INTRODUCTION

& SUPPLY &

DISTRIBUTION
Life without electricity has become highly unimaginable !!

Electricity can be considered to be a form of energy

produced (generated) due to free movement of very
tiny particles known as electrons. When sufficient of
such free or loose electros move/flow an electric
current is generated (produced) in the material in
which these electrons are moving. This electric
current (i.e. flow of electrons) in fact is a kind of
energy to which we generally refer as Electricity.
As stated the movement/flow of electrons needs some material (medium).
The materials which readily allow the free flow of electric current (i.e. flow
of electrons) are called conductors. Conductors are said to have a low
resistance to electric current ( flow of electrons). Almost all metals and water
allow free movement of electric current – hence are referred as conductors.
Opposite to this that is to say materials which resist, that is does not permit
free flow of electric current ( i.e. flow of electrons) are called as insulators.
Glass, rubber, wood plastics do not allow, that is resist the flow of electric
current and therefore are known as insulators.
 QUALITY SYMBO UNIT OF UNIT
VOLTS L MEASUREMEN ABBREVIATIO
AMPS = T N

OHMS Current I Ampere (Amp) A

Voltage V or E Volt V
Resistance R Ohm Ω

Current :
Current is the movement or passage of electricity
along a conductor.

Ampere (Amp, Amperage-A):

Ampere is the unit of electric current of quantity
flowing through a conductor.

Volt (Voltage-V):
Volt is the unit used for measuring the force which
causes an electric current to flow along a
conductor.

Ohm (Ω):
The unit of electrical resistance that resist the flow
of electrons through the circuit.
Watt (W)
Watt is the unit of measurement of electric power or rate at which electrical energy
power or energy is used.

WATTS = AMPS X VOLTS

( If a bulb of 40 Watts is operated at general voltage of 240 then the electric current
(amperes) required by this lamp will be 40/240=0.167amp.)

Kilowatt (kW)
1000 watts: for example: 9500W equals 9.5 kW.

How to calculate consumption of electrical energy ?

(Wattage x hours used per day)/ 1000 = Daily Kilowatt-hour(kWh)

1kWh = 1 UNIT
Alternating current is almost universally used for home electric power. In an AC
circuit, the amount of voltage applied to the circuit is constantly changing from zero to
a maximum and back to zero in one direction and then from zero to maximum and
back to zero in the other direction. The maximum voltage is set by the generating
plant.

Direct current is most commonly found in homes in the form of electrical energy

stored in batteries. In a DC circuit, the amount of voltage and the direction of
application are constant. The amount of voltage is determined by the type and size of
battery.
 HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER STATIONS

WIND POWER STATIONS

SOLAR POWER STATIONS

GEOTHERMAL POWER STATIONS

BIOGAS AND BIOMASS POWER STATIONS

TIDAL AND WAVE POWER STATIONS

NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS

COAL POWER STATIONS

 275 OR 400Kv ‘GRID’ SYSTEM
T

132Kv 132Kv GRID TO OTHER TOWNS

TRANSFORMER

T T T TOWN SUB-STATION

33Kv FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY

33Kv
TRANSFORMER

T T T VILLAGE SUB-STATION

11Kv FOR LIGHTINDUSTRY

11Kv
TRANSFORMER

SUB-STATION T T T TOWN SUB-STATION

11Kv 11Kv

THREE-PHASE, FOUR-WIRE 415/240V OFFICE

UNDERGROUND OR OVER-HEAD SUPPLY

HOUSES INSTITUTIONAL
SHOPS/STORES BUILDINGS

STATE / NATIONAL ‘GRID’

(DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY TO VARIOUS BUILDINGS FROM GRID)
Transformers are devices that change (transform) the voltage of power supplied to
meet the individuals needs of power consumers.

Two types of transformers:

• Step down transformers. 
• Step up transformers. 

Step down transformers:

LOW CURRENT
The transformer is designed to convert high-
voltage, low-current power into a low-voltage,
high current power and it is mainly used in
domestic consumption.
HIGH VOLTAGE

Step up transformers:
HIGH CURRENT
The transformer is designed to convert low
voltage, high-current to high voltage-low
current.

