TOPIC 3: DESIGN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

✔ Electrical design is the process of planning and designing an electrical system for a construction
project. This includes the layout and design of all electrical components including wiring, fixtures, and
equipment.
DEFINITION OF TERMS IN DESIGN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
 Circuit  Conductor

 A path through which electrical current  A material, such as copper or aluminum, that
flows. In an installation, circuits are usually allows electricity to flow. The thickness and
classified into lighting, socket, and power insulation of conductors are essential factors in
circuits. design.

 Current (I)  Earthing (Grounding)

 The flow of electric charge, measured in  Connecting electrical circuits to the earth to
amperes (A). In installations, it determines provide a path for fault current, enhancing
the load a circuit can handle. safety by preventing electric shock and fire
hazards.
 Voltage (V)
 Short Circuit
 The potential difference between two points
in a circuit, measured in volts (V). It’s  An abnormal connection allowing current to
essential for determining equipment bypass the normal load path, often leading to
requirements and insulation ratings. circuit damage and necessitating circuit
protection.
 Load
 Overcurrent Protection
 The amount of electrical power consumed by
connected devices and appliances, typically  Devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, that
measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). protect circuits by breaking the connection
when current exceeds a safe level.
 Power (P)
 Distribution Board (Panel)
 The rate at which electrical energy is
transferred by an electric circuit, calculated  A central component where circuits branch out.
by P=V×IP = V \times IP=V×I and measured It houses fuses, circuit breakers, and is
in watts (W). responsible for dividing electrical power across
circuits.
 Single-phase and Three-phase
 Circuit Breaker
 Single-phase power uses one alternating
current (AC) waveform, typically for  A switch designed to automatically break the
residential installations. circuit under excessive current, protecting from
 Three-phase power uses three alternating overload and short circuits.
currents and is commonly used in industrial
and commercial settings for heavy loads.  Residual Current Device (RCD)

 Diversity Factor  A safety device that breaks the circuit if it

detects a current leak, protecting against
 A factor used to account for the likelihood electric shock.
that not all electrical devices will operate
 simultaneously, thus reducing total load  IP Rating (Ingress Protection)
requirements.
 A two-digit code representing the level of
 Cable Sizing protection provided by an enclosure against
solids (like dust) and liquids (like water).
 Selecting the correct cable size based on
current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, and  Load Calculation
environmental factors to ensure safety and
efficiency.  The process of determining the total power
requirements for an installation, considering
 Voltage Drop each connected device to prevent overloading.

 A decrease in voltage along the length of a  Transformer

cable due to resistance, which must be
minimized to maintain efficient power  A device that steps up or steps down voltage
delivery. levels in an electrical installation, commonly
used in power distribution.
 Conduit

 Protective tubing that houses cables,

shielding them from physical damage and
environmental factors.

TYPES OF WIRING SYSTEMS

Electrical Wiring is a process of connecting cables and wires to the related devices such as fuse, switches,
sockets, lights, fans etc. to the main distribution board is a specific structure to the utility pole for continues
power supply.

Factors to consider when selecting a wiring system:

 Type of building construction – to decide the routing, fixing and terminations
 Flexibility of the system – change of location of equipment such as in machine shops and temporary
buildings.
 Installation conditions – protection against mechanical damage requirements and working heights.
 Ambient temperatures – to be withstood, that is, in boiler houses, and heat treatment installations.
 Appearance of the finished installation – can it be run on the surface or concealed?
 Durability – life of the installation.
 Economics – cost of the installation and money available.
 Safely aspect-When it comes to wiring, safety is one of the most paramount factors to be considered
because electrocution is one thing you won’t have the time to give it a second thought. Where there is
possibility of fire hazard, conduit wiring should be used.

Factors to consider in designing electrical IV. Estimate Maximum Demand

installation:
1. Load size  The Maximum Demand is the highest load
that the installation is expected to experience.
Load sizing in electrical installation design is a  This accounts for both load diversity and peak
 usage, allowing you to determine the minimum
critical step that involves calculating the total power size for the main supply and distribution
demand for an installation to ensure that circuits, equipment.
cables, and protection devices are appropriately sized.  Maximum demand can be estimated using
This process ensures the system can handle the guidelines from standards like the NEC or IEC,
electrical load safely and efficiently. Here’s how load which provide methods for applying diversity
sizing is approached: and load factors.

