INTERIOR DESIGN VIII

ASSIGNMENT 4

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
AR. SAMRITI PAUL VIDHISHA
16001006069
B. ARCH; SEC-B

Explain the factors to be considered for deciding the materials for

electrical wiring and fixtures. Mention the guidelines for electrical
layout in residential buildings.
The various factors to be considered for deciding the material for electrical wiring and fixtures are as
under :-

Durability:

When making choices for wiring system and material, the wiring type should be durable (long lasting)
and should also be of proper specifications and in accordance with assessed life and type of building
to be wired. The type of material and system used should not be affected by the weather conditions,
fumes etc.

Capacity:

The wiring material should be chosen by keeping in mind the capacity of the wiring. It should be used
according to the appropriate voltage and current.

Safety:

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

Appearance:

The wiring material should provide a good look after its installation. If cleat or casing – capping
wiring is used in a modern building, it will spoil the outlook of that building. Conduit wiring is
preferred mostly for modern buildings except that it’s expensive. PVC wiring system is also good for
modern buildings. PVC wiring is very popular.

Cost of wiring:
The initial cost of the wiring system to be chosen or selected is one of the paramount factors to be
considered. It should be economical and safe.
Accessibility:

Facilities used in the wiring should be available (within range) and accessible when the need for
alteration, extension or renewal arises.

Maintenance Cost:

Wiring system employed should have low maintenance cost.

Mechanical Protection:

The wiring material should be protected from mechanical damage during its use.

Permanency:

The wiring material should not deteriorate by the action of weather, fumes, dampness etc. the cables
should be resistant to harsh weather and chemical attacks.

Load:

The types of loads consuming the electrical energy in a building will determine the kinds of cables to
be used. You cannot use a cable with small diameter for heavy loads. The cables will damage.
Voltage to be employed and fire hazard and insurance standards should also be kept in mind in case of
large factories.

Flexibility:

The material that is flexible enough for the wiring work should be chosen.

COMMON TYPES OF WIRING MATERIAL

Several electrical appliances are used in homes, and all of these devices are connected through electric
wiring. It is crucial for the wiring and switchboard connections to be intact to avoid damage. Wiring
systems are made up of multiple wiring materials to ensure a safe and sound living environment.
Mostly, wires and cables are used interchangeably, but the cables are a collection of many wires.

Various types of materials for cable are as under :-

Non-metallic sheathed cable

It is a flexible electric cable that is coated with a plastic covering. Generally, the composition of the
electric sheath is copper wire, which is called the ground wire and two or more insulated wires. This
sheath is a non-conductor and is also heat resistant. The copper ground wire plays a vital role in
protecting the circuit. If there is a sudden surge of current, then the ground wires channelize the erratic
supply to the earth. Sometimes, the cables are covered with paper to make it more flexible. There are
three main types of NM (Non-metallic) cables, the standard one being the NM-B that operates well in
dry conditions. It is safe to use it indoors. The other type is a Feeder cable that runs underground and
thus can be moisture-resistant. The last type is the entrance cable that usually runs above the ground.

Copper conductors

Copper conductors are often used in electric wiring due to their exceptional conducting abilities. It
allows free flow of electrons making it a good conductor of heat and electricity. Copper conductors
have been widely used in numerous electrical appliances. They have high conductivity properties
because of which they have been in use for a long time. Moreover, copper has high tensile strength
and is also resistant to corrosion. Copper conductors are easy to handle and install as they are durable
and flexible. Although pure copper is widely used, copper alloys are preferred under conditions that
are more prone to corrosion and abrasion. In particular, telephones come with different types of
cables consisting of numerous pairs of copper insulated wires.

Underground Feeder (UF)

This is a type of non-metallic cable specifically made for wet places and requires direct burial. Such
cables have a solid plastic sheath which completely wraps up the wire. Much like non-metallic cables,
UFs comprise of hot insulated and the neutral wire. However, such wires are considered to be
extremely dangerous when the circuit is on as it generates a high voltage power, often reserved for
major circuit wiring. Such types of wires are typically used for lamp posts on roads and residences.

PVC insulated

Polyvinyl Chloride is the most commonly used insulating material nowadays, replacing rubber. It can
be easily modified and also processed according to the requirements. Most importantly, PVC
insulation is budget-friendly and also has a longer shelf life. Since it is a thermoplastic polymer, PVC
works well in both high and low temperatures. PVC is rigid and tough and has resistance towards
acids, alkalis and various oils. There are also thermosetting PVC versions that are linked with
advanced technology, but they can be more expensive.

