Electrical System Design-Module 2

Aneesh S, Asst Professor, Dept of EEE, SNIT Adoor

Module 2
• General aspects of the design of electrical installations for domestic dwellings as per NEC guidelines
(low &medium voltage installations)

• Connected load calculation,

• Sub circuit determination,

• Selection of main distribution board

• Sub distribution board,

• MCB, ELCB, MCCB and cables for sub circuits

• Pre-commissioning tests of domestic installations

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Module 2-Previous Year Theory Questions

1. Mention supply characteristics in residential buildings

2. Explain the design aspects of electrical installations in domestic buildings. (Repeated) 10
3. Why it is advisable to have separate circuits for light and power boards
4. Can earth wire be used as neutral wire ? Justify your answer.
5. Explain the basic considerations for selecting a circuit breaker.
6. What is the role of an MCB in domestic installations? How is its tripping characteristics specified
7. Explain MCB and ELCB.
8. Mention the difference between MCCB and MCB. (Repeated) 10
9. Briefly explain the criteria for selection of ELCB and MCB(Repeated) 10
10. Differentiate ELCB, MCB and MCCB. (Repeated) 10
11. Briefly explain with an example about permissible voltage drops and sizes of wires used in domestic wiring
12. What is the letter symbols used to specify Power cables? How are cables specified in terms of number of cores
13. What are the factors to be considered for the design of busbars in distribution boards 10
14. Explain pre -commissioning tests on domestic installations 10

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Supply characteristics in residential buildings
• In connection with a new building, the following aspects are to be considered to bring an electric supply t
o premises
• The nearness of supply point
• The position in the building; where the service cable is required to terminate.
• The characteristic of the supply namely, whether AC or DC.
• If AC, number of phases, voltage levels and power rating of equipments and accessories.
• If DC, number of wires and voltage.
• Maximum load demand anticipated.
• In the case of large buildings if alternative supply arrangement is available, change over to alternative supply
is to be provided in the event of supply failure.
• According to rules Power supplying Authority, give 1 phase (240V, 2wire) supply for load less than 5KW
domestic dwellings. 3 phase supply (415V, 4wire) for load greater than 5KW.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Internal Distribution
• In domestic dwellings total load is divided into two sub circuits, for load calculation and ease to design of
circuits. They are Light sub- circuit and Power sub-circuit
Light sub circuit
The following points may be considered in the distribution of loads
• Light, fan and 5A sockets are connected in a common circuit.
• The load on each sub-circuit shall be restricted to 800 watts or 10 points.
• If a separate circuit is installed for fans only, the number of fans in that circuit should not exceed ten.
• It is advisable to provide at least two lighting sub-circuit in each house so that, in case of a fault in one
sub-circuit, the whole house is not plunged into darkness.
Power Sub-circuit
• The load on each power sub-circuit should normally restrict to 3000 watts.
• In no case it should be not more than two out lets on each sub-circuit.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

General Rules for Wiring
• The conductor used is to be of such a size that it may carry load current safely.
• Every sub-circuit is to be connected to a distribution board.
• Every phase line is to be protected by a circuit breaker of suitable rating as per requirements.
• A switch board is to be installed so that its bottom lies 1.25 meters above the floor.
• All plugs and socket outlets are to be 3-pin type, the appropriate pin of socket being connected permanently
to the earthing system.
• All lamps, unless otherwise required, are to be hung at a height of 2.5 meters above the floor level.
• Unless otherwise specified, all ceiling fans are to be hung 2.75 meter above the floor level.
• No fuse or switch is to be provided in earthed conductor.
• Every circuit or apparatus is to be provided with a separate means of isolation such as a switch.
• In any building, light and fan wiring and power wiring are to be kept separate.
• In 3-phase, 4-wire installation the load is to be distributed equally on all the phases.
• Each sub-circuit is to be protected against excessive current (that may occur either due to overload or due to
short circuit) by fuse or automatic circuit breaker.
• After completion of work the installations are to be tested before energization.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

1 Phase & 3 phase supply schemes

DB
A single phase installation showing energy meter,
main switch (Switch Fuse Unit/SFU) & distribution
Service line board
Service line

