CHAPTER 2

Design of Electrical Installation

2.1 Electrical Regulation and Standards
(EBCS, IEC, IEEE, BS, NEMA)

Standard A document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that

provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their
results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context. Note:
Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience,
and aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits.

Regulation A document providing binding legislative rules that is adopted by an authority.

These two definitions taken together point to the fundamental difference between standards and
regulations. The former are established essentially by voluntary co-operation and consensus
between interested parties, and their use is, in most cases, also voluntary. On the other hand,
regulations have legal force such that failure to comply with them leaves the transgressor open to
whatever penalties the law provides.

It is nevertheless important to realise that, once a standard has (albeit voluntarily) been written
into a contract, its provisions become binding on the parties to that contract. In such a case,
failure to comply with the standard may make the offending party liable to damages in a civil
action.

All standards bodies (whether they are recognized at national, regional or international level)
have found it necessary to distinguish between various types of standard according to the
purpose for which they are intended. The two major classes of standard, and those which are of
greatest interest to those concerned with electrical installations, are standard specifications
(which describe a particular product or range of products in terms of dimensions, performance or
safety) and standard codes of practice (which describe recommended techniques of design,
installation, maintenance, etc.). Both of these types of standard inevitably include or rely on
more basic types, such as glossaries, classifications, methods of testing, methods of
measurement, methods of sampling, etc.

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2.2 Installation Design Criteria and Procedures

2.2.1 Design Criteria

Flexibility: every wiring system should incorporate sufficient flexibility of design in branch
circuitry, feeders, and panels to accommodate all portable, patterns, arrangements and locations
of electric loads. The degree of flexibility to be incorporated depends in large measure on the
type of facility. As part of the design for flexibility, provision for expansion must be provided.

Reliability: the reliability of electrical power within a facility is determined by two factors: the
utility’s service and the building’s electrical system.

Safety: the designer must be constantly alert to an initial safe electrical installation and such
factors as electrical hazards caused by misuse of equipment or by equipment failure after
installation.

Energy saving and control consideration: includes limiting voltage drops, power factor
correction, use of switches for control, etc

Economic cost: includes initial cost and operating cost.

Space allocation: concerned with maintenance case, ventilation, expandability, centrality,

limitation of access, and noise, in addition to the basic item of space adequacy.

2.2.2 Design procedure

The steps involved in the electrical wiring design of any facility are outlined
below. These may in some instances be performed in different order, or two or
more steps may be combined, but the procedure normally used is those listed below.

a) Determine with the client the usage of all areas, and type and rating of all client
furnished equipment’s including their specific electric ratings.
b) If the designer could not get the exact electrical rating of all the equipments that are
going to be installed in the building such as plumbing, elevators, kitchen, motors etc,
determine their ratings from other consultants.
c) Make an electrical load estimate based on the above collected data, areas
involved, previously installed similar installation data and any other pertinent data.
Load Estimation: - When initiating the wiring design of a building, it is important to
be able to estimate the total building load in order to plan such spaces as transformer
rooms, chases, and closet. This information is also required by the local power company
well in advance of the start of construction. Of course, an exact total load can be made
after completing the design. But such estimation can be made from the knowledge of the
loads the building uses.
The electrical loads in any facility can be categorized as:

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 (i) Lighting.
(ii) Miscellaneous power, which includes convenience outlets and small
motors.
(iii) Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
(iv) Plumbing or sanitary equipment: house water pump, air compressors, and
vacuum pumps etc.
(v) Vertical transportation equipment: elevators, moving stairs, and
dumbwaiters.
(vi) Kitchen equipment’s.
d) In cooperation with the local electric utility, decide upon the point of service entrance,
type of service run, service voltage, metering location, and building utilization voltage.
The above considerations and general rules affecting service equipment are listed below:
i. A building may be supplied at one point by either a single set or parallel
sets of service conductors.
ii. All equipment’s used for service including cable, switches, meters, and so
on, shall be approved for that purpose.
iii. It is recommended that a minimum of 100-amp, 2-wires/4- wires, and
220/380V service be provided for all individual residences.
iv. No service switch smaller than 60 amps or circuit breaker frame smaller
than 50 amps shall be used.
v. In multiple occupancy buildings tenants must have access to
their own disconnect means.
vi. All building equipment shall be connected on the load side of
the service equipment except that service fuses, metering, fire
alarm, and signal equipment and equipment serving emergency
systems may be connected ahead of the main disconnect.