LOW VOLTAGE
To get the electrical supply connection called service connection; every consumer
has to make an application to the company for the service connection to their
premises. The application for the service connection to the company as a rule has to
be made through an approved (licensed) electrical contractor/consultant.

The electricity supply network system whether overhead or underground; is always

planned and provided all along the network of roads, streets or lanes. The cables of
overhead supply network are supported on poles while in underground supply
network the cables are laid into trenches. The electric poles normally are erected at
about 30mts distance between them.
WOODEN POLES STEEL TUBULAR POLES R.C.C. POLES STEEL TOWERS
Sl.no Particular Overhead Transmission Underground Transmission
Lines Lines
1 Public Safety It is less safe. It is more safe.

2 Initial Cost It is less expensive. It is more expensive.

3 Faults Faults occur frequently. Very rare chances of faults.

4 Appearance It gives shabby look. Its appearance is good as wired

are not visible.

5 Flexibility It is more flexible as new It is not flexible, as new

conductors can be laid along conductors are to be laid in new
the existing conductors. channels.

6 Location of fault Fault point can be easily Fault point cannot be easily
located. located.

7 Repair/Maintenance Can be easily Cannot be easily

repaired/maintained. repaired/maintained.

8 Working Voltage It can work upto 400kv. It can work only upto 66kv due
to insulation difficulty.
Depending on the planned electrical load of the small building; service connection
will be 220-240V, either 3 phase or single phase. The three phase service connection
comprises of supply cable having three separate phase cables and one neutral
conductor (i.e. wire/cable). The neutral conductor serves as a return path to complete
the circuit for the electrical current to flow back to the nearest sub-station. The single
phase service connection on the other hand comprises of supply cable with a phase
wire and one neutral conductor.

The cables is made to hang from the pole right up to the building of the consumer
and at this end the service cable is firmly supported over a M.S. or C.I. bracket
which is firmly anchored into the building at a suitable height and position. From
this bracket the service cable has to be carried down all along the wall through a
P.V.C or G.I conduit right up to that position where electric meter and related electric
equipments are planned. The space where meter and other equipments are planned is
referred as “Service Entrance”.
A. Consumers control assembly or consumers control
unit. – (service entrance)
B. G.I Conduit
C. G.I / M.S / C.I Bracket
D. Over- head service cable (service connection)
F. Over – head distribution net - work of state
electricity board.
H. Electric pole.
A. Consumers control assembly or consumers control unit. –
(service entrance)
B. G.I Conduit
E. Underground service cable (service connection)
F. Over – head distribution net - work of state electricity board.
H. Electric pole.
A. Consumers control assembly or consumers
control unit. – (service entrance)
B. G.I Conduit
E. Underground service cable (service connection)
G. Underground distribution net - work of state
electricity board.
J. Junction Box / Distribution Board / Feeder Pillar.
When planning and deciding the location/position of the service entrance following
factors need to be considered:

• Service entrance should be easily accessible both to the consumer and service
personnel from the supply and maintenance company at any time of the day and
night. So as to facilitate convenience in their regular inspections, maintenance,
detection and repair of faults and replacement of faulty parts/ equipments, without
causing disturbance, inconvenience, hindrance to the users of the building.

• Location of service entrance should be such that the rain does not fall directly at
the point where consumer’s control assembly/unit and it is properly protected
from it.

• It also should be positioned in such a way that the ‘meter reader’ can take the
reading easily and conveniently.

• The location of the C.C.A / C.C.U should be separated from Gas meter (if any) or
gas pipe line by fire resisting partition.
METER:

• From the company fuse the electrical connection is extended and connected to an
electric meter.

• The meter depending on the type of connection will either be a 3 phase or single
phase meter and its current rating has to match with the planned load.

• The function / purpose of the meter is to measure and record the electricity
consumed by the consumer. The meter measures and records the consumption of
electricity continuously and records in Kwh (kilowatt hour) – the unit in which the
consumer is charged/billed by the supply company.

• The meter is positioned and fixed immediately after the company fuse.
MAIN SWITCH:

• The electrical connection from the meter is taken out and is immediately
connected to a switch commonly known as “Main Switch” or as “Isolator”.

