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A Technical Report On Student Industrial

This document is a technical report submitted by Alade Abayomi Simeon, a 300 level student with matric number 170409023 from the department of Physics and Electronics at Adekunle Ajasin University. The report details his six month SIWES program held from July 2019 to January 2020 at IMEE Engineering Services Limited in Lagos state. During the program, he gained experience in electrical and electronics designs, installations, and maintenance. He was involved in a 70 townhouse development project, learning installation procedures and reporting weekly. The objectives of the report are to document the skills and experience gained, as well as fulfill the requirements for SIWES and his degree program.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
793 views71 pages

A Technical Report On Student Industrial

This document is a technical report submitted by Alade Abayomi Simeon, a 300 level student with matric number 170409023 from the department of Physics and Electronics at Adekunle Ajasin University. The report details his six month SIWES program held from July 2019 to January 2020 at IMEE Engineering Services Limited in Lagos state. During the program, he gained experience in electrical and electronics designs, installations, and maintenance. He was involved in a 70 townhouse development project, learning installation procedures and reporting weekly. The objectives of the report are to document the skills and experience gained, as well as fulfill the requirements for SIWES and his degree program.

Uploaded by

Vincent
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 71

ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY

AKUNGBA AKOKO, ONDO STATE.

A
TECHNICAL REPORT ON
STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)
HELD AT
IMEE ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
From 22nd of July, 2019 to 3rd of January, 2020
BY
ALADE ABAYOMI SIMEON
MATRIC NO: 170409023
LEVEL: 300 LEVEL

SUBMITED TO:
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ELECTRONICS
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
SUBMITED ON: 4TH JANUARY, 2020

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF


SCIENCE DEGREE IN PHYSICS AND ELECTRONICS (BSc).

1
CERTIFICATION

I certify that this SIWES report was written by ALADE ABAYOMI


SIMEON with matriculation no. 170409023, department of Physics And
Electronics at IMEE ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED, MAGODO,
LAGOS STATE.

_______________ ______________
Siwes coordinator Date

________________ ______________
Ag. Director, Siwes Date

2
DEDICATION

This report is dedicated this to God who saw me through my SIWES program and
also to my family and friends, for their kind gestures and wonderful contribution
offered to me during and after the course of my six (6) months Industrial Training.

3
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
My deepest appreciation and gratitude goes to God for his gift of life given
to me and strength to journey through the course of the program, and also to Engr
J.S Kehinde, the Managing Director of IMEE Engineering Services Limited, for
giving me this very rare privilege and opportunity to learn and to be trained under
him.

I sincerely appreciate the entire staff of IMEE Engineering Services


Limited for their tutelage, time, patience and support in spite of all ups and downs
experienced during my training. Special thanks to my Industrial-Based
supervisor, Engr Femi Idris, for developing in me the awareness of the general
workplace, behaviour and interpersonal skills development, and giving me the
opportunity to get a feel of the work environment which has exposed me to the
engineers responsibilities and ethics. I also appreciate my Institution-based
supervisor, Dr R.O Abimbola, for coming to visit and supervise me during my
training. God bless you sir.

My innermost appreciation goes to my parents, Pst & Mrs Alade, my big


brother Dr A.D Alade, my sister Arc. C.O Alade, and to the rest of my family
members and friends for their wonderful contribution to the success of my Siwes
program. You are the best of the best and I say a very big thanks to you all. I wont
also forget to mention my best friend, Miss Beatrice, for her support and prayers
which encompasses me during my program.

I cant but say a very big thanks to everyone who has in one way or the other
contributed to the success of my Siwes program at large. I salute you. Thanks and
God bless you all.

4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), is a program
designed by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in 1973, with the view to bridge
the gap that was observed between theory that students of tertiary institutions
were exposed to in school and the practical knowledge that industries require for
the students to be employable. It provides an on-the-job practical experience for
students as they are exposed to work methods and techniques in handling
equipment and machinery that may not be available in their Schools.

Specifically, as a result of the objectives of SIWES, I, ALADE ABAYOMI


SIMEON of the department of PHYSICS AND ELECTRONICS, with
Matriculation number 170409023 carried out my SIWES Internship program at
IMEE Engineering Services Limited, CMD road, Magodo, Lagos state. I had my
attachment as an Intern for a period of six months which spanned from July 22,
2019 to January 3, 2020 summing up to 24 weeks of intense training in the field
of Electrical and Electronics designs, installations and maintenance.

During my SIWES program, I was provided an avenue to acquire industrial


skills and experience in my course of study. I was introduced to different
techniques in handling both electrical and electronics equipment, machines and
materials such as: Terminal Block, No fuse Breaker, Magnetic Contactors, Circuit
breakers, Pilot Lamp, Push buttons, Relays, Switches, Cables, Receptacles etc.
Nevertheless, I was opportune to be posted alongside a team of
Engineers/Technicians to work on a 70 Number Town House Development
Project at Lekki Peninsular, Lagos state.

I was assigned as an industrial training student by the firm to the on-going


project site to learn, practicalize and report the weekly installation activities,
procedures, work progress carried out on the site and make a weekly presentation
to the office on the engineering experience and knowledge obtained on the
project. This report is therefore an illustration of the nature of works and activities
carried out on the 70 Number Town House Development project and the nature
of other works done during the course of the industrial program. It also provides
a detailed principle of electrical designs and some aspects of electronics in
reference to electrical installation and how they are applied practically in building
construction.

5
CHAPTER ONE

(1.1) INTRODUCTION.

Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a national


program initiated, designed and introduced by Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in
1973 as a result of a growing concern that graduates of higher institutions were
no longer responsive to the needs of the employers of labour because of their lack
of practical knowledge. The program thus, will bridge the gap between theory
taught in the classroom and the practical knowledge the industries required.
SIWES is therefore a six month duration mandatory program for all university
students. It is part of the university curriculum and one of the graduating criteria
for tertiary students. The accumulation of theoretical knowledge without its
practical demonstration or exposure by student will only lead to a world of
abstract knowledge. Basically for this reason, the Student Industrial Work
Experience Scheme (SIWES) program, which was initially meant for the
polytechnics, got extended to the university sector due to the complaints of the
labour market in recent years of the missing of working skills in the lives of
University graduates.

At inception in 1974, the Scheme started with 784 Students from 11


institutions and 104 eligible courses. By 2008, 210, 451 Students from 219
Institution participated in the Scheme with over 164 eligible courses. However,
the rapid growth and expansion of SIWES has occurred against the backdrop of
successive economic crises. The knowledge obtained in the lecture room is most
of the times not practicable in the Industrial market, this is to support the fact that
learning can only be completed and appreciated when one put into practice that
which has been acquired in the lecture room. It is also believed that things done
are better remembered than things heard. It is as a result of these aforementioned
reasons, that University students, most especially those in the faculty of Science,

6
Engineering and those in technical schools embark on SIWES so as to be able to
put into practice the theoretical knowledge that hey have acquired. The purpose
of this SIWES report is therefore to emphasize the skills acquired during my
SIWES and to also make relevant recommendations.

(1.2) OBJECTIVES OF THIS REPORT

The major objective of SIWES report is to present the experience, skills


and training garnered during the course of the six months SIWES program in a
documented and written form, for quality and reference purposes. Nevertheless,
the following highlighted points are also some of the objectives of this report:

❖ To provide a detailed account of the knowledge and experience gained during the

training period by the student.

❖ To provide a technical report on the area covered by the student to the authority

concerned in the fulfilment of the Industrial Training Semester program.

