurance and Quality ControL

16
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 EXPERIENCE GAINED/WORK DONE AT INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT

LIMITED

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter comprises all the activities I carried out during my SIWES program at

INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT LIMITED. The information stated is dependent on the

department that I worked in, the operations, the necessary equipment to carry out the work, and

safety precautions to follow while carrying out each work.

3.2 SAFETY & PPEs

3.2.1 SAFETY & PROTECTION OFFICER

Figure 3.1 shows PPEs to wear while at work

• He is responsible for giving the trainees and employees the proper and complete PPEs

before embarking on any inspection or work.

17
 • He files a report on the PPEs used

• He also gives a prep training for we trainees on the safety measures to take whilst at

work.

• He also gave a training on how to maintain the PPEs.

• He also gave a training on warning signs we could possibly see as well as colour codes

and what they mean.

3.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

This was very much informative. There is a sector in the company that does quality

check on components as well as equipment but in my case where I was on site most of the time

because the period I was taken in for my SIWES programme, there were a lot of projects at hand

so I was instructed to go and have an onsite experience which I would say was the best thing the

company did for me.

18
 Figure 3.2 shows a Multimeter

Quality assurance was something that we took serious because there was an instance at a site

where a CT (Current Transformer) was causing one of the engines to delay in response which the

technicians at site already changed with a CT the company had at site. On we getting there, we

ran the usually preliminary tests and saw that all was fine. But, due to my Supervisor’s

experience, his intuition was urging him to check the CT which on the label had the correct rating

(100/5A; which was the CT rating recommended for this application) but by the time he used his

multi-meter to check the resistance which was supposed to read 0.2Ω instead it read 1.2 Ω which

came to show that the CT was a counterfeit. On this, my supervisor taught me an importance of

always taking a quality check to avoid any damages.

3.4. POWER & PROTECTION

From the instance given previously, I felt the difference is just 1Ω but my supervisor said due to

transient voltage which we can’t see but can be caught with an oscilloscope which we

unfortunately didn’t bring to site but he explained to me that transient might be small but if not

controlled can reduce the life span of the power system installed. Which is one of the major

reasons why the company always advise their clients to install surge protectors to arrest surge as

well as to stop their equipment from tripping.

I researched on surge protectors and their advantages and also did some oscilloscope

readings at a site that had an already installed surge protector and it indeed captures transient

voltage.

19
 Figure 3.3 shows a variety of Surge Protectors

3.5 CHEMICAL EARTHING

Chemical earthing is a type of earth system which involves the use of chemical powder,

coal, and salt material. There are two types of chemical powder used in Chemical Earth

Systems. They are;

i. Carbon powder

ii. Bentonite powder

Carbon powder is black in colour whereas bentonite powder is brown in colour. Carbon

powder is used in certain areas with normal pH levels, whereas bentonite powder is used in dry

places.

20
3.5.1 MATERIALS USED IN CHEMICAL EARTHING SYSTEM
1. Electrode (GI)

2. Copper stripe

3. Bentonite powder

4. Earth pit cover

5. PVC 150mm pipe

6. Wire Mesh connectors

7. Funnel

3.5.2 PROCEDURE FOR CHEMICAL EARTH PIT

▪ Make an Earth pit 500*500*200 mm

▪ Make a hole with a center of 100mm diameter and 3.5m depth

▪ Use 25kg of Chemical powder with water

▪ Wait for 6 to 10 hours.

▪ Place the electrode in the hole at an upright position till the end to top manners.

▪ Fill the chemical earth pit with chemical pit with chemical compounds and water

absorption

▪ Make sure to complete the chemical earth pit connection and soil resistivity

21
 Figure 3.4 Diagram of a Chemical Earth Pit

3.6. CABLE LAYING & CABLE TRAY INSTALLATION

In this segment, not much was done. It was more of a “watch and learn” session’ But I

was able to see a 4-core armoured cable. It is mostly used for high voltage. As to the cable

trays, the cable trays were welded beforehand so there isn’t much to document on that

22
 Figure 3.5 4-Core armoured cable

3.7 ELECTRICAL WIRING & SINGLE LINE DRAWING (SLD)

Before wiring any panel, it is recommended to have a Single Line Drawing to aid proper,

easy and comprehensive wiring. A Single Line Drawing (S.L.D) is the illustration of the

physical layout of electrical distribution in a multilevel building using a single line. It shows

the size of conduits, wire size, circuit breaker rating and other electrical devices (rating of

switches, plugs, outlets etc.) from the point of entry up to the small circuit branches on each

level. It shares the layout with alarm system as well as telecom and internet cables.

