SP 30 : 2011

SECTION 9 WIRING INSTALLATIONS

0 FOREWORD 3.5 Conduit System — A closed wiring system

consisting of conduits and conduit fittings for the
A major portion of fixed installation design in a
protection and management of insulated conductors
building relates to wiring installation. This Section of
and/or cables in electrical or communication
the Code is primarily intended to cover guidelines on
installations, allowing them to be drawn in and/or
design and construction of wiring installations which
replaced, but not inserted laterally.
are commonly applicable to all types of occupancies.
The requirements specified in this Section are based NOTE — Within the conduit system there shall be no sharp
edges, burrs or surface projections which are likely to
on safety and reliability considerations.
damage insulated conductors or cables or inflict injury to
The general design guidelines for wiring given in this the installer or user. The manufacturer shall be responsible
for providing guidelines to assist the safe installation of the
Section have to be carefully considered while applying conduit system.
them to specific occupancies and a proper selection of
the method is to be decided depending on local 3.6 Distribution Board — A unit comprising one or
conditions. Guidance on such matters is covered in more protective devices against over current and
respective Sections of the Code. ensuring the distribution of electrical energy to the
circuits.
Assistance for this Section has been derived from
IEC 60364-5-52 (20001) ‘Electrical installations 3.7 Luminaire — Apparatus which distributes, filters
of buildings — Part 5-52: Selection and erection of or transforms the light transmitted from one or more
electrical equipment — Wiring systems’. lamps and which includes all the parts necessary for
supporting, fixing and protecting the lamps, but not
1 SCOPE the lamps themselves, and where necessary circuit
auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them
This Section 9 of the Code covers the essential design
to the supply.
and constructional requirements for electrical wiring
installations. 4 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS FOR
SELECTION OF WIRING SYSTEMS
2 REFERENCES
A list of relevant Indian Standards on electrical wiring 4.1 Cable and Conductors for Low/Medium Voltage
is given at Annex A. Every non-flexible cable cord for use at low/medium
voltage, busbar trunking system, and every conductor
3 TERMINOLOGY
other than a cable for use as an overhead line operating
For the purpose of this Part 1/Section 9, the definitions at low medium voltage shall comply with the
given in Part 1/Section 2 of this Code and the following appropriate Indian Standards.
shall apply.
Flexible cable or flexible cord shall be used for fixed
3.1 Cable Ducting System — A system of closed wiring only where the relevant provisions of this Code
enclosure of non-circular sections for insulated are met.
conductors, cable and cords in electrical installations,
4.1.1 Cable for ac Circuits — Electromagnetic Effects
allowing them to be drawn in and replaced.
Single-core cables armoured with steel wire or tape
3.2 Conduit Fitting — A device designed to join or
shall not be used for ac circuits. Conductors of ac
terminate one or more components of a conduit system,
circuits installed in ferromagnetic enclosure shall be
or change direction.
arranged so that the conductors of all phases and the
3.3 Conduit Joint — An interface between two or more neutral conductor (if any) and the appropriate
components of a conduit system, or between a conduit protective conductor of each circuit are contained in
system and other equipment. the same enclosure.
3.4 Cable Trunking System — A system of closed Where such conductors enter a ferrous enclosure they
enclosures comprising a base with a removable cover shall be arranged so that the conductors are not
intended for the complete surrounding of insulated individually surrounded by a ferrous material, or other
conductors, cables, cords and/or for the provision shall be made to prevent eddy (induced)
accommodation of other electrical equipment. currents.

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SP 30 : 2011

4.1.2 Electromechanical Stresses or more of the following methods, or an equally

effective method, shall be used to-protect the wiring
Every conductor or cable shall have adequate strength
system:
and be so installed as to withstand the
electromechanical forces that may be caused by any a) shielding.
current, including fault current it may have to carry in b) placing sufficiently far from the source of
service. heat.
c) selecting a system with due regard for the
4.2 Conduits and Conduit Fittings
additional temperature rise which may occur.
A conduit or conduit fitting shall comply with the d) reducing the current-carrying capacity.
appropriate Indian Standard.
e) local reinforcement or substitution of
4.3 Trunking, Ducting and Fittings insulating material.
NOTE — Heat from external sources may be radiated,
Where applicable, trunking, ducting and their fittings convected or conducted, for example
shall comply with IS 14927. Where IS 14927 does not
a) from hot water systems,
apply, non-metallic trunking, ducting and their fittings
b) from plant appliances and luminaires,
shall be of insulating material complying with the
c) from manufacturing process,
ignitability characteristic ‘P’ of relevant Indian
e) through heat conducting materials,
Standard.
f) from solar gain of the wiring system or its surrounding
medium.
4.4 Lighting Track Systems
Parts of a cable or flexible cord within an accessory,
A lighting track system shall comply with relevant
appliance or luminaire shall be suitable for the
Indian Standard
temperatures likely to be encountered, or shall be provided
4.5 Methods of Installation of Cables and with additional insulation suitable for those temperatures.
Conductors
4.6.3 Presence of Water (AD) or High Humidity (AB)
The methods of installation of a wiring system for
A wiring system shall be selected and erected so that
which the Code specifically provides are at 6. Other
no damage is caused by high humidity or ingress of
methods can be used provided that compliance with
water during installation, use and maintenance. Where
the Code is maintained.
water may collect or condensation may form in a wiring
A bare live conductor shall be installed on insulators. system provision shall be made for its harmless escape
Non-sheathed cables for fixed wiring shall be enclosed through suitably located drainage points. Where a
in conduit, ducting or trunking. Where cables having wiring system may be subjected to waves (AD6),
different temperature ratings are installed in the same protection against mechanical damage shall be afforded
enclosure, all the cables shall be deemed to have the by one or more of the methods given in 4.6.6 to 4.6.8.
lowest temperature ratings.
4.6.4 Presence of Solid Foreign Bodies (AE)
4.6 Selection and Erection in Relation to External
A wiring system shall be selected and erected to
Influences
minimize the ingress of solid foreign bodies during
Table 1 of Part 1/Section 8 contains a concise list of installation, use and maintenance. In a location where
external influences which need to be taken into account dust or other substance in significant quantity may be
in the selection and erection of wiring systems. present (AE4: Light dust, AE5: Moderate dust or AE6:
Heavy Dust) additional precautions shall be taken to
4.6.1 Ambient Temperature (AA)
prevent its accumulation in quantities which could
A wiring system shall be selected and erected so as to adversely affect the heat dissipation from the wiring
be suitable for the highest and lowest local ambient system.
temperature likely to be encountered. The components
4.6.5 Presence of Corrosive or Polluting Substances
of a wiring system, including cables and wiring
(AF)
enclosures shall be installed or handled only at
temperatures within the limits stated in the relevant Where the presence of corrosive or polluting substances
product specification or as recommended by the is likely to give rise to corrosion or deterioration, parts
manufacturer. of the wiring system likely to be affected shall be
suitably protected or manufactured from materials
4.6.2 External Heat Sources
resistant to such substances. Metals liable to initiate
To avoid the effects of heat from external sources one electrolytic action shall not be placed in contact with

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each other. Materials liable to cause mutual or Where compliance as above is impracticable, the
individual deterioration or hazardous degradation shall concealed cable shall incorporate an earthed metallic
not be placed in contact with each other. covering which complies with the requirements of this
Code for a protective conductor of the circuit
4.6.6 Impact (AG)
concerned, or shall be enclosed in earthed conduit,
A wiring system shall be selected and erected so as to trunking or ducting satisfying the requirements of this
minimize mechanical damage. In a fixed installation Code for a protective conductor, or by mechanical
where an impact of medium severity (AG2) or high protection sufficient to prevent penetration of the cable
severity (AG3) can occur, protection shall be afforded by nails, screws and the like.
by:
4.6.7 Vibration (AH)
a) the mechanical characteristics of the wiring
A wiring system supported by, or fixed to, a structure
system, or
or equipment subject to vibration of medium severity
b) the location selected, or
(AH2) or high severity (AH3) shall be suitable for the
c) the provision of additional local or general conditions and in particular shall employ cable with
mechanical protection, fixings and connections suitable for such a situation.
or by any combination of the above. 4.6.8 Other Mechanical Stresses (AJ)
Except where installed in a conduit or duct which A wiring system shall be selected and erected so as to
provides equivalent mechanical protection, a cable minimize during installation, use and maintenance,
buried in the ground shall be of a construction damage to the sheath and insulation of cables and
incorporating an armour or metal sheath or both, or be insulated conductors and their terminations.
of insulated concentric construction. Such cable shall
be marked by cable covers or a suitable marking tape Where the wiring system is designed to be
or by suitable identification of the conduit or duct and withdrawable there shall be adequate means of access
be buried at a sufficient depth to avoid being damaged for drawing cable in or out and, if buried in the
by any disturbance of the ground reasonably likely to structure, a conduit or cable ducting system for each
occur. circuit shall be completely erected before cable is
drawn in. The radius of every bend in a wiring system
A wiring system buried in a floor shall be sufficiently shall be such that conductors and cables shall not suffer
protected to prevent damage caused by the intended damage. Where a conductor or a cable is not
use of the floor.
continuously supported it shall be supported by suitable
Where a cable is installed under a floor or above a means at appropriate intervals in such a manner that
ceiling it shall be run in such a position that it is not the conductor or cable does not suffer damage by its
liable to be damaged by contact with the floor or the own weight. Every cable or conductor used as fixed
ceiling or their fixings. Where a cable passes through wiring shall be supported in such a way that it is not
a timber joist within a floor or ceiling construction or exposed to undue mechanical strain and so that there
through a ceiling support ( for example, under is no appreciable mechanical strain on the terminations
floorboards), the cable shall be at least 50 mm measured of the conductors, account being taken of mechanical
vertically from the top, or bottom as appropriate, of strain imposed by the supported weight of the cable or
the joist or batten. Alternatively, cable shall incorporate conductor itself. A flexible wiring system shall be
an earthed metallic sheath suitable for use as a installed so that excessive tensile and torsional stresses
protective conductor or shall be protected by enclosure to the conductors and connections are avoided.
in earthed steel conduit securely supported, or by
4.6.9 Presence of Flora and/or Mould Growth (AK)
equivalent mechanical protection sufficient to prevent
penetration of the cable by nails, screws, and the like. Where expected conditions constitute a hazard (AK2),
the wiring system shall be selected accordingly or
Where a cable is to be concealed within a wall or
special protective measures shall be adopted.
partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface
its method of erection shall be that the cable shall be 4.6.10 Presence of Fauna (AL)
installed within 150 mm of the top of the wall or
Where expected conditions constitute a hazard (AL2),
partition within 150 mm of an angle formed by two
the wiring system shall be selected accordingly or
adjoining walls or partitions. Where the cable is
special protective measures shall be adopted.
connected to a point or accessory on the wall or
partition, the cable may be installed outside these zones 4.6.11 Solar Radiation (AN)
only in straight runs, either horizontally or vertically,
Where significant solar radiation (AN2) is experienced
to the point or accessory or switch gear.
PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 39
SP 30 : 2011

or expected, a wiring system suitable for the conditions normal voltage of the supply.
shall be selected and erected or adequate shielding shall
A greater voltage drop maybe accepted for a motor
be provided.
during starting periods and for other equipment with
4.6.12 Building Design (CB) high inrush currents provided it is verified that the
voltage variations are within the limits specified in the
Where structural movement (CB3) is experienced or
relevant Indian Standards for the equipment or, in the
expected, the cable support and protection system absence of a Indian Standard, in accordance with the
employed shall be capable of permitting relative manufacturer’s recommendations. Temporary
movement so that conductors are not subjected to conditions such as voltage transients and voltage
excessive mechanical stress. variation due to abnormal operation may be
For flexible or unstable structures (CB4) flexible wiring disregarded.
systems shall be used.
4.9 Cross-sectional Areas of Conductors
4.7 Current — Carrying Capacity of Conductors 4.9.1 Phase Conductors in ac Circuits and Live
The current to be carried by any conductor for sustained Conductors in dc Circuits
periods during normal operation shall be such that the The nominal cross-sectional area of phase conductors
appropriate temperature limit specified is not exceeded. in ac circuits and of live conductors in dc circuits shall
See various parts of IS 3961 for details. be not less than the values specified in Table 1.
4.8 Voltage Drop in Consumer’s Installations 4.10 Neutral Conductors
Under normal service conditions the voltage at the For a polyphase circuit in which imbalance may occur
terminals of any fixed current-using equipment shall in normal service, through significant inequality of
be greater than the lower limit corresponding to the loading or of power factor in the various phases, or
Indian Standard relevant to the equipment wherever through the presence of significant harmonic currents
existing. In the absence of such a standard, then the in the various phases, the neutral conductor shall have
Voltage at the terminals shall be such as not to impair a cross-sectional area adequate to afford compliance
the safe functioning of the equipment. with permissible conductor operating temperature for
The voltage drop between the origin of the installation the maximum current likely to flow in it.
(usually the supply terminal) and the fixed current- For a polyphase circuit in which serious imbalance is
using equipment should not exceed 4 percent of the unlikely to occur in normal service, other than a

Table 1 Minimum Nominal Cross-sectional Area of Conductor

(Clause 4.9.1)
Sl Type of Wiring System Use of the Circuit Conductor
No.
Material Minimum permissible nominal
cross-sectional area
mm2
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) Cables and insulated conductors Lighting circuits Cu 1.5
Cu 2.5
Power Circuits Al 10 (see Note 1)
Signalling and control circuits Cu 0.5 (see Note 2)
ii) Bare conductors Power circuits Cu 10
Al 16
Signalling and control circuits Cu 4
iii) Flexible connections with For a specific appliance Cu As specified in the relevant
insulated conductors and cables Indian Standard
For any other application 0.5 (see Note 2)
Extra low voltage circuits for special 0.5
applications
NOTES
1 Connectors used to terminate aluminium conductors shall be tested and approved for this specific use.
2 In multicore flexible cables containing 7 or more cores and in signalling control circuits intended for electronic equipment a
minimum nominal cross-sectional area of 0.1 mm is permitted.

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discharge lighting current, multi-core cables with the relevant glow wire test requirements
incorporating a reduced neutral conductor in of IS 11000 (Part 2/Sec 1).
accordance with the appropriate Indian Standard may d) an enclosure formed or completed with
be used. Where single — core cables are used in such building material considered to be non-
circuits, the neutral conductor shall have a combustible when tested appropriate Indian
cross-sectional area appropriate to the expected value Standard relating to IS 3808.
of the neutral current. e) an enclosure formed or completed by part of
In a discharge lighting circuit the neutral conductor the building structure, having the ignitability
shall have a cross-sectional area not less than that of characteristic ‘P’ as specified in appropriate
the phase conductor(s). Indian Standard.
Cores of sheathed cables from which the sheath has
4.11 Electrical Connections
been removed and non-sheathed cables at the
4.11.1 Connections Between Conductors and Between termination of conduit, ducting or trunking shall be
a Conductor and Equipment enclosed as per specified enclosure at (b) above.
Every connection between conductors and between a 4.11.4 Accessibility of Connections
conductor and equipment shall provide durable
Except for the following, every connection and joint
electrical continuity and adequate mechanical strength
shall be accessible for inspection, test and maintenance:
(see 4.6.8).
a) a compound-filled or encapsulated joint.
4.11.2 Selection of Means of Connection
b) a connection between a cold tail and a heating
The selection of the means of connection shall take element (for example, a ceiling and floor
account, as appropriate, of the following: heating system, a pipe trace-heating system).
a) material of the conductor and its insulation. c) a joint made by welding, soldering, brazing
b) number and shape of the wires forming the or compression tool.
conductor.
4.12 Selection and Erection to Minimize the Spread
c) cross-sectional area of the conductor. of Fire
d) number of conductors to be connected
together. 4.12.1 Risk of Spread of Fire
e) temperature attained by the terminals in The risk of spread of fire shall be minimized by
normal service such that the effectiveness of selection of an appropriate material and erection in
the insulation of the conductors connected to accordance with this Code. The wiring system shall
them is not impaired. be installed so that the general building structural
f) where a soldered connection is used the design performance and fire safety are not materially reduced.
shall take account of creep, mechanical stress A part of a wiring system which complies with the
and temperature rise under fault current requirements of the relevant Indian Standard, which
conditions. standard has no requirement for testing for resistance
g) provision of adequate locking arrangements to the propagation of flame, shall be completely
in situations subject to vibration or thermal enclosed in non-combustible building material having
cycling. the ignitability characteristic “P”.

4.11.3 Enclosed Connections Where a wiring system passes through elements of

building construction such as floors, walls, roofs,
Where a connection is made in an enclosure. The ceilings, partitions or cavity barriers, the openings
enclosure shall provide adequate mechanical protection remaining after passage of the wiring system shall be
and protection against relevant external influences. sealed according to the degree of fire resistance
Every termination and joint in a live conductor or a required of the element concerned (if any).
PEN conductor shall be made within one of the
following or a combination thereof: Where a wiring system such as conduit, cable ducting,
cable trunking, busbar or busbar trunking penetrates
a) a suitable accessory complying with the elements of building construction having specified fire
appropriate Indian Standard. resistance it shall be internally sealed so as to maintain
b) an equipment enclosure, complying with the the degree of fire resistance of the respective element
appropriate Indian Standard. as well as being externally sealed to maintain the
c) a suitable enclosure of material complying required fire resistance. A non-flame propagating

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 41

SP 30 : 2011

wiring system having a maximum internal 4.13.1.2 A low voltage circuit shall be separated from
cross-section of 710 mm2 need not be internally sealed. an extra-low voltage circuit.
Except for fire resistance over one hour, this 4.13.1.3 Where an installation comprises circuits for
requirement is satisfied if the sealing of the wiring telecommunication, fire-alarm or emergency lighting
system concerned has been type tested by the method systems as well as circuits operating at low voltage
specified in relevant Indian Standard. and connected directly to a mains supply system,
appropriate precautions shall be taken to prevent
Each sealing arrangement used as above shall comply
electrical contact between the cables of the various
with the following requirements:
types of circuit.
a) It shall be compatible with the material of the
4.13.1.4 Fire alarm and emergency lighting circuits
wiring system with which it is in contact, and
shall be segregated from all other cables and from each
b) It shall permit thermal movement of the other.
wiring system without reduction of the sealing
quality, 4.13.1.5 Where a common conduit, trunking, duct or
c) It shall be removable without damage to ducting is used to contain cables of category 1 and
existing cable where space permits future category 2 circuits, all cables of category 1 circuits
extension to be made, and shall be effectively partitioned from the cables of
category 2 circuits, or alternatively the latter cables
d) It shall resist relevant external influences to
shall be insulated in accordance with the requirements
the same degree as the wiring system with
of the clauses for the highest voltage present in the
which it is used.
category 1 circuits (see also 4.13.1.8).
4.12.2 Erection Conditions
4.13.1.6 Where a category 3 circuit is installed in a
During the erection of a wiring system temporary channel or trunking containing a circuit of any other
sealing arrangements shall be provided as appropriate. category, the circuits shall be segregated by a
During alteration work sealing which has been continuous partition such that the specified integrity
disturbed shall be reinstated as soon as practicable. of the category 3 circuit is not reduced. Partitions shall
also be provided at any common outlets in a trunking
4.12.3 Verification
system accommodating a category 3 circuit and a
Each sealing arrangement shall be visually inspected circuit of another category. Where mineral-insulated
at an appropriate time during erection to verify that it cable, or cable whose performance complies with
conforms to the manufacturer’s erection instructions appropriate Indian Standard relating to specification
and the details shall be recorded. for performance requirements for cables required to
maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions, is used
4.13 Proximity to Other Services for the category 3 circuit such a partition is not normally
4.13.1 Proximity to Electrical Services required.

4.13.1.1 Neither an extra-low voltage nor a low voltage 4.13.1.7 In conduit, duct, ducting or trunking systems,
circuit shall be contained within the same wiring system where controls or outlets for category l and category 2
as a circuit of nominal voltage exceeding that of low circuits are mounted in or on a common box,
voltage unless every cable is insulated for the highest switchplate or block, the cables and connections of the
voltage present or one of the following methods is two categories, of circuit shall be segregated by a
adopted: partition which, if of metal, shall be earthed. .

a) each conductor in a multicore cable is 4.13.1.8 Where cores of a category 1 and a category 2
insulated for the highest voltage present in circuit are contained in a common multicore cable,
the cable, or is enclosed within an earthed flexible cable or flexible cord, the cores of the category
metallic screen of current-carrying capacity 2 circuit shall be insulated individually or collectively
equivalent to that of the largest conductor as a group, in accordance with the requirements of this
enclosed within the screen, or Code, for the highest voltage present in the category 1
circuit, or alternatively shall be separated from the cores
b) the cables are insulated for the irrespective
of the category 1 circuit by an earthed metal screen of
system voltages and installed in a separate
equivalent current-carrying capacity to that of the cores
compartment of a cable ducting or cable
of the category 1 circuit. Where terminations of the
trunking system, or have an earthed metallic
two categories of circuit are mounted in or on a
covering.