In computing the size of the service equipment bus, a total is taken of the various feeder
loads. Although application of a Diversity Factor to this total is permissible, good
practice dictates the use of a unity Diversity Factor in order to provide a measure of
spare capacity in the service equipment.

e) Determine the location and estimate the size of all required electric equipment spaces
including switchboard rooms, emergency equipment spaces, electric closets, and so
forth.
NOTE: - Panel boards are normally located in closets but may be located in corridor
walls or elsewhere. This work is necessary at this point to enable the architect to reserve
these spaces for the electrical equipment. Once the design is accomplished in detail, the
estimated space requirements can be checked and necessary adjustments made.
f) Design the lighting for the facility. This step is complex and involves a continued
interaction between the architect and the lighting designer.

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 g) On the same plan, or on a separate plan, as decided, locate all electrical apparatus
including receptacles, switches, motors, and other power consuming apparatus. Under
floor duct and ceiling track systems would be shown at this stage. If extensive, a
separate plan is made.
h) On the plan, locate signal apparatus such as phone outlets, speakers, microphones, TV
outlets, fire and smoke detectors, and so on.
i) Make drawing showing all lightings, devices, and power equipment’s circuit connection
to the appropriate panel board.
j) Prepare the panel schedule (table). This table shows the load distribution over the three
phases and the type of load which is connected on each circuit. At this step, include the
separate circuitry for emergency equipment’s and for spare circuit.
k) From the panel schedule (table) compute panel loads, and make connection
rearrangement so that you will be able to an optimum power balance over the three
phases R, S and T.
l) Prepare the riser diagram. This includes design of distribution panels, switchboards, a
service equipment.
m) Compute feeder sizes and all protective equipment ratings.
n) Cheek the preceding work.

2.3 Service Entrance and Branch Circuit Design

2.3.1 Service Entrance

Power is transmitted from generating station or substation to the place of public utility by means
of transmission lines and there from power is further distributed by means of distributors or
distributing lines. The consumers are supplied with power by taking connections (tappings) from
distributing lines. For connecting consumers premises (consumers wiring) to the distributing
lines use of cables (surface or underground ) and over head lines (when distance of consumer's
premises from the nearest distribution line support exceeds 50 meters) is made. The conductors
and equipment used for delivering electric energy from the supply system to the wiring system of
the premises is called the service.

Service lines are of two types

1. Overhead service lines.

2 Underground Cable Service Lines

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In overhead-line distribution for premises, the service cables are connected to the line conductors
by means of mechanical connectors called line-taps .Conductors to the premises are always
insulated, and are in most instances pvc-insulated. The service cables are taken to insulators
mounted on D-irons, cleated to the walls of the house, and then run to the supply-intake position.

Use of underground cable is usually made for service connection when the power to be supplied
to the consumer is large (say above 25kw). Usually a two-core, pvc-insulated steel-wire armored
and pvc-sheathed cable is used as underground cable.

The junction which this cable makes with the street-main is contained in a tee-box generally
buried under the pavement just outside the premises or fitted on the pole. The service cable
conductors are joined to two of the main cable cores: one to the neutral and the other to one of
the phase conductors. The connectors are either soldered using the usual cable tee-joint or by
crimping.

Whether overhead or underground services, three- phase, four-wire connections are made in a
similar manner to the two-wire services.

Any installation must be provided with control and protective equipment. The service conductors
terminate in a main fuse cut out and a connector-block for the neutral conductor. The supply
cutouts are connected to the energy meter. The cut outs and energy meters are usually in the
same board called meter board. The cut-outs are sealed to prevent tampering by unauthorized
persons.

From the meter the installation main cables are taken to the main switch or switch fuse. The
consumer's main switch must be of the double-pole, linked blade type which will isolate the
complete installation from the supply when the switch is operated. If the supply is single-phase,
or three-phase and neutral, then all three, or four poles will be broken. The main switch can be a
switch unit or a switched fuse depending on the size of the installation. In larger types of
installations, a CB is used, which acts not only as a main switch but offers the necessary
protection against fault currents.

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 2.3.2 Branch Circuits

The branch circuits are supplied power from the distribution board. DBs contain circuit
protective devices like BS 1361 cartridge fuses or MCBs. In domestic installations, the DB is
combined with the main switch and is known as the consumer unit. They vary in capacity from
4-way to 12-way units.