❖ To express the advantages of the scheme relevant to the field of study.

❖ To serve as a reference material, to me or any other intending users, in the


nearest future as the need might be in the field where I had the training i.e.
Engineering field.
❖ To show to the appropriate bodies, most especially to the school’s SIWES
unit/department, that I was fully engaged and dutifully participated in the
compulsory six months SIWES program for the award of Bachelor of
Science Degree (B.Sc.)
❖ To display my ability in transferring the experience and knowledge gained
in the course of the training, from the brain onto paper in a coherent, logical
and correct form, at least to the best of my knowledge.

7
(1.3) OBJECTIVES OF SIWES.

Specifically, the objectives of the Students Industrial Work Experience


Scheme (SIWES) are to:

1. To provide students with opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge


in real work situations thereby bridging the gap between theory and
practical.
2. Prepare Students for the industrial work situation they are to meet after
graduation.
3. Expose Students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment
and machinery that may not be available in their schools.
4. To provide an avenue for students in the Nigerian universities to acquire
industrial skills and experience in their course of study.
5. To enlist and strengthen employers involvement in the entire educational
process of preparing Universities graduates for employment in industries.

8
CHAPTER TWO

(2.1) NATURE OF BUSINESS AND LITERATURE REVIEW OF


INDUSTRY

Electrical power is considered as an important factor for the development


and prosperity of any economy. Besides capital and labour, it can be regarded as
the third most important production factor in economic models. After the
intervention of the Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (IKEDC) on
the assets of the former Power Holding Company of
Nigeria (PHCN), most electricity consumers could testify that power supply in
Nigeria has slightly improved since the time they took over the management of
power distribution. In Lagos, under the Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution
Companies (IKEDC) have testified that supplies to the area have improved over
the years Also in Abuja, power is stable except for the few minutes that residents
experience power outages. This is an indication that stable power supply is
achievable in Nigeria. Nigeria’s electricity supply has shown significant
improvements with the current expansion and rehabilitation of the transmissions
and distribution systems. Its current generation capacity, however, still continues
to hover between 3,000 and 7,000 megawatts.

The peak generating capacity was attained in September, 2017 reaching


a whooping 7000 megawatts. According to World Bank report in 2015, about 75
million Nigerians lacked access to adequate electricity and Nigeria was ranked
highest amongst the countries with electricity access deficit when energy access,
efficiency and renewable are on the rise in many developing nations. Much of the
electricity distribution network at 2010 -2016 was poorly maintained and the
supply in a lot of areas was often described as epileptic in nature, characterized
by extreme voltage variations, load discharges, frequent and long outages and

9
reliance by small scale businesses, industries and affluent individuals on off-grid
generation.

The poor state of power supply in Nigeria was widely viewed as one of
the major constraints to the nation’s economic growth. While Nigeria has an
abundant supply of natural resources, including large reserves of oil and gas, it
had one of the lowest net electricity generations. Today however, with funding
from World Bank, Japan International Corporation Agency, the African
Development Bank, proceeds from the sale of the National Integrated Power
Project (NIPP), EXIM China and contractor-financed turnkey projects all making
up funding for the power sector reform.

Companies bear so much loss as outages often occur when goods are in
the middle of production. When power is taken unannounced in the process of
production, all goods are destroyed. Many firm generate power privately and cut
of dependence on the national grid. The consequence of incurring high cost of
power generation from the industries makes the nations industries less
competitive. A 2015 report on the Good Governance Initiative (GGI), say
Nigerians spent N3.5 trillion on fuelling there generators annually and N2 trillion
spent on running generators by over 17 million small and medium scale
enterprises, banks, other corporate entities and traders across the country.
It can be inferred that an improved and stable power supply is vital to boost
the growth of any economy. Many functions necessary to present day living
comes to a halt when the supply of energy stops or fluctuates. The greater the per
capital consumption of electric power in a country, the higher the standard of
living of its people. The survival of industrial undertakings and our social
structures depends primarily upon low cost and uninterrupted power supply.
There is therefore need for an improved and regular electric power supply in the
country. This work aims to show that an improved power supply Nigeria is a
panacea to her industrial/economic development.

10
(2.2) HISTORY OF ORGANIZATION

IMEE Engineering Services Limited was established in 23rd May, 2015


by Engineer J.S Kehinde, as an Engineering Company for rendering professional
services in the field of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering services in
buildings. The head office is located at Plot 1, Block B8, CMD Road, Magodo,
Lagos, Nigeria.

The organization is made up of dedicated teams in different departments


of the company such as: field and construction, marketing, and office & technical
department. The organisation mainly deals with both Mechanical and
Engineering services for domestic and industrial use.

The objectives of the company is to render purely professional services


on projects for the utmost interest of clients. The technical complexity of building
services requirement coupled with the prevailing economic conditions dictates
that designs must be handled with great technical expertise as well as dexterity in
costing to achieve effective installations.

IMEE provides comprehensive built environment engineering services


clients in all sectors of human endeavour such as: construction, oil and gas,
trading and manufacturing. Our clients includes individuals as well as private and
public corporate enterprises. Our services include:

➢ Mechanical Services

i) Public health and plumbing engineering (water supply, public health, rain water
drainage and suppression)

ii) Heating ventilation and air conditioning system designs

iii) Fire protection and suppression systems

11
iv) Escalator, Elevator and Travellator

➢ Electrical/Electronics Services

i) Systems engineering

ii) Power distribution system designs

iii) Power quality testing and monitoring

iv) Systems commissioning

v) Lighting designs

vi) CCTV

vii) Fire detection and alarm systems

viii) Access control

ix) Voice and Data systems.

Our core values : Integrity, Commitment, Responsiveness, Reliability,


Creativity and Innovation.

2.2 COMPANY’S MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT

MISSION

The company’s mission is “To serve humanity honourably, with integrity and
commitment by rendering purely professional services on projects for the utmost
interest of her clients

12
VISION

The company’s vision is “To become the most dependable, standard and first
class electrical and mechanical contractor in services to humanity and
consultancy”

2.3 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The company boasts of some competent workforces that help in the


actualization of her objectives. They include: The Managing Director, Electrical
& Mechanical Engineers, Supervisors (Electrical & Mechanical), Technicians
(Electrical & Mechanical), Marketers, Secretary, Mates / IT Students (Electrical
& Mechanical), Securities and Cleaners.

Below is an organigram showing the organizational setup of IMEE Engineering


Services Limited:

MANAGING
DIRECTOR

ELECTRICAL TECHNICIANS SUPERVISORS SECRETARY MECHANICAL


ENGINEER (ELECT/MECH) (ELECT/MECH) ENGINEER

MATES/ I.T SECURITIES MARKETERS


STUDENTS

13
Fig 1. Organization Chart

2.3.1 VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS IN IMEE ENGINEERING


SERVICES LIMITED
The following are the various departments in IMEE Engineering Services
Limited and their functions:

• Field and Construction Department: The head of this department is the


Chief Engineer. The department consists of Engineers, Technicians and
Mates whose duty is to handle the practical work done (majorly Electrical
/ Electronics and Mechanical installations) on construction sites.

• Office and Technical Department: The General Secretary heads this


department. The department takes charge of any official cases pertaining
to administrative duties and also gives prompt solutions to technical and
management issues.

• Marketing Department: This department analyses market information


and promotes the company’s services and products.

• Security Department: The head of the department is the Chief Security


Officer. Under him is the security superintendent who supervises other
gatemen. This department ensures the plant’s safety from internal and
external saboteurs. The security men see to the movement of people and
goods in and out of the company.