• The primary purpose of the main switch is to facilitate switching off(isolating)

electrical supply beyond this point inside the building, in case of emergency such
as fire or when major fault takes place in the electrical services.

• The main switch most commonly installed on majority of electrical connections is

Iron Clad type; which is in the form/shape of a box with open-able hinged
lid(cover) which is so designed that lid will not open till the electrical contacts are
switched off, thus ensuring safety.

• This man switch has number of cut-outs (fuse/s) built in to it. The number of cut-
outs is correlated to the number of phase/s at which electrical connection is
provided to the building. These cut outs are of rewire able type fuse made out of
ceramics. Alternative to Iron clad type main switch to provide an “Isolator” made
by using Miniature Circuit Breaker/s ( M.C.B). This isolator will have one M.C.B
for single phase service connection and 3 M.C.B for a 3 phase service connection.
PANEL BOARD/ DISTRIBUTION BOARD:

• From the main switch is provided an electric cable referred as “Feeder Cable”
which takes the electricity into the building for further distribution to various
spaces within and outside the building/s. This feeder cable is terminated into a
board called P.B / D.B.

• From this board the total load of the electrical power is broken down into number
of smaller loads and is distributed to various spaces through number of circuits
called as Sub-Circuits or Branch-Circuits or Final-Circuits.

• This circuit supply power either to a single device such as A.C, Water Pump,
Geyser, or serve a group of such devices such as lights, fan/s, conveniences(plug
points/sockets) etc.

• Every circuit may have capacity in the range of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 amps. For
lights, fans, etc generally it is not more than 8-10 points on one circuit. Hence
depending upon the number of electric devices within and outside the building
there will be two or more than two circuits branching out from D.B.
SWITCH PANEL / METER BOARD:

• All these electric equipments are provided on a single panel/board referred to as

service panel or meter board and whole assembly is stated as “consumer’s control
assembly/unit.

• The board is usually made of timber which are fixed on timber battens or
alternatively plywood can be used in place of timber boards. This service
panel/meter board is fixed on to a wall at suitable height at service entrance with
the help of anchor bolts and whole assembly is ‘Earthed”. Prefabricated/moulded
service panels with lockable shutters are available which are made out of M.S.
sheet.

• The company fuse and meter forming a part of the C.C.A/C.C.U are property of
supply company and therefore are responsibility of the supply company and
consumer has no right to change, repair replace or to do anything with them.

• The Main-switch and everything beyond this arrangement in all respect is the
responsibility of the consumer (owner).
Underground distribution system

The cable to be buried underground must have the following properties:

• The moisture of the soil should not enter the core of the cable.
• It must have high insulation resistance.
• It should be able to withstand the heat produces due to flow of current.
• It should not be capable of being damaged while handling or laying in the
ground, so due to this reason armoured cables are usually used.
• It should be sufficiently flexible.

Low tension (L.T) cables 1000V

High tension (H.T) cables 11KV
Super tension (S.T) cables 22KV to 33KV
Extra high tension (E.H.T) cables 33KV to 66KV
Extra super voltage cables 66KV to 132KV and above
1. Direct laying 2. Draw in system
3. Solid system
• To carry and distribute power between various components of electrical
distribution system conductors are required.
• These conductors must have good conductivity and least possible resistance to
flow of electrons and also must be strong and durable.
• Copper and Aluminium fulfill all most all these criteria and also are available
at reasonable cost.
• They carry and distribute the electricity and mostly used in ‘WIRE’ form,
which is also commonly referred as ‘CABLE’.
• The cross-section (diameter) of these wires depends upon the amount of
electrical power (current) they have to transmit and at what voltage and
distance it is to be transmitted.

CABLE : A length of single-insulated conductor (solid or stranded), or two or more

such conductor, each provided with its own insulation, which are laid up together.
The insulated conductor or conductors may or may not be provided with an overall
mechanical protective covering.
The general construction of the cables is given below:

Core: All cables have one centre core or a number of cores, of

stranded copper conductors having highest conductivity. Generally there
are one, two, three , four or more cores.

Insulation: The different insulations are used to insulate the conductors – paper,
varnishes cambric and vulcanized bitumen.