Wired Broadband

While other wiring materials have been in existence since yore, wire broadband is still considered to
be a modern, digital revolution. The idea of constantly staying in touch with everybody from all parts
of the world led to the emergence of broadband. Wired broadband refers to a physical connection
between your network and your network provider, often using the following three types of wires and
cables: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), Fibre Systems and Coaxial Cables. Such wirings are often
plagued with fewer interruptions and are a convenient way of connection.

Safety Gears for Wiring Systems

This should be given top priority while engaging with the electrical wiring system at home. With
cases of electrocution being reported every other month, whether it’s electrical wiring, testing,
maintenance or installations, it is imperative to consider certain safety options while working on those
commonly used wiring materials. Tools and accessories such as insulated gloves, protective glasses,
hard hats, voltage detectors and gauged wire strippers must be in every home. Ensure other safety
measures, too, while working with your house’s electrical and wiring materials including standing on
a rubber mat, wearing dielectric shoes and keeping a wooden stick on guard.

COMMON MATERIALS FOR ELECTRICAL FIXTURES

Aluminium: 

As an all-around well-performing metal, aluminium is one of the most commonly used materials for
stamped lighting fixtures. Quite ductile and easy to machine, it’s a reliable, easy-to-use option for any
stamped product. It’s also lightweight, with a low density but a high strength-to-weight ratio. Stamped
aluminium parts can be very strong and there are several aluminium alloys available designed to
increase this strength.

Cold Rolled Steel: 

Cold rolled steel is an ideal metal for lighting fixture applications where production precision is
critical. More highly processed than standard hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel holds tolerances
extremely well. Cold rolled steel also generally has higher tensile and yield strengths than standard
steel, and it can accept a wide variety of surface finishes.
Stainless Steel: 
The term “stainless steel” covers a diverse range of steel alloys, the primary distinction being that the
blend is a minimum of 11% chromium by mass. The properties of different stainless steel alloys vary
greatly depending on the alloying agents that are used, but there are some constants. For instance, all
stainless steels have quite high strength and very good corrosion resistance; they also tend to require
very little maintenance and have a shiny, silver luster ideal for applications that require clean, modern
aesthetics.
Copper: 
Because it is so soft, ductile, and malleable, copper was among the first metals ever used by humans.
Today, these properties make it an ideal material for metal stamping. Also, copper has excellent
thermal and electrical conductivity, making it well suited for internal lighting components. Its high
corrosion resistance and attractive patina make it equally well suited for low-impact aesthetic uses.
Brass: 
Brass is a copper alloy, the primary alloying agent being zinc. Brass retains the malleability and
ductility of copper and has the added benefit of increased strength. An attractive and tarnish-resistant
material, it is well suited for both commercial and residential lighting applications. Softness, corrosion
resistance, surface regularity, and reactivity to a range of chemicals all vary per precise alloy, so it’s
important to select alloys carefully, with end use and specific application environment in mind.