14
2.4 IMEE AS AN INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA, ITS MARKET
/ SERVICES SITUATION AND THE ECONOMIC
ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH IT OPERATES

IMEE Engineering Services Limited is a progressive professional


company that offers services in the field of Mechanical and Electrical
Engineering services in buildings. The head office is located at Plot 1, Block B8,
CMD Road, Magodo, Lagos, Nigeria. A southwest region of Nigeria. We are
popularly known for our professionalism in electrical (surface, trunking and
conduits wiring) and mechanical installations and designs in Nigeria.
Nevertheless, we are also known as the smart energy solution provider. Due to
constantly interrupted supply of power in Nigeria, inhabitants and industries in
Nigeria have opted mainly for the use of generators which has disadvantages in
the form of high cost of maintenance and ecological impact.

Therefore, IMEE Engineering Services Limited , as an industry in Nigeria,


has thereby helped realize sustainable living goals by helping people save money
and reducing ecological impacts by providing clean, standard and affordable
power generators.

The market service of the company is precisely very good in the sense that
not only does the company renders installations services such as CCTV, Burgler
Alarms, Emergency Systems, Lighting, Power distribution, Smoke detectors /
escalators, air-conditioning systems e. t .c We also do repairs and sales of
electronics appliances such as Automatic voltage regulators; Ranging from
1000W-5000W, Smart Televisions, Refrigerators, Air-Conditioners, Pressing
Irons e. t. c. IMEE Engineering Services Limited also markets products such
as Knockout boxes, Conduit Materials, Electrical Fittings and Energy
Saving Bulbs Ranging from 3W-65W, for the benefits of her clients.
15
CHAPTER THREE

(3.1) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WORK DONE (DUTIES)


It was truly a great experience working for six months at IMEE
Engineering Services Limited. The system permitted me to alternate between
different engineering working departments after some weeks. This has greatly
improved my general perception of what Engineering and quite particularly
Electrical/Electronics Engineering is all about. Over the six months period of my
industrial training experience at IMEE Engineering Services Limited, I was
trained on the following major areas which are: Electrical Installations and
Designs (mostly on construction sites); Electronics Designs and Installation;
Electronics Maintenance and Repairs. Specifically, the key areas are:
➢ Electrical Safety, Personal Protective Equipment and Site Services
➢ Electrical/Electronics Equipment, Machines, Materials and Applications
➢ Maintenance and Repairs of Work Tools and Machineries
➢ Electrical Installations and Wiring
➢ Site Plan drawing, Wiring Plan and Lighting design
➢ Cable Sizing and Selection
➢ Power Lighting Systems
➢ Distribution Panels
➢ Power Supply and Distribution
➢ Basic Electronics; Designs, Installations, Repairs and Maintenance.

In as much as each division entails the application of general


engineering principles and operations, they also have in some occasions
differences and specially modified applications of known stipulated engineering
principles and operations and of course, this comes with due respect to dependent

16
factors such as materials being worked on, location, accessibility, system,
environment etc. My involvement and participation are detailed below:

➢ ELECTRICAL SAFETY, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE


EQUIPMENT (PPE) AND SITE SERVICES
During the course of my industrial training, I learnt that as an electrical
engineer, the need to properly understand the need for safety cannot be over
emphasized. IMEE Engineering Services Limited’s electrical safety policies are
aimed at protecting electrical personnel’s and equipment from the different
hazards that are inherently present when working with electricity.
Gradually, I was made to understand the Company’s stance on site safety
through a series of Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) essentials classes.
The classes were fundamental to my understanding of the importance of safety
both at work and home. Below, I have listed few safety tips I learnt during the
HSE essentials classes;
•Ladders and steps used for working on electrical equipment must be
constructed from nonconductive materials.
•All electrical motors, electrical panels and junction boxes must be grounded.
•All electrically energy sources must be properly identified and isolated before
any maintenance job (preventive or corrective) is carried out.
•A risk assessment must be carried out before working with any electrical
equipment.
•Proper control measures must be put in place to reduce to the barest minimum,
the likelihood of any hazard if any.
•Hand gloves must be worn while working at all times.

17
Below are some basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Hard Hat/Helmet
• Safety Jacket
• Safety Gloves
• Safety Boots
• Safety Eye Glasses

Fig 2: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following safety measures should be strictly adhered to while carrying out
any installation or maintenance operation on site services.

• Safety boots should always be worn while on site.


• Helmet or Hardhat and Hand gloves should be worn before commencing
work on a worksite.
• Reflective jackets should be worn while on site for easy recognition.
• Appropriate tools should be used for a particular job.
• Working environment should be kept clean at all times.
• Accessible means of isolation should be provided near each piece of
apparatus.

18
• Equipment must be isolated from supply before any circuit conductor is
touched.
• The tagged and isolated should be checked before progressing to
connections.
• Works on conductors/equipment should be carried out while they are
switched off.
• After moving the handle of an isolating switch to the off position the cover
should be tested to confirm it has no contact with the tongue.
• In the absence of isolating switch, the circuit fuses should be removed and
placed in a safe position.
• Fire fighting equipment e.g. portable fire extinguishers should be made
available in accessible positions. These appliances should be examined
periodically, kept in order and fully charged for immediate use.
• Warning signs should be placed at notable places on worksites.
• In case of electrical shock, first aid and artificial respiration should be given
to the victim before been taken to the hospital.

➢ ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT, MACHINES,


MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS

Truthfully speaking, this I.T program has not only given me the privilege to
identify some of the tools, materials and machineries used for both electrical and
electronics installation and designs but also helped me to practically make use of
them. I made use of Electrical / Electronics Equipment such as; Handy Cable
Cutter, Soldering Iron, Wire Stripper, Pliers, Measuring Tape, Steal Square Ruler,
Adjustable Spanner, Nipper, Screwdriver, Fishing tape, Saw Blades, Hammer,
Chisels, Bending Springs, Crimping Tool, Tool box, Circuit Tester, Multi-tester
etc

19
Some of the machines I used are; Handy Drilling Machine, Cutting
Machine, Jackhammers etc. Also, the Materials used for Electrical and
Electronics installation which I encountered includes; Conduits Materials,
Cables (Wires of different sizes), Knockout boxes, Terminal Blocks, Circuit
Breakers, No Fuse Breakers, Magnetic Contactors, Push Buttons, Relays,
Switches, Receptacles, Electrical lighting Fittings, Vero Boards, Soldering Lead,
and some other electronics components such as; Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes,
Transistors etc to mention a few.

Below is the pictorial representation of some of the Tools, Machines and


Materials as well as their applications:

❖ Handle Cable Cutter, Nipper and Plier: These are the tools used for cutting
and peeling cables or wires of different kinds. They are applicable according
to the size of the wire.

Fig 3: An image of a Cable Cutter, Nipper and Plier

20
❖ Measuring Tape: It is used for measuring the length of an electric material
and also to get the lighting points on slabs and walls on site.

Fig 4: Measuring Tape

❖ Soldering Iron: In doing electric wiring, splices and taps(connections made


to wire) should be soldered, unless you use solderless connectors.

Fig 5: Typical Soldering Equipment

❖ Screwdrivers, Hammers and Saw Blades: These are common tools which
are used for electrical installation and they differ, depending on the particular
task you want to do with them.

21
Fig 6: Images of Screwdrivers, Hammer and the Saw Blade

❖ Fishing Tape: The fishing tape is used to test for continuity in conduits after
installation so as to be sure that there are no blockages.