Metallic Sheath: A metallic sheath is provided over the insulation so as to

prevent the entry of the moisture into the insulating material.
The metallic sheath is usually of lead or lead alloy.

Bedding: Over the metallic sheath comes a layer of bedding, which

consists of paper tape compounded with a fibrous material. The purpose of
providing the bedding is to protect the metallic sheath from mechanical
injury from the armouring.

Armouring: Armouring is provided to avoid mechanical injury to the cable

and it consists of providing one or two layers of galvanised steel wires or two
layers of steel tape.

Serving: Over and above armouring fibrous material is again provided which is
similar to that of bedding.
P.V.C. Sheathed Cable:

Presently the P.V.C cables are the most used cables for supply and
distribution of electricity in buildings at voltage 215-240 volts and are very
extensively used for sub/branch circuits and feeder circuits. The P.V.C
sheathed cables are made in four varieties:

• One is for 215-240 v single phase in which the phase wire and neutral wire
whether of copper or aluminium are separately covered with an insulating layer
of P.V.C and then both are surrounded by a P.V.C protective sheath, thus
forming a single phase (215-240v) P.V.C sheathed cable.

• The second variety is for 215-240v Three phase in which there are three wires
each for a phase and a fourth one a neutral wire. All these wire/s may be either
of copper or aluminium and each and every wire(four in nos.) is separately
covered with an insulating layer of P.V.C and then; these four insulated wires
are surrounded/covered by a P.V.C. protection sheath, thus forming a three
phase(215-240v) P.V.C sheathed cable.
• The third type of P.V.C sheathed cable is for 415-440v. Three phase and this
cable in every respect is similar to the second type except that the cross-section
of wires is larger; since the wires are subjected to higher electrical load and also
to voltage.

• The fourth variety / type of P.V.C sheathed cable is mostly for 215-240v single
phase. This type of cable has a phase wire and neutral wire whether of copper
or aluminium and each is separately covered with an insulating layer of P.V.C
and then both are surrounded by a P.V.C protective sheath within which an
additional ‘Earth copper Conductor is also enclosed. This earth conductor may
be without insulating layer or may also be separately insulted.

• The purpose of the outer P.V.C sheathed cables is primarily to provide

protection against damage during installation. Besides, this type of cable also
speeds up the wiring work since; the phase wire/s as well as neutral wire are
drawn together, saving time and labour.

• The fourth type of sheath cable just described is generally not used for any type
of wiring in electrical supply and distribution system of building but mostly is
used for providing 3 pin plug connection for gadgets, appliances, machines,
motors etc., wherein provision of earthing conductor is a must.
 BASED ON CORE

1. Single core cable.

2. Multi core cable.

 BASED ON CONDUCTORS USED

1. Copper conductor cables.

2. Aluminium conductor cables.

 BASED ON NO. OF VOLTAGE GRADING

1. 230/400 volt cables

2. 650/1100 volt cables

• Grading means the working voltage of the cable.

• The thickness of the rubber insulation covering of the cable depends upon the voltage
at which a cable is to work.

• Therefore, cables are manufactured in two different grades, namely 230/400 V and
650/1100 V grades.

• The 230/440 V grade cables are used for domestic, power wiring installation and
650/110 V grade cables are used for industrial power wiring.

• The insulation on the wire of grade 650/1100 V is comparatively thicker than the
230/400 V grade cable.
FACTOR AFFECTING THE CHOICE OF WIRING:

1. Durability: Type of wiring selected should conform to standard specifications, so that it

is durable i.e. without being affected by the weather conditions, fumes etc.

2. Safety: The wiring must provide safety against leakage, shock and fire hazards for the
operating personnel.

3. Appearance: Electrical wiring should give an aesthetic appeal to the interiors.

4. Cost: It should not be prohibitively expensive.

5. Accessibility: The switches and plug points provided should be easily accessible. There
must be provision for further extension of the wiring system, if necessary.