Main cables are those which carry the total current of the installation. Sub-main cables carry
current to sections of large installations to SMDB. A final circuit feeds one type of circuit and is
not split up to feed another circuit. In a domestic installation a supply is often required for a
building which is detached from the main building, such as a garage. In this case a final circuit in
the consumer unit feeds a cable taken into that building which must be terminated in a SMDB.
It is a requirement of the regulations that every detached building is provided with its own means
of isolation.

A final circuit can range from a pair of 1.5mm2 cables feeding a light to a very heavy three-core
cable feeding a large motor from a CB or switch at the main DB. Each circuit should have its
own protective fuse or CB. The rating of the protective device must not be less than the designed
load current of the circuit and, also, that rating should not exceed the current-carrying capacity of
the lowest-rated conductor in a circuit.

The final circuits include:

• lighting circuits
• socket outlet circuits (general purpose)
• socket outlet circuit for water heater
• socket outlets for cookers
• Power outlets feeding a motor
• Bell circuits.

General purpose socket outlet circuits and socket outlet circuits supplying 3kw water-heaters are
usually rated at 16A. Lighting circuits are rated at 10A. For socket outlet circuits feeding cookers
, a 20/25A CB is used for protection.

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General purpose socket outlet circuits can be connected in ring or radial. The number of SOs to
be included in one circuit can be known from tables of EEPCO's regulation.

The current rating of cables feeding a motor is based on the full-load current taken by the motor.
More than one motor may be connected to a 16A final circuit, provided that the full-load rating
of the motors doesn't exceed the rating of the smallest cable in the circuit. If, however, the rating
of the motors exceeds 16A, then the circuit must supply one motor only.

2.4 Residential and Commercial Installation Design

2.4.1 Guidelines for Residential wiring

(a) The NEC requires for residences sufficient circuitry to supply a load of 3w/sq ft in the
building, excluding unfinished spaces such as porches, garages, and basements.

(b) The NEC requires a minimum of two 20-amp appliance branch circuits to feed all the
small appliance outlets in the kitchen, pantry, dining room, family room etc.
Furthermore, all kitchen outlets must be fed from at least two of these circuits (Avoid
placing all the lighting in a building on a single circuit). Also receptacles should be
circuited with preferably two, but not more than four on a 20-amp circuit.

(c) The NEC requires that at least one 20-amp circuit supply to be set for laundry outlets.
This requirement satisfies good practice. If electric clothes dryer is anticipated an
individual branch circuit should be supplied to serve this load, via a heavy-duty
receptacle.

(d) Do not combine receptacles and switches into a single outlet except where convenience
of use dictates high mounting of receptacles.

(e) Circuit the lighting and receptacles so that each room has parts of at least two circuits.
This includes basements and garages.

(f) Supply at least one receptacle in the bathroom and one outside the house

(g) In bedrooms supply two duplex outlets at each side of the bed location to accommodate,
clocks, radios, lamps

(h) Since receptacles are counted as part of general lighting and no additional load is
included for them, no limit is placed on the number of receptacle outlets that may be
wired to a circuit. But for good practice they should be limited to 6 on a 15-amp circuit
and 8 on a 20-amp circuit.

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 (i) Kitchens should have a duplex appliance outlet every 36 in. of counter space, but no less
than two in addition to the normal wall outlets.

(j) A disconnecting means, readily accessible, must be provided for electric ranges, cook
tops, and ovens It is better practice to utilize a small kitchen panel recessed into a corner
wall to control the large kitchen appliances and to provide completely safe, accessible
disconnecting means. Such an arrangement can also be cheaper.

2.4.2 Guidelines for Non-residential wiring

(a) Schools. Since schools comprise an assembly of varied use spaces, including lecture
hall, laboratory, shop, assembly, office, gymnasium, plus special areas such as
swimming pools, photographic labs, and so on, it is not possible to generalize on branch
circuit design considerations except for the following:

i. To accommodate the opaque and film projectors frequently used in the

classroom, 20-amp outlets wired two receptacles on a circuit are placed at the
front and back of each such room. A similar receptacle, wired 6 or 8 to a
circuit is placed on each remaining wall. if the length of run between the main
panel and the kitchen is appreciable.

ii. Light switching should provide:

1) High-low levels for energy conservation and to permit low-level lighting for
film viewing.
With fluorescent lighting this can be accomplished by alternate ballast wiring
and switching, thus avoiding the high cost of dimming equipment.
2) Separate switching of the lights on the window side of the room, which is
often lighted sufficiently by daylight
iii. Provide appropriate outlets for all special equipment in labs, shops, cooking
rooms, and the like.
iv. Use heavy-duty devices and key operated switches for public area lighting
(corridors, etc.), plastic instead of glass in fixtures, and vandal-proof
equipment wherever possible. All panels must be locked and should be in
locked closets
v. The NEC requires sufficient branch circuitry to provide a minimum of 3 w/sq
ft for general lighting in schools. Refer to the NEC Article No. 220. Unlike
residential occupancy this figure does not include receptacles. Receptacles
are calculated separately at 180 w each for ordinary convenience outlets.
vi. Keep lighting and receptacles completely separate when circuiting.

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 (b) Office Space
i. In small office spaces (less than 400 sq ft) provide either one outlet for every
40 sq ft, or one outlet for every 10 linear ft of wall space, whichever is greater.
In larger office spaces, provide one outlet every 100 to 125 sq ft beyond the
initial 400 sq ft (10 outlets). These should comprise wall outlets spaced as
above plus floor outlets sufficient to make up the required total. In view of the
increasingly heavy loads of office machines, these receptacles should be
circuited at no more than 6 to a 20-amp branch circuit, and less if the
equipment to be fed so dictates.
ii. Corridors should have a 20-amp, 220-v outlet every 50 ft, to supply cleaning
and waxing machines.
iii. As with all non-residential buildings, convenience receptacles are figured at
180 w each.
(c) Stores
In stores, good practice requires at least one convenience outlet receptacle for every 300
sq ft in addition to outlets required for loads such as lamps, show windows, and
demonstration appliances.

2.5 Load Tabulation and Riser Diagrams

2.5.1 Load Tabulation

While circuiting the loads, a panel schedule is drawn up which lists:

➢ The circuit numbers

➢ Load description (the type of the load)
➢ Wattage (actually in volt-amperes)
➢ The current ratings
➢ Number of poles of the circuit-protective device feeding each circuit and the
like

Spare circuits are included to the extent that the designer considers them necessary and
consonant with economy, but normally no less than 20% of the number of active circuits.
Finally, spaces are left for future circuit breakers, in approximately the same quantity as the
number of spare circuits, but always to round off the total number of circuits. A typical panel
schedule is shown on the next page as an example.

In calculating panel loads, the following rules apply:

(a) Each specific appliance, device, lighting fixture , or other load is taken at its nameplate
rating, except certain kitchen and laundry appliances for which the NEC allows a
demand factor. (See NEC Article 220.)
(b) Each convenience outlet, in other than residential spaces, is counted as1.5 amp (180 W).

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(c) Spare circuits are figured at approximately the same load as the average active circuits.
(d) Free spaces are not added into the load.
(e) Loads for special areas and devices such as show window lighting, heavy-duty lamp
holders, and multi outlet assemblies, are taken at the figures given in NEC Article 220.

Elect. Panel 220/380 3

No. Services Load in watts

R S T

1 Lighting 1050

2 Lighting 1050

3 Lighting-corridor 700

4 Lighting 1050

5 Lighting 800

6 Receptacles 900

7 Receptacles-corridor(single 900
pole)

8 Receptacles 900

9 Spare 1050

10 Spare 1050

Phase total 3150 3000 3300

Panel total 9450

Max.phase current 15 A

Main breaker_______________________

Feeder size________________________

Diversity factor______________

Schedule for lighting panel (example)

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Note: 1) In calculating total panel load, no demand factors may be applied except specifically
stated in the NEC. This is because feeders are calculated for maximum load to be carried, i.e.
100% demand factor is used.

The phase loads have to be approximately equally distributed over the three phases (if a three-
phase supply is utilized in an installation). It is the responsibility of the designer (or contractor)
to circuit the loads so that the phases are as closely balanced in load as possible. If this is not
done, one phase will carry considerably more current than the others. Since the panel feeder must
be sized for the maximum phase current, this may lead to an over sized feeder and therefore a
waste of money.