Fig 7: A typical Fishing tape for electrical Purposes

❖ Multimeter and Spirit Level: The multimeter combines several


measurement functions in one unit. It can measure the voltage, current and
resistance of an electric material. The Spirit Level is used to check whether
an installed material or device is horizontal or vertical.

22
Fig 8: Images of the Multi-meter and a Spirit Level

❖ Drilling Machine: This machine is used to make holes in building structure


passages of conduits and wires.

Fig 9: Image of the Drilling Machine


❖ Cutting Machine: This machine has a diamond cutting disk which is used to
cut walls and concretes for conduit installation.

Fig 10: A Cutting Machine

❖ Jackhammer: This is also like the cutting machine but it is different in the
sense that it is a pneumatic tool that combines a hammer directly with a chisel
which is used to break up rock, pavement and concrete for easy conduit
installation in floors.

23
Fig 11: A Jackhammer
❖ Conduits: These are tubes which can be made of metal, PVC, fiber or fired
clay etc They are used to protect electrical cables embedded in concrete
structure (floor, slab or wall), for power, lighting or signal distribution in
buildings.

Fig 12: Electrical Conduit Pipes

❖ Circuit Breaker: This is an automatically operated electrical switch designed


to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current from an
overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a
fault is detected.

Fig 13: A typical Circuit Breaker

24
❖ No Fuse Breaker: This material also does the same work as the circuit
breaker but operated manually and has no fuse embedded in it. It protects
cables by blocking a circuit when over-current flows in the circuit.

Fig 14: A No-Fuse Breaker

❖ Cables: An electrical cable is an assembly of one or more wires running side


by side or bundled used to carry electric current i.e. conducts current.

Fig 15: An Electrical Cable

❖ Push Button: This is an electrical switch which has two contacts (Normally
Open and Normally Close contacts), It momentarily allows current to flow
when button is pushed in and breaks current when released.

Fig 16: Push Buttons

25
❖ Relay: This is an electrically operated switch used where it is necessary to
control a circuit with a low-power signal. Most of the relays use an
electromagnet to mechanically operate a switch.

Fig 17: A typical Relay

All of these aforementioned tools, machineries and materials were used


during the course of my industrial training at IMEE Engineering Services
Limited. The ones being discussed up there were very important and vital, just
to mention a few. The others (mostly electronics materials) were discussed
vividly in other sections of this report.
Tools and machines should be properly maintained so that workers are
not endangered. At IMEE, both preventive and corrective maintenance were
carried out on all work equipment from time to time so as to avoid unnecessary
hazards which can occur as a result of poor maintenance of tools and
machineries.

➢ ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND WIRING


I was opportune to be posted with the team of engineers and technicians to
work on this particular project;
Title of the Project: 70 UNITS TOWNHOUSES AT TWINLAKES
ESTATE, LEKKI LAGOS

26
Aim and Objective: Electrical Services Installation.
Work done:
I was part of the team who worked on this project and I was able to learn
everything that will be discussed in this chapter. The skills developed and
techniques learnt are discussed below:

WHAT IS ELECTRICAL WIRING?


Electrical Wiring can be described as the networking system or
arrangement of cables for the free flow of current in a circuit.

Types of Wiring includes:-

1. Conduit Wiring:- This is the process where electric cables are arranged

systematically in wall, slabs and floor through the use of PVC pipes in

order to transfer energy from one point to another in a circuit.

2. Surface Wiring:- This is a system of electrical installation in which wires,

outlets, switches or light fixtures are installed on the wall surface without

the hassle of cutting into walls, fishing tape and patching holes.

3. Cleat Wiring:- This is a system of wiring done in an industry with the help

of a cleat chip made of different types of groove.

4. Trunking Wiring:- In the United States, this is referred to as wire duct. It

is a system used to contain wires and/or cables in a durable rectangular

plastic and laid with cover to protect the wires from dangerous metallic

materials.

Therefore, for this particular project, the Conduit method was used.

27
➢ SITE PLAN DRAWING AND LIGHTING PLAN

A site plan drawing with respect to electrical installation, is a type of

technical drawing that shows information about power, lighting, and signal for

an engineering or architectural project. Any electrical working drawing consists

of "lines, symbols, dimensions, and notations to accurately convey an

engineering's design to the workers, who install the electrical system on the

job".

A complete set of working drawings for the average electrical system in large

projects usually consists of:

• A plot plan showing the building's location and outside electrical wiring

• Floor plans showing the location of electrical systems on every floor

• Power-riser diagrams showing panel boards

• Control wiring diagrams

• Schedules and other information in combination with construction drawings.

Electrical consultants prepare wiring and layout diagrams used by

technicians who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in

communication centres, power plants, electrical distribution systems, and

buildings.

28
Fig 18: Electrical lighting layout for Ground floor of the building

➢ WIRING PLAN

The wiring plan includes all enclosures and the interconnecting wiring.

The designer determines the location of the lighting points, outlets, distribution

boards and others. This diagram is a generalized way of Electrical design

representation using standard schematic symbols. Materials for wiring interior

electrical systems in buildings vary depending on:

I. Intended use and amount of power demand on the circuit

II. Type of occupancy and size of the building

III. National and local regulations

IV. Environment in which the wiring must operate.

29
Wires and cables are rated by the circuit voltage, temperature rating and

environmental conditions (moisture, sunlight, oil, chemicals) in which they can

be used.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

✓ Marking out of lighting points

✓ Installation of looping boxes for conduits connection

✓ Installation of pipe sleeves for lighting, Air-Conditioners and smoke

detectors

✓ Continuity Testing of installed conduits by using Fishing tapes

✓ Installation of Knockout boxes for switches, socket outlets, water

heaters, extractor fans, smoke detectors and air conditioners

✓ Installation of Distribution Board

✓ Installation of conduit pipes in wall and connections for switches, socket

outlets, water heaters, extractor fans, smoke detectors and air

conditioners with sources and branches.

✓ Cables Installation (sizing and selection)

✓ Electrical Lighting and Power Fittings

✓ Testing and Evaluation.

30
PICTURES OF MY PARTICIPATION AT WORK

Fig 19: Installations of conduit pipes for lighting, air-conditioners and smoke
detectors in slabs
31
Fig 20: Casting Process of the slab after conduits installation
After the casting process, then conduits continuity testing was carried out.
Coloured ropes were inserted and tied to the boxes outlets to show continuity in
the conduits. This was made possible by the use of fishing tapes and the process
is called Fishing. Pictures are shown below:

Fig 21: Testing for continuity in conduits by the use of Fishing Process

32
After the fishing process, we proceeded with the installation of knockout
boxes and conduits for switches, socket outlets, water heaters, extractor fans,
smoke detectors and air conditioners, including the installation of the distribution
board. Pictures shown below:

Fig 21: Pictures of my involvement in the installation of knockout boxes and


conduits for lighting

33
Fig 22: Installation of Boards for ELV(extreme low voltage), LV(low voltage) and
Distribution Panel

Fig 23: Conduits installation in Adaptable box

After the installation of conduit materials, then cable installation follows.