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common box, switchplate, or block, they shall be Breaker (MCB) Board System’ is most commonly
segregated in accordance with 4.13.1.7. adopted for distribution of electrical energy in a
building. Appropriate protection shall be provided at
4.13.2 Proximity to Non-electrical Services
distribution boards and at all levels of panels and
4.13.2.1 Where a wiring system is located in close switchboards for all circuits and sub-circuits against
proximity to a non-electrical service both the following short circuit, over-current and other parameters as
conditions shall be met: required. The protective device shall be capable of
interrupting maximum prospective short circuit current
a) the wiring system shall be suitably protected
that may occur, without danger. The ratings and settings
against the hazards likely to arise from the
of fuses and the protective devices shall be co-ordinated
presence of the other service in normal use, and
so as to afford selectivity in operation. Where circuit-
b) protection against indirect contact shall be breakers are used for protection of a main circuit and
afforded in accordance with Part 1/Section 7 of the sub-circuits derived there from, discrimination
of this Code. in operation may be achieved by adjusting the
4.13.2.2 A wiring system shall not be installed in the protective devices of the sub-main circuit breakers to
vicinity of a service which produces heat, smoke or operate at lower current settings and shorter time-lag
fume likely to be detrimental to the wiring, unless than the main circuit-breaker. It is recommended to
protected from harmful effects by shielding arranged provide residual current device (RCD) of 300/500 mA
so as not to affect the dissipation of heat from the wiring. rating as part of the main board at the entry of the
building and of 30 mA rating as part of the sub-
4.13.2.3 Where a wiring system is routed near a service distribution board.
liable to cause condensation (such as water, steam or
gas services ) precautions shall be taken to protect the Where high rupturing capacity (HRC) type fuses are
wiring system from deleterious effects. used for back-up protection of circuit breakers, or
where HRC fuses are used for protection of main
4.13.2.4 Where a wiring system is to be installed in
circuits, and circuit-breakers for the protection of sub-
proximity to a non-electrical service it shall be so
circuits derived therefrom, in the event of short-circuits
arranged that any foreseeable operation carried out on
protection exceeding the short-circuits protection
either service will not cause damage to the other. exceeding the short-circuits capacity of the circuit
4.13.2.5 Any metal sheath or armour of a cable breakers, the HRC fuses shall operate earlier than the
operating at low voltage, or metal conduit, duct, ducting circuit-breakers; but for smaller overloads within the
and trunking or bare protective conductor associated short-circuit capacity of the circuit-breakers, the circuit-
with the cable which might make contact with fixed breakers shall operate earlier than the HRC fuse blows.
metalwork of other services shall be either segregated If rewireable type fuses are used to protect sub-circuits
from it, or bonded to it. derived from a main circuit protected by HRC type
fuses, the main circuit fuse shall normally blow in the
4.13.2.6 No cable shall be run in a lift (or hoist) shaft
event of a short-circuit or earth fault occurring on sub-
unless it forms part of the lift installation as defined in
circuit, although discrimination may be achieved in
the appropriate Indian Standard relating to Lifts and
respect of overload currents. The use of rewireable
Service Lifts.
fuses is restricted to the circuits with short-circuit level
4.14 Selection and Erection in Relation to of 4 kA; for higher level either cartridge or high
Maintainability, Including Cleaning rupturing capacity (HRC) fuses shall be used.
Where any protective measure must be removed in A fuse carrier shall not be fitted with a fuse element
order to carry out maintenance, reinstatement of the larger than that for which the carrier is designed. The
protective measure shall be practicable without current rating of a fuse shall not exceed the current
reducing the original degree of protection. Provision rating of the smallest cable in the circuit protected by
shall be made for safe and adequate access to all parts the fuse. Every fuse shall have its own case or cover
of the wiring system which may require maintenance. for the protection of the circuit and an indelible
indication of its appropriate current rating in an
5 MAINS INTAKE AND DISTRIBUTION OF adjacent conspicuous position.
ELECTRICAL ENERGY IN CONSUMERS’ In Fig. 1, the two copper strips (busbars) fixed in a
PREMISES distribution board of hard wood or metal or other non-
metal insulating case are connected to the “supply
5.1 Distribution Board System
mains” through a linked switch with fuse or linked
Distribution board system, also known as ‘Distribution circuit breaker on each live conductor, so that the
Fuse Board System’ or ‘Distribution Miniature Circuit installation can be switched off as whole from both

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 43

SP 30 : 2011

FIG. 1 A T YPICAL DISTRIBUTION BOARD SYSTEM

poles of the supply, if required. A fuse or MCB is shall be connected to a common link and be capable
inserted in the phase pole of each circuit, so that each of being disconnected individually for testing purposes.
circuit is connected up through its own particular fuse At least one spare circuit of the same capacity shall be
or MCB. The lamps, fans, socket outlets for other provided on each branch distribution board. Further,
domestic appliances consisting each circuit need not the individual branching circuits (outgoing) shall be
necessarily be in the same room or even on the same protected against overcurrent with miniature circuit
floor in case of a small building and simply allocated breaker of adequate rating. In residential/industrial
to each circuit in such a way that the raceways or runs lighting installations, the various circuits shall be
for connecting them is most convenient and separated and each circuit shall be individually
economical. The distribution board has 4 ways for four protected so that in the event of fault, only the particular
circuits but the number of ways and the circuits can be circuit gets disconnected.
more, provided the cable feeding the board is large
5.1.1.2 Functionally the residential installation wiring
enough to carry the total load current.
shall be separate for ceiling and higher levels in walls,
The practice in residential and similar commercial portable or stationery plug in equipments. For devices
buildings is to restrict the maximum number of points consuming high power and which are to be supplied
of lights, fans and socket outlets in a final circuit. In through supply cord and plug, separate wiring shall be
order to ensure safety, in case more points are required done. For plug-in equipment provisions shall be made
to be connected to the supply, then it is to be done by for providing ELCB protection in the sub-distribution
having more than one final circuits. board. It is preferable to have additional circuit for
kitchen and bathrooms. Such sub-circuit shall not have
5.1.1 Main and Branch Distribution Board Systems more than a total of ten points of light, fans and 6A
5.1.1.1 The rating or setting of over-current protection socket outlets. The load of such circuit shall be
devices shall be so chosen as to be suitable for restricted to 800 W. If a separate fan circuit is provided,
protection of cables and conductors used in the circuit. the number of fans in the circuit shall not exceed ten.
Main distribution board shall be provided with a circuit- Power sub-circuit shall be designed according to the
breaker on each pole of each circuit, or a switch with a load but in no case shall there be more than two 16A
fuse on the phase or live conductor and a link on the outlets on each sub-circuit. The circuits for lighting of
neutral or earthed conductor of each circuit. The common area shall be separate. For large halls 3-wire
switches shall always be linked. Main and branch control with individual control and master control shall
distribution boards shall be provided, along with surge be made for effective conservation of energy.
protective device and earth leakage protective device 5.1.1.3 In industrial and other similar installations
(incoming), with a fuse or a miniature circuit breaker requiring the use of group control for switching
or both of adequate rating/setting on the live conductor operation circuits for socket outlets may be kept
of each sub-circuit and the earthed neutral conductor separate from fans and lights. Normally, fans and lights

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may be wired on a common circuit, however, if need b) sub-distribution boards, also called branch
is felt separate circuits may be provided for the two. distribution boards or final circuit distribution
The load on any low voltage sub-circuit shall not exceed boards.
3 000 W. In a case of new installation, all circuits and c) final circuits to loads, are decided as per the
sub-circuits shall be designed by making a provision number of points to be wires and load to be
of 20 percent increase in load due to any future connected per circuit and total load to be
modification. Power sub-circuits shall be designed connected to the supply system.
according to the load but in no case shall there be more
than four outlets on each sub-circuit. In industrial 5.1.1.7 For determination of load of an installation,
installations the branch distribution board shall be the following ratings may be assumed, unless the values
totally segregated for single-phase distribution and are known or specified:
wiring.
Connected Device Rating for Calculating
5.1.1.4 In wiring installations at special places like Connected Load
construction sites, stadium, shipyards, open yards in
Fluorescent lamp 40 W
industrial plants, etc, where a large number of high
Incandescent lamp, fan 60 W
wattage lamp may be required, there shall be no
6A socket outlet 100 W unless the actual
restriction of load on any circuit but conductors used value of loads are
in such circuits shall be of adequate size for the load specified
and proper circuit protection shall be provided. 16A socket outlet 1 000 W unless the
5.1.1.5 In large buildings, however, if only one actual value of loads are
distribution board were used, some of the points would specified
be at a considerable distance from it and in such cases Exhaust fans, fluorescent according to their
it is advisable to employ sub-distribution boards lamps other than single capacity, control gear
(known as final circuit distribution boards) known as lamp, compact fluorescent losses shall be also
lamps, HVMV lamps, considered as applicable
branch distribution boards either to save cable or to
HVSV lamps
prevent too great voltage drop at the more distant points
(lamps, fans or other appliances). In such cases, the
main distribution board controls the distribution circuits 5.2 Distribution Boards
to each sub-distribution board from which the final
circuits to loads are taken as shown in Fig. 2. Distribution boards which provide plenty of wiring
space having terminals of adequate size to
5.1.1.6 The number of, accommodate the cables which will be connected to
a) sub-main circuits (also called distribution them should be selected. Very often it is necessary to
circuits) from main distribution board to sub- install a cable which is larger than would normally be
distribution boards. required, in order to limit voltage drop, and take

FIG. 2 T YPICAL HOUSE-WIRING CIRCUIT

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 45

SP 30 : 2011

account of the presence of harmonics, variation of a) those fitted with rewirable fuse links;
voltage; and sometimes the main terminals are not of b) those fitted with HBC fuse links; and
sufficient size to accommodate these larger cables. c) those fitted with circuit-breakers.
Therefore distribution boards should be selected with
main terminals of sufficient size for these larger cables. Refer to Fig. 3 for the above mantioned protective
devices.
5.2.1 Branch Distribution Boards
There are several reservations to the use of rewirable
Branch distribution boards shall be provided, along fuses. It is difficult to prevent the replacement of
with surge protective device and earth leakage rewirable fuse link by a larger size fuse link than the
protective devices (incoming), with a fuse or a fuse link chosen at the time of the installation. If the
miniature circuit breaker or both of adequate rating / fuse links are not of appropriate size to match the
setting chosen in accordance with IS 732 on the live current carrying capacity of the installed circuit, it
conductor of each sub-circuit and the earthed neutral would lead to short-circuit and earth fault.
conductor shall be connected to a common link and be
capable being disconnected individually for testing Distribution boards can be fitted with MCBs or HBC
purposes. At least one spare circuit of the same capacity fuse links. Distribution boards fitted with miniature
shall be provided on each branch distribution board. circuit-breakers are more expensive in their first cost,
Further the individual branching circuits (outgoing) but they have an advantage that they can incorporate
shall be protected against over current with miniature an earth leakage trip. Miniature circuit-breakers are
circuit-breaker of adequate rating. In residential / obtainable in ratings from 6 A to 63A, all of which are
industrial lighting installation, the various circuits shall of the same physical size, and are therefore easily
be separated and each circuit shall be individually interchangeable. However, they must not be
protected so that in the event of fault, only the particular interchanged without first making sure that are of the
circuit gets disconnected. correct rating for the circuits they protect. Another
advantage of using MCBs is that they can easily be
There are three types of distribution boards, reset after operation.

3A Semi-enclosed Rewirable Fuses

3B High Breaking Capacity (HBC) Fuse

FIG. 3 PROTECTIVE DEVICES (Continued)

46 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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3C High Breaking Capacity (HBC) Fuse

3D Miniature Circuit Breaker

FIG. 3 PROTECTIVE DEVICES

5.2.2 Installation of Distribution Boards controls and the current rating of the circuit and size
of fuse element. If a distribution board is recessed into
5.2.2.1 The distribution boards shall be located as near
a wall which is constructed of combustible materials
as possible to the centre of the load they are intended
such as wood, the case must be of metal or other non-
to control. The location should be convenient and
combustible material.
economical for installation and use. Where two and/or
more distribution fuse-boards feeding low voltage 5.2.2.3 Distribution boards shall be of either metal-
circuits are fed from a supply of medium voltage, these clad type, or air insulated type. But, if exposed to
distribution boards shall be: weather or damp situations, these shall be of the
weatherproof type and, if installed where exposed to
a) arranged so that it is not possible to open two
explosive dust, vapour or gas, these shall be of
at a time, namely, they are interlocked and
flameproof type in accordance with IS 5571. In
the metal case is marked ‘Danger 415 Volts’
corrosive atmospheres, these shall be treated with anti-
and identified with proper phase marking and
corrosive preservative or covered with suitable plastic
danger marks; or
compound.
b) installed in a room or enclosure accessible to
only authorized persons. 5.2.3 Wiring of Distribution Boards
5.2.2.2 In wiring branch distribution board, total load 5.2.3.1 The wiring shall be done on a distribution
of consuming devices shall be divided as far as possible system through main and/or branch distribution boards.
evenly between the number of ways in the board Main distribution board shall be controlled by a linked
leaving spare circuits for future extension. All low circuit-breaker or linked switch with fuse. Each
voltage distribution boards shall be marked ‘Lighting’ outgoing distribution circuit or sub-main circuit from
or ‘Power’ or ‘Lighting and Power’, as the case may main distribution board to sub-distribution boards shall
be, and also marked with the voltage and number of be provided with linked disconnector switch or linked
phases of the supply. Each shall be provided with a MCB. Each outgoing final circuit from a main
circuit list giving diagram of each circuit which it distribution board or branch distribution board shall

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 47

SP 30 : 2011

be controlled by a miniature circuit-breaker (MCB) or distribution boards depends on the availability of

a fuse on the phase or line conductor as in the case of suitable stanchions or walls, the case with which circuit
single phase neutral (SPN) distribution board or three wiring can be run to the position chosen, accessibility
phase neutral distribution board. The branch for replacement of fuselinks, and freedom from
distribution board shall be controlled by a linked dampness and adverse conditions (if exposed to the
switchfuse or linked circuit-breaker. Each outgoing weather or damp conditions, a distribution board must
circuit shall be provided with a fuse or miniature circuit be of the weather proof type) The distribution boards
breaker (MCB) of specified rating on the phase or live shall not be more than 2 m above room floor level.
conductor.
5.2.4.2 Where distribution boards (which are fed from
5.2.3.2 Three pole neutral (TPN) distribution boards a supply exceeding 230 V) feed circuits with a voltage
are not generally recommended to be used for single not exceeding 230 V then precautions must be taken
phase 2 wire final circuit distribution. However, the to avoid accidental shock at the higher voltage between
use of TPN fuse distribution boards or TPN MCB the terminals of two lower voltage boards. Where the
distribution boards for single phase 2 wire final circuit voltage exceeds 230 V, a clearly visible warning label
distribution have come to practice and the same is must be provided, worded “400/415 V BETWEEN
permissible, provided the size of the neutral conductor ADJACENT ENCLOSURES”. These warning notices
wire is carefully designed, taking the unbalanced load should be fixed on the outside of busbar chambers,
condition, harmonic generation of loads etc. distribution boards or switchgear, whenever voltage
exceeding 230 V exists.
5.2.3.3 The neutral conductors (incoming and
outgoing) shall be connected to a common link (multi- 5.2.5 Feeding Distribution Board
way connector) in the distribution board, and be
When more than one distribution board is fed from a
capable of being disconnected individually for testing
single submain cable or from a rising bus bar trunking,
purposes. The wiring throughout the installation shall
it is advisable to provide local isolation near each
be such that there is no break in the neutral wire except
distribution board (see Fig 4). It is also good practice
in the form of a linked switchgear.
to provide a local isolator for all distribution boards
5.2.3.4 There shall be at least two ring circuits — one which are situated remote from the main switchboard
for light current (known as light power) 6A socket (see Fig. 5). If the main or submain cables consist of
outlets and another for heavy current (known as heavy bare or insulated conductors in metal trunking, it is
power) 16A socket outlets to connect heavy current very often convenient to fit the distribution board
domestic appliances. Similarly, heavy current wiring adjacent to the rising trunking, and to control each with
shall be kept separate and distinct from “light current” fusible cutouts or switchfuse.
wiring, from the level of circuits, that is, beyond the
5.2.6 Circuit Charts and Labelling
branch distribution boards. Lights, fans and call bells
shall be wired in the light current circuits. The diagrams, charts or tables shall be provided to
indicate for each circuit:
5.2.3.5 Wiring shall be separate or essential loads, that
is, those fed through standby supply and non essential a) The outlets served,
loads throughout. Wiring for the safety services shall b) Size and type of cable, and
be separate and distinct. Unless and otherwise c) Rating of fuse or protective device.
specified, wiring shall be done only by the “Looping
System”. Phase or live conductors shall be looped at These should be fixed in, or in the vicinity of the
the switch boxes and neutral conductors at the point distribution board, and fitted in glazed frames or in
outlets. Where “joint box system” is specified for plastic envelops for protection.
installation, all joints in the conductors shall be made 5.2.7 Marking Distribution Boards
by means of approved mechanical connector in suitable
and approved junction boxes. a) All distribution boards should be marked with
a letter or number, or both, preferably with
5.2.3.6 The balancing of circuits in three wire or poly the prefix ‘L’ for lighting, ‘S’ for socket and
phase installations shall be arranged before hand. ‘P’ for power.
5.2.4 Location of Distribution Boards b) They should also be marked with the voltage
and the type of supply, and if the supply exceeds
5.2.4.1 Distribution boards should preferably be sited
230V a DANGER notice must be fixed.
as near as possible to the centre of the loads they are
intended to control. This will minimize the length and c) When planning an installation, a margin of
cost of final circuit cables, but this must be balanced spare fuseways should be provided usually
against the cost of submain cables. Best location of about 20 percent of the total.

48 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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NOTE — The cables feeding the ring will share the load and may therefore be reduced accordingly. This arrangement enables the ring
to be broken by one of the isolators in the event of a fault a one end of the ring, in which case the load must be reduced.

FIG. 4 SINGLE L INE DIAGRAM OF A TYPICAL RING MAIN F EEDING SIX D ISTRIBUTION BOARDS

NOTE — It is recommended that distribution boards located remote from main switchgear be provided with local isolators.

FIG. 5 SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM SHOWING SIX FINAL D ISTRIBUTION BOARDS FED BY
RADIAL S UBMAINS FROM A MAIN DISTRIBUTION BOARD
PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 49
SP 30 : 2011

d) Metal distribution boards should be provided The above applies to ordinary dwelling-house, but not
with plugged holes to enable additional to all buildings. Three-fourths of the total wattage is to
conduits or multicore cables to be easily be considered for hotels, boarding houses etc, and nine-
connected in future. tenths for office etc. For the auditorium of cinema, theatre
etc, cables suitable for full connected load are to used.
5.3 Approximate Estimates of Allowable Voltage
Drop in Different Parts of Wiring System of a Large 5.4.2 If in a house there is electric cooker or electric
Building oven, full load up to 10 A and one-half of any extra
load (in excess of 10 A) should be taken into account.
There is no hard and fast rule in this respect. Ordinarily, The load of every sub-circuit is thus calculated, and
however, in a lighting circuit containing lights and fans, the current drawn by a sub-distribution board is
the total voltage drop is kept within 3 percent of the determined.
declared voltage. The maximum allowable voltage drop
is 1 V from main fuse to main distribution board, 4.5 V 5.4.3 The load of wall-plug connected to a sub-
from main distribution board to each sub-distribution distribution board in a dwelling house where there are
board and 1.5 V in each final sub-circuit. The voltage wall-plugs of various sizes will be the full-load of the
drop in the connection line of a pump motor in a house plug drawing maximum current plus four-tenths of all
may go up to 7.5 percent of the declared voltage, but the remaining plugs. In hotels etc, three-fourths of the
as is the case with a lighting circuit, it is recommended total load of all the remaining plugs have to be added
to keep this drop within 3 percent, if possible. to the full-load of the plug drawing maximum current.
a) At first currents for the sub-circuits are to be
5.4 Correct Estimation of Sizes of Cables
determined, one by one.
5.4.1 If the size of cable is determined on the basis of b) Sizes of fuse should be determined according
total load connected in the circuit, that is, on the basis to capacity to continuously carry the
of sum of wattage of all lamps, fans, wall-plugs, etc, respective current.
the size will be very large. However, all lamps, fans, c) The size of cable for each sub-circuit is
wall-plugs etc, may not be in use simultaneously at a determined according to the current drawn by
given time, and it is possible that all the points are not that sub-circuit.
loaded to their full capacity. For these reasons it is
d) Finally, the sizes of flexible cord and wall-
considered to be sufficiently accurate if an estimate is
socket for the respective sub-circuit to be
prepared according to 5.1.1.7 and the criteria of
determined.
considering two-thirds of total wattage of the circuit,
that is, the total wattage of every final sub-circuit is 5.5 Diversity and Maximum Demand
obtained by adding up the wattage of individual loads
connected to that circuit and two-thirds of this total In determining the maximum demand of an installation
wattage should be taken into consideration for or parts thereof, diversity may be taken into account.
determining the size of cable to be used for this sub- Table 2 gives guidance on diversity, but it is emphasized
circuit. But the current corresponding to this wattage that the calculation of diversity would have to take into
must not be less than the current drawn by the single account several factors which would need special
maximum wattage point. If a sub-circuit has only one knowledge and experience. By consulting Table 2, a
point, cable suitable for full load current of that point reasonable estimate can be obtained as to what the
is to be used. However, if a sub-circuit has three 6 A maximum load is likely to be, but it must be stressed
plug-sockets, the size of the cable can be determined that each installation must be dealt with on its own
on the basis of two-thirds of 180 W (that is, 120 W). merits.

Table 2 Typical Allowances for Diversity

(Clause 5.5 )
Sl Purpose of Final Circuit Fed from Type of Premises
No. Conductors or Switchgear to
which Diversity Applies Individual house- hold Small shops, stores offices Small hotels, boarding houses
installations, including and business premises etc
individual dwelling of a block
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) Lighting 66 percent of total current 90 percent of total current 75 percent of total current
demand demand demand

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Table 2 — (Concluded)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
ii) Heating and power [also see Sl. No. 100 percent of total current 100 percent of full load of 100 percent of full load of
(iii) to (iv) below] demand upto 10 A largest appliance largest appliance
+50 percent of any current +75 percent of remaining +80 percent of second largest
demand in excess of 10A appliances appliances
+60 percent of remaining
appliances
iii) Cooking appliances 10A 100 percent of full load of 100 percent of largest
+30 percent of full load of largest appliance appliance
connected cooking appliances +80 percent of full load of +80 percent of full load l of
in excess of 10 A + 6 A if second largest appliance second largest appliance
socket-outlet incorporated in+60 percent of full load of +60 percent of full load of
unit remaining appliances remaining appliances
iv) Motors (other than lift motors which 100 percent of full load of 100 percent of full load of
are subject to special consideration) largest motor largest motor
+80 percent of full load of +50 percent of full load of
second largest motor remaining motors.
+60 percent of full load of
remaining motors
v) Water heater (instantaneous type1) ) 100 percent of full load of 100 percent of full load of 100 percent of full load of
largest appliance largest appliance largest appliance
+100 percent of full load of +100 percent of full load of +100 percent of full load of
second largest appliance second largest appliance second largest appliance
+25 percent of full load of +25 percent of full load of +25 percent of full load of
remaining appliances remaining appliances remaining appliances
vi) Water heaters (thermostatically No diversity allowable 2) +25 percent of full load of
controlled) remaining appliances
vii) floor warming installations No diversity allowable 2)
viii) Water heaters thermal storage space No diversity allowable 2)
heating installations
ix) Standard arrangements of final 100 percent of current demand 100 percent of current
circuits in accordance with IS 732 of largest circuit demand of largest circuit
+40 percent of current demand +50 percent of current
of every other circuit demand of every other circuit
x) Socket outlets other than those 100 percent of current demand 100 percent of current 100 percent of current demand
included in Sl No. (ix) above and of largest point demand of largest point of largest point
stationary equipment other than +40 percent of current demand +75 percent of current +75 percent of current demand
those listed above of every other point demand of every other of every point in main rooms
point (dinning rooms, etc)
+40 percent of current demand
of every other point
1)
For the purpose of the table an instantaneous water heater is deemed to be a water heater of any loading which heats water only while
the tap is turned on and therefore uses electricity intermittently.
2)
It is important to ensure that the distribution boards are of sufficient rating to take the total load connected to them without the
application of any diversity.

An example of estimation of maximum demand for a ###

domestic installation with a single tariff is given below:

Connected Load Expected Maximum Demand

Installed lighting— 10A 66 percent of installed load = 6.6A

Installed fixed heating— 30A 100 percent of first 10 A plus = 20A
50 percent of excess of 10 A
Installed general-purpose socket-outlet— 40A 100 percent current demand of largest = 28A
circuit (20A) plus 40 percent current
demand of other circuits (8A)
Installed cooker— 45A 10A plus 30 percent of full load of = 22A
remaining connected appliances plus 6A
for socket in unit
Total 125A 76.6A

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 51

SP 30 : 2011

In this case a 100A main switch should be provided. installation including 2-wire final circuits (see Fig. 6).
Unless it is anticipated to increase the load considerably This means that no fuses may be inserted in the neutral
in the foreseeable future, in which case a larger switch or common return wire and the neutral should consist
fuse should be installed. of a bolted solid link, or part of a linked switch which
completely disconnects the whole system from the
However, for a small restaurant where electric lighting
supply. This linked switch must be arranged so that
and heating is installed, it would be most likely that
the neutral makes before, and breaks after the phases.
the whole load will be switched on at one time and
therefore the main switchgear must be suitable for the 5.8 General Design of Feeder Circuit, Distribution
total installed load. Circuit and Final Circuit
5.6 MV/LV Busbar Chambers (400/230V) 5.8.1 Every distribution board must be connected to
either a main switch fuse or a separate way on a main
Bus bar chambers which feed two or more circuits must
switch board. Every final circuit must be connected to
be controlled by a main disconnector (TP and N), or
either a switch fuse, or to one way of a distribution
isolating links, or (three) fuses and neutral link, to
board. In either case the rating of the protective device
enable them to be disconnected from the supply.
must not exceed the current rating of the circuit cable.
5.7 Earthed Neutrals 5.8.2 The circuit which is connected to single-way of
To comply with Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 no fuses switch board/sub-switch board or fuse/MCB distribution
or circuit-breakers other than a linked circuit-breaker board for supplying current to one or more load point
shall be inserted in an earthed neutral conductor, and a known as ‘final circuit’. In the case of domestic and
linked switch or linked circuit-breaker shall be arranged commercial supply, the suppliers’ line or cable comes
to break all the related phase conductors. If this neutral to the energy meter through supplier’s scaled cut-out
point of the supply system is connected permanently and from the meter it goes to consumer’s main switch.
to earth, then the above rule applies throughout the This line is called ‘supply main’ or ‘main line’.