GUIDELINES FOR ELECTRICAL LAYOUT IN RESIDENTIAL

BUILDINGS
Electrical installation in a new building should normally begin immediately on the completion of the
main structural building work. For conduit wiring system, the work should start before finishing work
like plastering has begun. For surface wiring system, however, work should begin before final
finishing work like white washing, painting, etc. Usually, no installation work should start until the
building is reasonably weatherproof, but where electric wiring is to be concealed within the structures,
the necessary conduits and ducts should be positioned after the shuttering is in place and before the
concrete is poured, provision being made to protect conduits from damage.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
 General - All fittings, accessories and appliances shall conform to the relevant Indian
Standards wherever available.
 Wiring - Any one of the following types of wiring may be used in a residential building. All
wiring shall be installed in accordance with IS: 732-1963.
a) Wood casing wiring,
b) Batten wiring,
c) Rigid steel conduit wiring,
d) Rigid non-metallic conduit wiring, and
e) Tough rubber sheathed or PVC, sheathed wiring.
 Fitting and Accessories -All electrical fittings and wiring accessories shall be installed in
accordance with IS: 732-1963.
 The system should provide ease of access to fittings for maintenance and repair and for any
possible modification to the system. Modifications to the system shall be done only by
licensed electrical contractors licensed under the Indian Electricity Rules.
ENERGY METERS, MAIN SWITCHES AND CUTOUTS
 It is recommended to have two distinct circuits, one for lights and fans and the other for high
wattage (power) appliances.
 Energy meters shall be installed at such a place which, is readily accessible to both the owner
of the building and the authorized representatives of the supply authority. These should be
installed at a height where it is convenient to note the meter reading; it should preferably not
be installed below 1 m from the ground. The energy meters should either be provided with ~a
protective covering, enclosing it completely except the glass window through which the
readings are noted or should be mounted inside a completely enclosed panel provided with
hinged or sliding doors with arrangement for locking it.
 Isolation and Protection - Means for isolating the supply to the building shall be provided
immediately after the energy meter and near to the point of commencement of supply. The
main switch controlling the supply to the building should be readily accessible to the
consumer.
  As far as possible the insulated cable connected to the live line of the supply should be of red,
yellow or blue colour while that connected to the neutral should be of black colour.
 All switches shall be installed on the live lines only and never on the neutral.
EARTHING
 Means shall be provided for proper earthing of all apparatus and appliances in accordance
with IS: 3013-1966.
 An earthing conductor shall be installed along with circuit conductors. The earthing conductor
may be uninsulated but where it is provided with an insulated covering, the covering shall be
finished to show a green colour.
 All portable appliances and other plug-in appliances shall be earthed by the use of J-pin
socket-outlets.
 Radio Sets - From the point of view of good reception, it is recommended that radio sets
should be earthed through an electrode different from that of the main earth system for other
electrical appliances. However, if it is not possible to have separate earth electrode, radio sets
may be earthed through the main earth system.
LIGHTING
 Lighting in houses should be regarded as an important aspect of interior decoration and
planning of the installation should be based on this conception.
 A switch shall be provided adjacent to normal entrance to any area for controlling the general
lighting in that area. The switches should be fixed on a usable wall space and should not be
obstructed by a, or window in its fully open position. They may be installed at any height up
to 1.3 m above the floor level.
 Two-way switching is recommended for halls and staircases.
 Switches and bell pushes should preferably be self-illuminating where they are often
operated in dark.
 Deep, dark cupboards and larders may be fitted with a lighting outlet, preferably with a door
switch.
 Local light fittings in kitchens should be so placed that all working surfaces are well
illuminated and no shadow falls on them when in normal use.
 In living and dining rooms if a cover or valance is provided, a lighting outlet should be
provided and should have a separate switch.
 In bed rooms it is-recommended that some lighting be controlled from the bed location.
 For bathrooms it is recommended to use ceiling lighting with the switch located outside the
bathroom or alternatively insulated cord operated switch may be used. However, if the light
switch is installed inside the bathroom, it should be out of reach of a person in a bath tub or
under the shower.
 Halls opening into bedrooms and staircases should also be provided wit11 night-lighting
level in addition to normal lighting level.
 It is recommended that lighting facilities be provided for lighting of all steps, walkways,
driveways, porch, carport, terrace, etc, with switches for each provided inside the house at a
convenient place. If the switches are installed outdoors, they should be weatherproof.
 Sufficient illumination should be provided in the garages with switches at each normal
entrance to the garage and also inside the house.
 Waterproof lighting fittings should be used for outdoor lighting.
SOCKET-OUTLETS
  All plugs and socket-outlets shall be of S-pin type, the appropriate pin of the socket being
connected permanently to the earthing system.
 Adequate number of socket-outlets shall be placed suitably in all rooms so as to avoid use of
long lengths of flexible cords.
 Only 3-p%, 5A socket-outlets shall be used in all light and fan sub circuits and only 3-pin,
15A socket-outlets shall be used in all power sub-circuits. All socket-outlets shall be
controlled by individual switches which shall be located immediately adjacent to it. For 5A
socket-outlets, if desired, be installed at a height of 130 cm above the floor level. In situations
where a socket-outlet is accessible to children, it is recommended to use shuttered or
interlocked socket-outlets.
 Socket-outlets shall not be located centrally behind the appliances with which they are used.
Socket-outlets shall be installed either 25 cm or 130 cm above the floor as desired.
 It is recommended that S-pin, 15A socket-outlets may be provided near the shelves, book
cases, clock position, probable bed positions, etc.
 Depending on the size of the kitchen, one or two 3-pin, 5A socket-outlets shall be provided to
plug-in hot plates and other appliances. Dining rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, and study
room, if required, shall each be provided with at least one 3-pin, 15A socket-outlet.
 No socket-outlet shall be provided in the bathroom at a height less than 130 cm.
 Multiplug adaptors for connecting more than one appliance to one socket-outlet should not be
used.

FANS

 All ceiling fans shall be installed in accordance with IS: 732-1963.

 Ceiling fans shall be wired to ceiling roses or to special connector boxes. All ceiling fans shall
be provided with a switch besides its regulator.
 Fans shall be suspended from hooks or shackles with insulators between hooks and
suspension rods.
 Unless otherwise specified, all ceiling fans shall be hung not less than 2.75 m above the floor.