Feeder Capacity

The electric line (cable) that is running from the main distribution line to each sub distribution
board is known as Feeder. To achieve economy, the panel feeder must accommodate the initial
load plus some portion of the future load. One or more of the following procedures provides
spare capacity in feeders:
(a) Provide feeder for initial plus spare, with properly sized conduit. This method is generally
most economical.
(b) Provide feeder for initial plus spare, with conduit oversized by one size. Some additional
cost is entailed here. This is only used where large load expansion is anticipated.
(c) Provide for initial load plus spare, with an empty conduit for future. This method is
expensive because of high conduit cost, and it is infrequently advisable.

EXAMPLE: - Assume a single floor of an office building 10 m X 20 m. Calculate the required

number of panels, circuits for lighting.
Solution

Office space- illumination=300lux from table (EBCS-10)

First calculate the number of lamps required.

𝐸∗𝐴
N=𝑛∗𝛷∗𝐶𝑈∗𝑀𝐹 ,
Where cu=coefficient of utilization=0.55(semi direct lighting), MF=maintenance
factor=0.9
n* 𝛷 shows luminous flux produced per lamp.

Let’s select single fluorescent lamp which has efficiency of 60.(you can revise properties of
fluorescent lamps over incandescent)
300∗200
So, N=40∗60∗0.55∗0.9, n* 𝛷 =2400 luminous flux per lamp

N=51 single fluorescent lamps

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Total wattage=51*40=2040W

Assuming that each lightening branch circuit is 1300 W rated.

2040
Number of branch circuit for lightening=1300=1.5~2ckt

Receptacles:

To get the number of socket outlet in a given room, we simply take into account the furniture,
electronic equipments that located in that room and the functions of rooms.

Let’s take total number of receptacles =6(mostly 6 receptacles supplying from one branch ckt)

So, one branch ckt for socket is required.

Total wattage of receptacles=6*200=1200W (Each socket outlet point has wattage of 200 W for
one gage.)

The total no of circuits for lighting plus receptacles is 2 + 1 = 3 ckts

Spares is = 20% of total circuits

3*20% = 3*0.2 = 0.6 ~ 1ckt ~1200W

Total of 4 ckts.

The feeder current is

2040+1200+1200
I= =20.18A
220

Thus, the above feeder current 20.18amp.

2.5.2 Riser Diagrams

When all devices are circuited and panels are located and scheduled, we are ready to prepare a
riser diagram. A typical diagram, shown in Figure below, represents a block version of a single-
line diagram, as the name implies, vertical relationships are shown. All panels, feeders,
switches, switchboards, and major components are shown up to, but not including, branch
circuiting. This diagram is an electrical version of a vertical section taken through the building.

The main switchboard shown in the figure below constitutes a combination of service equipment
and feeder switchboard. The service equipment portion of the board comprises the metering and
the 4 main switches feeding risers, motor control center (MCC), roof, machine room, and
elevators.

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NEC: - National Electrification Code.

EBCS: - Ethiopian Building Code Standard.

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2.6 Wire and Cable Sizing and Selection, Voltage Drop Calculation

Cable Size Design procedure

The correct choice of cable size for any installation is dependent upon fundamental aspects of

a) Environmental conditions and characteristics of protection,

b) Current-carrying capacity of the cable and
c) Voltage drops of the cable.

When current flows through a conductor, the resistance offered by the conductor produces heat.
The increase in heat is proportional to the cable resistance, which in turn depends upon the cross-
sectional area of the cable. Since overheating damages the insulation, the conductor size must be
of adequate size to prevent this from occurring.

The requirements of IEE Regulations make it clear that circuits must be designed and the design
data made readily available. How then can we begin to design? Clearly, plunging into
calculations of cable size is of little value unless the type of cable and its method of installation
are known. This in turn will depend on the installation’s environment. At the same time, we
would need to know whether the supply was single or three phases, the type of earthing
arrangements, and so on. Here then is our starting point.

Having ascertained all the necessary details, we can decide on an installation method, the type of
cable, and how we will protect against electric shock and over currents. We would now be ready
to begin the calculation part of the design procedure.

Basically, there are eight stages in such a procedure. These are the same whatever the type of
installation, be it a lightening circuit, cooker circuit or a sub main cable feeding a distribution
board in a factory. Here they are the eight basic steps in a simplified form:

1. Determine the design current Ib.

2. Select the rating of the protection In
3. Select the relevant correction factors (CFs).
4. Divide In by the relevant CFs to give cable current-carrying capacity (Iz)
5. Choose a cable size to suit Iz
6. Check the voltage drop
7. Cheek for shock risk constraints
8. Cheek for thermal constraints.