6. Maintenance Cost: The maintenance cost should be a minimum.

7. Mechanical safety: The wiring must be protected against any mechanical damage.
Types of Wiring:

1. Cleat wiring

2. CTS (Cab tire sheathed) wiring or

TRS (Tough rubber sheathed )wiring or batten wiring

3. Metal sheathed wiring or lead sheathed wiring

4. Casing and capping

5. Conduit wiring
Cleat Wiring:

This System uses insulated cables sub protected in porcelain cleats. Cleat wiring is
recommended only for temporary installations. The cleats are made in pairs having
bottom and top halves. The bottom half is grooved to receive the wire and the top half
is for cable grip. Initially the bottom and top cleats are fixed on the wall loosely
according to the layout. Then the cable is drawn, tensioned and the cleats are
tightened by the screw.

Cleats are of three types, having one, two or three grooves, so as to receive one, two
or three wires.

• Cleat wiring is one of the cheapest wiring considering the initial cost and labour,
and is most suitable for temporary wiring.

• This wiring can be quickly installed, easily inspected and altered.

• When not required, this wiring could be dismantled without damage to the cables,
cleats and accessories.
 Advantages:

1) Easy installation.
2) Materials can be retrieved for reuse.
3) Flexibility provided for inspection, modifications and
expansion.
4) Relatively economical.
5) Skilled manpower not required.

Disadvantages:

6) Appearance is not good.

7) Open system of wiring requiring regular cleaning.
8) Higher risk of mechanical injury. 
CTS wiring or TRS wiring or Batten wiring:

In this wiring system, wires sheathed in tough rubber are used which are quite flexible. They are
clipped on wooden battens with brass clips (link or joint) and fixed on to the walls or ceilings by
flat head screws.

These cables are moisture and chemical proof. They are suitable for damp climate but not
suitable for outdoor use in sunlight. TRS wiring is suitable for lighting in low voltage
installations.

Advantages:
1. Easy installation and is durable.
2. Lower risk of short circuit.
3. Cheaper than casing and capping system of wiring .
4. Gives a good appearance if properly erected.

Disadvantages:
5. Danger of mechanical injury.
6. Danger of fire hazard.
7. Should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
8. Skilled workmen are required.
Metal sheathed wiring or lead sheathed wiring

The wiring is similar to that of CTS but the conductors (two or three) are individually insulated
and covered with a common outer lead - aluminium alloy sheath. The sheath protects the cable
against dampness, atmospheric extremities and mechanical damages. They are fixed by means of
metal clips on wooden battens.
The wiring system is very expensive. It is suitable for low voltage installations.

Precautions to be taken during installation:

1. The clips used to fix the cables on battens should not react with the sheath.
2. Lead sheath should be properly earthed to prevent shocks due to leakage currents.
3. Cables should not be run in damp places and in areas where chemicals (may react with the
lead) are used.

Advantages:
4. Suitable in adverse climatic conditions provided the joints are not exposed.
5. Easy installation.
6. Highly durable.

Disadvantages:
7. Requires skilled labour.
8. Very expensive.
9. Unsuitable for chemical industries.
Casing and capping

It consists of insulated conductors laid inside

rectangular, teakwood or PVC boxes having
grooves inside it.

Advantages:
1. Economical than lead sheathed and conduit
wiring.
2. Provides good isolation as the conductors are
placed apart reducing the risk of short circuit.
3. Easily accessible for inspection and repairs.
4. Since the wires are not exposed to atmosphere,
insulation is less affected by dust, dirt and
climatic variations.

Disadvantages:
5. Highly inflammable.
6. Usage of unseasoned wood gets damaged by
termites. 
Conduit wiring

In this system PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or VIR cables are run through
metallic or PVC pipes providing good protection against mechanical
injury and fire due to short circuit. They are either embedded inside the
walls or supported over the walls, and are known as concealed wiring or
surface conduit wiring (open conduit) respectively. The conduits are
buried inside the walls on wooden gutties and the wires are drawn through
them with fish (steel) wires. The system is best suited for public buildings,
industries and workshops.

Advantages:
1. No risk of fire and good protection against mechanical injury.
2. The lead and return wires can be carried in the same tube.
3. Earthing and continuity is assured.
4. Waterproof and trouble shooting is easy.
5. Shock- proof with proper earthing and bonding.
6. Durable and maintenance free.
7. Aesthetic in appearance.