Switch Fuse Unit/SFU

3 phase 4 wire domestic

distribution scheme

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Domestic electrical connection

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

DB connection without ELCB/RCD

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

DB connection with ELCB/RCD

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

3 Phase DB connection
with MCCB & RCD

Y R
B

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Protection devices used in domestic dwellings
Device Full Form Purpose
MCB Miniature Circuit Breaker Over current/Short circuit
protection
MCCB Molded Case Circuit Breaker Over current/Short circuit
protection
ELCB Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker Earth leakage protection

RCCB Residual Current Circuit Breaker Earth leakage protection

RCD Residual Current Device Earth leakage protection

RCBO Residual-Current circuit Breaker Earth leakage protection + Over

with Overcurrent protection current protection + Short circuit

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker
• MCBs are used primarily as an alternative to the fuse switch in most of the circuits.
• MCBs or Miniature Circuit Breakers are electromechanical devices which protect an electric circuit from
an overcurrent. The overcurrent, in an electrical circuit, may result from short circuit, overload or faulty
design
• Unlike a fuse, an MCB operates as automatic switch that opens in the event of excessive current flowing
through the circuit and once the circuit returns to normal, it can be reclosed without any manual
replacement.
• Miniature Circuit Breakers have the following Specifications
• Current rating - Amperes (A)
• Short Circuit Rating - Kilo Amperes (kA)
• Operating Characteristics - B, C or D Curves
• Miniature Circuit Breakers are usually available in the range of 0.5A to 100A.
• An MCB's Short circuit rating is given in Kiloamps (kA), and this indicates the level of its ability to work.
• For example a domestic MCB would normally have a 6kA fault level, whereas one used in an industrial
application may need a unit with a 10kA fault capability.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker
• MCBs are classified according to tripping over range of fault current as follows:
1. Type B MCB
2. Type C MCB
3. Type D MCB
Type B MCB:
• This type of MCB trips between 3 and 5 times full load current.
• Type B devices are mainly used in residential applications or light commercial applications where connected loads are
primarily lighting fixtures, domestic appliances with mainly resistive elements.
• The surge current levels in such cases are relatively low.
Type C MCB:
• This type of MCB trips between 5 and 10 times full load current.
• This is used in commercial or industrial type of applications where there could be chances of higher values of short cir
cuit currents in the circuit.
• The connected loads are mainly inductive in nature (e.g. induction motors) or fluorescent lighting.
Type D MCB:
• This type of MCB trips between 10 and 20 times full load current.
• These MCBs are use in specialty industrial / commercial uses where current inrush can be very high.
• Examples include transformers or X-ray machines, large winding motors etc.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Types of MCB based on no: of poles
No: of Pole for MCCB depends on Single Phase & Three Phase Power
Single Pole (SP) MCB:
• A single pole MCB provides switching and protection for one single phase of a circuit.
• Used for Single Phase circuit
Double Pole (DP) MCB:
• A two Pole MCB provides switching and protection both for a phase and the neutral.
• Used for Single Phase circuit

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Types of MCB based on no: of poles
Triple Pole (TP) MCB:
• A triple/three phase MCB provides switching and protection only to three phases of
the circuit and not to the neutral.
• Used for Three Phase circuit
3 Pole with Neutral (TPN (3P+N) MCB):
• A TPN MCB, has switching and protection to all three phases of circuit & additionally
Neutral is also part of the MCB as a separate pole.
• However, Neutral pole is without any protection and can only be switched.
• Used for Three Phase circuit with Neutral
4 Pole (4P) MCB:
• A 4 pole MCB is similar to TPN but additionally it also has protective release for the
neutral pole.
• This MCB should be used in cases where there is possibility of high neutral current
flow through the circuit as in cases of an unbalanced circuit.
• Used for Three Phase circuit with Neutral