23
 Figure 3.6 Single Line Drawing

3.8. AUTOMATION & SYNCHRONIZATION

This was the most exhilarating experience of all and these were all achieved using the

ComAp® controllers; InteliGen4 200, InteliGen 500.

InteliGen4 200 is a diesel gen-set control unit for common paralleling applications

supporting both single and multiple gen-sets running in grid-tied or island

24
 operations.

Some of it’s features are as follows;

 Cybersecurity by design

 Plug-in modules

 Stage V & Tier 4 Final

 Dynamic spinning reserve

 User defined protections and setpoints.

Figure 3.7 shows InteliGen 200 and InteliGen 500

25
 Below are features of the InteliGen 500

 Support for installations with the option for cooperation with up to 32 gen-sets/mains/tie

controllers

 AirGate for easy connection to your equipment remotely, without worrying about your asset’s

IP address

 Start-up synchronisation ...

 Dynamic spinning reserve ...

 Clear visualisation and overview of all important information on the built-in colour display

With these controllers, a seamless running of generators/engines can be achieved. It is very

much user friendly. But one of it’s amazing feature is the wireless broad communication

network using it’s COM3 cad, you can connect and control your engines from anywhere in the

world giving you access to it’s own history as well, that’s if you have the authorized login

details.

3.9 EQUIPMENT USED IN THE ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP

3.9.1. HYDRAULIC CLUTCH & CABLE CRIMPLING MACHINE

Hydraulic clutches are a type of clutch system that uses hydraulic fluid to operate. Hydraulic

clutches have fewer parts than mechanical clutches, which rely on cables, levers, and springs,

and provide more accurate and slick control over clutch engagement and disengagement.

26
 A hydraulic clutch system consists of a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, and a hydraulic

line that connects them. A rod or cable connects the clutch pedal and the master cylinder, which

are mounted on the firewall or the pedal box, respectively. A rod or cable connects the slave

cylinder, which is mounted on the transmission bell housing, to the clutch release fork or

bearing.

During my SIWES programme, we used the hydraulic clutch and cable crimpling

machine to cut bus bar (copper bars), as well as bend the copper bars which were later insulated

with cable sleeves.

Figure 3.8. Hydraulic cable lugger

3.9.2. ALLEN KEY

An Allen key, also known as a hex key, is an L-shaped tool that’s used for the installation and

removal of fasteners with a hexagonal head. They consist of a single piece of material, typically

metal, that’s formed into a right angle. Both ends of an Allen key are hexagonal.

27
 Figure 3.9. Allen Keys

3.9.3. CABLE CUTTING KNIFE

Figure 3.10 Cable Cutting Knife

A Cable cutter is a tool used to cut electric cables or wires. It is also known as a wire cutter,

cable snipper, or wire stripper. Cable cutters are available in a variety of sizes and designs, but

all share the same basic principle of operation: a sharp cutting blade is used to sever the

conductor inside the insulation. Cable cutters can be portable, manually operated devices or

motor-driven machines. The two blades of a cable cutter are staggered and can be opened and

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closed. Wire and cable cutters are designed to properly cut either wire or cable with minimal

damage to the insulation or internal conductors of the wire or cable.

During my SIWES, this cable cutter was used to strip off the insulated outer core of the 4-

core armoured cable to enable me lug on the cable

3.9.4. RIVET GUN

A rivet gun is a tool used to drive rivets, which are metal fasteners, into a joint. There are

different types of rivet guns, such as pneumatic hammers, pop rivet guns, and air rivet guns. A

rivet gun works by pressing the head of the rivet against the surface and pulling the mandrel

away from it, causing the rivet to expand and secure the joint. Rivet guns are used for various

projects, such as home maintenance and aircraft assembly

Figure 3.11. Rivet Gun

I used the rivet gun to punch down rivets to join the cable trunking to the enclosure plate

which holds the electrical components.