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Let us now examine each stage in detail.

Design current

In many instances, the design current Ib is quoted by the manufacturer, but there are times when
it has been calculated. In this case there are two formulae involved, one for single phase and one
for three phases:

Single phase: Ib = P/V

Three phase: Ib = P/( √3 V)

If an item of equipment has a power factor and/or has efficiency (eff), it will have been taken
into account. Hence:

Single phase: Ib = (Px1000)/(V*PF*eff)

Three phase: Ib = (Px1000)/ (√3*V L/*PF*eff)

Nominal setting of protection:

Having determined Ib, we must now select the nominal setting of the protection In such that
In>I b. This value may be taken from IEE regulations.

Correction factors

When a cable carries its full load current, it can become warm. This is not a problem unless its
temperature rises further due to other influences, in which case the insulation could be damaged
by overheating. These other influences are:

➢ high ambient temperature

➢ cable grouped together closely
➢ uncleared over currents and
➢ contact with thermal insulation.

For each of these conditions there is a correction factor (CF) which will respectively called Ca,
Cg , Cf and Ci, and which de-rates cable current carrying capacity or conversely increases cable
size.

Ambient temperature Ca

The cable rating in the IEEE regulations are on an ambient temperature of 300C, and hence it is
only above this temperature that an adverse correction improvement is needed.

Grouping Cg

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 When cables are grouped together they impart heat to each other. Therefore the more cables
there are, the more heat they will generate, thus increasing the temperature of each cable. IEEE

regulation also gives factors for such groupings of the same cable sizes.

Protections by BS 3036 fuse Cf

Because of the high fusing factor of BS 3036 fuses, the rating of the fuse In, should be less than
or equal to 0.725Iz. Hence 0.725 is the correction factor to be used when BS 3036 fuses are used.

Images of BS 3036 fuses

Thermal Insulation Ci

With the modern trend, towards energy saving and the installation of thermal insulation, there
may be a need to derate cables to account for heat retention. IEE Regulation gives these factors
for situations when thermal insulation touches one side of a cable. However, if a cable is totally
surrounded by thermal insulation for more than 0.5 m, a factor of 0.5 must be applied to the
tabulated clipped direct ratings. For less than 0.5 m, derating factors should be applied.

Application of correction factors

Some or all of the onerous conditions just outlined may affect a cable along its whole length or
parts of it, but not all may affect it at the same time. If all conditions are to appear at the same
time consider all correction factors, otherwise take the worst.

Having chosen the relevant correction factors, we now apply them to the nominal rating of the
protection In as divisors in order to calculate the current carrying capacity Iz of the cable.

Current carrying capacity

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The required formula for current carrying capacity I z is

Iz= In/(relevant CFs)

Choice of cable size

Having established the current carrying capacity Iz of the cable to be used, it now remains to
choose a cable to suit that value. The IEE regulation also lists all the cable sizes, current carrying
capacity and voltage drops of varies types of cables. (These data is read from table).

Voltage drop

The resistance of a conductor increases as th e length increases and/or the cross-sectional area
decreases. Associated with an increased resistance is a drop in voltage, which means that a load
at the end of a long thin cable will not have the full supply voltage available. The IEE regulation
requires that the voltage drop Vd should not be so excessive that equipment does not function
safely. They further indicate that a drop of no more than 4% of the nominal voltage at the origin
of the circuit will satisfy. The voltage drop will be calculated using a formula (adopted by IEE
regulation):

Vd = mV * I b * L where mV- voltage drop in mV obtained from IEE table

L- total length of the cable in consideration.

Fundamental 3-phase Voltage-drop Calculations:

These are all based on the basic formula R =ρ l/A where ρ (rho) stands for resistivity.

• for copper conductor, ρ = 1.72x10-8

• for Aluminum conductor, ρ = 2.83x10-8

If resistance of a conductor at any temperature different from room temperature is required it can
be calculated using:

RT= RO (1+ αΔT) Where RT resistance at the required temperature

RO =ρ l/A resistance at room temperature; α -Expansion coefficient; α = 0.00393 - for

copper;

α = 0.0039 - for Aluminum; ΔT- Change in temperature

Resistivity is defined as the resistance between two opposite faces of a unit cube of the conductor
material. Many voltage-drop problems involve the determination of resistance by this means and
then multiplying by the current to obtain the IR drop. The weakness of this method, as against

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that adopted by use of the I.E.E. Tables, is that the Tables are much more realistic since they take
into account the actual type of cable and conditions of service.