➢ CABLE SIZING AND SELECTION


A Cable is an assembly of conductors held together with an overall
sheath for transmission of electrical power from electricity source such as
transformer, generator, switchgear, distribution panel etc. to the terminal of

34
utilisation equipment.
It is generally made of materials which are good conductors of electricity
like copper and aluminium. Great percentage of the cables is made using
copper because of its being a very good conductor and less vulnerability to
environmental attack.
Cables consist of three major components:
• Conductors
• Insulation
• Protective jacket.
The components of individual cables varies according to application.
The construction and material are determined by three main factors:
• Working voltage, determining the thickness of the insulation
• Current-carrying capacity, determining the cross-sectional size of the
conductors
• Environmental conditions such as temperature, water, chemical or sunlight
exposure, and mechanical impact, determining the form and composition of
the outer cable jacket.
Cables for direct burial or for exposed installations may also include metal
armour in the form of wires spiralled around the cable, or a corrugated tape
wrapped around it. The armour may be made of steel or aluminium, and
although connected to earth ground, it is not intended to carry current during
normal operations.
Criteria for Cable Selection and Sizing
There are basically 4 criteria to be considered when sizing a cable:
•Current Rating
•Thermal Short Circuit
•Voltage Drop
•Cable Impedance

35
Fig 24: Images of lighting cables installation for distribution board
36
Fig 25: Cable installation in trunking box for lighting

There are different types of cable sizes: 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 4mm, 6mm etc
1.5mm Cables were used for lighting
2.5mm Cables were used for sockets
4mm Cables were used for A.C/ Water Heaters
6mm Cables were used for Cooker Control Unit
10mm and 16mm were used for Incomer Cables on distribution board

➢ POWER LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Lighting is a vital rule to describe the importance of buildings. For


buildings to fulfil their function properly, they must be made as safe as
technological and economic resources will permit. And one of the most
effective instruments in the constant striving to create saver buildings is light.
37
Lighting for guidance, lighting to reveal all the features of both interior and
exterior part of the building and point of hazards. There are many ways in
which a lighting control system can be organized. Construction type, client
requirements, architectural restrictions, and many other factors determine the
best solution. In general, retaining control design flexibility produces the most
reliable results.

Centralized Systems
A centralized system is designed in such a way that all the high-voltage
circuits are terminated within a Crestron home automation enclosure and they
operate under a central control system. In a centralized design, the high-voltage
lighting, fans, motors, and switch circuits are individually wired directly to the
control modules in the Crestron home automation enclosure. The modules are
controlled by low voltage or RF user interfaces in the living area. This creates a
flexible and efficient design.
Also, a central processor is connected via a local area network to the
lighting modules. The user interface is dedicated to lighting, fans, motors, air
conditioners etc
Decentralized Systems
A decentralized system is the traditional wiring system of individual
lighting circuits with local control. Some devices provide the power and
flexibility of automated control combined with local control.

Creston ilux
This is a complete, integrated lighting system designed for wall mount
installation in boardrooms, auditoriums, Theatres, or anywhere versatile and
cost-effective control of lighting and shades is required. The Crestron iLux
CLS-C6 has high innovation and reliability, combined with high-quality
integrated dimming and native shade control. It also has configurable rocker

38
buttons, extensive integration ability, and many other advanced features which
make iLux the best choice for all types of room lighting and shade control
applications.
Hybrid Systems
A hybrid of centralized system is the most efficient and attractive
lighting system design. It has a local control along with a standard central
control. Hybrid system limits the amount of wall clutter created by too many
different controls.

This level of control requires connection to a central dimming controller.


All of the dimmers in a hybrid system are grouped into the central controller for
wiring convenience.

During the course of my SIWES, I was opportune to get myself familiar


with different kinds of lighting fittings such as LED lights, Energy saving bulbs,
POP lights, Filament bulbs, Recessed downlight fittings, Pendant lights
(chandeliers) etc

Fig 26: 18W crystal beads pendant luminaire with string and decorative glass

diffusers

39
Fig 27: LED lights and downlight fittings

Fig 28: A Chandelier Fittings

40
Fig 29: 2 Gang Switch and Power Switch fittings and cable Installation

Fig 30: 3*6 Twin Socket Installation for power connection

41
Fig 31: A junction Box, showing internal Cables interconnection

➢ DISTRIBUTION BOARD INSTALLATION

A distribution board is a component of an electricity supply system that

divides an electrical power feed into subsidiary circuits, while providing a

protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit in a common enclosure.

Normally, a main switch, and in recent boards, one or more residual-current

devices (RCD) or residual current breakers with overcurrent protection (RCBO),

are also incorporated.

42
Fig 32: A distribution board layout

The above schematic distribution board layout was the one we used

for this particular project. The DB is a D30 distribution board which consists of

10Amps, 13Amps, 15Amps, 20Amps, 30Amps,and 45Amps circuit breakers.

10Amps and 13 Amps circuit breakers were used for lighting connection;

20Amps circuit breakers were used for Air-conditioners

30Amps circuit breakers were used for Power sockets

45Amps circuit breakers were used for Cooker Control Unit

43
Fig 33: A distribution board (TPN)

➢ POWER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

POWER SUPPLY

According to what I learnt at IMEE Engineering Services Limited, Power

Supply in buildings could be achieved through various means. The means depend

on the load in the building. In Nigeria, for small scale buildings which are not

isolated, the power supply will be achieved by tapping from a skipper panel

44
whose input is the output of the 11KV/415V Transformer. Due to regular power

failure, most buildings have a backup power supply (Generator or Inverters).

In larger installations (where the Three Phase load exceeds 90A), the

building will need to have its own transformer, so as to preserve the stability of

the 415V line. In such scenarios a redundant or backup generators are usually

required so as to minimize the downtime.

POWER DISTRIBUTION

In electrical wiring, we can conclude that electric power distribution system

is the final stage in the delivery of electric power because it carries electricity

from the transmission system to individual consumers. Distribution substations

connect to the transmission system and lower the transmission voltage to

medium voltage ranging between 2kV and 35kV with the use of transformers.

Primary distribution lines carry this medium voltage power to distribution

transformers located near the customer's premises.

Distribution transformers again lower the voltage to the utilization

voltage of household appliances and typically feed several customers through

secondary distribution lines at this voltage. Commercial and residential

customers are connected to the secondary distribution lines through service

drops. Customers demanding a much larger amount of power may be connected

directly to the primary distribution level or the sub transmission level.

45
Power Distribution in a building or establishment could be at either High

Voltage (HV) or Low Voltage (LV).

Low Voltage Distribution

Low voltage describes 400V three-phase and 230 V single-phase supplies.

The cable is connected directly to the supplier’s cut-out. This is a fused

unit that protects the consumer’s installation up to the main switch.

High Voltage Distribution

In large commercial buildings and industrial installations with loads around

1000 kVA, it is required to have a high voltage supply which is typically eleven

thousand volts (11 kV). For the consumer, a high voltage supply will incur

higher costs than a low voltage supply.

➢ BASIC ELECTRONICS

Fortunately, I was also involved in electronics installation, designs,


repairs and also maintenance at IMEE Engineering Services Limited.
Technically, I can describe Electronics as the study and application of electrons,
their behaviour and their effects. The simplest application of electrons are AC
and DC circuits in which a current is used to power lamps, electromagnets,
motors, solenoids and similar devices. What takes electronics far beyond this
basic application is the base with which streams of electrons can be controlled
and manipulated.

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Definition: an electronic component is any basic discrete device or physical


entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields.

46
Classification: components can be classified as active and passive components.

1. Active components: components that rely on a source of energy (usually


from the direct current DC circuit) and can inject power into a circuit. Such
components include: transistor, Field Effect Transistors (FETS) and diodes.