Disadvantages:
8. Very expensive system of wiring.
9. Requires good skilled workmanship.
10. Erection is quiet complicated and is time consuming.
11. Risk of short circuit under wet conditions (due to condensation of
water in tubes). 
• Earth point connected
locally to ground i.e. at the
consumer premises while
Neutral point is a point
that is connected to
ground (earthed) at the
power company
equipment.
• The role of Neutral point
(Neutral wire) is to close
the circuit and carry the
consumer load current
(return current) back to
the transformer point.
• The earth point (earth
wire) is used to bond the
metallic chassis of
consumer equipment that
is isolated from live wires.
 Maximum safe
Each number
current that can
represents a
flow through a
size of wire
cable
 BASED ON INSULATION

1. V.R.I (Vulcanised Rubber Insulation)cable

2. CTS (Cab tyre sheathed) cable

3. Poly vinyl chloride cable (P.V.C)

4. Lead-sheathed cable

5. Weather – proof cable

6. Tropodure cable

7. Flexible cable
1. V.R.I (Vulcanised Rubber Insulation)cable

• In this cable copper or aluminium conductors are used.

• The conductor is insulated with vulcanised rubber. It is then covered with cotton tape and finally
finished with compounded braiding.
• This cable is available in single core only.
• It is used in casing and capping and conduit wiring systems.

2. CTS (Cab tyre sheathed) cable

• This cable is also known as T.R.S Cable (tough rubber sheathed cable) .
• The conductors are insulated with vulcanised rubber insulation but the protective covering used on
the cable is a sheath of tough rubber compound.
• The cables are resistant to moisture and are used at damp places.
• These cables are available in 1,2,3 and 2 core with earth continuity conductors.

3. Poly vinyl chloride cable (P.V.C)

• The conductor of this cable is covered with polyvinyl chloride insulation and serves both the
purposes of insulation covering and mechanical protective covering. It is a very hard and tough
synthetic chemical substance and resists the action of acid and atmospheric variations in temperature.
• Its use is restricted where there is a possibility of the temperature being very high as it softens and at
low temperature where it becomes brittle.
• It is used for indoor wiring and panel wiring..
4. Lead-sheathed cable

• These cables are also insulated with vulcanised rubber insulation.

• The protective covering on these cables is the metallic lead sheathing.
• As these cables are very costly, they are not used for house wiring.
• They are used in open places for short-distance overhead lines, service lines and also for indoor
wiring in chemical plants.

5. Weather – proof cable

• The conductors of weather-proof cables are also insulated with vulcanised rubber which is covered
with empire tape to make it non- absorptive of moisture.
• It is again covered with a braiding of cotton thread.
• To make the cable insulation more effective against the atmospheric moisture, this braiding is dipped
in a waterproof compound.

6. Tropodure cable

• The cables are insulated with thermoplastic compounds on a polyvinyl chloride basis. This
insulation is harder than the P.V.C insulation.
• It is employed on conductors both as an insulation and as a sheathing.
• These cables are suitable for lighting, power installations and as well as railway signalling.
• They are also laid in water and used as submarine cables or buried directly in the ground.
• They are also available in aluminium and copper conductors of 1,2,3, 3 ½ and 4 cores.
7. Flexible cable

• These flexible cords consists of two separately insulated flexible stranded conductors of a thin
copper conductor.

• The insulation used on these wires is also vulcanised rubber but the protective covering used is
either silk or cotton.

• These cords are used for domestic, portable appliances, such as table fans, table lamps, electric irons,
heaters, refrigerators etc.

• The following are different types of flexible cords:

1. P.V.C flexible cord,

2. Cotton or silk-covered flexible cord, and
3. Workshop Flexible cord.

• These cables are available in two and three cores.