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

MCCB - Molded Case Circuit Breaker
• The main distinctions between molded-case and miniature circuit breaker are that the MCCB can have
current ratings of up to 2,500 amperes, and its trip settings are normally adjustable.
• An additional difference is that MCCBs tend to be much larger than MCBs.
• An MCCB has three main functions:
• Protection against overload – currents above the rated value that last longer than what is normal for the
application.
• Protection against electrical faults –During a fault such as a short circuit or line fault, there are extremely
high currents that must be interrupted immediately.
• Switching a circuit on and off – This is a less common function of circuit breakers, but they can be used
for that purpose if there isn’t an adequate manual switch.
• The wide range of current ratings available from molded-case circuit breakers allows them to be used in a
wide variety of applications.
• MCCBs are available with current ratings that range from low values such as 15 amperes, to industrial
ratings such as 2,500 amperes. This allows them to be used in both low-power and high-power applications

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Adjustable trip setting characteristics of MCCB

In - Nominal current
10xIn - 10 times Nominal current

• The molded cases for MCCB are required to have strength which can withstand the gas pressure at breaking,
heat resistance and arc resistance.
• For early MCCB, inexpensive phenol resins were used in many cases.
• For recent small-sized compact MCCB, polyester resins containing glass fibers and polyamide resins are used.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Main difference between MCB & MCCB
Characteristics MCB MCCB
Full form Miniature Circuit Breaker Molded Case circuit breaker

Rated current 6A to 100A 10A to 2500A.

Interrupting rating Up to 18KA 10KA to 200KA

Trip Mechanism Thermal / Magnetic Thermal / Magnetic / Electronic

Size Small Large

Application Indoor Type Indoor / Outdoor Type

Trip characteristics
Not adjusted Fixed /Adjustable
Settings
Low current circuits (homes, High power rating i.e. commercial and
Suitable for
shops, school and offices). industrial use
Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor
Standard ratings
Device Standard current rating (A)

Fuse 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 100

MCB 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 100

Single phase – 5, 10, 15, 32

Main Switch/Isolator
Three phase – 15, 32, 63
Distribution board -
SPN Distribution Board
4 way, 6 way, 8 way, 10 way, 12 way
(Incoming+ Outgoing)

Note:
• Distribution Box can be decided by “way” means how many how many single phase (single pole) distribution circuit
and Neutral are used.
• Normally single phase distribution is mainly used for small single phase loads at house wiring or industrial lighting
wiring.
Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor
ELCB -Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker
The ELCB is used to protect the circuit from the electrical leakage.
2 types :
Voltage operated ELCB:
• This detects a rise in potential between the protected
interconnected network and a distant isolated earth reference
electrode
• No longer installed in new constructions.
Current operated ELCB (RCCB / RCD)
• This directly detects current leaking to earth from an installation
& cut the power
• ELCB is the old name and often refers to voltage operated devices
that are no longer available
• RCCB or RCD is the new name that specifies current operated
ELCB

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

RCD (Residual Current Device) /
RCCB(Residual Current Circuit Breaker)
• A residual current device monitors your wiring installation permanently to detect any leaking
current.
• Phase (line) and Neutral both wires connected through RCD.
• The amount of current flows through the phase (line) should return through neutral . It
continuously measures the amount of current passing through a phase in one direction, & again
through a neutral wire in the opposite direction.
• If current is “missing”, it means there is a leak somewhere in the wiring installation.
• If it detects a difference greater than 300 mA (milliamps), or less in certain cases, it breaks the
circuit.
• If this current leaks through a person’s body, it could lead to a potentially fatal electrocution.
• The most widely used are 30 mA (milliamp) and 100 mA devices.
• RCDs are an extremely effective form of shock protection