Diversity Factor

The diversity factor has an important place in the design of an installation and its final costing.
IEE regulation 311-01 deals with this subject. Diversity factor is a factor which is applied to sub
main and main cables and their associated switch gears to reduce:

a) the cross sectional area of the cable conductor, and

b) The capacity of the switch gears.

The factor is based on the assumption that the whole of the connected load will not be turned on
at the same time. For example, the total lighting load in a dwelling house is rarely switched on at
a time. Thus, it can be taken that if the total lighting load is 1000W during the life of the
installation, only 66% of the load (660W) will be switched on at any one time. The factor in this
instance is 0.66. A factor for diversity shall not be allowed for calculating the size of circuit
conductor and switchgears of final sub circuits, other than specified circuits such as cooker
circuits. It is noted that the provision of an allowance for diversity is a matter of calling for a
special knowledge and experience. Indeed, the application of the diversity should be decided by
the engineer responsible for designing each particular installation. The amount by which they are
increased or decreased for each installation is a matter for the installation engineer to decide.

There are ten types of final circuit fed from wiring to which diversity applies:

➢ lighting
➢ heating
➢ cooking appliances which are permanently connected
➢ motors (other than lifting motors)
➢ instantaneous-type water heater
➢ thermostatically controlled water heater
➢ floor-warming installation
➢ thermal-storage space-heating installation
➢ 13A fused socket outlets and appliance fed there from and
➢ Other socket outlets such as 15A sockets.

The general groups of installation premises are also recognized:

1) Individual domestic installation, including individual flats of a block.

2) Hotels, boarding house, lodging houses etc.
3) Shops, stores, offices and business premises

In the case of lighting for each type of installation, it will be noticed that the more the total
lighting load is likely to switched on over definite periods, the smaller is the allowance made for

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diversity. In a domestic installation, it is estimated that some two- thirds (0.66) of the lighting
load will be on at any one time. In a hotel, the figure is 75%(0.75), and in a shop, where virtually
all the lights are on for most of the time when the shop is open, the figure is 90% (0.90). It
should be noted that no diversity is allowable in the relevant wiring supplying certain types of
load.

Example 1

From EBCS-10. Table B.1, select cables of suitable current-carrying capacity for the following
loads and conditions (p.v.c. cables to BS 6004 into screwed conduit).

(a) 240 V single-phase sub-mains of lighting load totaling 10.5 kW. Length of run 10 m.
Average ambient temperature 25oC, diversity 66%

(b) 400 V balanced 3-phase power circuit. Load 18.65 kW, efficiency, 80%, power factor 0.69.
Average temperature 30oC. Length of runs 100 m.

Solution : (a) Current taken by load = Power / Voltage

10.5 ∗ 1000
= = 43.75 A
240

43.75 ∗ 66
Allowing for diversity, maximum current through cables = = 28.88 A
100

• If BS 88 32-A circuit breaker is chosen for protection, 32 A rated circuit breaker can be
selected from table 9.1.

→ In = 32 Amp

• The correction factor for ambient temperature from Table A.4 for250C is 1.06.

Therefore the required cable rating:

32
Iz = = 30.2 A
1.06

From Table B.1, choose a 4 mm2 conductor which carries 32A.

• Testing for Voltage drop = (mV/Am) * I * l

→ From table B.2 voltage drop for 4mm2 conductor size = 11mv/Am
→ Voltage drop on cable = 11 mv/Am * 28.8 A * 10 m = 3.168 V
→ Maximum allowable voltage drop = 2.5% of 240 V = 6V.