2. Passive components: such components can’t introduce net energy into the
circuit; also can’t rely on power source except for what is available from the
alternate current (AC) circuit they are connected to. They can’t amplify (increase
the power of a signal, although may increase current or voltage). Passive
components are two terminal components such as: (RLC) resistors, capacitors,
inductors, crystals and transformers.

Some of these components are discussed below:

Resistor: A resistor is an electronics component that resists the flow of current.


It’s one of the most basic components being used in electronic circuits.
Electrical resistance is measured in the unit called ohms designated by the
symbol Ω. A typical resistor is given below:

Fig 34: Fixed resistor

Capacitor: A device specially constructed to temporarily store electric charge.


It consists of two plates which are separated by an insulating material known as
dielectric. There are two classes of capacitor; fixed and variable capacitor.

47
A capacitor has the ability to store a quantity of static electricity and it is
measured in a unit called farad(F)

The negative side is denoted by white strips

Fig 35: Electrolytic capacitor

The charge Q stored in a capacitor is given by:


Q=CV

Where; Q=IT

Q is the charge measured in coulombs

C is the capacitance measured in Farads

I is the current measured in Amperes

T is the time taken to charge measured in seconds.

Diode: diode is a two- lead semiconductor device that allows electric current to
flow in one direction (unidirectional component).

White band (cathode or Negative end)

Fig 36: A Diode

48
Types of diode

➢ signal diode (conducts only in the forward bias)


➢ zener diode (conducts in both forward and reverse bias). A major feature
of the zener diode aside being used as an ideal diode is the ability to
allow current to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a
certain voltage known as the break-down voltage (avalanche point).
➢ Light Emitting Diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode is a transducer that
converts electrical energy into light energy.

Cathode (-ve lead) Anode (+ve lead)

Transistor: The word transistor is a contraction of current-transferring resistor.


This is an excellent description of what a bipolar transistor does. Transistors are
semiconductor devices that act as either electrically controlled switches or
amplifier controls. A transistor is a three-terminal device in which a voltage
applied to one of the terminal (called the base) can control current that flows
across the other two terminals (called the collector and the emitter).the transistor
is one of the most important devices in electronic circuits: switching circuits,
amplifier circuits, oscillator circuits, power supply circuit etcetera.

The two major families of transistors include:

➢ Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)

collector
Tip41c

Emitter
Base

49
The configuration can either be NPN or PNP

collector collector

base base

emiter emitter

PNP NPN

➢ Field Effect Transistor (FET)

Fig 37: Atypical MOSFET

The major difference between BJT and FET is ;

➢ BJT require a biasing input or output current at its control leads


➢ FET requires only voltage, practically no current.

Project board: This is a board on which the circuit elements are arranged and
soldered. There are two major types;

➢ Bread board (which is used for temporary circuit)


➢ Vero board (which is used for permanent circuit)
50
Fig 38: An Image of a Vero Board

Fuse: A fuse is a device that is designed to protect circuit from excessive


current flow. A fuse contains a narrow strip of metal that is designed to melt
when current flow exceeds its current rating; thereby interrupting the power in
the circuit.

Fig 39: A Fuse

Transformer: A transformer is an electronic component that is capable of


transforming an AC input voltage into a higher or lower AC output voltage. A
typical transformer (specially designed to lower or raise voltage) consists of two
or more coils that share a common laminated iron core. One of the coils is
called the primary (containing Np turns) while the other coil is called the
secondary (containing Ns turns).

51
Fig 40: A Typical Laminated Steel Cores Transformer

The most important technique used in solving most of electronic gadgets


problem is what we call TROUBLESHOOTING.

What then is Troubleshooting?

Trouble shooting is the identification and resolution of problems, especially


problems of technical nature.

Steps involved in Troubleshooting includes;

i. Identify the fault


ii. Check Power source
iii. Test of voltage continuity for all components (Using Multi-meter)
iv. Repair or replace faulty component(s)
v. Carry out corrective maintenance.

52
These above procedure was used to repair a UPS device shown below:

Fig 41: An image of an Uninterrupted power supply where Troubleshooting


and repair was carried out..

Fault was detected at the power circuit. Some power semiconductors were
replaced and the fault was rectified.

Other circuits designed on boards by me are:


▪ Installation and wiring of series/parallel circuit using push button, buzzer
and selector switch for lighting.

53
Fig 42: Images of the series/parallel circuits I designed
▪ Installation and wiring of a basic 8 PIN Relay circuit, using pilot’s lamps,
emergency switch and push buttons.

54
Fig 43: Image of 8 PIN basic Relay circuit I built

▪ Installation and wiring of Timer Relay for signalling purposes.

Fig 44: Image of a Timer Relay Circuit

The circuit above can be applied in ships and residential buildings for the
purpose of an alarm system.

55
(3.2) SKILLS DEVELOPED AND TECHNIQUES LEARNT

During the course of my six months Industrial Training, I have been able
to develop a lot of skills and techniques both in Electrical and Electronics
Engineering field and this would go a long way in helping me actualize my dream
of becoming a good Industrial Physicist. Some of the skills and techniques learnt
include:

➢ Efficient use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for safety at


workshops and construction sites.
➢ Efficient use of workshop tools and machineries.
➢ Electrical and Electronics Circuit analyzation and interpretation.
➢ Effective use of Electrical/Electronics Equipment, Machines, Materials
and Applications

➢ Maintenance and Repairs of Work Tools and Machineries


➢ Electrical Installations and Wiring (Conduits and Surface)
➢ Ability to interpret and comprehend Site Plan drawing, Wiring Plan and
Lighting design
➢ Knowledge of Cable Sizing their Selection for specific tasks
➢ Power Lighting Systems
➢ Distribution Panels wiring and Installation
➢ Power Supply and Distribution
➢ Basic Electronics; Designs, Installations, Repairs and Maintenance.
➢ Drilling techniques.
➢ Circuit design skills on computer software (AUTOCAD).
➢ Installation of Electrical Circuits on boards
➢ Installation of Electronics circuits on vero boards
➢ Report writing and presentation skills.
➢ Efficient preparation of work quotations.

56
(3.3) PRACTICAL CHALLENGES FACED AT WORK

Over the six months of my SIWES program, there were series of


practical challenges faced at work and in-office. Some of the practical
challenges include:
o Challenges of operating the Grinder machine for cutting walls
during conduits installation
o Challenges of connecting cables to Circuit breakers terminals
o Difficulties in using the meter rule to mark out lighting points on
slabs and walls
o Challenges of bending conduit pipes for installation
o Insertion of pipe sleeves into iron reinforcements on slabs before
casting
o Relating the series and parallel connections on paper to the real
series and parallel connection in practice was a challenge.
o Difficulty in working with a complete Personal Protection
Equipment (PPE) kit.
o Drilling and cutting through the wall to make a conduit cabling was
really difficult and tiring
o Working on site was really very stressful and risky as a mistake in
any connection could lead to destruction of the whole system
o Climbing, Fixing and installation of conduits and cables on top of
building roofs was really challenging.
o Troubleshooting process for electronic devices wasn’t really easy.
o Sight-reading of both Electrical and Electronics diagrams can be so
worrisome.
o Mounting, installation and wiring of knockout boxes for lighting,
air-conditioners and signal devices were so challenging in the sense
that they required a lot of good technical approach.

57
(3.4) THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES LEARNT DURING THE
PROGRAMME (THEORY VS EXPERIENCE)

During my industrial training exercise, I was able to visualize many


principles that was learnt in class in their practical form. Some of these are
stated as follow:
➢ The Principles of Electronics and Electricity that I learnt in school in
courses such as Applied Electricity I (PHY 205), Applied Electricity II
(PHY 206) and Circuit theory I (PHY 305) , were of great importance in
analysing and installation of electronics and electrical circuits and designs
at my place of attachment.