NOTE — When the neutral point of a supply or one pole of transformer on consumer’s premises is earthed permanently, a fuse, non-
linked switch or circuit-breaker is not permitted in the line connected to earth.

FIG. 6 SINGLE POLE FUSING

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5.8.3 On account of heavy load in big factories of kept together properly in order in the distribution board
horizontal distribution, very often feeder line is drawn for the convenience of testing or disconnecting current
from the main incomer switch to busbar chamber of flowing towards load points must not exceed the circuit-
main switch board and the feeder line is called ‘supply carrying capacity of wires used for final circuit.
main’ or ‘main feeder’. If sub-switch board or
5.8.8 Use of Plug Point with Lamp Circuit
distribution board is installed next in sequence to
another sub-main switch, the feeder line upto sub- In a house wiring, usually lamp, wall-plug etc., are
switch board or main distribution, the line from main connected to the same circuit. The actual limit of the
switch board up to sub switch board or main current that the cables used in the wiring can safely
distribution board is called ‘sub-main feeder’. If main carry should be known. Considering the final circuit
distribution board is installed next in sequence to sub- which includes discharge lamps, the sum total of
(main) switch board, the line upto main distribution currents taken by all discharge lamps together must
board is called ‘main distribution feeder’ line. And from not exceed the current carrying capacity of the final
there line is drawn through different sub-busbar circuit. If the lamps are lighted by means of only the
chambers of sub-switch boards to distribution boards, normal circuit, current carrying capacity of the final
or from the main switch board and direct to main circuit should be 1.256 times the total current of all
distribution boards. the lamps together.

5.8.4 Also on account of heavy load in large buildings If in a final circuit both incandescent lamps and
of vertical distribution, very often main feeder line is inductor-lighted discharge lamps are used,
drawn from the main incomer switch to main busbar (Power taken by inductor- + (Power taken by incan-
chambers and from there upto different sub-busbar
lighted discharge lamps × 2) descent lamps × 1)
chambers and or main distribution boards, the feeder
line from consumer’s main switch to busbar chamber Line voltage
that rises from the ground floor upto the top most floor
in multistoried building is known as ‘main raising Must not exceed the current carrying capacity of the
main’. If sub-(main) busbar chamber or main final circuit.
distribution board is installed next in sequence in 5.8.9 Exception in Case of Temporary Wiring
different floors through another submain switch, feeder
line upto sub-(main) busbars or main distribution In case of temporary load points where bayonet holders
boards is called ‘sub-main raising bars’ and considered for lamps have been used, total power demand of load
sub-main feeder line. If main distribution is installed must not exceed 1 000 W per final circuit.
next in sequence to sub-main busbars, the line upto 5.8.10 Splitter Unit
main distribution board is called ‘distribution busbar’
This kind of distribution board is very much in use
and considered main distribution feeder line. Circuit
now-a-days. This board can be installed anywhere and
lines drawn from main distribution boards upto final
is known as ‘splitter unit’ or ‘splitter box’. The unit is
circuit fuse districution boards /MCB distribution
prepared by setting a pair of main switches as well as
boards may be as ‘sub-main distribution feeder’.
a pair of main fuses or a single fuse inside a cast iron
5.8.5 Every circuit line which runs from final circuit box. An external handle is attached to the body of the
fuse distribution board towards load points is called box. It is so arranged that the cover of the box cannot
‘final circuit’. Sometimes a circuit line may go to a be opened when the switch is in the on position or the
load point from a main distribution board/main switch cannot be switched on when the cover is open,
distribution busbar chamber, a sub-main switch board/ that is the cover cannot by any means be opened unless
sub-main rising main, a main switch board /main rising the switch is off. It is for this arrangement that the unit
main etc; in that case every line is regarded as a final is quite good from the point of view of safety. The box
circuit. is also known as Iron-clad Switch-Fuse Box. The
switch-fuse box is installed at a point where from
5.8.6 Every final circuit must come out of a separate
consumer’s zone starts. Cables are drawn from the
way of a (final circuit) distribution board. Where there
switch and connected to the bus-bars of a fuse board.
is only one final circuit, it may be connected directly
This is the main distribution board. Now-a-days iron-
to the main switch board.
clad fuse-box is very much in use. A screw is attached
5.8.7 Wiring of every final circuit will be completely to the body of this box. The risk of electric shock is
separated from that of another final circuit which can avoided by connecting earth wires to that screw. The
be on or off with a single-pole switch. Care must be box is to be earthed by two separate and distinct earth
taken to see that every pair of live or neutral wires are connections.

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 53

SP 30 : 2011

5.8.11 Lamps of the Same Room are Supplied from arrangements is suitable (for a particular case) is to be
More Than One Final Circuit Distribution Boards adopted for the wiring and its protection:
When outlets from a sub-distribution board or a fuse If the distance between the house in which the main
board are divided into ‘ways’ and each final sub-circuit meter board has been installed and the other house (for
is connected to a separate way, the advantage is that in example garage, servant’s room etc) does not exceed
the event of a short-circuit in anyone sub-circuit, the 3 m and if there be no thoroughfare between the two
other sub-circuits remain unaffected and continue to houses, electric lines may be drawn from the former to
function normally. But if a fault occurs in a distribution the latter through a galvanized iron (G.I.) pipe of
board, all the sub-circuits coming out of it are affected. suitable dimensions at a height of at least 2.5 m above
There are some places such as hospital, operation the ground level. Also the G.I. pipe has to be properly
theatre; cash room in a bank, engine room, workshop earthed. But in case the distance between the two houses
etc, where the entire room cannot be allowed to be exceeds 3 m or if there is a thoroughfare between them,
dark under any circumstance. A lot of risks may have a separate main or sub-main has to be drawn from one
to be faced if such places suddenly become totally dark. house to another by means of weather-proof cables tied
Wherever special attention must be paid to avoid any up with G.I. bearer wire (see Fig. 7A).
inconvenience in business, every room is equipped with
If current is to be taken from one house to another by
more than one lamp and these are invariably taken from
means of cleat wiring, the cable used in the wiring will
different ways. Even sometimes these lamps are
be weather-proof. This is also known as H.S.O.S.
supplied from fully separate distribution board.
(House Service Overhead System) cable. Use of cable
Suppose the wiring of a three-storeyed building is to
with ‘polychloroprine’ sheath or PVC cable or cable
be done in such a way that no room of that building
with PVC sheath is also approved by many. This
shall be totally dark (except in the event of discontinuity
arrangement of drawing a supply line is allowed up to
of supply). In that case there must be a separate sub-
a distance of 3 m between two buildings. Using cables
distribution board in each floor. But it is not that the
as described above and drawing these cables over a
sub-distribution board will control the load points of
separate catenary wire or using those cables which have
that floor only. Depending on the convenience of a
in-built bearer wires (at the time of manufacture), the
circuit, sub-distribution board in the lower floor will
supply line may be drawn.
supply power to some lamps etc, of the lower floor
and to some lamps etc, of the upper floor. Every room Other methods of drawing cables over bearer wires
will be provided with two sets of cables — one set will are also in use, one of these methods is shown in
be supplied from sub-distribution board of the upper Fig. 7B. In this method a piece of leather strap loops a
floor and the other set will be supplied from sub- hard rubber-sheathed cable at certain intervals for
distribution board of the lower floor. With these hanging it, while the upper part of the strap is fastened
arrangements if a fault develops in a sub-distribution to the catenary wire by means of wire hook. This is
board, there is no possibility of any room becoming also an arrangement for taking a supply cable from
totally dark. In such cases, operation theatre etc, are one building to another. If such a cable, as has in-built
provided not only with connection from separate bearer wire, is used, the limit of distance between two
distribution boards but with alternative source of supply buildings will depend upon the load-bearing capacity
such as gas plant or charged battery. of the bearer wire.
5.8.12 Pilot Lamp Besides these a cable may be drawn from one house to
another as shown in Fig. 7C. Main earth pit should be
Arrangements should be made for fixing a bracket
at least 1.5 m away from the building.
above each main board and for connecting a 20 W lamp
on it. Cables connecting this lamp will come out 5.8.14 Identification of Cables and Conductors
directly from the bus bars of the board through a
IS 11353 gives guidance on uniform system of marking
separate switch arid fuse. This lamp is called a Pilot
and identification of conductors and apparatus
Lamp. The purpose behind this arrangement is to keep
terminals (see Table 3). Colours of the cores shall be
the main board always illuminated so that fuse etc, can
as per relevant Indian Standard for cables. The
easily be changed.
following shall be ensured:
5.8.13 Arrangements for Taking Cable Connections
a) Non-Flexible Cables and Bare Conductors —
from One House to Another
Every single core non-flexible cable, and
If wiring is to be done to supply current from one house every core of twin or multicore non-flexible
in which consumer’s main switch has been installed to cable used as fixed wiring shall be identifiable
another house, whichever of the following throughout its length by appropriate methods.

54 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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7A GI Bearer Wire Stretched Between Two Houses and Supply Cable Tied-
Up with this Wire by Means of Link Clips

7B Leather Strap Loops for Hanging Hard Rubber-sheathed Cable at Intervals

NOTE — Leather strap loops are used for hanging hard rubber-sheathed cable at intervals while the upper part of the strap is fastened
to the catenary wire by means of wire hook

7C Drawing of Supply Cable from One House to Another

FIG. 7 A RRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING CABLE CONNECTIONS FROM O NE HOUSE TO A NOTHER

b) Rubber or PVC Insulated Cables — Core f) Colour coding of fixed wiring cables applies
colours to be in accordance with respective to all wiring up to the final distribution board,
Indian Standard or colour sleeves at the and also for circuit wiring, except that red may
termination of these cables. be used for any phase.
c) Multicore PVC Cables — If colouring of g) When wiring to motors the colours specified
cores is not used, then cores to be identified in Indian Standard should be used right up to
in accordance with relevant Indian Standards. the motor terminal box. For slipring motors
d) M I Cables — At the termination of these the colours for the rotor cables should be the
cables, sleeves shall be fitted. same as those for the phase cables, or could
e) Bare Conductors — To be fitted with sleeves be all of one colour except black or green.
or painted. h) For star delta connections between the starter

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 55

SP 30 : 2011

and the motor, use red for A1 and A0, yellow 5.8.15 Sub-main Cables
for B1 and B0, and blue for C1 and C0. The
Sub-main (feeder) cables are those which connect
“1” cables should be marked to distinguish
between a switch fuse/MCCB feeding sub distribution
them from the “0” cables.
boards of main switchboard, to incomer of subsidiary
j) For 2-wire circuits, such as for lighting or main switch board or direct to a main distribution
sockets, the neutral of middle wire must board. The size of these cables will be determined by
always be black, and the phase or outer wire the total connected load which they supply, with due
(whichever phase it is derived from) should consideration for diversity and voltage drop, and the
be red. other factors described in Wiring Regulations.
k) For lighting the red wire will always feed the Sub-main cables may be arranged to feed more than
switch, and a red wire must be used from the one distribution board if desired; they may be arranged
switch to the lighting point. to form a ring circuit, looping from one main
For flexible cables and cords the distinctive colours distribution board to another. Where a sub-main cable
are not the same as for fixed wiring, and the colours of feeds more than one distribution board in a ring circuit,
these are given in Table 4. its size must not be reduced when feeding the second

Table 3 Colour Identification of Cores of Non-flexible Cables and Bare Conductors for Fixed Wiring
(Clause 5.8.14 )
Sl No. Function Colour Identification of Core of Rubber or PVC
Insulated Non-flexible Cable, or of Sleeve or Disc to
be Applied to Conductor or Cable Code
(1) (2) (3)
i) Protective or earthing Green and yellow
ii) Phase of ac single-phase circuit Red [or yellow or blue (see Note 1)]
iii) Neutral of ac single or three-phase circuit Black
iv) Phase R of 3-phase ac circuit Red
v) Phase Y of 3-phase ac circuit Yellow
vi) Phase B of 3-phase ac circuit Blue
vii) Positive of dc 2-wire circuit Red
viii) Negative of dc 2-wire circuit Black
ix) Outer (positive or negative) of dc 2-wire circuit derived from 3 wire Red
system
x) Positive of 3-wire system (positive of 3-wire dc circuit) Red
xi) Middle wire of 3-wire dc circuit Black
xii) Negative of 3-wire dc circuit Blue
xiii) Functional earth-telecommunication Cream

NOTES
1 As alternative to the use of red, if desired in large installations, up to the final distribution board.
2 For armoured PVC-insulated cables and paper-insulated cables, see relevant Indian Standard.

Table 4 Colour, Identification of Cores of Flexible Cables and Flexible Cords

(Clause 5.8.14 )
Sl No. Number of Cores Function of Core Colour(s) of Core
(1) (2) (3) (4)
i) 1 Phase Brown1)
Neutral (Light) Blue
Protective or earthing Green and yellow
ii) 2 Phase Brown
Neutral (Light) Blue1)
iii) 3 Phase Brown
Neutral (Light) Blue1)
Protective or earthing Green and yellow
iv) 4 or 5 Phase Brown or black1)
Neutral (Light) Blue1)
Protective or earthing Green and yellow

1)
Certain alternatives are allowed in Wiring Regulations.

56 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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or subsequent board, because the cable must have a Wiring from plugs or spur units to lamps and
current rating not less than the fuse or circuit breaker appliances shall be carried out by a phase
protecting the sub-main. If a fuse or circuit-breaker is conductor, a conductor and a separate earth
inserted at the point where a reduction in the size of conductor.
the cable is proposed, the reduced size of cable may f) There shall be electrical continuity of the
be used, providing that the protective device is rated neutral earth sheathing of multicore armoured
to protect the cable it controls. cables. All connections and joints shall be
5.8.16 Protective Multiple Earthing (PME) made in accordance with the
recommendations of the cable manufacturer.
5.8.16.1 Protective multiple earthing system uses the At every joint in the outer conductor (that is
protective conductor as a combined earth/neutral neutral earth) and at terminations, the
conductor. It is sometimes used where there is overhead continuity of the conductor shall be ensured
distribution, and where it is difficult to obtain a by bonding conductor additional to the means
sufficiently low earth resistance from supply used for sealing and clamping the outer
transformer to the consumer’s terminal. In such a case conductor.
the neutral conductor is also the earth conductor and it
is bonded to earth, not only at the transformer position, 5.8.16.2 The use of a PME system in petrol filling
but also at the consumer terminal position. The stations is specifically prohibited. The reason for the
condition of approval for this system contain very prohibition is to prevent the risk of electrical return
stringent requirements. The wiring for consumers currents flowing back to earth through the metallic
installations, including sub-mains and circuits wiring parts of the underground supply pipes and storage
may (if approved) be carried out on the PME system. tanks. Special armoured multicore cables may be used
Some of the requirements for consumer’s installation for the PME system. Such cables may be with XLPE
are as follows: (cross linked polyethylene) insulation, Aluminium
conductors and sheath are used, and the cables have a
a) The supply undertaking shall be consulted to PVC oversheath. The armouring in these cables is laid
determine any special requirements upon such a way that sufficient amount can be pulled
concerning the size of protective conductors. away from the cable without the necessity of cutting
b) All precautions must be taken to avoid the it, to enable access to the phase conductor for the
possibility of an open circuit in the neutral purpose of jointing. These special cables are only
conductor. manufactured in minimum lengths of about 200 m, and
c) Bonding leads must be connected to the it may not be economical to employ the PME system
earthing terminals of all metal structures, for sub-main cables when only short runs are involved.
metal pipes and other metal services that are 5.8.16.3 Circuit wiring
(or may reasonably be expected to become)
in electrical contact with the general mass of a) Circuit ring for PME system may also use a
earth, and that are so situated that common neutral earth (CEN) conductor, but
simultaneous contact may reasonably be in some instances this may not result in any
expected to be made by any person with such cost savings.
structures, pipes or other metal work on the b) For mineral-insulated copper sheathed
one hand, and with the exposed non-current- systems the outside sheathing lends itself
carrying metalwork of the consumer’s readily to the system, but special glands
installation, or any metal work in electrical should be used to ensure satisfactory low
contact therewith, on the other hand. impedance in the earth conductor.
d) Earth electrodes shall be provided at points c) For screwed-conduit systems it is sometimes
not less remote from the transformer than the difficult to guarantee satisfactory low
most remote service line or connection point, impedance in the conduit system during the
and at such other points as will ensure that life of the installation, and it is recommended
the resistance to earth in the neutral conductor that a circuit protective conductor (CPC)
is satisfactory and the protection system neutral conductor be drawn into the conduit.
operative. The overall resistance shall not d) The same recommendation applies to wiring
exceed 20 times. is steel trunking, because it is imperative that
e) There shall be a wire connection from the there be no risk during the life of the
neutral earth conductor to both the neutral and installation that an open circuit, or a high
the earth terminal of every socket outlet. resistance joint, could occur.

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 57

SP 30 : 2011

e) Before planning any PME installation careful provide oval conduit or capping over the cables.
study must be made of the actual conditions Although PVC has a much longer anticipated life than
of approval issued by the concerned the previously used rubber covered cables, MICC is a
regulatory authority. suitable alternative which has an even longer life. It is
not commonly used on very small installations except,
5.9 Computer Data Transmission and Control possibly, for exterior lighting or feeds to remote
System buildings.
Cables required for data transmission and control 5.11.2 To avoid undue disruption and damage to
systems are those that are required between the existing floorboards, plastering, etc, a number of
computer and the outstations and those used between enclosed surface systems are available which
the machine and the associated peripheral equipment. incorporate mini-trunking, dado-trunking and cornice-
Generally, the field wiring is multicore and may have trunking. For each system, accessories are available
screening applied to each core, to each pair or, simply, for accommodating different types of outlet and for
overall. There is a large range of cables used by different negotiating corners, doorways, etc, a correctly designed
computer manufacturers. One of the commonly used installation is effective and relatively inconspicuous,
cables for peripheral equipment is the ribbon form although even where obvious, such as across ceilings,
which is also produced as multicore cable, with and it presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
without screening and various types of insulation.
Although ribbon cables are produced in widths upto 5.12 Telephone Cables
approximately 80 mm and with over 60 cores, they are
extremely thin and, therefore, flexible. As the user finds it more convenient to install his own
internal telephone systems, a large range of cables
5.10 Multiplex Systems available for the purpose. The conventional type of
multipair or multitriple cable consists of tinned copper
One of the advantages gained by the use of electronic conductors, PVC-insulated and sheathed with, in some
equipment is that the amount of field wiring required cases, a non-metallic rip-cord laid under the sheath to
is far less, in both quantity and size, than for the earlier simplify stripping while, for under-the-carpet
power circuitry entailed by mechanical relay systems. installations or situations where the conventional round
Even further improvements are made possible by the cables are inconvenient or too bulky, ribbon cables are
use of multiplexing systems, that is, the ability to again available with upto 50 ways. Where such cables
convey a large number of signals each way along the
may be subject to damage or heavy traffic, such as
same conductor, and these are, therefore, particularly
under floor coverings, ribbon cables insulated with
suitable for installations requiring a large number of
cross-linked PVC (XLPVC) which is more robust than
outstations, whether for data transmission or process
standard PVC may be used. XLPVC are different from
control. Optical fibre cables provide further advantages
XLPE-insulated cables which, among other
for light-current installations of all types; they have
advantages, have fire-retardant properties.
low attenuation and high bandwidth, which reduces
the necessity for repeaters, and are not subject to 5.13 Cable Jointing and Termination
interference from heavy electrical equipment. In
hazardous areas, optical fibres give even greater safety 5.13.1 Although the methods employed for jointing
than intrinsically safe circuits as the form of energy and terminating cables of all types have been
transmitted is, of course, light waves and not current. simplified, largely due to the use of improved materials
for insulation and sheathing, the importance of utilizing
5.11 Domestic Systems correct techniques and methods cannot be too strongly
emphasized. All joints and terminations introduce
5.11.1 The smaller domestic type of installation is
potentially dangerous points; in power circuits a faulty
adequately catered for with twin and circuit protective
joint will lead to local hot-spots with ultimate failure
conductor (CPC) PVC cables or single-core PVC cable
of the cable, while in light-current installations for
in some form of enclosure; the installation of the first
process control, data transmission and
is less labour-intensive than conduit work although the
communications, a high resistance connection (dry
second provides better mechanical protection. Due to
joint) can prevent equipment from operating
the amount of space that is occasionally available
satisfactorily.
between floorboards and ceilings (modern construction
methods include solid floors) and in lofts, installation 5.13.2 Multicore cables, whether for mains, voltages
is relatively simple and protection is rarely necessary or light-current duty, generally present the greater
for horizontal runs. Where droppers are required for problem as the crutch, that is, the point at which
switches and wall-fittings, however, it is essential to conductors are splayed out from the normal formation,