I. Identify All Loads V. Select Cable and Equipment Sizes

 Types of Loads: Determine each type of  Based on the calculated load, select cable sizes
load in the installation. These may include: that can carry the current without excessive
o Lighting loads voltage drop and overheating.
o Socket (outlet) loads  Circuit protection devices (like circuit breakers
o Appliance loads (e.g., HVAC, and fuses) are also selected based on load size
water heaters, pumps) to ensure safety under fault or overload
o Special equipment (e.g., conditions.
machinery, data servers)
 Load Ratings: Check the rated power VI. Account for Future Expansion
(usually in watts or kilowatts) for each piece
of equipment, which is typically specified on  It’s good practice to oversize the load slightly
the equipment label or in its manual. or use equipment that can handle additional
load in case of future expansion.
II. Calculate Total Load
Requirements Example Calculation

 Basic Formula: For each device, use the Suppose we’re calculating the load for a small office
formula: P=V×IP = V \times IP=V×I Where: with the following:
o PPP is the power in watts (W)
o VVV is the voltage (V)  10 lighting fixtures at 100W each
o III is the current in amperes (A)  5 computers at 150W each
 Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase:  An air conditioner at 2000W

Basic Formula: For each device, use the Total Load (before applying diversity):
formula: P=V×I, where:
Lighting load=10×100W=1000W
 P is the power in watts (W)
 V is the voltage (V) Computer load=5×150W=750W
 I is the current in amperes (A)
Air conditioner=2000W
 Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase: For three-
phase installations, the formula becomes:
P=3×V×I×cos (θ), where cos(θ) is the power
factor, which accounts for reactive power in
AC circuit. Total Load = 1000 + 750 + 2000 = 3750 W (or 3.75
kW), After applying a diversity factor, you would then
calculate the actual load for wiring and protection
III. Apply Diversity Factor requirements.

 Not all equipment operates at full capacity or

simultaneously. The Diversity Factor
reduces the total load by accounting for this.
 For example, in a residential setting, not all
lights and sockets will be used at once, so a
 diversity factor helps reduce the estimated
load to a realistic value.

3. Client needs

2. Structure Power Requirements and Load Demand

Electrical Load Requirements Based on Usage  Equipment and Appliances: The specific
devices or machinery a client plans to use
 Lighting Design: Different spaces require determine the load requirements. For example,
different levels and types of lighting. For clients in a data center require high-capacity
example, office lighting requires even power supply systems, redundant power
distribution for workspace clarity, while sources, and cooling equipment.
industrial areas might need high-intensity  Dedicated Circuits: For critical or high-power
lighting. equipment, clients may request dedicated
 Power Distribution: In larger structures or circuits to prevent overloading and improve
those with multiple floors, electrical safety.
designers may include additional distribution  Future Expansion: Some clients may need
boards or substations to handle the load provisions for future expansion, like additional
effectively. machines or extra workspaces. Designers
 Specialized Equipment: Facilities like consider this by including extra capacity in
hospitals, laboratories, and data centers circuits, panels, and conduits.
require dedicated circuits, redundant power
supplies, and possibly uninterruptible power
supplies (UPS).

Loop-in or Looping System

Methods of Electrical Wiring Systems This method of wiring is universally used in wiring.
w.r.t Taking Connection: Lamps and other appliances are connected in parallel so
 Joint box system or Tee system that each of the appliances can be controlled
 Loop – in system individually. When a connection is required at a light
or switch, the feed conductor is looped in by bringing it
directly to the terminal and then carrying it forward
Joint Box or Tee or Jointing System again to the next point to be fed.
In this method of wiring, connections to appliances The switch and light feeds are carried round the circuit
are made through joints. These joints are made in in a series of loops from one point to another until the
joint boxes by means of suitable connectors or joints last on the circuit is reached. The phase or line
cutouts. This method of wiring doesn’t consume too conductors are looped either in switchboard or box and
much cables size. neutrals are looped either in switchboard or from light or
fan. Line or phase should never be looped from light or
fan.
Advantages of Loop-In Method of Wiring Disadvantages of Loop-In Method of Wiring
 Length of wire or cables required is more
 It doesn’t require joint boxes and so money is and voltage drop and copper losses are therefore
saved more
 In loop – in systems, no joint is concealed beneath  Looping – in switches and lamp holders is usually
floors or in roof spaces. difficult.
 Fault location is made easy as the points are made
only at outlets so that they are accessible.