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3.9.5. HAND DRILL

Figure 3.12 Hand drill

An electric hand drill is a power tool that uses an electric motor to rotate a bit at high

speed, making it easier and faster to drill holes or drive screws. It can be plugged into wall

outlets or powered by batteries. It can be used to drill metal, wood, plastic and concrete and

with different attachments, it can perform other operations.

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 Figure 3.13 Me using a hand drill

3.9.6. JIGSAW

Figure 3.14 Jigsaw

Jigsaw tools are incredibly versatile cutting machines that can make curved and beveled

cuts. Jigsaw was used to cut out the space were the accessories such as the controllers & volt

bulbs were to be mounted, as shown below;

Figure 3.15 My Instructor using a Jigsaw

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3.9.7 HAND FILE

Figure 3.16 Hand File

A hand file is a hand saw with an extremely wide edge. Actually, like a saw, it cuts material

utilizing teeth. A commonplace hand file is produced using a high-carbon steel bar with its

teeth squeezed, cut, or raised into the steel. After the teeth are made, the bar is heat-treated,

making it harder than most different materials it is probably going over. Accordingly, when

those teeth are scoured across one more piece of milder material, the teeth will delve into the

material and pull bits away.

During my SIWES programme I used it to file/ smoothen out the sharp crevices created by the

Jigsaw after the cut outs had been made. And the hand file was also used to file down the

spaces needed to be precise so as to ensure the components are fitted without any dangling or

shaking which in turn could damage to the component due accidental hits or scratches which

could occur during transportation of the finished panel,

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Figure 3.17 Me using a Hand File to smoothen out the crevices of the cutouts of an enclosure

3.9.7 HOLE CUTTER

A hole cutter, is a saw blade of annular (ring) shape, whose annular kerf creates a hole in

the work piece without having to cut up the core material.

Figure 3.18 a hole cutter

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 I used the hole cutter to punch out holes for the emergency stop module, the

selector switch as well as the voltmeter bulbs that were installed into the enclosure.

Figure 3.19 Me using a hole cutter to punch out holes in an enclosure

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 CONCLUSION

My SIWES programme was a good opportunity for me to know what exactly it is my

field entails as well as what branch in my field I would most likely want to major in as well

as developing my strengths in my field. It was enlightening to work with people who have

a ton of experience that span over the years of them having to brainstorm and give clear

and concise yet detailed explanation and why certain things happens and due to what

conditions they are subdued to as well as why they are subdued to that certain condition.

The work although very intensive was worth it because for the greater part of it I was

learning. I got to see how safety is one of the most important things to consider before

starting a project. When working with this equipment, I was able to relate some essential

laws which guided the basic operation of some systems. Several forms of maintenance

work were performed during the course of this program which allowed me to acquire

industrial skills and experience during the course of the program.

Other benefits include:

• Growing good and solid interpersonal relationships.

• Getting a strong safety culture embedded in me.

• Having to see how people try their best to be resourceful and make the best of what is

present at the moment.

• Showed me a wide range of roles that electrical engineers play in the Power & Application
Industry.

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4.2. SUMMARY

The three month all-in-all was a great experience. I really enjoyed my time spent at
INTERCOM SWITCH INVSTMENT LIMITED. It was great place to venture and explore.
The on-field experience was the one thing I treasured the most of all.

4.3. CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

I did not any challenges, I think the only thing I can say I more or less had a hustle was
that some theories I learnt beforehand were not really applicable in the practical/ on-field
training.

4.4. RECOMMENDATION

I would recommend the company get more trainees, because their level of expertise is one
to admire and inculcate as well as to greatly learn from.

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 REFERENCES

ITF. (n.d.). Industrial Training Fund, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Retrieved from
https://www.itf.gov.ng/about-us.php

INTERCOM SWITCH INVESTMENT https://intercomswitch.ng/services/

https://benchmarkabrasives.com/

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