➢ Working Principle of a Transformer which is in Line With Faraday's Law


Of Electromagnetic Induction learnt in Electromagnetic Theory (PHY 301)
in school was also experienced by me during the course of my industrial
training.
➢ The biasing principles behind the configuration of Diodes as taught in
Analogue Electronics (PHY 307) was also experienced and practicalized.

➢ Principles of choosing the type of wire conductor for electrical wiring of


buildings. This is relating to what I learnt in Material Science (PHY 212).
➢ The theoretical principle of half wave and full wave rectification (AC to
DC), as taught in Analogue Electronics (PHY 307) was also experienced
and practicalized.

➢ Newtonian’s principles of Motion learnt in Theoretical Physics (PHY 201)


in school were also experienced and practicalized during my program. An
inductor Motor which was at rest before an electric current was passed into
its coil was used to explain these Newtonian’s principles.

58
All these afore-mentioned Theoretical Principles were learnt, experienced and
partialized during the course of my industrial program at IMEE Engineering
Services Limited, just to mention a few.

( 3.5) SPECIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE


COMPANY

I assisted and contributed to the progress of the company by diligently


carrying out the given tasks. Highlighted below are some of the contributions
that I made to the company during my internship;

➢ I was able to handle eight (8) units sample flats building of one of the
company’s electrical services project at Lekki, Lagos State perfectly with
just an iota of supervision.
➢ I was able to represent the company effectively in their weekly
contractors meetings on construction sites, whereby I wrote down the
minutes of the meeting and also delivered the feedback to the company’s
management.
➢ I improved the company`s products sales by suggesting different
marketing strategies.
➢ I also improved the company`s services by generating customers for the
company through the voluntary awareness I made for the company.
➢ I also helped the company in training several students that came for
training in the company. This was because the management had strong
confidence in my intellectual ability.
➢ I helped the company in the installation and wiring of different building
projects.
➢ Apart from the administrative and ideological helps rendered to the
company, I equally worked in the capacity of a full-fledged staff in that I
59
worked and handled series of tasks, with full responsibility for whatsoever
happens
➢ I also carried out a lot of preventive and corrective maintenance on the
company’s tools and gadgets.

3.6 THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS WITHIN THE


NIGERIAN ECONOMY

IMEE Engineering Services Limited, has a very buoyant and prosperous


future in the Nigerian Economy in the sense that the company deals in multi-
dimensional technical business enterprise which include practical electrical and
electronics services and training, construction of useful electrical and electronics
gadgets, and also provides alternative power solutions (Generators).

This kind of business in which IMEE Engineering Services Limited is involved


in, has a very bright future in the Nigerian economy due to the fact that the
economy can not do without receiving or needing the both electrical and
electronics services and products. Let alone lack of constant supply of electricity
in the country. Even if there were to be constant supply of electricity, the use of
self powered systems which can be installed, repaired and maintained by
electrical/electronics personnel would greatly reduce the amount paid for utility
supply and thereby enhancing the economy of the country. Also, Having
conducted both primary and secondary research into the Engineering industry
market in Nigeria, the company has since then embarked on achieving its vision
which is aimed at rendering standard and quality electrical and electronics
services in Nigeria and lowering energy costs with every project being installed
therefore paving the way into bright and great future in the Nigerian economy.

60
CHAPTER FOUR

(4.1) RELEVANCE OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING


EXPERIENCE GAINED TO COURSE OF STUDY

The relevance of the Industrial Training experience gained to my


course of study as a Physics and Electronics student can not be over-emphasized.
The experience I gained during my industrial training has enabled me to
understand what it takes to be a successful Industrial Physicist. Nevertheless, here
are some relevancies of my experience outlined below:

➢ I was practically exposed to the use of electrical measuring instruments


such as the measuring meter tape, multi-meter, voltmeter and ammeter etc
as it relates to PHY209, PHY210 and PHY214 i.e. Electricity and
Instrumentation I&II, and Measurement and Instrumentation respectively.
Now, I have a better understanding on both electrical and electronics
measurements.
➢ I learnt practically Series and Parallel wiring connections of electrical
circuits both on panels and buildings as it is related to PHY205, PHY206
and PHY305 - Applied Electricity I&II and Circuit Theory I respectively

➢ I was exposed to practical application of electronics components such as


Transistors, Resistors, Capacitors and Diodes, as have been taught
theoretically in PHY307(Analog Electronics).

Therefore, as a result of this industrial training program, I can walk


into any Engineering industry and prove myself competent enough to take
up any job task relating to my area of specialization in which I have been
trained.

61
(4.2) GLOSSARY OF WORDS

Alternating Current (AC) — An electric current that reverses its


direction many times a second at regular intervals.
Ammeter — An instrument for measuring the flow of electrical
current in amperes. Ammeters are always connected in series with the
circuit to be tested.
Ampacity — The maximum amount of electric current a conductor or
device can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive
deterioration.
Ampere-Hour (Ah) — A unit of measure for battery capacity. It is
obtained by multiplying the current (in amperes) by the time (in
hours) during which current flows. For example, a battery which
provides 5 amperes for 20 hours is said to deliver 100 ampere - hours.
Ampere (A) — A unit of measure for the intensity of an electric
current flowing in a circuit. One ampere is equal to a current flow of
one coulomb per second.
Apparent Power — Measured in volt-ampers (VA). Apparent power
is the product of the rms voltage and the rms current.
Capacitance — The ability of a body to store an electrical charge.
Measured in farads as the ratio of the electric charge of the object (Q,
measured in coulombs) to the voltage across the object (V, measured
in volts).
Capacitor — A device used to store an electric charge, consisting of
one or more pairs of conductors separated by an insulator. Commonly
used for filtering out voltage spikes.
Circuit — A closed path in which electrons from a voltage or current
source flow. Circuits can be in series, parallel, or in any combination
of the two.

62
Circuit Breaker — An automatic device for stopping the flow of
current in an electric circuit. To restore service, the circuit breaker
must be reset (closed) after correcting the cause of the overload or
failure. Circuit breakers are used in conjunction with protective relays
to protect circuits from faults.
Conductor — Any material where electric current can flow freely.
Conductive materials, such as metals, have a relatively low resistance.
Copper and aluminium wire are the most common conductors.
Conduits: These are tubes which can be made of metal, PVC, fibre or
fired clay etc They are used to protect electrical cables embedded in
concrete structure (floor, slab or wall), for power, lighting or signal
distribution in buildings.

Corona — A corona discharge is an electrical discharge brought on


by the ionization of a fluid such as air surrounding a conductor that is
electrically charged. Spontaneous corona discharges occur naturally
in high-voltage systems unless care is taken to limit the electric field
strength.
Current (I) — The flow of an electric charge through a conductor.
An electric current can be compared to the flow of water in a pipe.
Measured in amperes.
Cycle — The change in an alternating electrical sine wave from zero
to a positive peak to zero to a negative peak and back to zero. See
Frequency.
Dielectric constant — A quantity measuring the ability of a
substance to store electrical energy in an electric field.
Dielectric strength — The maximum electric field that a pure
material can withstand under ideal conditions without breaking down
(i.e., without experiencing failure of its insulating properties).