Different Types of Electrical Wiring Systems

The types of internal wiring usually used are:
✔ Cleat wiring
✔ Wooden casing and capping wiring
✔ CTS or TRS or PVC sheath wiring
✔ Lead sheathed or metal sheathed wiring
✔ Conduit wiring
 1. Cleat Wiring Advantages of Cleat Wiring:
This system of wiring comprise of ordinary VIR or  It is simple and cheap wiring system
PVC insulated wires (occasionally, sheathed and  Most suitable for temporary use i.e. under
weather proof cable) braided and compounded held construction building or army camping
on walls or ceilings by means of porcelain cleats,  As the cables and wires of cleat wiring system
Plastic or wood. is in open air, Therefore fault in cables can be
Cleat wiring system is a temporary wiring system seen and repair easily.
therefore it is not suitable for domestic premises. The  Cleat wiring system installation is easy and
use of cleat wiring system is over nowadays. simple.
 Customization can be easily done in this wiring
system e.g. alteration and addition.
 Inspection is easy and simple.

Disadvantages of Cleat Wiring:

 Appearance is not so good.

 Cleat wiring can’t be used for permanent use
because, Sag may be occur after sometime of
the usage.
 In this wiring system, the cables and wiring is in
open air, therefore,
oil, Steam, humidity, smoke, rain, chemical and
acidic effect may damage the cables and wires.

 It is not lasting wire system because of the

weather effect, risk of fire and wear & tear.
 It can be only used on 250/440 Volts on low
temperature.
 There is always a risk of fire and electric shock.
 It can’t be used in important and sensitive
location and places.
 It is not lasting, reliable and sustainable wiring
system.

2. Casing and capping wiring

Casing and Capping wiring system was famous
wiring system in the past but, it is considered obsolete
this days because of Conduit and sheathed wiring
system. The cables used in this kind of wiring were
either VIR or PVC or any other approved insulated
cables.
The cables were carried through the wooden casing
enclosures. The casing is made up of a strip of wood
with parallel grooves cut length wise so as to
accommodate VIR cables. The grooves were made to
separate opposite polarity. The capping (also made of
wood) used to cover the wires and cables installed
and fitted in the casing.

Advantages of Casing Capping Wiring:

 It is cheap wiring system as compared to
sheath and conduit wiring systems.
 It is strong and long-lasting wiring system.
 Customization can be easily done in this
 wiring system.
 If Phase and Neutral wire is installed in
separate slots, then repairing is easy.
 Stay for long time in the field due to strong
insulation of capping and casing..
 It stays safe from oil, Steam, smoke and rain.
 No risk of electric shock due to covered
wires and cables in casing & capping.
Disadvantages Casing Capping Wiring:
 There is a high risk of fire in casing &
capping wiring system.
 Not suitable in the acidic, alkalis and
humidity conditions
 Costly repairing and need more material.
 Material can’t be found easily in
the contemporary
 White ants may damage the casing &
capping of wood