58 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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constitutes a naturally weak area in which air may be currents during switching operations may have more
trapped if a termination or joint is not correctly formed, drastic effects by causing a cable to disintegrate
leading to breakdown at a later stage. completely. Some cables are susceptible to current and
voltage surges which may be avoided by the use of
5.13.3 Single-core cables should, preferably, never be
current limiting devices. Where electrical equipment
jointed, but where this is essential it should be effected
in normal operation has a surface temperature sufficient
only in purpose-made joint boxes equipped with
to cause a risk of fire, suitable methods of protection
suitable mechanical or compression-type connectors.
should be adopted.
These may be of the ferrule type with pinching screws
or, as with terminators, bolted clamps requiring the 5.14.2 Emergency Lighting
bare conductor to be either wound around the bolt
Emergency lighting is very critical for at hospitals,
between shaped washers or enclosed in crimped type
theatres, hotels, factories, offices, shops, cinemas and
terminals which are then threaded over the screw thread
certain specified places of entertainment and practically
and clamped. It is essential with all types of stranded
all types of premises excluding houses. Generally, the
cable to ensure that every strand is included in the joint
cable installation for an emergency lighting system
or termination and, particularly with aluminium
should comply with Wiring Regulations but care must
conductors, to follow cable manufacturers’
be taken to ensure that all wiring possesses inherently
recommendations for tightening torques. Aluminium,
high resistance to attack by fire and adequate
although lighter in weight and less expensive than
mechanical strength. This allows the use of various
copper, unfortunately has a higher co-efficient of
standard types of cable, provided that suitable means
expansion and this has, at times, caused connections
of protection are employed. When emergency
to slacken shortly after commissioning. It is therefore
luminaries are supplied from a remote source, the
advisable for the installer of aluminium cables to
wiring system must be mechanically separated from
recheck all clamp-type connections after electrical load
other systems by rigid and continuous partitions of
has been applied. This does not imply, however, that a
non-combustible materials. Consequently,
similar procedure is unnecessary with copper
multicompartment enclosures are suitable, also mineral
conductors but that it may not be so essential provided
insulated copper clad cables without further
that connections are fully checked in the first instance.
precautions. Segregation is not a requirement when
5.13.4 Crimped terminals are quite adequate for the self-contained luminaries are installed, as a failure of
smaller, relatively lightly loaded cables but, otherwise, the supply will only cause them to operate. Precautions
compression sleeves and lugs, provided that the to be taken at the source of supply for an emergency
recommended torques are applied, are unlikely to give lighting system are that cables between the source and
rise to problems during the life of a cable under the a battery charger combination should be a fixed
most arduous circumstances. installation, which precludes plugs and sockets, while
those cables from the battery to a protective device,
5.14 Special Cabling Requirements that is the load circuit cables, must be separated from
5.14.0 Although PVC insulated cables are suitable for each other and not enclosed within metal conduit,
most of the general wiring requirements in domestic, ducting or trunking. Segregation must also be applied
commercial and industrial situations, circumstances between the dc and any ac cables.
may dictate, either through technical necessity or 5.14.3 Fire Alarms and Detection
statutory demands, that further precautions are
necessary to prevent the possibility of danger or to give The requirements in the previous section regarding
increased security, as detailed below. mechanical protection, high fire resistance and
segregation, etc apply. Where high frequency circuits
5.14.1 Lighting
are installed, adequate screening is applied between
The two main areas of concern are related to heat build- the different circuits in order to avoid false alarms.
up in luminaries and surges created by discharge
5.14.4 Power System
lighting. In totally enclosed luminaries, high
temperatures may arise due to the lack of ventilation. 5.14.4.1 Some of the problems arising in the installation
Though luminaires complying with the relevant Indian of power cables are high or low ambient temperatures,
Standards take into account the temperature rise, grouping, thermal insulation, type of protective device
however, during installation of luminaires it should employed and voltage drop considerations. Under
ensured that wiring in proximity to the fittings is normal circumstances, correctly chosen protective
suitable. Discharge-type fittings may entail the use of devices are adequate to deal with disruptions such as
higher current rated cables to avoid unnecessary overloads, short-circuits and earth-faults on low voltage
temperature rises. The effects of high discharge systems but, on high voltage networks, transients may

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 59

SP 30 : 2011

occur which create high stresses on cable insulation Different degrees of hazard exist and, consequently,
and therefore, it may be advisable to install screened these affect the type of electrical installation,
cables which have the effect of grading such stresses particularly with regard to equipment. It is essential,
between cores or between cores and earth. therefore, to ascertain which zone is applicable before
commencing the electrical design, this information
5.14.4.2 The handling and installation of all types of
generally being available from the process plant user.
cable is an important consideration. Some PVC cables,
See also Part 7 of the Code.
for instance, should not be installed during
temperatures below 0°C as flexing will damage the 6 WIRING SYSTEMS
insulation, while high temperatures will soften the
PVC, causing it to strip if pulled into conduit, ducting, 6.0 General
etc. Damage may also be caused to cables by drawing
6.0.1 The following systems are usually adopted for
them into rough-edged enclosures, for example burred
house wiring:
conduits, over stony surfaces or bending them tighter
than the recommended radii. Large armoured cables a) Cleat wiring;
are impressively strong, but even these, when being b) Casing and capping wiring;
drawn into ducts, may be damaged if the correct type c) Metal sheathed wiring (for example lead-
of grip-sleeve (or sock) and hauling equipment is not covered wiring);
used, as too high a torque may stretch the cable cores
d) Cab tyre sheathed (C.T.S.) or tough rubber
or strip off the insulation and sheathing.
sheathed (T.R.S.) wiring;
5.14.4.3 Particularly with the smaller armoured cables, e) PVC sheathed wiring;
if armouring is to be used as the protective conductor, f) All insulated wiring — surface wiring and
the impedance must be checked to ensure that it concealed wiring;
complies with the relevant requirements; otherwise
g) Enclosed wiring system — conduit wiring and
additional conductive material must be incorporated
cable trunking; and
in the protective circuit.
h) Conduit wiring — steel, plastic and flexible.
5.14.5 Control and Instrumentation
A particular type of wiring is selected for a particular
Modern systems for control and instrumentation utilize place on the basis of type of work, place and expenses
electronic means (rather than power circuitry) which involved. Insulated wires are used in all systems of
are more likely to be affected by low voltage systems, wiring. These systems have been named according to
and precautions such as segregation and screening must either constructional details of wires or modes of fixing
be employed. Cables are available to suit all types of these wires on the wall. The voltage grade of wires
system but, as requirements vary between depends on supply voltage of the circuit, that is, the
manufacturers of electronic equipment, advice should voltage grade of wires must not be less than the highest
be sought at an early stage. The increasing use of root mean square or effective value of supply voltage.
multiplex systems and fibre-optics cables simplify In case of house wiring where working voltage
installation work by reducing the number of cores normally does not exceed 250 V, wires of 250 V grade
required for the most complex systems and, in the case can be used.
of the latter, eliminate completely the possibility of
interference from other circuits. 6.0.2 Size of Wires

5.14.6 Hazardous Areas The wire used should have such cross-sectional area that
when the maximum current drawn by the circuit flows
Danger in a hazardous area arises initially from the continuously through it, the voltage drop between main
type of materials being processed rather than from the distribution board and the farthest point of the lighting
electrical installation, but a great degree of circuit does not exceed 3 percent of the supply voltage
responsibility rests upon the designer to ensure that (in a 230 V circuit this drop is 3/100 × 230 = 6.9 ≈ 7.0
the installation does not contribute to the hazard by V). At the same time it should be ensured that the wire
the introduction of flammable materials, high surface is not excessively heated when the maximum current
temperatures, arcs or sparks to the atmosphere. For flows continuously through it. Normally, the wire is not
these reasons, every care must be taken to avoid the excessively heated when the amount of voltage drop
overloading of cables or the inclusion of sheathing remains within the limited value.
materials which easily burn and give off toxic gases.
If the size of a wire in a circuit has to be increased with a
See IS 5572 for classification of hazardous areas and view to reduce the drop of voltage, it may be noted that
IS 5571 for selection of equipment in hazardous areas. the wire will carry as much current as has been determined

60 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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for the circuit to carry. Further, the size of a wire specified excessive heat, should not be used in places where the
for a circuit must be suitable for continuous flow of current temperature may exceed the limit given in Table 5.
which is not less than the current-carrying capacity of the
In cases where the temperature of lamp fittings and
fuse of that circuit. Recommended current ratings for
other accessories are excessively high, cables and
cables are as per IS 3961.
flexible cords which are not specially made to
6.0.3 Protection of Wiring from Damage withstand such high temperatures should not be
brought near these fittings and accessories. Where there
V.I.R.(vulcanized rubber) wire, plastic-insulated wire
is probability of temperature exceeding 60°C, high
with or without braided cotton cover, C.T.S. (or T.R.S.)
temperature resisting cables like flexible cord, specially
wire normally need not be further covered with separate
covered with conditioned asbestos, must be used.
covering. But situations and circumstances have to be
Further, they should be so connected that their
taken into account, and if necessary, the outermost
temperatures do not exceed 85°C. If however, the
insulation has to be protected from probable damage.
flexible cord is connected with a portable heater with
Where there is probability of conduit, duct, casing, etc, which there is not possibility of excessive rise of
becoming hurtful, adequate arrangements have to be temperature, a temperature rise up to 66°C may be
made to protect them. Where metal-sheathed wire or allowed, provided that the insulation of wires should
armoured cable is installed inside concrete or plaster, remain covered with beads or insulating sleeves
there is usually no need for further protection. However, suitable for high temperature, and there is no
depending upon site condition, sometimes additional dependence on rubber insulation of cable for the
arrangements may have to be made. prevention of earth fault of cable conductors or short-
circuit among them. These arrangements are to be
Wires used for lift, hoist (an electrically operated
specially provided for lamps rated 200 W or more and
machine used for lifting goods), etc, must be metal-
for immersion heater.
sheathed [see also IS 4289 (Part 1) and IS 4289 (Part 2].
Where the wiring will pass under the floor, the wire Where a cable with rubber, PVC or polythene insulation
should be so installed that it will not be damaged as a or a flexible cord remains connected with bare
result of coming in contact with the floor or some fitting. conductor or a busbar, the insulation of the cable or
cord should be peeled off and wires should remain bare
Where a cable will enter the iron part of a house or the
for a length of about 15 cm from the point of connection
shed of a factory, every such entry should be provided
even when the temperature of the bare conductor or
with a bush in such a manner that the cable will not
the bus bar is 90°C. But in places where this cannot be
suffer abrasion from rubbing.
done, the current flowing through the bare conductor
Where the sheath of a C.T.S. cable made of rubber or or the busbar should be so reduced as not to allow a
some compound mixed with rubber will be exposed to rise of temperature above 90°C.
direct sunlight, arrangements must be made to cover it
with some special covering. If the sunlight comes 6.1 Cleated Wiring System
through glass panes of windows, it is not a direct sunlight. 6.1.0 Cleat wiring is one of the most economical
Wiring should be done in as dry a place as possible. methods of wiring. The wires remain exposed to view,
6.0.4 Permissible Temperature Rise of Ordinary and these wires are drawn through cleats made of
Insulated Wires and Flexible Cables porcelain or plastic or some other approved material.
Cleat wiring is most suitable for temporary wiring. The
Ordinary insulated cables and flexible cables, which wiring can be completed quickly and the wiring
are not specially manufactured for withstanding materials can be recovered easily while dismantling.

Table 5 Permissible Maximum Temperature of Surrounding Space for Ordinary Insulated Cables
(Clause 6.0.4 )
Sl No. Types of Insulation Maximum Temperature of Surrounding
Space or Space Inside Conduit Pipes
Cable Flexible Cable (°C)
(1) (2) (3) (4)
i) Rubber Rubber 45
ii) PVC PVC 45
iii) Polythene — 45
iv) Oil-soaked Paper — 75
v) Cloth impregnated with varnish — 75
vi) — Rubber or cloth mixed with 80
conditioned asbestos

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 61

SP 30 : 2011

Moreover, additions and alterations as well as e) Wiring should be enclosed in a conduit when
inspection of wiring system can be easily made. Cleat passing through a wall or a floor. The wires
wiring is not recommended for damp places and also should run through a conduit upto a height of
for permanent wiring. After a certain period of 1.5 m level. In case of a metallic conduit, it
installation the wires sag at some places, dust and dirt should be properly earthed. Wooden bushings
collect over them and the whole of the wiring system are to be provided at both ends of the conduit,
may look shabby. otherwise insulation of the wires may be
spoiled when drawn through it.
6.1.1 The wires used are either vulcanized rubber
insulated cables, single-core PVC or polyethylene f) When two wires cross each other, they should
cables, which can be used without further protection. be separated by an insulating bridge piece
Conductors should be visible all throughout a cleat which should maintain a distance of atleast
wiring. 1.3 cm between the wires.
g) The wires should not run near water or gas
6.1.2 The cleats are made in two parts, called base pipes or structural work.
and cap. The base is grooved to receive the wire and
h) A special pattern of cleat may be used where
the cap is placed over it, and the whole of it is placed
conductors pass round corners, so that there
on a wooden plug which is fixed into the wall. The
may be no risk of the conductors touching
cleats are tightened up on wooden plugs by means of
the walls owing to sagging or stretching.
wooden screws which also tighten the grip of the wires
j) Cleats shall be fixed at distances not greater
between two halves of the cleat. The cleats are usually
than 60 cm apart and at regular intervals.
of two types having two or three grooves so as to
receive two or three wires. These cleats are shown in 6.1.4 In temporary installations wiring is often done
Fig. 8. over bobbin or knob insulators in place of cleats.
Whenever the wires pass through a floor or through a
6.1.3 Installation of Cleats
space where some damage is apprehended, they should
a) Wooden plugs are to be properly cemented in be provided with an additional protection of a special
the wall or ceiling, and the distance between strong covering upto a height of 1.5 m above the floor
two adjacent plugs should be such that the level. For this purpose, while the wiring passes through
cleats are not more than 60 cm apart a wall or a partition, it should be taken inside a tube or
horizontally or vertically. a pipe or a conduit made of non-inflammable and non-
hygroscopic material. Porcelain wall-pipe, lead wall-
b) Cleats shall be of such dimensions that for
tube, iron conduit, etc, are the examples of this type of
low voltage installation the distance between
covering. Various components of cleat wiring are
two wires shall not be less than 2.5 cm centre
described below.
to centre for branch lines and 4 cm for sub-
main lines. 6.1.5 Installation of Cleat Wiring
c) In no case two wires shall be placed in the 6.1.5.1 Cleat wiring is installed along the wall below
same groove of the cleats. Also the wires shall the beam. If there are wooden beams in a house, cleats
be laid stretched between the cleats so that may be directly fixed on the beam for drawing wires
they do not touch the wall. up to ceiling roses. But if there is an iron beam, then
d) Joint cut-outs or fuse cut-outs shall not be used space permitting, a piece of wood may be tightly fitted
in this type of wiring. Where joints become on one side of the beam and cleat is fitted on this piece
unavoidable, wooden junction boxes with of wood. This is shown in Fig. 9. If space is not
porcelain connectors inside should be used. sufficient for fixing a piece of wood on the side of the

(i) Cleat with two grooves (ii) Cleat with three grooves

FIG. 8 TYPES OF CLEAT

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iron beam, at first pieces of wood are clamped at 6.1.5.2 Spacing between wires in cleat wiring
intervals to the bottom of the beam and then the cleats
are fixed on these wood pieces. This is shown in Fig. 10. The spacing between wires drawn through the cleats
The spacing between two consecutive pieces of wood depends upon the line voltage, and the type of circuit
should be such that the wiring must not sag due to its as given at Table 6. An example of cleat wiring system
own weight. If wiring is to be taken from one room is given at Fig. 12.
into the next, a hole is drilled into the common wall
and wiring is taken through porcelain or metal tube Table 6 Spacing of Wires in Cleat Wiring
(wall-tube) set into the hole. (Clause 6.1.5.2 )
Sl Voltage Type of Centre to Centre
No. Circuit Distance Between
Two Adjacent Wires
(1) (2) (3) (4)
i) Not exceeding 250 V Branch Not less than 2.5 cm
Sub-main Not less than 4 cm
Main Not less than 7.0 cm
ii) Exceeding 250 V — 10.0 cm distance;
2.5 cm spacing all
around

6.1.5.3 Drawing a wire through wall

FIG. 9 C LEAT IS FIXED ON AN WOOD PIECE WHICH IS Wall tube or pipe is usually set near the ceiling corner
T IGHTLY ATTACHED oN ONE SIDE OF AN IRON BEAM (see Fig. 13). The space within the pipe should be
sufficient to accommodate with comfortable inter-
space the maximum number of wires to be drawn
through it. With too many number of wires more than
one tube may be necessary. In that case pipes are set
together at one place side by side. Such a tube may be
made of porcelain or metal. Among metals lead, iron
or steel is used. The pipe is set inside the wall by means
of cement. If conduit is used, its two rough ends are
properly filed and two bushes made of hard wood or
ebonite are fitted at these ends. This eliminates the
possibility of damage of the insulation of wires when
drawn through the pipes. In case of ac wiring all the
wires must be drawn through the same metal conduit.
FIG. 10 ARRANGEMENT FOR D RAWING WIRES
Where wires are drawn outside from a room, the outer
UNDER IRON BEAM
end of the pipe should be a bit more widened. Also
this end should have a downward bend so that rain
If the wires are to be drawn under the iron beam from
water or water from other sources may not get inside
one cleat to the next, arrangements are provided as
the pipe along the wires.
shown in Fig. 11B using hoop iron or flat iron clamp.
For heavy wiring or for lasting and durable job, two 6.1.5.4 Drawing of wires through floors
wrought iron clamps are used as shown in Fig. 11A.
If the wires are to be drawn through a hole made in the
floor, these must be drawn through a conduit pipe upto
a height of 1.5 m above the floor level, and the lower
end of the conduit should be flush with the ceiling
A below. As usual two ends of the conduit must be fitted
with insulating bushes.

6.2 Casing Wiring

B In this system of wiring narrow grooved planks of hard
wood are fixed on wooden plugs grouted in the wall
instead of cleats and wires drawn along the grooves.
These narrow planks are called wood casing. Usually
two long grooves are made in each casing, although
F IG. 11 USE OF C LAMPS three-grooved casing is also available. The top of the

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F IG. 12 AN EXAMPLE OF CLEAT WIRING SYSTEM

F IG. 13 U SE OF W ALL-TUBE FOR DRAWING W IRES FROM ONE ROOM

INTO THE O THER THROUGH PARTITION W ALL

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casing is covered by a rectangular strip of wood of the thickness of capping should be about 7 mm. The
same width as that of casing. It is known as capping following precautions need to be taken:
which remains screwed to the casing (see Fig. 14). On
a) Any number of wires of the same polarity may
the surface of the capping a bouble bed is cut to show
be laid in the same groove, but in no case wires
the position of wires so that the screws may not be
of opposite polarities are laid in one groove.
driven through wrong position damaging the insulation
of the cables laid under the capping. Casing wiring is b) Casing should be fixed on dry wall and
generally adopted for low voltage installations such as ceiling. Casing shall not be embedded into
office and residential buildings. This type of wiring is cement or plaster. It shall neither be so set as
not suitable for places exposed to rain or sun or having to get contact with a water pipe, nor it shall
dampness. It should not also be used in places where be laid just below a water pipe. It shall not
acids and alkalies are likely to be present. also be used in a place where moisture
accumulates and drips.
6.2.1 The wood used for casing and capping must be c) A clear space of 3 mm shall be kept between
first class seasoned teak wood or any other hard wood wall or ceiling and the casing. This could be by
free from knots, shakes and saps. The sides should be means of porcelain insulators (spacing insulator)
well varnished both inside and outside with pure shellac or cleats (either upper half or lower half).
varnish. The size of casing and capping depends upon
d) Wooden plugs of approved sizes shall be fixed
the number of wires drawn through the grooves in a
at a distance of 90 cm apart for casing of sizes
particular length of run.
upto 63.5 mm. For higher sizes of casing this
distance shall not exceed 60 cm.
e) While passing through floors or walls, heavy
gauge conduit of approved sizes shall be used.
The conduit should be securely entered into
casing, and it should be extended upto a height
of 1.5 m above floor level.
f) All joints shall be made with good
workmanship as per IS 732.
FIG.14 WOODEN CAPPING AND CASING g) After the wires are laid in the grooves, the
capping is attached to casing by brass screws
6.2.2 The size of wood casing and capping and number in a proper way. The screws must not be so
of cables that may be drawn in one groove of the casing fixed as to pierce through the insulation of
is given in Table 2 of Part 1/Section 20 of this Code. the wires.
6.2.3 Installation of Casing Wiring h) Capping should be fixed on the casing only
by screws. The screw used for fixing the casing
Casing generally used for installation is about 44 mm must be long enough to pass through the
wide and 16 mm in thickness (height). However, for casing, capping, central hole in the bobbin
cables of higher sizes, 80-100 mm wide and insulator or spacing insulator and the wooden
proportionally higher in thickness casings are also in plug in the wall. The capping is fixed on the
use. Casings may be 5.5 m to 6.0 m long, but smaller casing by means of small screws. If the width
lengths are also available. Lengths of about 2.5 m to of the casing is less than 50 mm, a series of
3.0 m are convenient for handling. Very good screws are fixed on the central line of the
workmanship is required to make the job perfect, and capping, and in case the width is more, two
this results in costlier installation. There is also risk of rows (or columns) of screws are fixed on two
fire from wood. sides of the capping. For this reason the width
There are two grooves in each casing. The width of of the strips of wood on both sides of the casing
the strip of wood separating the two grooves should shall not be less than 10 mm. Screws used for
be carefully observed so that it is not less than 13 mm, fixing the capping may be made of brass.
and the portion of wood below each groove shall not j) Provision must be there for easy insertion of
be less than 7 mm in thickness. In case the cable has a cables into the casing. Before fixing the
large cross-section or a number of cables are to be casing, it is necessary to smear its sides and
drawn, the size of casing should increase accordingly. back properly with two coats of shellac
At the time of wiring the cables laid in the grooves are varnish. Further protection is provided by
covered by a very thin and long strip of wood which is painting or varnishing the casing wiring once
as wide as the casing. This is known as capping. The again on all sides after the wiring is finished.

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 65

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k) Spacing insulators may be used at a place

where the casing is passing below an iron
beam. Preferred sizes of casings is given in
Part 1/Section 20.
6.2.4 Joints in Casing Wiring
In casing wiring work starts from the farthest point of 16A Joint of Casing
the load circuit, gradually proceeds towards the main
board and finally ends there.
a) Joint while fixing lamp — The ceiling rose of
the lamp bracket is set on a round wooden
block. This block should have a thickness
(height) of 4 cm with two coats of varnish 16B Joint of a Caping with Another
applied on it. It has a saw-cut on one side in Caping Out in Oblique
such a manner that the tip of the casing closely
fits on to it (see Fig. 15). FIG. 16 JOINTS FOR CASING /CAPPING

screwed to each other. The corners of the

grooves should be flush with each other
so as to prevent any damage to the
insulation of the cables. The general
appearance of the joint where the casing
is taken from one wall to another is at
Fig. 18 or somewhat similar. The shape
of such a joint should be such that the
radius of curvature of the joint should not
be less than 75 mm so that the insulation
of cables is not damaged due to twist etc.
For a corner joints, the piece of casing
can be abtained as shown in Fig. 19.

FIG. 15 JOINT FOR FIXING LAMP

b) Joints for casing/capping — When two pieces

of casing or of capping are to be joined together,
the joint should be completed as shown F IG. 17 J OINT AT A CORNER
in Fig. 16A (Lap Joint). The joint of capping
shall be an oblique one (see Fig. 16B). Care
must be taken to see that cappings are not joined
together at a point where there is already a joint
of casing, and also no screw for fixing the
capping pierces any side wall of the casing.
1. Joint at the corner — The kind of joint
necessary at the corner round is shown
CORNER JOINT
in Fig. 17. The two tips of casings that
are to be joined together are placed on FIG. 18 SHAPE OF JOINT AT A CORNER
the floor, cut at an angle of 45° and finally

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4) Bridge — When it is required to draw

one circuit over another, a small piece of
casing, named ‘bridge’, is used so that
the cable of one circuit does not come in
touch with that of another. At first the
bridge is fixed on the casing and then the
second cable is drawn over it. Where a
FIG. 19 HOW A SMALL P IECE OF CASING IS T-joint is necessary, a one-half bridge is
OBTAINED FOR A C ORNER JOINT fixed there along with a full bridge. This
additional one-half portion is known as
2) Bending on cables — To bend a VIR or ‘half-bridge’. A bridge is also used where
PVC cable, the internal radius of bend cable of one circuit crosses that of another
shall be atleast four times the diameter circuit. Figure 22 depicts ‘half bridge’
of the cable. Where the casing will go and ‘bridge’. The joint of casings at this
from one wall to another on the external point is called ‘cross joint’. T-joint and
side, the joint should be as per Fig. 20. cross-joint of casings are shown in
Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 respectively.