63
Diode — A semiconductor device with two terminals, typically
allowing the flow of current in one direction only. Diodes allow
current to flow when the anode is positive in relation to the cathode.
Direct Current (DC) — An electric current that flows in only one
direction.
Electromotive Force — (EMF) A difference in potential that tends to
give rise to an electric current. Measured in volts.
Electron — A tiny particle which rotates around the nucleus of an
atom. It has a negative charge of electricity.
Electron theory — The theory which explains the nature of
electricity and the exchange of "free" electrons between atoms of a
conductor. It is also used as one theory to explain direction of current
flow in a circuit.
Farad — A unit of measure for capacitance. One farad is equal to one
coulomb per volt.
Frequency — The number of cycles per second. Measured in Hertz.
If a current completes one cycle per second, then the frequency is 1
Hz; 60 cycles per second equals 60 Hz.
Fuse — A circuit interrupting device consisting of a strip of wire that
melts and breaks an electric circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.
To restore service, the fuse must be replaced using a similar fuse with
the same size and rating after correcting the cause of failure.
Generator — A device which converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
Ground — The reference point in an electrical circuit from which
voltages are measured, a common return path for electric current, or a
direct physical connection to the Earth.

64
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) — A device intended
for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit
or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current
to ground exceeds some predetermined value that is less than that
required to operate the overcurrent protective device of the supply
circuit.
Inductance — The property of a conductor by which a change in
current flowing through it induces (creates) a voltage (electromotive
force) in both the conductor itself (self-inductance) and in any nearby
conductors (mutual inductance). Measured in henry (H).
Inductor — A coil of wire wrapped around an iron core. The
inductance is directly proportional to the number of turns in the coil.
Insulator — Any material where electric current does not flow freely.
Insulative materials, such as glass, rubber, air, and many plastics have
a relatively high resistance. Insulators protect equipment and life from
electric shock.
Mutual Induction — Occurs when changing current in one coil
induces voltage in a second coil.
Ohm — (Ω) A unit of measure of resistance. One ohm is equivilant
to the resistance in a circuit transmitting a current of one ampere
when subjected to a potential difference of one volt.
Ohm's Law — The mathematical equation that explains the
relationship between current, voltage, and resistance (V=IR).
Ohmmeter — An instrument for measuring the resistance in ohms of
an electrical circuit.
Open Circuit — An open or open circuit occurs when a circuit is
broken, such as by a broken wire or open switch, interrupting the flow
of current through the circuit. It is analogous to a closed valve in a
water system.
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Parallel Circuit — A circuit in which there are multiple paths for
electricity to flow. Each load connected in a separate path receives the
full circuit voltage, and the total circuit current is equal to the sum of
the individual branch currents.
Piezoelectricity — Electric polarization in a substance (especially
certain crystals) resulting from the application of mechanical stress
(pressure).
Polarity — A collective term applied to the positive (+) and negative
( - ) ends of a magnet or electrical mechanism such as a coil or
battery.
Power — The rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an
electric circuit. Measured in Watts.
Power Factor — The ratio of the actual electrical power dissipated
by an AC circuit to the product of the r.m.s. values of current and
voltage. The difference between the two is caused by reactance in the
circuit and represents power that does no useful work.
Protective Relay — A relay device designed to trip a circuit breaker
when a fault is detected.
Rectifier — An electrical device that converts an alternating current
into a direct one by allowing a current to flow through it in one
direction only.
Relay — An electrical coil switch that uses a small current to control
a much larger current.
Resistance — The opposition to the passage of an electric current.
Electrical resistance can be compared to the friction experienced by
water when flowing through a pipe. Measured in ohms.
Resistor — A device usually made of wire or carbon which presents
a resistance to current flow.

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Rotor — The rotating part of an electrical machine such as a
generator, motor, or alternator.
Self Induction — Voltage which occurs in a coil when there is a
change of current.
Semiconductor — A solid substance that has a conductivity between
that of an insulator and that of most metals, either due to the addition
of an impurity or because of temperature effects. Devices made of
semiconductors, notably silicon, are essential components of most
electronic circuits.
Series-Parallel Circuit — A circuit in which some of the circuit
components are connected in series and others are connected in
parallel.
Series Circuit — A circuit in which there is only one path for
electricity to flow. All of the current in the circuit must flow through
all of the loads.
Service — The conductors and equipment used to deliver energy
from the electrical supply system to the system being served.
Short Circuit — When one part of an electric circuit comes in
contact with another part of the same circuit, diverting the flow of
current from its desired path.
Solid State Circuit — Electronic (integrated) circuits which utilize
semiconductor devices such as transistors, diodes and silicon
controlled rectifiers.
Transistor — A semiconductor device with three connections,
capable of amplification in addition to rectification.

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CHAPTER FIVE
(5.1) RECOMMENDATION
✓ The Department and University should assist students in securing IT
placements.

✓ The University should ensure that students are adequately monitored


during the program.

✓ I will recommend that more Physics and Electronics students be posted to

the organization for their SIWES.

✓ The ITF should ensure frequent visit of supervisors to the companies where

students are posted so as to ensure students are serious during the duration

of their Industrial Training.

✓ Students should ensure to be posted on time so as to get enough knowledge

of what they should learn at their respective workplace

✓ The main essence of the scheme should be made known to the companies,

so that students are not assigned to tasks that are not of benefit to his/her

career development.

✓ Collaboration between PHYSICS and ELECTRONICS department of


AAUA with IMEE Engineering Services Limited on an ongoing research
work on the thermal powering of telecommunication base stations in
Nigeria.
✓ The institution can also partner with the company in the services the
company offers, like the installation of Alternative Power Systems to
reduce the running cost of power in the school.

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✓ More practical oriented courses should also be taught in the school than
abstract theories, as I faced with real life scenarios at the workplace.

(5.2) CONCLUSION

The compulsory six months Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme

(SIWES) program for University undergraduate Students as part of the

requirements for the award of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree as undertaken

by me, an undergraduate student of the department of Physics and Electronics,

has really impacted me by exposing me to real time hands-on practical majorly

in Physics and Electronics in relation to Electrical/ Electronics Engineering. The

scheme has really made me gain enough practical experience to balance up with

the already acquired theoretical knowledge as well as it has revealed the areas

where I need to improve on my theoretical knowledge acquisitions. The SIWES

has positively contributed to my training as a future Industrial Physicist. At the

SIWES workplace (i.e. IMEE), I was able to reconcile theoretical principles

learnt in school with real Electrical/Electronic engineering design practice. I also

learnt various software applications relating to my discipline such as AutoCAD,

Microsoft EXCEL, Microsoft Word, etc.

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Furthermore, I received extensive training on electrical design

fundamentals which included the following: Development of load and single line

diagrams, Design of electrical layout drawings (cable, earthing and lighting

drawings), Hazardous area classification drawings, Equipment sizing, cable and

circuit breaker sizing, preparation of material take-off and bill of quantities,

lighting design/calculations, and schematic/interconnection drawings.

I also learnt about the proper Maintenance of electrical power tools,

participated in the Installation of over 35 different lights and their fittings also in

the construction of low voltage electrical circuits. SIWES gave me the

opportunity to learn about good work ethics, good interpersonal and

communication skills.

In a nut shell, by virtue of the training received and practical knowledge


gained during the six months of my SIWES program, I have been set on a
platform on which I can start my future career, either directly in the field where I
had received the training or in fields relating to it.

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REFERENCE

1. IMEE Engineering Services Limited, (IMEE) Electrical Training

Manual (2018), Vol 1

2. Samsung Heavy Industries, Training Manual (2017), Vol 1

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