Advantages of Batten Wiring

3. Batten Wiring (CTS or TRS)  Wiring installation is simple and easy
Single core or double core or three core TRS cables  cheap as compared to other electrical wiring
with a circular oval shape cables are used in this kind systems
of wiring. Mostly, single core cables are preferred.  Paraphrase is good and beautiful
TRS cables are chemical proof, water proof, steam  Repairing is easy
proof, but are slightly affected by lubricating oil. The  strong and long-lasting
TRS cables are run on well-seasoned and straight teak  Customization can be easily done in this wiring
wood batten with at least a thickness of 10mm. system.
The cables are held on the wooden batten by means of  less chance of leakage current in batten wiring
tinned brass link clips (buckle clip) already fixed on system
the batten with brass pins and spaced at an interval of Disadvantages of Batten Wiring
10cm for horizontal runs and 15cm for vertical runs.  Can’t be install in the humidity, Chemical
effects, open and outdoor areas.
 High risk of firs
 Not safe from external wear & tear and weather
effects (because, the wires are openly visible
to heat, dust, steam and smoke.
 Heavy wires can’t be used in batten wiring
system.
 Only suitable below then 250V.
 Need more cables and wires.
 4. Lead Sheathed Wiring
The type of wiring employs conductors that are insulated with VIR and covered with an outer sheath of lead
aluminum alloy containing about 95% of lead. The metal sheath given protection to cables from mechanical
damage, moisture and atmospheric corrosion.
The whole lead covering is made electrically continuous and is connected to earth at the point of entry to protect
against electrolytic action due to leaking current and to provide safety in case the sheath becomes alive. The
cables are run on wooden batten and fixed by means of link clips just as in TRS wiring.

 In conduit wiring, steel tubes known

5. Conduit Wiring as conduits are installed on the surface
There are two additional types of conduit wiring of walls by means of pipe hooks
according to pipe installation (surface conduit wiring) or buried in
 Surface Conduit Wiring walls under plaster and VIR or PVC
 Concealed Conduit Wiring cables are afterwards drawn by means
Surface Conduit Wiring of a GI wire of size if about 18SWG.
If conduits installed on roof or wall, It is known as  In Conduit wiring system, The
surface conduit wiring. In this wiring method, they conduits should be electrically
make holes on the surface of wall on equal distances continuous and connected to earth at
and conduit is installed then with the help of rowel some suitable points in case of steel
plugs. conduit. Conduit wiring is a
Concealed Conduit wiring professional way of wiring a building.
If the conduits is hidden inside the wall slots with the Mostly PVC conduits are used in
help of plastering, it is called concealed conduit domestic wiring.
wiring. In other words, the electrical wiring system  The conduit protects the cables from
inside wall, roof or floor with the help of plastic or being damaged by rodents (when
metallic piping is called concealed conduit wiring. rodents bites the cables it will cause
Obliviously, It is the most popular, beautiful, short circuit) that is why circuit
stronger and common electrical wiring breakers are in place though but hey!
system nowadays. Prevention is better than cure. Lead
conduits are used in factories or when
the building is prone to fire accident.
Trunking is more of like surface
conduit wiring.
 Types of Conduit Advantage of Conduit Wiring Systems:
Following conduits are used in the conduit wiring  It is the safest wiring system (Concealed
systems (both concealed and surface conduit wiring) conduit wring)
which are shown in the above image.  Appearance is very beautiful (in case of
 Metallic Conduit concealed conduit wiring)
 Non-metallic conduit  No risk of mechanical wear & tear and fire in
Metallic Conduit: case of metallic pipes.
Metallic conduits are made of steel which are very  Customization can be easily done according to
strong but costly as well. the future needs.
There are two types of metallic conduits.  Repairing and maintenance is easy.
 Class A Conduit: Low gauge conduit (Thin layer  There is no risk of damage the cables
steel sheet conduit) insulation.
 Class B Conduit: High gauge conduit (Thick sheet  It is safe from corrosion (in case of PVC
of steel conduit) conduit) and risk of fire.
Non-metallic Conduit:  It can be used even in humidity, chemical effect
A solid PVC conduit is used as non-metallic conduit and smoky areas.
now a days, which is flexible and easy to bend.  No risk of electric shock (In case of
Size of Conduit: proper earthing and grounding of metallic
The common conduit pipes are available in different pipes).
sizes genially, 13, 16.2, 18.75, 20, 25, 37, 50, and 63  It is reliable and popular wiring system.
mm (diameter) or 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 2  Sustainable and long-lasting wiring system.
inch in diameter. Disadvantages of Conduit Wiring Systems:
 It is expensive wiring system (Due to PVC and
Metallic pipes, Additional earthing for metallic
pipes Tee(s) and elbows etc.
 Very hard to find the defects in the wiring.
 Installation is not easy and simple.
 Risk of electric shock (In case of metallic pipes
without proper earthing & grounding system)
 Very complicated to manage additional
connection in the future.