FIG. 22 HALF BRIDGE AND BRIDGE

F IG. 20 J OINT OF C ASING ON THE E XTERNAL

SIDES OF WALLS

3) T-Joint — From a point in the continuous

run of the casing, sometimes connection
is to be taken out for lamp point, fan
point, etc, through a joint of the casing,
known as T-Joint. Where such a joint is
to be adopted, a V-shaped piece of casing FIG. 23 T-JOINT OF CASING WITH B RIDGES
is to be cut off upto the middle of the
casing used in the continuous run.
Later, the tip of another casing to be
joined to it is cut off in the shape of V
and is made flush with the V-groove of
the former casing as shown in Fig. 21.

FIG. 24 CROSS -JOINT OF C ASINGS WITH B RIDGE

6.2.5 Installation of Wiring

a) Leading a cable from one room to another
— When leading from one room to another,
a cable may be drawn either through a casing
or through a wall-tube. If casing is used, the
FIG. 21 T-JOINT hole in the wall must be large enough to leave

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 67

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a clearance of at least 25 mm all around the system is adopted, another extra conduit is to
casing. The purpose of this clearance is to be provided for drawing earth continuity
keep the casing dry through ventilation of air. conductor. At the ceiling of the lower floor all
If a wall-tube is to be used, the two ends of conduits must project atleast 25 mm. At both
the tube project a little from the wall. The ends of a conduit insulating bushes are to be
partition wall between the grooves at the end fitted. In the upper floor conduit will rise up
of casing remaining in contact with the wall- to a height of 1.5 m above the floor level. At
tube must be cut off to the same extent as the this end of the conduit one end of a casing
amount of projection of the tube from the wall should remain properly fitted. For proper
(see Fig. 25). This will keep the wall-tube fitting the lower end of the casing is cut to size
properly fitted with the casing. But in case as shown in Fig. 26. If necessary, the spacing
the diameter of the tube is larger than the of the casing from the wall may be increased
height of the casing or where more than one by using a half bridge. Besides, every piece of
wall-tubes are used, it will not be possible to conduit should remain well-earthed.
fix the capping over the casing. In such cases,
the height of the casing is increased with the
help of a half bridge.
For continuous earthing system a single
galvanized iron wire is drawn continuously
outside the casing along with the cables and
finally earthed. This is called ‘Earth continuity
conductor’. The outer metallic covers of fan
regulator iron-clad distribution box, earth
terminal of the wall socket etc, remain
connected with this wire. Usually a separate
wall-tube is used for leading earth continuity
conductor through the wall. For this work a
half bridge on the casing near the wall is
indispensable.

F IG. 26 LEADING OF C ABLE THROUGH THE FLOOR

c) Utility of looping-in-system — Like cleat

wiring, casing wiring can also be done by
means of connectors inside junction boxes as
well as by looping-in-system. Loop wiring has
many advantages. No joint is necessary and
the insulation resistance is better retained by
FIG. 25 CUTTING OFF A PORTION OF CASING IN O RDER this system than any other system of wiring.
TO F IT IT WITH A W ALL - TUBE The reason for no joint is that, one piece of
cable is joined with another piece only
There should be three sockets instead of two through brass screws of switches and ceiling
in every wall socket and three pins instead of roses. What is meant by jointing of cables does
two with every wall plug. Also the flexible not at all happen in this system. Its main
cables used in this system must have three disadvantage, however, is that the length of
lengths of insulated wires instead of two. cable required for wiring is somewhat more.
b) Leading a cable through the floor — In the 6.3 Metal-sheathed Wiring
casing wiring if cables are to be drawn from a
lower floor to a upper floor, a piece of conduit 6.3.1 The wiring system completed with wires having
is pushed through a hole made in the floor. metallic (for example lead) covering over rubber
The sizes of wires of all the circuits to be drawn insulation is known as ‘metal-sheathed’ or ‘lead-
from lower to upper floor are calculated at first, covered’ wiring. Here the conductors are rubber
and then the size and number of conduits are insulated and covered with an outer sheath of lead alloy
determined accordingly. If continuous earthing containing about 95 percent lead which provides

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protection against mechanical injury. Lead sheath made of PVC or bakelite in place of porcelain.
should be properly earthed. But as an insulator the use of porcelain is
better than PVC or bakelite.
6.3.2 The cables may remain exposed to sun or rain,
but it should not be used where acids and alkalies are b) Thimbles — Thimble is made of porcelain or
likely to be present. The cables are laid on wooden plastic and looks like a cap as shown in
battens and remain fixed on it by means of brass or Fig. 27. A thimble is threaded inside and it
aluminium link clips spaced at intervals not exceeding becomes pointed towards the upper end.
10 cm horizontally and 15 cm vertically. The thickness Where two or more wires are to be connected
of the batten should not be less than 10 mm. together, about 6.4 mm of end insulation of
each wire is taken off and all the ends are then
6.3.3 Installation of Metal Sheath twisted together. The combination is then put
a) Sharp bends should be avoided. A round bend inside a thimble which is turned like a screw
of radius not less than 10 cm may be adopted driver. As a result the thimble pulls the
for a change of direction. combination of twisted ends in by means of
threads and thus holds it tightly.
b) Supporting clips used for the cables must not
set up any chemical reaction with the metal
sheath.
c) Lead sheath must be electrically continuous
and properly earthed. For maintaining
electrical continuity, bonding of sheaths is
necessary at joint-boxes and switch boards.
d) When passing through a floor or crossing a
wall, the cable must be drawn through
conduits. Conduits should go up to a height
of 1.5 m above the floor level. Both ends of
the conduit should be fitted with ebonite,
plastic or hard rubber bushings in order to
protect metal sheath and rubber insulation of
cables from being damaged. FIG. 27 WIRES C ONNECTED WITH THIMBLE

6.3.4 Joints for Metal Sheathed Wiring c) T-Joint — Where T-connection is taken for a
a) Connectors — Some special types of point, connectors used there and the mode of
connector are used for jointing wires or for a connection are shown in Fig. 28. A small box,
T-joint to lead a cable to switch board etc. called ‘joint-box’, is used to cover the joint.
These types of connector are more or less the The box may be made of metal or wood. The
same for almost all types of wiring. As per box shall prevent access of insects, dust or
requirement two, three or four holes are lime-water (during white washing). The
provided in small pieces of porcelain or advantage of a metal box is that the speciality
plastic, and inside those holes there are of a lead-sheathed wiring to maintain
connectors in the form of brass tubes. At the electrical continuity of metal sheath of the
two ends of the connector there are brass cables everywhere beginning from the main
screws for fixing the wires. The porcelain or board upto the farthest point of the load circuit
plastic portion acts as insulators. When only is automatically retained in it, whereas in case
one piece of wire is to be joined with another of a wooden box it is not so. If a wooden box
piece, the smallest size connector with a single is to be used, an additional bonding clamp
piece of brass tube is used. For jointing twin- must be provided in the box and the lead
wire (2-core) from a single cable, a connector sheaths of all the cables taken in for
with two pieces of brass tubes is needed. In connection shall remain fixed with this clamp
place of junction cut-outs connector is used so that electrical continuity is established
even in cleat and casing wirings. There are among them. If metal sheath of the cable is to
holes on the top of all connectors with screws be used as an earth continuity conductor, then
to connect wires with the connector (the left in case of non-metal box, a strip of metal is to
hand one shows single-joint connector). be used for maintaining continuity of metal
sheath, and the resistance of such metal strip
Sometimes the outer cover of a connector is
shall be negligible in comparison to that of

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 69

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the largest size of cable coming into the box cables having a single earth wire provided
(see Fig. 29). Joint-box must not be installed along with insulated copper wire or wires
in a damp place due to possibility of leakage within the same lead sheath can be made.
of current in the joint-box installed in a damp While jointing two or more wires, a separate
place. Arrangement for maintaining connector should also joint all related earth
continuity between wires near a ceiling rose wires. If the outer cover and inner lever is
is shown in Fig. 30. In this way, maintaining made of metal, the switch should also be
continuity and electrical connections among earthed as per rule. In such cases lead-
lead sheaths, finally the sheath is connected sheathed cables with earth wire inside is used.
to earth at the main distribution board. If this Connection of earth wire of a circuit with earth
is not done, the insulation of the cable gets in the distribution board is shown in Fig. 31.
damaged in a very short time in metal- Descriptions of different methods and systems
sheathed wiring. If two or more lead-covered of wiring (for example cleat or casing wiring)
wires are laid side by side and one wire has are also applicable to metal-sheathed system.
leakage and its sheath is not well-bonded, Looping-in-system of wiring may also be
there will be sparking between them, causing adopted with lead-sheathed cables where
damage to the cable. In metal-sheathed necessary.
wiring, electrical continuity of sheath must
be maintained, and this sheath must not only
be well-earthed, but the earth connection must
also be well-maintained.

F IG. 30 M AINTENANCE OF CONTINUITY

OF W IRES N EAR A C EILING R OSE

FIG. 28 HOW WIRES ARE DRAWN AND HOW THESE ARE

CONNECTED IN A T-JOINT

FIG. 29 U SE OF BONDING METAL STRIP IN F IG. 31 EARTH CONTINUITY BAR AND ARRANGEMENT
A W OODEN J OINT - BOX FOR C ONNECTION OF E ARTH W IRES

d) Lead-sheathed cables with earth wire — OF D IFFERENT C IRCUITS

Continuous earthing system ensures safety of

circuits. According to this system metallic 6.3.5 Installation of Wiring
covers of table fan, electric iron, electric a) Drawing of Cables through the Floor — The
heater, table lamp etc, are to be earthed. In lead-sheathed cable should be drawn through
case of cleat or casing wiring a single G.I. a heavy gauze conduit pipe when the cable is
wire is to be drawn as the earth wire along drawn from lower floor to upper floor. The
with the wiring throughout the house. Use of conduit length shall remain extended upto a

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height of 1.5 m above the floor level in the wider than the cable is screwed to these plugs. Tinned
upper floor, while the lower end of the conduit brass or aluminium link clips are then fixed on this
shall remain flush with the ceiling of the lower batten with the help of iron pins at intervals not
floor. Both ends of the conduit should be fitted exceeding 10 cm horizontally and 15 cm vertically.
with bushes made of wood or ebonite or some For the sake of convenience of work, sometimes clips
other insulating material. are fixed on the batten at equal intervals in a straight
b) Drawing of cables through partition wall line first and then the batten is screwed to the wooden
between two adjacent rooms — Like other plugs. Finally the cable is laid neatly on the clips which
systems of wiring metal-sheathed cable are then folded. In some cases a batten with clipped
should also be drawn through porcelain wall- cable is screwed to the wooden plugs. A single clip
tube or steel conduit or hard PVC conduit as may be used to fix upto two twin-core, 0.019 4 cm2
straight as possible. cables. If the cross-section of the cable is greater than
c) Concealed wiring through the wall — Lead- this, a single clip may hold only one cable. Where there
sheathed cable cannot be laid direct under are fumes from acids etc, clips are made of lead strips
plaster. For concealed wiring it should be cut out from then lead sheets and iron pins are already
either drawn through conduit pipe or by some painted with acid-proof paint. This prevents the iron
other means after which the whole thing is pins being rusted when in contact with acid fumes.
covered with plaster. For a neat and clean look of C.T.S. wiring or for saving
it from mechanical injury, the wiring may be covered
6.4 Cab-Tyre Sheathed (C.T.S.) or Tough Rubber- by wooden channeling or any other suitable cover. Also
Sheathed (T.R.S.) Wiring C.T.S. cables may be drawn through conduit pipes, if
necessary. During installation of C.T.S. wiring the
6.4.0 This type of wiring is adopted only for low voltage
following points are to be kept in mind:
circuits. C.T.S. wiring is used in open space in place
of drawing bare conductors. This system of wiring is a) C.T.S. cables should be laid on well seasoned,
very useful in workshops or places where fumes are well varnished and perfectly straight hard
generated continuously from acids etc, which may wood of thickness 10 mm and width sufficient
damage the insulation of ordinary cables or wear out enough to carry the required number of
conduits etc, or corrode the lead sheath of cables. No cables.
other insulation is applied on the conductor except hard b) Wooden batten should remain fixed to rawl
rubber sheath, and in the wiring system cable may not or phil plugs grouted in the wall or ceiling by
be drawn through conduit, casing etc. The advantages means of wood screws at an interval not
of this system is that wiring can be done very easily exceeding 75 cm.
and quickly. As a result wiring is economical on the c) C.T.S. cables shall never be turned at right
whole, although the cable may cost more. C.T.S. wiring angles. Wherever there is a bend, the radius
can be used with a variety of fittings and also in case of curvature shall not be less than six times
of concealed wiring. The T.R.S. (C.T.S.) system has the outer diameter of the cable. While passing
however, now become almost obsolete; as it has been through wall or floor, cable must be drawn
replaced by the PVC insulated and sheathed system. through conduit pipes. Metal conduit should
6.4.1 Installation of C.T.S. Wiring be properly earthed.
d) C.T.S. cables shall never be buried under
When the sheath of C.T.S. cable made of rubber or
plaster. These should be drawn through
some other compound mixed with rubber remains
conduit or wooden channeling.
exposed to direct sunlight, arrangement must be
e) While taking through a floor, the cable shall
provided to cover it up properly. It should, however,
be drawn through a heavy conduit. The two
be noted that when sunlight comes through the glass
ends of the conduit should be fitted with
of a window, it is not regarded as direct sunlight. Where
bushes made of wood or rubber or any other
weather proof or lead-sheathed cable is to be drawn
suitable insulating material. The bottom of the
with the help of catenary wire, either the cable should
conduit should be flush with the ceiling of
be taken by binding it continuously with the catenary
the lower floor, while its top must rise upto a
wire or it should remain fixed with catenary wire by
height of 1.5 m above the floor level of the
means of link clips at intervals of about 15 cm. C.T.S.
upper floor. Porcelain tubes may also be used
cable is drawn over the wall in the same way as lead-
when the cables are drawn through a wall.
sheathed cable. At first wooden plugs are grouted or
cemented in the wall at intervals of about 75 cm and
polished thin batten of teak wood as wide as or a little

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 71

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6.5 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Sheathed Wiring angle but shall be rounded off at the corners
to a radius not less than six times the overall
6.5.0 PVC sheathed cable is used extensively in house
diameter of the cable.
wiring. This cable is available in single-core, twin-core
or three-core, and its cost is comparatively less than b) Keeping cables away from pipework —
that of other wires. PVC cable may be used for wiring Insulated cables must not be allowed to come
in open space in place of bare conductor or C.T.S. cable. into direct contact with gas pipes or non-
The rubber sheath of C.T.S. cable deteriorates quickly earthed metal work, and very special care
in places where there is oil, but PVC insulation is highly must be exercised to ensure they are kept away
suitable in such places. PVC insulation can withstand from hot water pipes.
acid, alkali, ozone and also direct sunlight. Owing to c) Precautions for cables passing through walls,
gaps in the sheath it does not dry up, harden and crack ceiling, etc — Where the cables pass through
like rubber. But at higher temperatures PVC softens walls, floors, ceilings, partitions, etc, the holes
because of which it should not be used at places where shall be made good with incombustible
it is expected to get excessively heated. Also, PVC material to prevent the spread of fire. It is
insulation becomes brittle in very cold atmosphere advisable to provide a short length of pipe or
therefore it should not be used in places where there is sleeving suitable bushed at these positions and
ice or snow fall. Wiring systems of PVC wire is similar the space left inside the sleeve should be
to that of C.T.S. wiring. However, as the PVC wire is plugged with incombustible material. Where
comparatively lighter than C.T.S. wire, link clips are the cables pass through holes in structural
to be fixed on wooden battens at comparatively closer steelwork, the holes must be bushed so as to
intervals. The distance between two adjacent link clips prevent abrasion of the cable. Where run
should be 6 cm horizontally and 7.5 cm vertically. For under wood floors, the cables should be fixed
conduit wiring as well as for concealed wiring, PVC to the side of the joists, and if across joists,
cables are drawn through conduit pipes in place of should be threaded through holes drilled
V.I.R. wires. The first all-insulated wiring system through the joists in such a position as to avoid
consisted of vulcanized insulated conductors with a floorboard nails and screws. In any case,
tough cables sheath (T.R.S.). When first introduced the screwed ‘traps’ should be left over all joint
system was known as “cab-type” system (C.T.S.). The boxes and other positions where access may
T.R.S. (C.T.S.) system has now become almost be necessary.
obsolete; as it has been replaced by the PVC insulated d) Fixing cables by suspension on catenary wires
and sheathed system. PVC and similar sheathed cables — Cables can be taken across a lofty building,
if exposed to direct sunlight shall be of a type resistant or outside between buildings, if protected
to damage by ultraviolet light. PVC cable should not against direct sunlight by suspending them on
be exposed to contact with oil, creosote and similar catenary wires. Galvanized steel wires should
hydrocarbons, or should be of a type capable of be strained tight and the cables clipped to the
withstanding such exposure. The cables may be wire with wiring clips. Alternatively, they can
installed without further protection, except where be suspended from the wire with ‘rawhide’
exposed to mechanical damage, in which case they hangers; this provides better insulation
must be suitably protected. The all-insulated wiring although not so neat as the former method.
system is used extensively for lighting and socket The catenary wire must be bonded to earth.
installation in small dwellings, and is one of the most e) Multicore cables have cores of distinctive
economical methods of wiring for this type of work. colours, the red should be connected to phase
See IS 14772 for joint boxes and IS 371 for ceiling terminals, the black to neutral or common
roses. An alternative method for wiring with PVC return and the protective conductor to the
sheathed cables for lighting is to use 2-core and circuit earth terminal. Clips are much neater than
protective conductor cables with 3 plate ceiling roses saddles, but when more than two cables are
instead of joint boxes. At the positions of joint boxes, run together it is generally best to use large
switches, sockets and luminaries the sheathing must saddles. If a number of cables have to be run
terminate inside the box or enclosure, or could be partly together on concrete or otherwise where the
enclosed by the building structure if constructed of fixings are difficult to obtain, it is advisable
combustible material. to fix a wood batten and then to clip or saddle
6.5.1 Installation of PVC Wiring the cables to the batten. Cable runs should be
planned so as to avoid cables having to cross
a) Bends in Wiring — The wiring shall not in one another, and additional saddles should be
any circumstances be bent so as to form a right provided where there is change in directions.

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PVC sheathed cables should not be used for or into a block or recess lined with incombustible
any systems where the normal voltage exceed materials, or into a plastic patress. For vertical-run
1 000 V. cables which are installed in accessible positions and
f) Wiring to socket outlets — When PVC cables unlikely to be disturbed, support shall be provided at
is used for wiring to socket outlets of other the top of the cable, and then at intervals of not less
outlets demanding an earth connection, it is than 5 m. For horizontal runs the cables may rest with-
usual to provide 2-core and circuit protective out fixing in positions which are in accessible and are
conductor cables. These consist of two not likely to be disturbed, provided that the surface is
insulated conductors and one uninsulated dry, reasonably smooth and free from sharp edges. For
conductor, the whole being enclosed in the cables installed in accessible portions the fixing space
PVC sheathing. The protective conductor for cable is 100 to 250 mm for horizontal runs and
shall comply with IS 3043. When wiring to 150 to 400 mm for vertical runs.
16-amps standard domestic sockets, the cable Link clips for electrical wiring shall be used for fixing
will have to be taken into standard box which the cables installed in accessible positions. Link clips
is designed for these sockets and which shall be so arranged that one single clip shall not hold
includes an earth terminal. more than two twin-core T.R.S. or PVC-sheathed
6.6 All-Insulated Wiring cables up to 1.5 mm2 above which single clips shall
hold a single twin-core cable. The clips shall be fixed
The first all-insulated wiring system consisted of on varnished wood battens with any rust resisting pins
vulcanized insulated conductors with a tough cables or screws. For the wiring and runs of mains exposed to
sheath (T.R.S.). The system was initially know as “cab- heat and rain, clip specially made for outdoor use from
type” system (C.T.S.). The T.R.S. (C.T.S.) system has a durable metal, resistant to weather and atmospheric
now become almost obsolete; as it has been replaced corrosion shall be used (see IS 2412 for link clips).
by the PVC insulated and sheathed system. The PVC
system has many advantages over the old T.R.S. system 6.6.2 Concealed Wiring
because it is not so inflammable, and will stand up PVC wiring, concealed in ceiling partition, is an
better to direct sunlight and chemical action. The cables effective method of providing a satisfactory installation
may be installed without further protection, except where appearance is of prime importance as in
where exposed to mechanical damage, when they must domestic, display or office situations. Where it is
be suitably protected. This all-insulated wiring system impractical to run concealed wiring at these locations,
is used extensively for lighting and socket installation special precautions are necessary, appropriate
in small dwellings, and is probably the most protection must be provided. This may take the form
economical method of wiring for this type of work. It of a cable incorporating an earthed metal sheath, or by
is customary to use 2 and 3-core cables with an integral enclosing the cables in earthed metallic conduit,
protective or 4-terminal ceiling roses for making the trunking or ducting. PVC sheathed cables shall not be
necessary connections. buried direct in cement or plaster. The disadvantage is
An alternative method for wiring with PVC sheathed that cables once buried in cement or plaster cannot be
cables for lighting is to use 2-core and CPC cables withdrawn should any defect occur. It is better to
with 3 plate ceiling roses instead of joint boxes. provide a plastic conduit to the switch or outlet
Terminations of joints in these cables must be enclosed positions, so that the PVC cables can be drawn into
in non-ignitable material, such as a box complying with the conduit, and withdrawn should the need arise. Such
IS 14772. an arrangement must also comply with the location
NOTE — An accessory is a device, other than current using
constraints. Whichever construction is employed, it is
equipment associated with such equipment or with the wiring necessary to provide a box at all light, switch and socket
of installation. outlet position. The boxes must be provided with
At the positions of joint boxes, switches, sockets and earthing terminals to which the protective conductor
luminaries the sheathing must terminate inside the box in the cable must be connected. If the protective
or enclosure, or could be partly enclosed by the conductor is a bare wire in multicore cable, a green/
building structure if constructed of combustible yellow sheath must be applied where the cable enters
material. the box.