 Insulation And Protective Covering of Different Cables
SL.No Types of cable Insulation Protective covering Uses
covering
1 V.I.R cable Vulcanised Compounded cotton Used with domestic portable
insulation rubber braiding appliances like table lamp, table
fan etc.,
2 C.T.S cable Vulcanised Cab tyre Sheath Suitable for electric press,
insulation rubber heater, soldering iron,
refrigerator etc.,
3 P.V.C cable Poly vinyl Nil Used with heavy duty portable
chloride cable electrical machines like drill
machine, portable grinder etc.,
4 Lead-sheathed Vulcanised Lead Sheathing Suitable for lighting power,
cable insulation rubber railway signalling and can be
buried directly in ground.
5 Weather-proof Vulcanised Water-proof Special cable of this type can
cable insulation rubber coverings of empire also be used for submarine
tape, cotton braiding purposes and also used in under-
compounded with ground system for distribution
moisture-resistance purposes etc.,
insulating material
6 P.V.C flexible cord Vulcanised Nil Used for general electrification
insulation rubber casting capping, conduit and
cleat wiring.
7 Cotton covered Vulcanised Cotton braiding Does not absorb moisture: used
flexible cord insulation rubber in teak wood batten wiring.
8 Workshop Vulcanised Tough rubber Suitable for general wiring and
Flexible cord insulation rubber teak wood batten wiring.
9 Tropodure cable Poly vinyl Torpodure Used at open places for short
chloride cable thermoplastic distances, like service lines,
compound indoor wiring of chemical plants
etc.,
10 Armoured cable Impregnated Lead sheath, Used at damp places and for
cable galvanised steel, tape short-distance service lines.
and jute coated with
tar and Chatterton
compound.
 TYPES OF WIRES

1. Rubber covered, taped, braided and compounded or

V.I.R(Vulcanized India Rubber) wires

2. Lead alloy sheathed wires.

3. Tough rubber sheathed (TRS) or CTS(cab tyre sheathed)

4. Weather-proof wires.

5. Flexible wires.

6. Poly vinyl chloride wire (P.V.C.)

1. Rubber covered, taped, braided and compounded or
V.I.R(Vulcanized India Rubber) wires

• These are generally used

for ordinary electrical
wiring in casing, capping
or conduit wiring.

• These are suitable for

low & medium voltage
supply only. 

• The thickness of the

rubber insulation depends
upon the voltage for
which the wire is
required.

Cotton protective braid

(usually saturated with
flame retarding and
Rubber Insulation moisture-resistant
Conductor compound)
2. Lead alloy sheathed wires.

• These are generally recommended where the climatic condition is not dry, but has
little bit of the moisture.

• The lead covering is usually thin, about 1.25mm thick.

• These wires provides little mechanical protections to the wires.

Insulation Filler Serving Lead Covering

3. Tough rubber sheathed (TRS) or CTS(cab tyre sheathed)

• The lead sheathed cables are costlier and are quite heavy in weight. The T.R.S cables
have properties similar to that of lead sheathed cable but is much economical.

• These wires are provided with a tough rubber compound which does not deteriorate
even after long exposure to moisture. So it can be well used in wet locations.

Rubber Insulation Braiding

Conductor Rubber Sheath

4. Weather-proof wires.

• The weather-proof wires are for outdoor purposes, they can run between buildings.

• Such wires when used are suspended at higher distances from the ground and
moreover there is no possibility that any one will touch them.

• The wires used are resistant to atmospheric varying conditions.

• These wires consists of 3 braids of fibrous yarn provided over the copper conductors.
Before these braids are applied they are thoroughly saturated with a water proof
compound.

Braid Braid

Stranded Conductor
5. Flexible wires.

• These wires are used for household appliances such as heaters, irons, refrigerators,
lamps etc., which are durable and very flexible.

• These are also called as lamp cords.

• The flexible wires are called as 14/0.0076 or 162/0. 1930 which means that there are
14 strands or 162 strands of copper wire each having a dia 0.0076inch or 0.1930 mm.
6. Poly vinyl chloride wire (P.V.C.)

• Because of PVC coating on copper conductor it has many advantages as

follows.
(a) High dielectric strength
(b) High tensile strength
(c) More defence against moisture
(d) High life
(e) No disturb in vibration

• Available in 600, 660, 1100 voltage, widely used because of its long life and it is
durable against water, heat, oil, UV light.
PROTECTIVE DEVICES

Electrical Fuse
• An electric fuse is a device that is used to protect electric circuits and electric appliances
against high current caused by short – circuiting or overloading due to withdrawal of large
current.