TYPES OF SUPPLY
Electrical power supply systems are categorized based on the source of power, the number of phases, the quality
and reliability of power, and the intended application. Here are the main types of electrical power supplies:
 1. DC (Direct Current) Power 2. AC (Alternating Current) Power
Supply Supply

 Definition: DC power provides a constant  Definition: AC power supply delivers power in

flow of current in one direction, making it the form of alternating current, where the
suitable for sensitive electronics. direction of the current periodically reverses.
 Common Uses: Primarily used for electronic  Common Uses: Used in most residential,
devices, battery-powered equipment, and in commercial, and industrial buildings.
applications that require stable voltage, such  Types of AC Power Supply:
as computers, LED lighting, and o Single-Phase Power Supply:
telecommunication equipment. Commonly used for residential
 Sources of DC Power: buildings and small commercial
o Batteries: Provide DC power, often establishments. It usually operates at a
used in portable electronics and standard 120V or 240V.
backup systems. o Three-Phase Power Supply:
o Rectifiers: Convert AC to DC Provides a more stable and higher-
power for use in devices and capacity power supply, typically used
systems that require DC. in industrial settings and large
commercial buildings. Three-phase
1) Unipolar DC Distribution System (2-Wire systems are more efficient for heavy
DC System) loads and large equipment.

This system uses two wires running in parallel to each

other, and it’s used to power most electrical loads
such as LED lighting, mobile phones, laptops, and 1. Single phase, 2-wire distribution
small off-grid appliances. This system is also what's
used for high voltage DC (HVDC) power
transmission. The two wires in this system are simply This system may be used for very short distances. The
positive (+) and negative (-), just like the two poles of following figure shows a single phase two wire system
any battery. with - fig (a) one of the two wires earthed and fig. (b)
Mid-point of the phase winding is earthed.

2) Bipolar DC Distribution System (3-Wire

DC System)

These systems are less commonly used, but they can

double the power provided to a load while distributing
the same voltage with reference to earth or ground. 2. Single phase, 3-wire system
They also make two different voltages available at the
same time, from one electrical distribution system.
This system is identical in principle with 3-wire dc
The anatomy of this system is 3 wires: two outer distribution system. The neutral wire is center-tapped
wires (one positive, and one negative), and a ground from the secondary winding of the transformer and
wire or 0 volt conductor (similar to a neutral in an AC earthed. This system is also called as split-
system).
phase electricity distribution system.

3. Two phase, 3-wire system

In this system, the neutral wire is taken from the

junction of two phase windings whose voltages are in
quadrature with each other. The voltage between neutral
wire and either of the outer phase wires is V. Whereas,
the voltage between outer phase wires is √2V. As
compared to a two-phase 4-wire system, this system
suffers from voltage imbalance due to unsymmetrical
voltage in the neutral.

Two phase, 4-wire system

In this system, 4 wires are taken from two phase

windings whose voltages are in quadrature with each
other. Mid-point of both phase windings are connected
together. If the voltage between the two wires of a same
phase is V, then the voltage between two wires of
different phase would be 0.707V.
 4. Three phase, 3-wire distribution system

Three phase systems are very widely used for AC

power distribution. The three phases may be delta
connected or star connected with star point usually
grounded. The voltage between two phases or lines for
delta connection is V, where V is the voltage across a
phase winding. For star connection, the voltage between
two phases is √3V.

5. Three phase, 4-wire distribution system

This system uses star connected phase windings and the

fourth wire or neutral wire is taken from the star point. If
the voltage of each winding is V, then the line-to-line
voltage (line voltage) is √3V and the line-to-neutral
voltage (phase voltage) is V. This type of distribution
system is widely used in India and many other
countries. In these countries, standard phase voltage is
230 volts and line voltage is √3x230 = 400 volts. Single
phase residential loads, single phase motors which run
on 230 volts etc. are connected between any one phase
and the neutral. Three phase loads like three-phase
induction motors are put across all the three phases and
the neutral.