6.6.1 Surface Wiring 6.7 Enclosed Wiring System

When cables are run on the surface, a box is not 6.7.0 Many of the original installations consisted of
necessary at outlet positions providing the outer single-core cable supported in cleats. With increasing
sheathing is brought into the accessory or luminaries, awareness of the possibility of hazard, the necessity

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for greater protection created the demand for shall be preferably according to Table 7 and points of
enclosures such as conduit and, later, trunking of which support in accordance with Table 8. Classification
there are many different types now available to suit coding of conduit systems is given at Annex B.
different situations.
6.7.1.1 Types of Conduits
6.7.1 Conduit Wiring Systems
a) Steel conduit system — IS 9537 (Part 2)
6.7.1.0 Wiring done by insulated wires drawn through specifies the requirement of rigid steel
iron or steel pipes is known as conduit wiring. Conduit conduits. The screwed steel conduit system
systems, when assembled in accordance with the is used extensively for permanent wiring
manufacturer’s instructions, shall have adequate installations, especially for modern
resistance to external influences according to the commercial and industrial buildings (see
classification declared by the manufacturers with a Fig. 32). Its advantages are that it affords the
minimum requirement of IP 30. A conduit system conductors good mechanical protection,
which conforms to IS 14930 (Part 1) is deemed safe permits easy rewiring when necessary and
for use. To ensure safety in electrical installations, use minimizes fire risks. The disadvantages are
of metallic conduits as earth continuity conductor is that it is expensive compared with other
not permitted. systems, is difficult to install under wood
NOTES
floors in houses and flats, and is liable to
1 Certain conduit systems may also be suitable for use in corrosion when subjected to acid, alkali and
hazardous atmosphere. Regard should be taken for the extra other fumes. Moreover, under certain
requirement necessary for equipment to be installed in such conditions, moisture due to condensation may
condition. form inside the conduit. Solid drawn conduit
2 Earthing conductors may or may not be insulated. Earthing is much more expensive than welded conduit,
conductors may or may not be insulated if laid outside, but
invariably be insulated. due to which its use is generally restricted to
gas-tight and explosion-proof installation
See IS 14930 (Part 2) for requirements and tests for work. Welded screwed conduit is, therefore,
conduit systems buried underground, including generally used for most installation.
conduits and conduit fittings for the protection and
management of insulated conductors and/or cables in b) Copper conduit — At some places, copper
electrical installations in communication systems and conduit is used as it resists corrosion and
IS 9537 (various parts) for conduits. Conduit diameters provides excellent continuity. However, the

Table 7 Outside Diameters — Preferred Values

( Clause 6.7.1.0 )
Sl No. Nominal Size Outside Diameter Tolerance Inside Diameter, Min
mm mm Mm
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) 25 25 +0.5 18
ii) 32 32 +0.6 24
iii) 40 40 +0.8 30
iv) 50 50 +1.0 37
v) 63 63 +1.2 47
vi) 75 75 +1.4 56
vii) 90 90 +1.7 67
viii) 110 110 +2.0 82
ix) 120 120 +2.2 90
x) 125 125 +2.3 94
xi) 140 140 +2.6 106
xii) 160 160 +2.9 120
xiii) 180 180 +3.3 135
xiv) 200 200 +3.6 150
xv) 225 225 +4.1 170
xvi) 250 250 +4.5 188
NOTES
1 Tolerance on outside diameters are given as follows:
a) Outside diameter specified are nominal dimensions.
b) Outside diameter maximum is nominal outside diameter + (0.018 × nominal outside diameter values) rounded off to + 0.1 mm.
c) Minimum inside diameter is nominal outside diameter divided by 1.33.
2 Any other sizes other than those mentioned in Table 7 shall be as per the agreement between the buyer and the seller.

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use is limited because the cost could prove to weak, greatly affected by changes in
be prohibitive. Copper conduit can be screwed temperature, did not retain sets, maintained
in the same manner as steel conduit although combustion (and emitted toxic fumes) and
the screwing of copper is more difficult than tended to separate at joints. These problems
mild steel. Connections are generally made have now been overcome and, in some
by soldering. Bronze junction boxes should respects, plastics conduits have many
preferably be used. advantages over steel. It is much lighter and,
therefore, easier to handle and install, provides
a smoother surface for the drawing of the
cables, is not subject to corrosion and rusting,
and the super high impact materials now used
make it suitable for most applications.
d) Flexible conduit — Several different types of
flexible conduit are available, ranging from
convoluted plastics to reinforced corrugated
steel covered both internally and externally
with self-extinguishing plastics, the latter
being the most appropriate for general use. It
is particularly useful for final connections to
machinery subject to vibration in place of the
32A With Smooth Bore Bush and Coupling alternative methods of flexible cable or coiled
mineral insulated copper cables (MICCs).
Flexible conduit shall conform to relevant
Indian Standard.
6.7.1.2 Cables in conduits
The types of cables which may be installed in conduits
are PVC single-core insulated, butyl or silicone rubber
insulated, with copper or aluminium conductors. PVC
insulated and sheathed cables are sometimes installed
in conduits when the extra insulation and protection is
desirable. Under no circumstances may ordinary
flexible cords be drawn into conduit.
32B With Brass Ring Bush and Back Nut
6.7.1.3 Selection of correct size of conduit
FIG. 32 METHODS OF FIXING SCREWED CONDUIT AT
CLEARANCE ENTRIES IN METAL CASING OR BOXES After selection of the correct size of cables for a given
electrical load is made, the selection of the appropriate
c) PVC conduit — When first introduced, such size of conduit to accommodate these cables is to be
conduits had many disadvantages compared done. The number of cables which may be drawn into
to steel — the material was mechanically any conduit must be such that it allows easy drawing

Table 8 Spacing of Supports for Conduits

(Clause 6.7.1.0)
Sl No. Nominal Size of Maximum Distance between Supports
Conduit
mm Rigid Metal Rigid Insulation Pliable

Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical

m m m m m m
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
i) Not exceeding 16 0.75 1.0 0.75 1.0 0.3 0.5
ii) Exceeding 16 and not 1.75 2.0 1.5 1.75 0.4 0.6
exceeding 25
iii) Exceeding 25 and not 2.0 2.25 1.75 2.0 0.6 0.8
exceeding 40
iv) Exceeding 40 2.25 2.5 2.0 2.0 0.8 1.0
NOTE — A flexible conduit is not normally required to be supported in its run.

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in, and in no circumstances may it be in excess of the should be used. Circular boxes are not suitable
maximum given in Part 1/Section 20 of this Code. For for conduits larger than 32 mm, and for these
larger cables it is preferable to install cables in trunking. larger sizes rectangular boxes should be used
As the number of cables or circuits in a given conduit to suit the size of cables to be installed. The
or trunking increase, the current-carrying capacities inspection sleeve is a very useful draw-in
of the cables decrease. Therefore it is advisable not to fitting, because its length permits the easy
increase the size of the conduit or trunking in order to drawing in of cables and its restricted width
accommodate more cables, but to use two or more enable conduits to be run in close proximity
conduits. The conduit installation must be complete without the need to ‘set’ the conduits at draw-
before cables are drawn in. This is to ensure that in points. Where two or more conduits run in
subsequent wiring can be carried out just as readily as parallel, it is a good practice to provide at
the original. Also the installation must be arranged so draw-in points an adaptable box which
that cables are not drawn round more than two rigid- embraces all of the conduits. This presents a
angle bends. This conduit is complete and ready for much better appearance than providing
wiring, and will be concealed when the wall panels separate draw-in boxes and has the advantage
are fitted. of providing junctions in the conduit system
which might prove useful if alterations have
6.7.1.4 Conduit system
to be made at a later date. Where two or more
There are two distinct conduit systems, the surface conduits are run in parallel, it is good practice
system, and the concealed system. to embrace all conduits with an adaptable box
as shown in Fig. 35. An advantage of the
6.7.1.4.1 Surface system
conduit system is that the cables can be
a) Choice of runs — The most suitable ‘run’ renewed or altered easily at any time. It is,
should be chosen for the conduits. When there therefore, necessary that all draw-in boxes
are several conduits running in parallel, they should be readily accessible, and subsequently
must be arranged to avoid crossing at the point nothing should be fixed over or in front of
where they take different directions. The them so as to render them inaccessible. The
routes should be chosen so as to keep the need for the conduit system to be complete
conduits as straight as possible, only deviating for each circuit, before cables are drawn in,
if the fixings are not good. The ‘runs’ should is to ensure that subsequent wring can be
also be kept away from gas and water pipes carried out just as readily as the original; it
and obstructions which might prove difficult prevents cables becoming damaged where
to negotiate. Locations where they might they protrude from sharp ends of conduit, and
become exposed to dampness or other adverse avoids the possibility of drawing the conduit
conditions should be avoided. over the cables during the course of erection.
b) Conduit fittings — Bends, inspection tees and c) Radius of conduit bends — Facilities such as
elbows, made in accordance with relevant draw-in boxes, must be provided so that cables
Indian Standards may be used. However, are not drawn round more than two right-angle
bends can be made by setting the conduit, and bends or their equivalent. The radius of bends
where there are several conduits running in must not be less than the standard normal bend
parallel which change direction, it is necessary (see also Fig. 36 and Table 9).
for these bends to be made so that the conduits
follow each other symmetrically which is not d) Methods of fixing conduit — There are several
possible if manufactured bends are used. The methods of fixing conduit, and the one chosen
use of inspection elbows and tees is not good generally depends upon what the conduit has
practice, as there is insufficient room for to be fixed to.
drawing in cables and, in addition, the 1) Conduit clips — Conduit clips take the
installation presents a shoddy appearance. form a half saddle, and have only one
Round boxes in accordance with relevant fixing lug. The reason for using clips
Indian Standards may, instead be used. These instead of saddles is to save an additional
boxes have a much better appearance, provide fixing screw. They are not satisfactory if
plenty of room for drawing in cables, and can the conduit is subjected to any strain.
accommodate some slack cable which should
2) Ordinary saddles — Ordinary saddles
be stowed in all draw-in points. For conduits
provide a very secure fixing (see Fig. 37).
up to 25 mm diameter, the small circular boxes
They should be fixed by means of two

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FIG. 33 B ENDING OF C ONDUIT

F IG. 34 FITTINGS OF CONDUITS

NOTE — Where two or more conduits are run in parallel it is good practice to embrace all conduits with an adaptable box.

FIG. 35 CONDUITS RUN IN PARALLEL

NOTE — Cable must not be drawn round more than two right angle bends or their equivalent. The four bends in the lower diagram are
each 45° making a total of 180° in all.

F IG. 36 DRAWING OF C ABLES IN BENDS

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Table 9 Minimum Internal Radii of Bends in Cables for Fixed Wiring

[Clause 6.7.1.4.1 (c)]
Sl No. Insulation Finish Overall Diameter Factor to be Applied to
Overall Diameter1) of Cable
to Determine Minimum
Internal Radius of Bend
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) XLPE, PVC or rubber (circular, or Non-armoured Not exceeding 10 mm 3(2)2)
circular stranded copper or aluminium Not exceeding 25 mm 4(3) 2)
conductors) Exceeding 25 mm 6
Armoured Any 6
ii) XLPE, PVC or rubber (solid aluminium Armoured or non-armoured Any
or shaped copper conductors) 8
iii) Mineral Copper of aluminium sheath 6
with or without PVC overing

1)
For flat cables the factor is to be applied to the major axis.
2)
The figure in brackets relates to single-core circular conductors of stranded construction installed in conduit, ducting or trunking.

screws and should be spaced not more making intimate contact with damp
than 1.3 m apart. Nails must not be used plaster and cement walls and ceilings
for fixing (see Fig. 37). The conduit which would result in corrosion of the
boxes to which luminaries are to be fixed conduit and discoloration of the
should be drilled at the back and fixed, decorations. When conduit is fixed to
otherwise a saddle should be provided concrete a high percentage of the
close to each side of the box (see Fig. 38). installation time is spent in plugging for
fixing, and the use of the spacer-bar
saddle which has only a one-hole fixing
in its centre has an advantage over the
ordinary saddle. Some types of spacer bar
saddles are provided with saddles having
slots instead of holes. The idea is that the
small fixing screws need only be loosened
to enable the saddle to be removed,
slipped over the conduit and replaced (see
Fig. 31 and 40). This advantage is offset
F IG. 37 SPACING S ADDLES WITH OVAL HOLES
by the fact that when the saddle is fixed
under tension there is tendency for it to
slip sideways clear of its fixing screws,
and there is always a risk of this
happening during the life of the
installation if a screw should be come
slightly loose. For this reason holes rather
than slots are generally more satisfactory
in these saddles. When selecting the larger
sizes of spacer-bar saddles it is important
to make sure that the slotted hole which
F IG. 38 S ADDLE accommodates the counter-sunk fixing
screw is properly proportioned.
3) Spacer bar saddles — Spacer bar saddles 4) Distance saddles — These are designed
are ordinary saddles mounted on a to space conduits approximately 10 mm
spacing plate. This spacing plate is from the wall or ceiling. Distance saddles
approximately the same thickness as the are generally made of malleable cast iron.
sockets and other conduit fittings and, They are much more substantial than other
therefore, serves to keep the conduit types of saddles, and as they space the
straight where it leaves these fittings as conduit from the fixing surface they
well as to prevent the conduit from provide better protection against

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corrosion. The use of this type of saddle on devices and if it is intended to run
eliminates the possibility of dust and dirt number of conduits on a particular route
collecting behind and near the top of the and standard clips are not suitable, it may
conduit where it is generally inaccessible. be advisable to make these to suit site
For this reason distance saddles are usually conditions, multiple girder clips can be
specified for hospitals, kitchens, and other made to take a number of conduits run in
situation where dust traps must be avoided. parallel. As an alternative to girder clips,
5) Multiple saddles — Where two or more multiple saddles can be welded to
conduits follow the same route it is steelwork, or the steelwork could be
generally an advantage to use multiple drilled in case there is no adverse effect
saddles as it saves a considerable amount on its structural properties.
of fixing time because only two screws are When conduits are suspended across
required, and also all conduits are properly trusses or steel work there is a possibility
and evenly spaced (see Fig. 39 and 42). of sagging, especially if luminaries are
suspended from the conduit between the
trusses. These conduits should either be
of sufficient size to prevent sagging, or
be supported between the trusses. They
can sometimes be supported by iron rods
from the roof above (see Fig. 42 and 43).
If the trusses are spaced 3 mm or more
F IG. 39 MULTIPLE SADDLE apart it is not very satisfactory to attempt
to run any conduit across them, unless
there is additional means of support. It is
far better to take the extra trouble and run
the conduit at roof level where a firm
fixing may be found.

FIG. 40 INSTALLATION OF CONDUIT

WITH S PACING S ADDLE

F IG. 41 MULTIPLE SADDLE

6) Girder clips — Where conduits are run

along or across girders, trusses or other
steel frame work, standard spring clips FIG. 42 A U-SECTION F ASTENED TO A CONCRETE
may be used for be quick and easy fitting. CEILING WITH RAG-BOLTS USED TO CARRY A
Other methods include a range of bolt- NUMBER OF SADDLES OF THE REQUIRED S IZE

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 79

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e) Avoidance of gas, water and other pipes — being moved or slung into position. Protection
All conduits must be kept clear of gas and can be afforded by threading a water pipe over
water pipes, either by spacing or insulation. the conduit during erection, or by screening
They must also be kept clear of cables and it with sheet steel or channel iron. Another
pipes which feed telephones, bells and other method of protection is, of course, to fix the
services, unless these are wired to the same conduit behind the surface of the wall.
standard as lighting, heating or power circuits.
One exemption to this is that conduits may
be fitted to electrically operated gas valves,
and the like, if they are constantly under
electrically skilled supervision. Another is that
conduits may make contact with water pipes
if they are intentionally bonded to them. They
must not make casual contact with water
pipes. If conduits have to be run near gas or
water pipes and there is a risk of their making
contact, they should be spaced apart with
wood or other insulating material. If the
conduit system reaches a high potential due
to defective cables in the conduit and
ineffective earth continuity, and this conduit
makes casual contact with a gas or water pipe,
either of which would be at earth potential,
then arcing would take place between the
conduit and the other pipe. This might result
in puncturing the gas pipe and igniting the
gas. There is greater likelihood of this
happening if the gas or water pipe is of lead.
NOTE — The conduit is fixed to the ceiling with spacer bar
saddles.

F IG. 44 A S UPPORTING FITTING FROM

T ANGENT TEE BOX

FIG. 43 SUPPORTING SEVERAL CONDUITS FROM

ANGLE IRON TRUSS
f) Protection of conduits — Although heavy
gauge conduit affords excellent mechanical F IG. 45 A CONDUIT SUSPENDED ACROSS
protection to the cables it encloses, it is ROOF T RUSSES
possible for the conduit itself to become
damaged if stuck by heavy objects. Such g) Termination of conduit at switch positions —
damage is liable to occur in workshops where At switch positions the conduit must terminate
the conduit is fixed near the floor level and with a metal box or into an accessory or recess
may be struck by trolley or heavy equipment lined with incombustible material.

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h) Termination of conduit at other than switch and should be free from burrs. When there is a
positions — Where conduit terminates a danger of condensation forming inside conduit
ceiling or wall points other than at switch (for example, where there may be changes of
positions, it must terminate with a meal box, temperature) suitable precautions should be
or recess, or a block of incombustible material. taken. Holes may be drilled at the lowest points
of the conduit system or, alternatively, conduit
boxes with drainage holes should be fitted.
Drainage outlets should be provided where
condensed water might otherwise collect.
When ever possible conduit runs should
designed so as to avoid traps for moisture.
m) Continuity of the conduit system — A screwed
conduit system must be mechanically and
electrically continuous across all joints so that
the electrical resistance of the conduit,
together with the resistance of the earthing
lead, measured from the earth electrode to any
position in the conduit system shall be
sufficiently low so that the earth fault current
operates the protective device. To achieve this
it is necessary to ensure that all conduit
connections are tight and that the enamel is
removed form adaptable boxes and other
NOTE — At switch positions, conduit must terminate with conduit fittings where screwed entries are not
metal box or other suitable enclosure. provided. To ensure the continuity of the
FIG. 46 T YPICAL M ETHODS OF TERMINATING SURFACE protective conductor throughout the life of the
AND C ONCEALED SYSTEMS
installation, a separate circuit protective
conductor is drawn into the conduit for each
circuit in the conduit. Conduits must always
be taken direct into distribution boards,
switchfuses, switches, isolators, starters,
motor terminal boxes, etc, and must be
electrically and mechanically continuous
throughout. Conduits must not be terminated
with a bush and unprotected cables taken into
NOTE — A box or suitable enclosure must be fitted at all outlet
positions. Terminations as shown at B, C and D are not
permitted.

FIG. 47 OUTLET POSITIONS

j) Removal of burrs from ends of conduit —

When steel conduit is cut by a hacksaw, a burr
is formed upon the inner bore of the conduit.
If this burr were not removed it would cause
considerable damage to the insulation of the
cables drawn into the conduit. Ends of lengths
of conduit should be free from burrs, and
where they terminate at boxes, trunking and
accessories not fitted with spout entries, should
be treated so as to eliminate damage to cables.
k) Conduit Installed in damp conditions — If
metallic conduits are installed externally or in
damp situations, they should either be
galvanized, sherardized, or be made of copper,
FIG. 48 CONNECTING TWO LENGTHS OF CONDUIT
and all clips and fixings (including fixing
NEITHER OF WHICH CAN BE TURNED, BY USE OF
screws) shall be of corrosion-resisting material
COUPLER AND LOCKOUT
PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 81
SP 30 : 2011

switchgear and other equipment. The

switchgear must be connected mechanically
either with solid conduits, or with flexible
metallic conduits.
n) Flexible metallic conduit — Flexible metallic
conduits are used for final connections to
motors so as to provide for the movement of
the motor if fixed on slide rails. It also prevents
any noise or vibration being transmitted from
the motor, or the machine to which it may be
coupled, to other parts of the building through
the conduit system (see Fig. 49). These
flexible conduits should preferably be of the
watertight pattern and should be connected
to the conduit by means of brass adaptors.
These adaptors are made to screw on to the
flexible tubing and also into the conduit. It is
good practice to braze the adaptor to the
metallic tubing, otherwise it is likely to
become detached and expose the cables to F IG. 50 SURFACE CONDUIT SYSTEM WHEN F ITTING/
mechanical damage. The use of flexible ACCESSORY MUST BE FLUSH ON WALL OR CEILING
metallic tubing which is covered with PVC
sleevings is recommended as this outer q) Drawing cables into conduits
protection prevents oil from causing damage
to the rubber insertion in the joints of the 1) Cables must not be drawn in to conduits
tubing. until the conduit system for the circuit
concerned is complete, except for
prefabricated flexible conduit systems
which are not wired in-situ.
2) When drawing in cables they must first
of all be run off the reels or drums, or the
reels must be arranged to revolve freely,
otherwise if the cables are allowed to
spiral off the reels they will become
twisted, and this would cause damage to
the insulation. If only a limited quantity
of cable is to be used it may be more
convenient to dispense it direct from one
A B of the boxed reels which are now on the
NOTE — Figure 49A shows the wrong method, which is market.
frequently adopted because proper conduit outlets are not 3) Cable must not be allowed to spiral off
always provided on starters and motors. The lengths of
reels or it will become twisted and the
unprotected cable are subject to mechanical damage which may
lead to electrical breakdown. Figure 49B illustrates the right insulation damaged.
method. Conduit is either taken direct into the equipment or 4) If a number of cables are being drawn
terminated with flexible metallic conduit and a suitable c.p.c.
into conduit at the same time, the cable
FIG. 49 T ERMINATION C ONDUIT AT reels should be arranged on a stand or
SWITCH AND STARTER support so as to allow them to revolve
freely.
p) Surface conduit feeding luminaires and clocks 5) In new buildings and in damp situations
— When surface conduit run to feed wall or the cable should not be drawn into
ceiling accessory like luminaries/clock etc conduits until it has been made certain
which are fixed direct to the wall or ceiling, it that the interiors of the conduits are dry
is advisable, if possible, to set the conduit into and free from moisture. If in doubt, a draw
the wall a short distance from the position of wire with a swab at the end should be
the accessory as shown in Fig. 50. drawn through the conduit so as to

82 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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remove any moisture that may have in a particular conduit run, to determine
accumulated due to exposure or building the size of conduit to be used. Each cable
operations. and conduit size is allocated a factor and
6) It is usual to commence drawing in cables by summing the factors for all the cables
from a mid-point in the conduit system to be run in a conduit route, the
so as to minimize the length of cable appropriate conduit size to use can be
which has to be drawn in. A draw-in tape determined.
should be used from one draw-in point 6.7.1.4.2 Concealed conduit system
to another and the ends of the cables
attached. The ends of the cables must be 6.7.1.4.2.1 Screwed metal conduit is particularly
bared for a distance of approximately suitable for concealed wiring. The conduit can be
50 mm and threaded through a loop in installed during building operations and can be safely
the draw tape. When drawing in a number buried in floors and walls whether the floors or walls
of cables they must be fed in very are constructed of wood, brick, hollow tiles or solid
carefully at the delivery end whilst some concrete, in such a manner that the cables can be drawn
one pulls them at the receiving end. in at any time after the completion of the building. The
7) The cables should be fed into the conduit conduit system, if property installed, can be relied upon
in such a manner as to prevent any cables adequately to protect the cables and allows them to be
crossing, and also to avoid them being replaced at any time if desired. Most modern buildings,
pulled against the sides of the opening including blocks of flats, are constructed with solid
of the draw-in box. In hot weather or floors and solid walls and it is necessary for the conduit
under hot conditions, the drawing-in can (if concealed) to be erected during the construction of
be assisted by rubbing French chalk on the building. In other types of building where there
the cables. Always leave some slack are wooden joists and plaster ceilings, conduit will have
cable in all draw-in boxes and make sure to be run between and across the joists.
that cables are fed into the conduit so as a) Running conduit in wooden floors — Where
not to finish up with twisted cable at the conduit is run across the joists, they will have
draw-in point. to be slotted to enable the conduit to be kept
8) This operation needs care and there must below the level of the floor boards. When slots
be synchronization between the person are cut in wooden joists they must be kept as
who is feeding and the person who is near as possible to the bearings supporting
pulling. If in sight of each other this can the joists, and the slots should not be deeper
be achieved by a movement of the head, than absolutely necessary, otherwise the joists
and if with in speaking distance by word will be unduly weakened (see Fig. 51). The
of command given by person feeding the slots should be arranged so as to be in the
cables. If the two persons are not with in centre of any floorboards, if they are near the
earshot, then the process is somewhat edge there is the possibility of nails being
more difficult. A good plan is for the driven through the conduit. The slots cut in
individual feeding the cables to give pre- the joists should be no deeper than necessary
arranged signals by tapping the conduit and kept as near as possible to the bearing of
with a pair of pliers. the joints so as not to weaken them unduly.
9) In some cases, it may be necessary for a ‘Traps’ should be left at the position of all
third person to be stationed midway junction boxes. These traps should consist of
between the tow positions to relay the a short length of floor board, screwed down
necessary instructions from the person and suitably marked.
feeding to the person pulling. Otherwise
cables may become crossed and this
might result in the cables becoming
jammed inside the conduit.
10) The number of cables drawn into a
particular size conduit should be such that
no damage is caused to either the cables
or to their enclosure during installation.
It will be necessary, after deciding the FIG. 51 RUNNING CONDUIT IN WOOD FLOORS TO FEED
number and size of cables to be placed LIGHTING POINTS