• A fuse is a short piece of wire made of a material of high resistance and low melting point.

• A fuse wire is an alloy of lead and tin.

Working Principle of Electrical Fuse

The primary use of an electric fuse is to protect electrical equipment from excessive current and
to prevent short circuits or mismatched loads. Electrical fuses play the role of miniature circuit
breakers. Apart from protecting equipment, they are also used as a safety measure to prevent any
safety hazards to humans.

The fuse wire in an electrical fuse is selected in such a way that it does not face any damage
when the normally stipulated amount of current flows through the circuit. Under normal
conditions, the fuse wire is part of the circuitry contributing to a complete loop for charges to
flow through it. However, when an excessive amount of current flows through the fuse wire, the
heating effect of current causes the fuse wire to melt. This is because the fuse wire is chosen
such that it has a low melting point. This causes the loop to break thereby stopping the flow of
charges in the circuit.

It is important to select a fuse that is properly specified for the circuit in consideration. For
example, if the fuse that is used is underrated, then it will fail even under normal current
conditions, unnecessarily breaking the circuit loop. If it is overrated, then it will not break the
circuit when required and cause equipment damage and failure and may even present itself as a
safety hazard.
PLUG FUSE

Porcelain casing Porcelain grip

The plug fuse consists of two

parts namely the porcelain
casing and the porcelain grip.
PORCELAIN CASING PORCELAIN GRIP

Brass Terminal
Rectangular
( T¹ )
clamp made of
copper

Hollow Solid
rectangular Fuse Wire porcelain
block of block
porcelain.

Rectangular
clamp made of
Brass Terminal copper
( T² )
CARTRIDGE FUSE
Cartridge fuses are used to protect electrical appliances such as motors air-conditions,
refrigerator, pumps etc, where high voltage rating and currents required. They are widely used in
industries, commercial as well as home distribution panels. Both are available in 250V AC to
600V AC and its rating can be found on the end cap or knife blade.
BLADE TYPE FUSE

This type of fuses (also known as spade or plug-in fuses) comes in plastic body and two metal
caps to fit in the socket. Mostly, they used in automobiles for wiring and short circuit
protection. 
RESETTABLE FUSES:

Resettable fuse is a device, which can be used as multiple times without replacing it. They
open the circuit, when an over current event occurs and after some specific time they connect
the circuit again. Application of such fuses is overcome where manually replacing of fuses is
difficult or almost impossible, e.g. fuse in the nuclear system or in aerospace system.
THE SCREW-PLUG-TYPE FUSE:

• It is used on electric machinery circuits of 220 volts.

• This type of fuse can be had in sizes from 3 to 30 amperes and is constructed with either a
porcelain or glass body which encloses the fuse link.
A KNIFE BLADE CARTRIDGES FUSE:

• This type of fuse is used mostly on heavy power lines of 60 to 600 amperes and 250 volts
and more.
• They are constructed with a heavy fibre body, fitted with brass ferrules at each end and a
heavy copper blade for making contact with the circuit. The fuse link easily be renewed by
removing the end ferrules and inserting the new link.
THE FERRULE TYPE CARTRIDGE FUSE:

• This type of fuses are of two types – the renewal or non-renewal.

• The renewal type has a small screw plug in each end which can be renewed and the new link
is inserted. The body part of this fuse is made of fibre with brass ferrules fastened to each
end and can be had in sizes up to 100 amperes and 250 volts.
H.R.C ( High Rupturing Capacity) Cartridge Fuses:

• This type of fuses are used where the high power is supplied.
• These have a definite known breaking capacity and a high value.
TIME DELAY FUSE:

• It is fuse which has the ability to carry overload currents of short duration without melting.
• These have a definite known breaking capacity and a high value.
The term Earthing or Grounding
is to connect the electrical
equipment to the general mass of
earth by wire of negligible
resistance. This brings the body
of the electrical equipment to zero
potential and thus will avoid the
shock to the operator.
The Earth resistance is dependant upon
following factors:

• Material of electrodes and earth wire.

• Size of electrode and earth wire.

•Temperature of the soil.

•Moisture of the soil.

•Depth to which it is embedded.

•Quantity of coal and charcoal in the

earth electrode pit.