Since the actual voltage drop is less than from the allowable maximum voltage drop, selected
size is 4 mm2

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 • If BS 3036 fuse is chosen for protection, this fuse type requires a correction factor of
0.725.
In = 32 Amp
• ƒ Therefore the load current will be :
→ Iz = In/CF CF- Correction Factors.
Ca = 1.06, Cf = 0.725
32 𝐴𝑚𝑝
• ƒ Required cable rating Iz = = 41.64 Amp.
1.06 ∗ 0.725
From Table B.1, a 6mm2 conductor carries 41 A. And a 10mm2 conductor carries 57 A.
Take 10mm2 diameter conductor.
• Testing for Voltage drop = (mV/Am) * I * l
→ From table B.2 voltage drop for 6mm2 conductor size = 7.3mv/Am
→ Voltage drop on cable = 4.4 mv/Am * 28.8 A * 10 m = 1.27 V
→ Maximum allowable voltage drop = 2.5% of 240 V = 6V.
Since the actual voltage drop is less than from the allowable maximum voltage drop,
selected size is 10mm2.

Comment: you can easily observe that the conductor size deference in using Circuit breaker
and fuses.
𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
Solution of (b): efficiency = Input

𝑘𝑊 ∗ 1000
= √3VI cosφ

80 18.65 ∗ 1000
=
100 √3 ∗ 400 ∗ I ∗ 0.69

18.65 ∗ 1 000 ∗ 100

I = √3 ∗ 400 ∗ 80 ∗ 0.69 = 48.77 A.

✓ From table 9.1, 50 A circuit-breaker of type BS 3871 can use for protection.

→ In = 50 Amp

• Load current will be :

→ Iz = In/CF CF- Correction Factors.
CF = 1 because Ca = 1.
→ Iz = 50 A
• Choose 16 mm2cable which is capable of carrying 52 A.
• Testing for Voltage drop:
Maximum voltage drop = 2.5% of 400 V = 10V.
Voltage drop on the cable = (mV/Am) * I * l
= 2.3 * 48.77 * 100
= 11.22 V this is beyond the allowable voltage drop.

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 So, choose the next cable size, which is 25mm2.
Voltage drop for 25 mm2 = 1.7 * 43.77 * 100 = 8.29 V
Therefore selected size is 25 mm2.

Comment: This is one of the situations where the voltage drop becomes the main determining
Factor of the from table 9.1, 50 A BS 3036 fuse can used for protection.

→ In = 50 A

→ Correction factor for the fuse is Cf= 0.725

→ Load current Iz = In / CF = In / Cf

→ Iz = 50 A / 0.725 = 68.966 A

From table B.3 select 25mm2 cable which carries 97 A

• Testing for Voltage drop:

Voltage drop on the cable = (mV/Am) * I * l

Voltage drop for 25 mm2 = 1.7 x 48.77 x 100 = 8.29 V

Therefore selected size is 25 mm2 conductor sizes.

Example 2

A 30m run of twin and earth single layer p.v.c. cables non-armored four touching copper cables
are situated in an ambient temperature of 35 0C. Determine the minimum size of cable to supply
a 240-V 10-kW load. Protection given by:

(a) Miniature circuit-breaker (m.c.b.)

(b) Rewritable fuse.

Solution of (a)
𝑝
Ib = v

10000
Ib = = 41.67 A.
240

Ib = 41.67 A. 50-Amp m.c.b. is adequate for protection of 41.67 Amp.

In = 50 A. And from Table B.1 correction factor for 35 0C=0.94

Ca = 0.94.
From table A.1, Correction factor for cables group together is 0.75
Cg = 0.75

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 50
Required cable current rating Iz = = 70.9 A
0.94 x 0.75

→ Iz = 70.9 A
From Table B.3 (for multi core cable) 16mm2 cable carries 69A.
Testing for Voltage drop:
Maximum voltage drop = 2.5% of 220 V = 5.5V
Voltage drop on the cable = (mV/Am) * I * l
= (2.8 mV/A m) * 41.67 A * 30m
= 3.50 V this is within the allowable voltage drop. so, choose cable size of
2
16mm
Solution of (b)
Ib = 41.67 A.
Assume that a rewirable fuse type that requires a correction factor of 0.725 is
used. So Cf = 0.725
→ In = 50 A.
50
Required cable rating Iz = = 97.8 A
0.94 x 0.75 x 0.725

→ Iz = 97.8 A
From Table B.3 (for multi core cable) 35 mm2 cable carries 111 Amp.
Testing for Voltage drop:
Voltage drop on the cable = (mV/Am) * I * l
= ( mV/A m) * 41.67 A * 30m
= V < 5.5V
2.
So, choose cable size of 35mm
Comment. The example exhibits once again the considerable economic savings which can
be gained by fitting an m.c.b. or correct cartridge fuse in place of the rewirable type..

22