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 83

SP 30 : 2011

b) Running conduits in solid floors — Where c) Conduit runs to outlets in walls — Sockets
there are solid floors, it is impossible to leave near skirting level should preferably be fed
junction boxes in the floors, unless there is a from the floor above rather than the floor
cavity above the top of the floor slab, in which below, because in the latter case it would be
case the conduits may be run in the cavity difficult to avoid traps in the conduit (Fig. 54).
and inspection boxes arranged so as to be When the conduit is run to switch and other
accessible below the floor boards. Otherwise positions in walls it is usually run in a chases
the conduit needs to be arranged so that cables in the wall. These chases must be deep
can be drawn in through ceiling or wall points. enough to allow at least 10 mm of cement
This methods is known as the’ looping-in and plaster covering; otherwise rust from the
system’, and it is shown in Fig. 52 and Fig. 53 conduit may come through to the surface.
and conduit boxes are provided with holes at Conduits buried in plaster should be given a
the back to enable the conduit to be looped coat of protective paint, or should be
from one box to another. These boxes are galvanised. The plaster should be finished
made with two, three or four holes so that it neatly round the outside edges of flush switch
is possible also to tee off to switches and and socket boxes, otherwise the cover plates
adjacent ceiling or wall points. If the floors may not conceal any deficiencies in the
are of reinforced concrete, it may be necessary plaster finish. When installing flush boxes
to erect the conduit system on the shuttering before plastering, it is advisable to stuff the
and to secure it in position before the concrete boxes with paper to prevent their being filled
is poured. Wherever conduit is to be buried with plaster.
by concrete, special care must be taken to d) Ceiling points — At ceiling points the conduit
ensure that all joints are tight, otherwise liquid boxes will be flush with the finish of the
cement may enter the conduit and form a solid concrete ceiling. If the ceiling is to have a
block inside. Preferably the joints should be plaster rendering, this will leave the front of
painted with bitumastic paint, and the conduit the boxes recessed above the plaster finish.
itself should also be painted where the enamel To overcome this it is possible to use extension
has been removed during threading of setting. rings for standard conduit boxes. At the
Sometimes the conduits can be run in chases position of ceiling points pit is usual top
cut into concrete floors; these should be provide a standard found conduit box, with
arranged so as to avoid traps in the conduit an earth terminal, but any metal box or
where condensation may collect and damage incombustible enclosure may be used,
the cables. although an earth terminal must be provided.

FIG. 52 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF CONCEALED CONDUITS FEEDING LIGHTING POINTS BY LOOPING THE C ONDUIT
INTO THE B ACK OF O UTLET B OXES

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F IG. 53 DETAILS OF CONDUIT BOX AND M ETHOD OF HASTENING C ONDUIT

NOTE — If the sockets are fed from the floor below, it is difficult to avoid a trap for moisture.

FIG. 54 RIGHT AND WRONG METHODS OF FEEDING SOCKET NEAR SKIRTING LEVEL

e) Running sunk conduits to surface distribution in the wall behind the distribution board and
boards — Where surface mounted to take the flush conduits directly into it. Holes
distribution boards are used with a sunk can be drilled in the back of the distribution
conduit, the problems arises as to the best board and bushed. Spare holes should be
method of terminating flush conduits into the provided for future conduits. Alternatively, an
surface boards. One method is to ‘set’ the adaptable box can be fitted at the top of the
conduits out to the required distance into the distribution board, partly sunk into the wall
surface boards but this is not recommended. to receive the flush conduits, and partly on
A better method is to fit a flush adaptable box the surface to bolt on the top of the distribution

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 85

SP 30 : 2011

board. Distribution boards must be bonded to connection with Class 2 equipment, that is,
the adaptable boxes. equipment having double insulation. In this
f) Before wiring sunk conduit — Before wiring, case a protective conductor must not be
the conduits for each circuit must be erected provided. Flexible PVC conduits are also
complete. Not only should they be complete available, and these can be used with
but they must be clean and dry inside advantage where there are awkward bends,
otherwise the cables may suffer damage. No or under floorboards where rigid conduits
attempt should be made to wire conduits would be difficult to install.
which are buried in cement until the building 6.7.1.4.2.2 Installation of plastic conduit
has dried out and then the conduits should be
swabbed to remove any moisture or Plastic conduits and fittings can be obtained from a
obstruction which may have entered them. number of different manufacturers and the techniques
g) The light mechanical stress unscrewed conduit needed to install these are not difficult to apply. Care
system — The light mechanical stress conduit is however needed to assemble a neat installation and
system consists of conduits, the walls of which the points given below should be borne in mind. As
are not of sufficient thickness to allow them with any other installation good workmanship and the
to be threaded. Instead of screwed sockets and use of good quality materials is essential.
fittings grip type fittings are used. It should be noted that the thermal expansion of plastic
h) Insulated conduit system — Non-metallic conduit is about six times that of steel, and so whenever
conduits are now being increasingly used for surface installation of straight runs exceeding 6 m is
all types of installation work, both for to be employed, some arrangement must be made for
commercial and house wiring. The PVC rigid expansion. The saddles used have clearance to allow
conduit is made in various sizes and there are the conduit to expand. Joints should be made with an
various types of conduit fittings, including expansion coupler, which is attached with solvent
boxes available for use with this conduit. The cement to one of the lengths of tube, but allowed to
type of universal conduit box is made of a move in the other.
plastic material, and fitted with special
sockets, and enable the conduit to be merely Cutting the conduit can be carried out with a fine tooth
slipped into position, and secured by locking saw or using the special tool. As with steel conduit, it
ring. No cement is required, except that it is is necessary to remove any burrs and roughness at the
recommended in damp situations. The end of the cut length.
advantage of the insulated conduit system is Bending the small sizes of plastic conduit up to 25 mm
that it can be installed much more quickly than diameter can be carried out cold. A bending spring is
steel conduit, it is non-corrosive, impervious inserted so as to retain the cross sectional shape of
to most chemicals, weatherproof, and it will the tube. It is important to use the correct size of
not support combustion. The disadvantages bending spring for the type of tube being employed.
are that it is not suitable for temperatures
With cold bending, the tube should initially be bent
below –5 ° C or above 60 ° C, and where
to about double the required angle, and then returned
luminaries are suspended from PVC conduit
to the angle required, as this reduces the tendency of
boxes, precautions must be taken to ensure
the tube to return to its straight form. To bend larger
that the heat from the lamp does not result in
sizes of tube, 32 mm diameter and above, judicious
the PVC box reaching a temperature
application of heat is needed. This may be applied by
exceeding 60°C. For surface installations it is
blowlamp, electric fire or boiling water. If a naked
recommended that saddles be fitted at
flame is used, extreme care must be taken to avoid
intervals of 800 mm for 20 mm diameter
overheating the conduit. Once warm, insert a bending
conduit, and intervals of 1 600 mm to
spring and bend the tube round a suitable former. A
2 000 mm for larger sizes. The special sockets
and saddles for this type of conduit must have bucket is suitable, but do not use a bending machine
provision to allow for longitudinal expansion former, as this conduits away the heat too rapidly. The
that may take place with variations in ambient formed tube should as soon as possible be saddled
temperature. It is necessary to provide a circuit after bending.
protective conductor in all insulated conduit, Joints are made using solvent adhesives, which can be
and this must be connected to the earth obtained specifically for the purpose. These adhesives
terminal in all boxes for switches, sockets and are usually highly flammable and care is needed in
luminaries. The only exception is in handling and use. Good ventilation is essential, and it

86 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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is important not to inhale any fumes given off. The for electrical purposes is generally made of 1.2 mm
manufacturers’ instructions for use of the solvent sheet steel, and is available is size ranging from 50 mm
adhesive should be strictly followed. If sealing is × 50 mm to 600 mm × 150 mm, common sizes being
needed to waterproof the joint, use a special non-setting 50 mm × 50 mm, 75 mm × 100 mm, 150 mm × 75 mm
adhesive or grease. Threaded adaptors are available and 150 mm × 150 mm although 50 mm × 100 mm
for use when it is required. Drawing in cables is carried and 100 mm × 100 mm are also available. See Table
out by making use of a nylon draw-in tape. The smooth 12 for spacing of supports for trunking and Table 13
bore of the plastic tube aids the pulling in operation. for preferred dimensions of cable trunking and
Liquid soap or French chalk maybe used to provide ducting.
lubrication to help the pulling in process. Capacities
of plastic conduits maybe calculated in a similar way 6.7.2.1 Types of trunking
to that used for steel systems. Each type of cable is a) Metallic trunking — Trunking for industrial
allocated a factor, and corresponding factors are and commercial installations is often used in
allocated for various sizes of conduit. Table 10 and place of the larger sizes of conduit. It can be
Table 11 give the factors applicable to cables and used with advantage in conjunction with 16
conduits. This requires that when cables are drawn into mm to 32 mm conduits, the trunking forming
conduit damage to both cables and conduit is avoided. the background or framework of the system
The use of plastic conduit is suitable when cable runs with conduits running from the trunking to
require to be located in pre-cast concrete. As will be lighting or socket outlet points. For example,
appreciated it is essential that sound joints are made in a large office building, trunking can be run
so that when the concrete is cast, the conduit runs do above the suspended ceiling along the
not separate. The maximum permissible number of corridors to feed corridor points, and rooms
1.1 kV grade cables that can be drawn into rigid steel on either side can be fed from this trunking
conduits are given at Table 3 of Part 1/Section 20 of by conduit.
this Code. The maximum permissible number of
1.1 kV grade single-core cables that may be drawn into In multistoreyed buildings trunking of suitable
rigid non-metallic conduits are given in Table 4 of capacity, and with the necessary number of
Part 1/Section 20 of this Code. Table 1 of Part 1/ compartments, is to be provided and run
Section 20 gives diameter and maximum allowable vertically in the riser ducts and connected to
resistance of fusewires of tinned copper. distribution boards; it can also accommodate
circuit wiring, control wiring, also cables
6.7.2 Cable Trunking and Ducting Systems
feeding fire alarms, telephones, emergency
6.7.2.0 General lighting and other services associated with a
modern building.
Cable trunking and cable ducting systems are used for
the accommodation, and where necessary for the Cables feeding fire alarms and emergency
segregation of conductors, cables or cords and/or other circuits need to be segregated by fire-resisting
electrical equipment in electrical installations barriers from those feeding low-voltage
(see Fig. 55). The systems are mounted directly on walls circuits (that is 50 V to 1 000 V ac). It is usual
or ceilings , flush or semi-flush or indirectly on walls or for telecommunications companies to insist
ceilings, or on structures away from on walls or ceilings. that their cables are completely segregated
See IS 14927 (Part 1) for general requirements of the from all other wiring systems. It may therefore
cable trunking and ducting systems. For general use, be necessary to install 3 or 4 compartment
cable trunking is now available in various materials such trunking to ensure the requirements for data
as steel, PVC, aluminium and phenylene oxide (Noryl), and telecommunications circuits are complied
in a wide range of sizes of both square and rectangular with. Cables feeing emergency lighting and
cross-section. Steel cable trunking is supplied in various fire alarm must also be segregated from the
standard lengths with provision for slotting together and wiring of any other circuits by means of rigid
bolting to maintain electrical continuity for bonding. If and continuous partitions of non-combustible
required, trunking is available with pin supports at material.
regular intervals for separating circuits and, where it is b) Non-metallic trunking — A number of
essential to completely segregate wiring, such as safety versatile plastic trunking systems have been
services and extra-low voltage, continuous barriers are developed in recent years and these are often
provided. suitable for installation work in domestic or
Where a large number of cables has to be run together, commercial premises, particularly where
it is often convenient to put them in trunking. Trunking rewiring of existing buildings is required.

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 87

88
Table 10 Conduit Factors for Runs Incorporating Bends
(Clause 6.7.1.4.2.2)
Sl No. Length of Run Straight One Bend Two Bends Three Bends Four Bends
SP 30 : 2011

m 16 20 25 32 16 20 25 32 16 20 25 32 16 20 25 32 16 20 25 32
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22)
i) 1 188 303 543 947 177 286 514 900 158 256 463 818 130 213 388 692
ii) 1.5 182 294 528 923 167 270 487 857 143 233 422 750 111 182 333 600
iii) 2 177 286 514 900 158 256 463 818 130 213 388 692 97 159 292 529
iv) 2.5 171 278 500 878 150 244 442 783 120 196 358 643 86 141 260 474
v) 3 167 270 487 857 143 233 422 750 111 182 333 600
vi) 3.5 179 290 521 911 162 263 475 837 136 222 404 720 103 169 311 563
vii) 4 177 286 514 900 158 256 463 818 130 213 388 692 97 159 292 529
viii) 4.5 174 282 507 889 154 250 452 800 125 204 373 667 91 149 275 500
ix) 5 171 278 500 878 150 244 442 783 120 196 358 643 86 141 260 474
x) 6 167 270 487 857 143 233 422 750 111 182 333 600
xi) 7 162 263 475 837 136 222 404 720 103 169 311 563
xii) 8 158 256 463 818 130 213 388 692 97 159 292 529
xiii) 9 154 250 452 800 125 204 373 667 91 149 275 500
xiv) 10 150 244 442 783 120 196 358 643 86 141 260 474

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FIG. 55 C ABLE TRUNKING

Table 11 Cable Factors for Long Straight Runs, Mini-trunking and cove-trunking are
or Runs Incorporating Bends in Conduit particularly suitable for areas which may be
( Clause 6.7.1.4.2.2 ) subject to changes of layouts, or for rewiring,
to avoid major unheavals in addition to new
Type of Conductor Conductor, Cross- Factor
installations. The simplicity of installations
Sectional Area
and the degree of accessibility provided by
1.0 16 these systems can reduce labour costs
Solid or stranded 1.5 22 tremendously.
2.5 30
4.0 43 d) Lighting trunking system — Steel or alloy
6.0 58 lighting trunking was originally designed to
10.0 105 span trusses other supports in order to provide
an easy an economical method of supporting
c) Mini trunking — For domestic or similar small
luminaries in industrial premises at high level.
installations, mini-trunking systems similar in
form to cable trunking but of less obstructive e) Underfloor trunking system/Floor distribution
cross-section, ranging from 16 mm to 75 mm system — Open plan office and other types of
wide by 12 mm to 30 mm deep can be used. commercial buildings may well need power
There are numerous accessories for bends, and data wiring to outlets at various points in
junctions and outlets and, with the exception the floor area. The most appropriate way of
of the outlets which are usually surface providing this is by one of the underfloor
mounted. A complete installation can be made wiring systems now available. Both steel and
quite inconspicuously by close fitting to plastic construction trunking can be obtained,
skirtings, picture rails and door architraves. and if required ‘power poles’ can be inserted
Because of the small section, runs on walls or at appropriate locations to bring the socket
across ceilings can be used without spoiling the outlets to a convenient hand height. With the
aesthetics of an area. increasing use being made of computers, and

Table 12 Spacing of Supports for Trunking

(Clause 6.7.2.0)
Sl No. Cross-sectional Area, mm2 Maximum Distance Between Supports

Metal Insulating

Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical

m m m m
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
i) Exceeding 300 and not exceeding 700 0.75 1.0 0.5 0.5
ii) Exceeding 700 and not exceeding 1 500 1.25 1.5 0.5 0.5
iii) Exceeding 1 500 and not exceeding 2 500 1.75 2.0 1.25 1.25
iv) Exceeding 2 500 and not exceeding 5 000 3.0 3.0 1.5 2.0
v) Exceeding 5 000 3.0 3.0 1.75 2.0

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 89

SP 30 : 2011

other electronic data transmission systems, the In addition, for cable trunking and ducting systems
flexibility of the underfloor wiring can be intended for mounting on walls or ceilings, the
used to good advantage. manufacturer’s instruction on classification of the CT/
f) Steel floor trunking — Under floor trunking DS and on installation of the system should be
made of steel is used extensively in commercial followed. If the system is intended for the suspension
and similar buildings, and it can be obtained of loads, the manufacturers on the maximum load and
in very shallow sections with depth of only method of suspension should be followed.
22 mm, which is very useful where the The sizes of the cable trunking and ducting other than
thickness of the floor screed is limited. those specified are also acceptable as per the agreement
g) Plastic underfloor trunking — Plastic between the purchasers and the manufacturers provided
materials are now often used instead of their that the height and width are from the combination of
metal counterparts for the enclosures of the following dimensions having tolerances of ±0.2
underfloor systems. Under floor trunking mm on both height and width dimensions. 12 mm,
systems made with this material can be 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 38 mm, 50 mm,
divided into two main types, these being 75 mm and 100 mm.
raised floor systems and underfloor systems.
Wall thickness for cable trunking and ducting for any
h) Carpet trunking system — A carpet trunking
type of combination with respect to height and width
is provided for fixing to a finished floor, which
as given in clause shall be as follows:
has a total depth of 9.6 mm. It is complete
with a snap on overlapping lid which, when a) Any combination where size is up to 32 mm
it place, forms a retainer for abutting carpet. the wall thickness shall be at least 1.20 mm.
NOTE — There are many different designs, the b) Any combination where size is up to 38 mm,
particular requirements of which are covered in other the wall thickness shall be at least 1.30 mm.
parts of IS 14927. c) Any combination where size is up to 50 mm
6.7.2.2 Trunking and ducting systems shall be so the wall thickness shall be atleast 1.50 mm.
designed and constructed that where required they d) Any combination where size is above 50 mm
ensure reliable mechanical protection to the conductors the wall thickness shall be at least 1.80 mm.
and/or cables contained therein. Where required, the
system shall also provide adequate electrical protection. 6.7.2.3 Access to live parts
In addition, the system components shall withstand the Trunking/ducting systems shall be so designed that
stresses likely to occur during transport, storage, when they are installed and fitted with insulated
recommended installation practice and usage. System conductors and apparatus in normal use, parts are not
Components are parts used within the system, which accessible.
include lengths of trunking or ducting, trunking or
ducting fittings, fixing devices, apparatus mounting 6.7.2.4 Designs of conduit system
devices, and other accessories. A schematic of trunking and ducting systems for wall,
NOTE — The above mentioned components may not ceiling installation and floor installation is given at
necessarily be included all together in a system. Different Fig. 56.
combinations of components may be used.

Table 13 Preferred Dimensions of Cable Trunking and Ducting

(Clause 6.7.2.0 )
Size Approximate Internal Cross- Outer Outer Wall Thickness
Sectional Width Height Min
mm mm2 mm mm mm
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
12 × 12 119.50 12.0 ± 0.2 12.0 ± 0.2 1.20
16 × 12 153.00 16.0 ± 0.2 12.0 ± 0.2 1.20
16 × 16 196.00 16.0 ± 0.2 16.0 ± 0.2 1.20
25 × 12 239.10 25.0 ± 0.2 12.0 ± 0.2 1.20
25 × 16 307.40 1.20
25.0 ± 0.2 16.0 ± 0.2
25 × 25 510.80 1.20
38 × 16 474.40 25.0 ± 0.2 25.0 ± 0.2 1.30
38 × 25 793.00 38.0 ± 0.2 16.0 ± 0.2 1.30
50 × 16 611.00 38.0 ± 0.2 25.0 ± 0.2 1.50
50 × 50 20209.00 50.0 ± 0.2 16.0 ± 0.2 1.50
75 × 75 50098.00 50.0 ± 0.2 50.0 ± 0.2 1.80
100 × 50 40473.00 75.0 ± 0.2 75.0 ± 0.2 1.80
100.0 ± 0.2 50.0 ± 0.2

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NOTE — No. 5 represents an apparatus in a trunking system.

a) Types and Application of Trunking and Ducting System for Wall and Ceiling Installation
No. on Definition For Mounting
Fig. 56
(1) (2) (3) (4)
1 Trunking and Insulated conductors, cables, Surface on wall and ceiling, on walls
7 accessories cords mounted horizontally or vertically, ceiling
11 suspended
12
13
15

3 Trunking and Insulated conductors, cables, Flush in wall and ceiling, in walls mounted
9 accessories cords horizontally or vertically

5 Trunking and Insulated conductors, cables, Surface on wall and ceiling, on walls
accessories cords, mounting devices for mounted horizontally or vertically
apparatus (switches, socket-
outlets, circuit-breakers, etc

2 Ducting and Insulated conductors, cables, Surface on wall and ceiling, on walls
10 accessories cords mounted horizontally or vertically, ceiling
8 suspended

4 Ducting and Insulated conductors, cables, Embedded in wall and ceiling, in walls
accessories cords mounted horizontally or vertically

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 91

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b) Trunking and Ducting Systems for Floor Installation

No. on Definition For Mounting
Fig. 56
(1) (2) (3) (4)
1 Trunking and accessories Insulated conductors, cables, cords Flush floor

1 Trunking and accessories Insulated conductors, cables, cords Surface on floor

5
6

2 Ducting and accessories Insulated conductors, cables, cords, Flush floor

3 Ducting and accessories Insulated conductors, cables, cords In floor (embedded)

7 Electrical service unit Apparatus Flush floor

8 Electrical service unit Apparatus Surface on floor

Skirting systems

6 Skirting trunking and accessories Insulated conductors, cables, cords Surface on wall and ceiling
15
Not shown Skirting trunking and accessories Insulated conductors, cables, cords, Surface on wall and ceiling
counting devices for apparatus