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

RCBO( Residual Circuit Breaker with Overload)
• RCDs detect an imbalance in the live and neutral currents. A current overload, however large, can
not be detected.
• i.e. RCDs don’t offer protection against current overloads
• It is now possible to get an MCB and RCD in a single unit, called an RCBO
• RCBOs are commonly used in applications where there is the need to combine protection against
overcurrent (overload and short-circuit) and protection against earth leakage currents.
• They can generally be fitted into a Consumer Unit in place of an MCB.
• Some are the same width, others are wider and may take up two spaces. this depends on the
brand and model
• They tend to be quite expensive.
• However in the respect that, in the event of an earth leakage, they will cut power only to the
affected circuit without inconveniencing users on other circuits
• They are superior to a split-load arrangement or an installation protected by a single RCD,
because either of these will cut power to the other circuits
Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor
Selection of Cables
• Copper conductor cable only will be used for submain/ circuit/ point wiring.
• Minimum size of wiring:
• Light Wiring : 1.5 sq.mm.
• Power Wiring : 4.0 sq.mm.
• Power circuit rated more than 1 KW : Size as per calculation.
• Insulation : Copper conductor cable shall be PVC insulated conforming to BIS Specification.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Pre-commissioning tests of domestic installations
• On completion of installation, the following tests shall be carried out:-
1. Insulation resistance test.
2. Polarity test of switch.
3. Earth continuity test.
4. Earth electrode resistance test.
• Testing shall be carried out for the completed installations, in the presence of and to the satisfaction of the
Engineer-in-charge by the contractor. All test results shall be recorded and submitted to the Department.
1. Insulation resistance test.
• Its objective is to measure the ohmmic value of the insulation under a direct voltage of great stability,
generally 50, 100, 250, 500, or 1000 VDC.
• A megohmmeter (also called insulation resistance tester) is then used to measure the ohmic value of an
insulator under a DC voltage of great stability.
• The ohmmic value of the insulation resistance is expressed in megohms (MΩ).
• The insulation resistance in mega ohms measured as above shall not be less than 12.5 mega ohms for the
wiring with PVC insulated cables, subject to a minimum of 1 mega ohm.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Pre-commissioning tests of domestic installations
2. Polarity test of switch.
• This test will verify that all the switches installed in the system are connected in current carrying conductor
and not in neutral.
• The terminals of all switches shall be tested by a test lamp, one lead of which is connected to the earth.
• Glowing of test lamp to its full brightness, when the switch is in “on” position shall indicate that the switch is
connected to the right polarity.

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Pre-commissioning tests of domestic installations
3. Earth electrode resistance test
• Earth electrode – conductive part, which may be embedded in the soil or in a specific conductive medium, e.g. c
oncrete or coke, in electrical contact with the Earth.
• Earth electrode resistance – the resistance of an earth electrode to Earth.
• The purpose of this test is to establish that the resistance of the soil surrounding an earth electrode is suitabl
e and that the electrode makes contact with the soil
• Two auxiliary earth electrodes, besides the test electrode, are placed at suitable distance from the test electro
de (see Fig)
• A measured current is passed between the electrode ‘A’ to be tested and an auxiliary current electrode ‘C’,
and the potential difference between the electrode ‘A’ and auxiliary potential ‘B’ is measured.
• Measured voltage and current values are used to calculate the electrode resistance

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor

Pre-commissioning tests of domestic installations
4. Earth continuity test
• The purpose of the test is to check that there is a good connection between the Earth pin on the plug
and the case of the appliance.
• A good connection is defined as having a resistance of less than 0.1 ohms (or 100 milli-ohms).
• If the resistance measured is less than 0.1 ohms, then there is a good earth connection and the appliance is co
nsidered safe
• The conventional way to carry out this test is to plug the appliance into a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT
Tester) and clip the Test lead to a suitable earth point.
• Other than the above mentioned tests followings things are also done
• Analysis of the wiring diagrams to confirm the polarity of connections
• A general inspection of the equipment, physically verifying all the connections.
• Checking the operation of the protection tripping and alarm circuits
• Test Certificate
• On completion of an electrical installation (or an extension to an installation), a certificate shall be furnished
by the contractor, countersigned by the certified supervisor under whose direct supervision the installation
was carried out.
• This certificate shall be in the prescribed form required by the local Electric Supply Authorities.
Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor
Prepared by
Aneesh S
Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical & Electronics
Nodal Officer, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Cell
Sree Narayana Institute of Technology, Adoor
Mob : 9447704948
Email : [email protected]
www.snit.edu.in

Aneesh S, Assistant Professor, SNIT Adoor