Not shown Socket plinth Mounting apparatus (socket-outlets) Surface on wall

F IG. 56 TYPES OF TRUNKING AND DUCTING SYSTEMS

7 EQUIPMENT, FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES Similar part of all switches, lampholders, distribution
fuse-boards, ceiling roses, brackets, pendants, fans and
7.0 An important stage of electrical installation work
all other fittings shall be so chosen that they are of the
is the fixing of accessories, such as ceiling roses,
same type and interchangeable in each installation.
holders, switches, socket outlets and luminaries. This
Electrical equipment which form integral part of wiring
work requires experience and a thorough knowledge
intended for switching or control or protection of
of the regulations which are applicable, because
wiring installations shall conform to the relevant Indian
danger from shock frequently results from the use of
Standards wherever they exist.
incorrect accessories or accessories being wrongly
connected. 7.1 Ceiling Roses
All equipment shall be suitable for the maximum power 7.1.1 Ceiling rose shall not be used on a circuit the
demanded by the current using equipment when it is voltage of which normally exceeds 250 V. Ceiling
functioning in its intended manner. In wiring other than roses may be of the 2-plate pattern and must have an
conduit wiring, all ceiling roses, brackets, pendants and earth terminal. The 3-plate type is used to enable the
accessories attached to walls or ceilings shall be feed to be looped at the ceiling rose rather than to use
mounted on substantial teak wood blocks twice an extra cable which would be needed to loop it at the
varnished after all fixing holes are made in them. switch. Figure 57 gives different types of ceiling roses.
Blocks shall not be less than 4 cm deep. Brass screws
shall be used for attaching fittings and accessories to 7.1.2 For PVC sheathed wiring it is possible to
their base blocks. Where teak or hardwood boards are eliminate the need for joint boxes if 3-plate ceiling roses
used for mounting switches, regulators, etc, these are employed. No ceiling rose may be used on a circuit
boards shall be well varnished with pure shellac on all having a voltage normally exceeding 250 V. Not more
four sides (both inside and out side), irrespective of than two flexible cords may be connected to any one
being painted to match the surroundings. The size of ceiling rose unless the later is specially designed for
such boards shall depend on the number of accessories multiple pendants.
that could conveniently and neatly be arranged. Where 7.1.3 Special 3 and 4-pin fittings rated at 2 or 6 A
there is danger of attack by white ants, the boards shall may be obtained and these can be installed where
be treated with suitable anti-termite compound and lighting fittings need to be removed or rearranged.
painted on both sides. The ability to remove lighting easily can assist in

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57A Porcelain Ceiling Rose 57B Porcelain Ceiling Rose 57C Ceiling Rose Made of
with Two Plates with Three Plates Bakelite or Plastic

FIG. 57 CEILING ROSE

carrying our maintenance. Although the fitting is a cords, if not properly installed and maintained, can
socket outlet, it cannot be used for supplying hand become a cause of fire and shock. Flexible cords must
held equipment. not be used for fixed wiring. Flexible cords must not
be used where exposed to dampness or immediately
7.1.4 For the conduit system of wiring it is usual to fit
below water pipes. They should be open to view
ceiling roses which screw direct on to a standard
through out their entire length, except where passing
conduit box, the box being fitted with an earth
through a ceiling when they must be protected with a
terminal.
properly bushed non-flammable tube. Flexible cords
7.2 Luminaries must never be held in position by means of insulated
staples. Connections between flexible cords and cables
7.2.1 Every luminaire or group of luminaries must be shall be effected with an insulated connector, and this
controlled by a switch or a socket outlet and plug, connector must be enclosed in a box or in part of a
placed in a readily accessible position. Luminaire luminaire. If an extension of a flexible cord is made
should conform to relevant Indian Standard where with a flexible cord connector consisting of pins and
existing. sockets, the sockets must be fed from the supply, so
7.2.2 In damp situations, every luminaire shall be of that the exposed pins are not alive when disconnected
the water proof type, and in situations where there is from the sockets. All flexible cords used for portable
likelihood of presence of flammable or explosive dust, appliances shall be of the sheathed circular type and,
vapour, or gas, the luminaries must be of the flameproof therefore twisted cords must not be used for portable
type in accordance with the recommendation of Part 7 handlamps, floor and table lamps, etc. All flexible cords
of this Code and relevant Indian Standard (see IS 5571). should be frequently inspected, especially at the point
Flammable shade shall not form a part of lighting where they enter lampholders and other accessories,
fittings unless such shade is well protected against all and renewed if found to be unsatisfactory. Flexible
risks of fire. Celluloid shade or lighting fittings shall cords used in workshops and other places subjected to
not be used under any circumstances. General and risk of mechanical damage shall be sheathed or
safety requirements for electrical lighting fittings shall armoured.
be in accordance with good practice. The lighting 7.2.3.2 Where flexible cords support luminaries the
fittings shall conform to relevant Indian Standards maximum weight which may be supported is as
where they exist. follows:
The use of fittings-wire shall be restricted to the internal
wiring of the lighting fittings. Where fittings wire is Nominal Cross-sectional Maximum
used for wiring fittings, the sub-circuit loads shall Area of Flexible Cord Permissible Weight
mm2 kg
terminate in a ceiling rose or box with connectors from
(1) (2)
which they shall be carried into the fittings
0.5 2
7.2.3 Flexible Cords and Cables
0.75 3
7.2.3.1 The conductor of flexible cords and cables shall 1.0 5
be according to flexibility Class 5 of IS 8130. Flexible

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If necessary two or more flexible cords shall be used room. Lamp holder should conform to relevant Indian
so that the weight supported by any cord does not Standards.
exceed the above values.
7.3.2 Lamp holders for use on brackets and the like
7.2.3.3 In kitchens and sculleries, and in rooms with a shall be in accordance with Indian Standards and all
fixed bath, flexible cords shall be of the PVC sheathed those for use with flexible pendants shall be provided
or an equally waterproof type. with cord grip. All lampholders shall be provided with
shade carriers. The outer screwed contact of Edison
7.2.3.4 In industrial premises luminaries shall be
screw-type lampholders must always be connected to
supported by suitable pipe/conduits, brackets fabricated
the neutral of the supply. Small Edison screw
from structural steel, steel chains or similar materials
lampholders must have a protective device not
depending upon the type and weight of the fittings.
exceeding 6 A, but the larger sizes may have a protective
Where a lighting fitting is supported by one or more
device not exceeding 16 A. The small Bayonet Cap (BC)
flexible cords, the maximum weight to which the twin
lampholder must have a protective device not exceeding
flexible cords may be subjected shall be as follows:
6 A, and for the larger BC lampholders the protective
Nominal Cross-sectional Maximum Permissible device must not exceed 16 A. Figure 58 shows different
Area of Twin Cord Weight types of BC lamp holders.
mm2 kg 7.3.3 No lampholder may be used on circuits exceeding
(1) (2) 250 V and all metal lampholders must have an earth
0.5 2 terminal. In bathrooms and other positions where there
0.75 3 are stone floors or exposed extraneous conductive parts,
1.0 5 lampholders should be fitted with insulated skirts to
1.5 5.3 prevent inadvertent contact with live pins when a lamp
2.5 8.8 is being removed or replaced.
4.0 14.0
7.4 Lamps
7.2.3.5 Where the temperature of the luminaire is likely 7.4.1 All lamps unless otherwise required and suitably
to exceed 60° C, special heat-resisting flexible cords protected, shall be hung at a height of not less than
should be used, including for pendant or enclosed type 2.5 m above the floor level. All electric lamps and
luminaries. The flexible cord should be insulated with accessories shall conform to relevant Indian Standards.
heatproof insulation such as butyl or silicone rubber. Portable lamps shall be wired with flexible cord. Hand
Ordinary PVC insulated cords are not likely to lamps shall be equipped with a handle of moulded
withstand the heat given off by tungsten filament lamps. composition or other material approved for the purpose.
Flexible cords feeding electric heaters must also have Hand lamps shall be equipped with a substantial guard
heatproof insulation such as butyl or silicone rubber. attached to the lamp holder or handle. Metallic guards
shall be earthed suitably.
7.3 Lamp Holders
7.4.2 A bushing or the equivalent shall be provided
7.3.1 Insulated lampholders should be used wherever where flexible cord enters the base or stem of portable
possible. Lampholders fitted with switches must be lamp. The bushing shall be of insulating material unless
controlled by a fixed switch or socket outlet in the same a jacketed type of cord is used. All wiring shall be free

58A Pendant Holder 58B Bracket Holder 58C Batten Holder 58D Push-pull Holder
FIG. 58 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BAYONET HOLDERS

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from short-circuits and shall be tested for these defects the live side of the line. Ordinary socket-outlet may be
prior to being connected to the circuit. Exposed live fixed at any convenient place at a height above 20 cm
parts within porcelain fixtures shall be suitably recessed from the floor level and shall be away from danger of
and so located as to make it improbable that wires will mechanical injury. Socket outlets installed in old
come in contact with them. There shall be a spacing of people’s homes and in domestic premises likely to be
atleast 125 mm between live parts and the mounting occupied by old or disabled people, should be installed
plane of the fixture. at not less than 1 m from floor level.
7.4.3 External and road lamps shall have weatherproof In situations where a socket-outlet is accessible to
fittings of approved design so as to effectively prevent children, it is necessary to install an interlocked plug
the ingress of moisture and dust. Flexible cord and cord and socket or alternatively a socket-outlet which
grip lamp holders shall not be used where exposed to automatically gets screened by the withdrawal of plug.
weather. In verandahs and similar exposed situations In industrial premises socket-outlet of rating 16 A and
where pendants are used, these shall be of fixed rod above shall preferably be provided with interlocked
type. type switch. Socket outlets should conform to relevant
Indian Standards.
7.5 Socket Outlets and Plugs
7.5.2 In an earthed system of supply, a socket-outlet
7.5.1 Socket outlets are used for circuits not exceeding
with plug shall be of three-pin type with the third
250 V. Figure 59 shows various accessories and their
terminal connected to the earth. When such socket-
use. Each 16A socket-outlet provided in buildings for
outlets with plugs are connected to any current
the use of domestic appliances shall be provided with
consuming device of metal or any non-insulating
its own individual fuse or miniature circuit-breaker
material or both, conductors connecting such current-
(MCB), with suitable discrimination with back-up fuse
consuming devices shall be of flexible cord with an
or miniature circuit-breaker provided in the
earthing core and the earthing core shall be secured by
distribution/sub-distribution board. The socket-outlet
connecting between the earth terminal of plug and the
shall not necessarily embody the fuse or MCB as an
body of current-consuming devices.
integral part of it. Each socket-outlet shall also be
controlled by a switch which shall preferably be located In industrial premises three phase and neutral socket-
immediately adjacent thereto or combined therewith. outlets shall be provided with a earth terminal either
The switch controlling the socket-outlet shall be on of pin type or scrapping type in addition to the main

FIG. 59 PLUG SOCKET OUTLET AND ASSOCIATED A CCESSORIES

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SP 30 : 2011

pins required for the purpose. In wiring installations, 7.6.3 In damp situations, every switch shall be of the
metal clad switch, socket-outlet and plugs shall be used waterproof type with suitable screwed entries or glands
for power wiring. to prevent moister entering the switch. To prevent
A recommended schedule of socket-outlets in a residential condensed moisture from collecting inside a watertight
building is given at Table 2 of Part 3 of this Code. switchbox, a very small hole should be drilled in the
lowest part of the box to enable the moisture to drain
Although 16 A socket-outlet is extensively used in away.
industrial premises, other industrial type socket-outlets
include single-phase and three-phase sockets with 7.6.4 Flame proof switches must be fitted in all
ratings up to 125 A. positions exposed to flammable or explosive dust,
vapour, gas.
The low voltage electrical equipment (safety) standards
require equipment to be safe. Any part intended to be 7.7 Fans
electrified should be adequately protested such that it
is not accessible to a finger, including that of a child. 7.7.1 Ceiling Fans
This protection can be achieved by partly shrouding Ceiling fans including their suspension shall conform
the live pins of plugs so that when the plug is in the to Indian Standards. The following should be adhered
process of being inserted even the smallest finger to during installation:
cannot make contact with live metal.
a) Control of a ceiling fan shall be through its
When installing socket outlets the cables must be own regulator as well as a switch in series.
connected to the correct terminals, which are;
b) All ceiling fans shall be wired with normal
a) red wire (phase or outer conductor) to wiring to ceiling roses or to special connector
terminal marked L. boxes to which fan rod wires shall be
b) black wire (neutral or middle conductor) to connected and suspended from hooks or
terminal marked N. shackles with insulators between hooks and
c) yellow/ green earth wire to terminal marked suspension rods. There shall be no joint in the
E. suspension rod, but if joints are unavoidable
then such joints shall be screwed to special
7.5.3 If wrong connections are made to socket outlets couplers of 50 mm minimum length and both
it may be possible for a person to receive an electric
ends of the pipes shall touch together within
shock from an appliance when it is switched off.
the couplers, and shall in addition be secured
Socket-outlet adaptors which enable two or more
by means of split pins; alternatively, the two
appliances to be connected to a single socket should
pipes may be welded. The suspension rod shall
contain fuses to prevent the socket-outlet from
be of adequate strength to withstand the dead
becoming overloaded.
and impact forces imposed on it. Suspension
7.6 Switches rods should preferably be procured along with
the fan.
7.6.1 There are various types of switches available, the
most common being the 6 A switch which is used to c) Fan clamps shall be of suitable design
control lights. There is also the 16 A switch for circuits according to the nature of construction of
carrying heavier currents. For ac circuits the micro- ceiling on which these clamps are to be fitted.
gap switch is also being used; it is much smaller than In all cases fan clamps shall be fabricated from
the older type and more satisfactory for breaking new metal of suitable sizes and they shall be
inductive loads. as close fitting as possible. Fan clamps for
reinforced concrete roofs shall be buried with
Quick-make and slow-break switches are the casting and due care shall be taken that
recommended for ac. A quick-break switch connected they shall serve the purpose. Fan clamps for
to an ac supply and loaded near to its capacity will wooden beams, shall be of suitable flat iron
tend to break down to earth when used to switch off an fixed on two sides of the beam and according
inductive load (such as fluorescent lamps). to the size and section of the beam one or two
7.6.2 In a room containing a fixed bath, switches must mild steel bolts passing through the beam shall
be fixed out of reach of the person in the bath, hold both flat irons together. Fan clamps for
preferably out side the door, or be of the ceiling type steel joist shall be fabricated from flat iron to
operated by a cord. All single pole switches shall be fit rigidly to the bottom flange of the beam.
fitted in the same conductor though out the installation, Care shall be taken during fabrication that the
which shall be the phase conductor of the supply. metal does not crack while hammer to shape.

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Other fan clamps shall be made to suit the of a building, which control fan point locations, play
position, but in all cases care shall be taken to an important part. Fans normally cover an area of 9 m2
see that they are rigid and safe. to 10 m2 and therefore in general purpose office
d) Canopies on top and bottom of suspension buildings, for every part of a bay to be served by the
rods shall effectively conceal suspensions and ceiling fans, it is necessary that the bays shall be so
connections to fan motors, respectively. designed that full number of fans could be suitably
e) The lead-in-wire shall be of nominal cross- located for the bay, otherwise it will result in ill-
sectional area not less than 1.0 mm2 copper or ventilated pockets. In general, fans in long halls may
1.5 mm2 aluminium and shall be protected be spaced at 3 m in both the directions. If building
from abrasion. modules do not lend themselves for proper positioning
of the required number of ceiling fans, such as air
f) Unless otherwise specified, the clearance circulators or bracket fans would have to be employed
between the bottom most point of the ceiling for the areas uncovered by the ceiling fans. For this,
fan and the floor shall be not less than 2.4 m. suitable electrical outlets shall be provided although
The minimum clearance between the ceiling result will be disproportionate to cost on account of
and the plane of the blades shall be not less fans.
than 300 mm.
7.7.3.2 Proper air circulation could be achieved either
NOTE — All fan clamps shall be so fabricated that fans
revolve steadily. by larger number of smaller fans or smaller number of
larger fans. The economics of the system as a whole
7.7.2 Exhaust Fans should be a guiding factor in choosing the number and
For fixing of an exhaust fan, a circular hole shall be type of fans and their locations.
provided in the wall to suit the size of the frame which Exhaust fans are necessary for spaces, such as
shall be fixed by means of rag-bolts embedded in the community toilets, kitchens, canteens and godowns to
wall. The hole shall be neatly plastered with cement provide the required number of air changes
and brought to the original finish of the wall. The (see Part 1/Sec 11 of this Code). Since the exhaust fans
exhaust fan shall be connected to exhaust fan point are located generally on the outer walls of a room
which shall be wired as near to the hole as possible by appropriate openings in such walls shall be provided
means of a flexible cord, care being taken that the for in the planning site.
blades rotate in the proper direction.
Positioning of fans and light fittings shall be chosen to
7.7.3 Fannage make these effective without causing shadows and
7.7.3.1 Where ceiling fans are provided, the bay sizes stroboscopic effect on the working planes.

ANNEX A
(Clause 2)
LIST OF INDIAN STANDARDS RELATED TO INSTALLATION
IS No. Title IS No. Title
371 : 1999 Ceiling roses — Specification 2412 : 1975 Link clips for electrical wiring
732 : 1989 Code of practice for electrical wiring 2667 : 1988 Fittings for rigid steel conduits for
installations electrical wiring
1255 : 1983 Code of practice for installation and 3043 : 1987 Code of practice for earthing
maintenance of power cables upto 3419 : 1988 Fittings for rigid non-metallic
and including 33 kV rating conduits
1293 : 2005 Plugs and socket-outlets of rated 3480 : 1966 Flexible steel conduits for electrical
voltages up to and including 250 V wiring
and rated current up to and including 3808 : 1979 Method of test for non-
16 A — Specification combustibility of building materials
1646 : 1997 Code of practice for fire safety of 3837 : 1976 Accessories for rigid steel conduits
buildings (general): Electrical for electrical wiring
installations
PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 97
SP 30 : 2011

IS No. Title IS No. Title

3854 : 1997 Switches for domestic and similar (Part 6) : 2000 Pliable conduits of metal or
purposes composite materials
3961 Recommended current ratings for (Part 8) : 2003 Rigid non-threadable conduits of
cables: aluminium alloy
(Part 1) : 1967 Paper insulated lead sheathed cables 11000 (Part2/ Fire hazard testing: Part 2 Test
(Part 2) : 1967 PVC insulated and PVC sheathed Sec1) : 1984 / methods, Section 1 Glow-wire test
heavy duty cables IEC 695-2-1 : and guidance
(Part 3) : 1968 Rubber insulated cables 1980
(Part 5) : 1968 PVC insulated light duty cables 11353 : 1985 Guide for uniform system of marking
4289 Specification for flexible cables for and identification of conductors and
lifts and other flexible connections: apparatus terminals
(Part 1) : 1984 Elastomer insulated cables 13703 (Part 1) : LV Fuses for voltages not exceeding
(Part 2) : 2000 PVC insulated circular cables 1993 /IEC 269- 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc: Part 1
4649 : 1968 Adaptors for flexible steel conduits 1 : 1986 General requirements
5571 : 2000 Guide for selection of electrical 14255 : 1995 Aerial bunched cables for working
equipment for hazardous areas voltages upto and including 1 100 V
5572 : 1994 Classification of hazardous areas
— Specification
(other than mines) having flammable
14763 : 2000 Conduits for electrical purposes —
gases and vapours for electrical
Outside diameters of conduits for
installation
electrical installation and threads for
6946 : 1990 PVC insulated cables for working
conduits and fittings — Specification
voltages upto and including 1100 V
14768 (Part 1) : Conduit fittings for electrical
8130 : 1984 Conductors for insulated electric
2000 installations — Specification: Part 1
cables and flexible cords
8623 Specification for low-voltage General requirements
switchgear and controlgear assemblies: 14772 : 2000 General requirements for enclosures
(Part 1) : 1993/ Requirements for type-tested and of accessories for household and
IEC 60439-1 : partially type-tested assemblies similar fixed electrical installations
1985 — Specifications for an accessory or
(Part 2): 1993/ Particular requirements for busbar luminaries
IEC 60439-2 : trunking systems (busway) 14927 Cable trunking and ducting systems
1987 for electrical installations:
(Part 3) : 1993/ Particular requirements for (Part 1) : 2001 General requirements
IEC 60439-3 : equipment where unskilled persons (Part 2) : 2001 Cable trunking and ducting systems
1990 have access for their use intended for mounting on walls or
9537 Conduits for electrical installations: ceilings
(Part 2) : 1981 Rigid steel conduits 14930 Conduit systems for electrical
(Part 3) : 1983 Rigid plain conduits of insulating installations:
materials (Part 1) : 2001 General requirements
(Part 4) : 1983 Pliable self-recovering conduits of (Part 2) : 2001 Particular requirements — Conduit
insulating materials systems buried underground
(Part 5) : 2000 Pliable conduits of insulating SP 69 : 2000 Banking and related financial
material services — Information security
guidelines

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ANNEX B
(Clause 6.7.1.0 )
CLASSIFICATION CODING FOR CONDUIT SYSTEMS
The classification coding format for declared properties f) Sixth digit — Electrical characteristics
of the conduit system which may either be incorporated
[See 6.3 of IS 14930 (Part 1)]
in the manufacturer’s literature or marked on the
product shall be as shown below. When the conduit is None declared 0
marked with the classification code, it includes at least With electrical continuity characteristics 1
the first four digits. With electrical insulating characteristic 2
With electrical continuity and insulating 3
a) First digit — Resistance to compression characteristics
[See 6.1.1 of IS 14930 (Part 1)]
g) Seventh digit — Resistance to ingress of solid
Very light compression strength 1 objects
Light compression strength 2
[See 6.4.1 of IS 14930 (Part 1)]
Medium compression strength 3
Heavy compression strength 4 Protected against solid foreign objects 3
Very heavy compression strength 5 2.5 mm diameter and greater
Protected against solid foreign objects 4
b) Second digit — Resistance to impact 1.0 diameter and greater
[See 6.1.2 of IS 14930 (Part 1)] Dust protected 5
Dust tight 6
Very light impact strength 1
Light impact strength 2 h) Eight digit — Resistance to ingress of water
Medium impact strength 3
[See 6.4.2 of IS 14930 (Part 1)]
Heavy impact strength 4
Very heavy impact strength 5 None declared 0
Protected against vertically falling water drops 1
c) Third digit — Lower temperature range Protected against vertically falling water drops 2
[See Table 1 of IS 14930 (Part 1)] when conduit system tilted up to an angle of 15°
Protected against spraying/ water 3
+ 5°C 1 Protected against splashing water 4
– 5°C 2 Protected against water jets 5
–15°C 3 Protected against powerful water jets 6
–25°C 4 protected against the effects of temporary 7
–45°C 5 immersion in water
d) Fourth digit — Upper temperature range j) Ninth digit — Resistance against corrosion
[See Table 2 of IS 14930 (Part 1)] [See 6.4.3 of IS 14930 (Part 1)]
+ 60°C 1 Low protection inside and outside 1
+ 90°C 2 Medium protection inside and outside 2
+ 105°C 3 Medium protection inside, high protection outside 3
+ 120°C 4 High protection inside and outside 4
+ 150°C 5
+ 250°C 6 k) Tenth digit — Tensile strength
+ 400°C 7
[See 6.1.4 of IS : 14930 (Part 1)]
e) Fifth digit — Resistance to bending None declared 0
[See 6.1.3 of IS 14930 (Part 1)] Very light tensile strength 1
Light tensile strength 2
Rigid 1 Medium tensile strength 3
Pliable 2 Heavy tensile strength 4
Pliable/Self recovering 3 Very heavy tensile strength 5
Flexible 4

PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS 99

SP 30 : 2011

m) Eleventh digit — Resistance to flame None declared 0

propagation Very light suspended load capacity 1
Light suspended load capacity 2
[See 6.5 of IS 14930 (Part 1)]
Medium suspended load capacity 3
Non-flame propagating 1 Heavy suspended load capacity 4
Flame propagating 2 Very heavy suspended load capacity 5

n) Twelfth digit — Suspended load capacity p) Thirteenth digit — Fire effects

[See 6.1.5 of IS 14930 (Part 1)] (Under consideration)

100 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE