CHAPTER 2

Residential Installation
Wiring: - a network of wire connecting various accessories for distribution of electrical energy
from the supply board to the numerical electrical energy consuming devices such as lamps, fans, socket
out lets and other domestic appliances through controlling and protective devices is known as residential
wiring. As a hole there are two types of wiring. These are residential wiring and non residential
(industrial) wiring. In general there are three types of circuits these are power circuit, lighting and bell
circuit.
2.1 WIRING MATERIALS AND ACCESSORIES
In order to assemble properly and intelligently the great number of available electrical materials,
devices, fittings, and equipment to form a complete wiring system, we must understand the basic
principles regarding them.
2.1.1 WIRE AND CABLES
The term wire and cable are used more or less synonymously in house wiring. Strictly speaking,
single wire, may be bare or covered with insulation is known as a wire and several wires
stranded together is known as a cable. But in practice bare conductors, whether single or
stranded together are termed as wire and conductors covered with insulation are termed as
cables.
The necessary requirements of a cable are that it should conduct electricity efficiently, cheaply,
and safely. This should neither be so small so as to have a large internal voltage drop nor be too
large so as to cost too much. Its insulation should be such as to prevent leakage of current in
unwanted direction and to minimize risk of fire and shock.
A cable consists of three parts:
a. the conductor or core- the metal wire or strand of wires caring current.
b. the insulation or dielectric- a covering of insulation material to avoid leakage current from the
conductor.
c. the protective covering- for protection of insulation from mechanical damage.
2.1.2 CONDUCTOR MATERIALS USED IN CABLES
Copper and aluminum are the materials used as conductors in power and lighting cables.

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1. Copper: though silver is the best conductor, but due to it's higher cost it is hardly used
anywhere. The next best conductor is copper, which is comparatively cheap.
The electrical resistivity of pure copper at 200c is 1.786 x 10-8 ohm .m. It is mechanically
strong, hard, extremely tough, durable and ductile. It is highly resistive to corrosion, oxidation,
and pitting.
2. Aluminum: is frequently used in place of copper for bare electric cables used for long
distance power distribution. The electrical conductivity of aluminum is about 60% of that of
copper. The only application of aluminum cables for wiring in buildings is for a continuous bus-
bar system of distribution, used sometimes in blocks of flat or office buildings for rising mains
and submains of large sectional area.
2.1.3 INSULATING MATERIALS
The insulating material used in electric cable must possess the following properties.
• High resistivity
• High flexibility
• Non-in flammability
• High resistivity to moisture, acid or alkalis qualities. So the type of insulating materials used
depends up on the service for which the cable is required.
► Various types of insulating materials used in cables are:
1. Rubber: rubber may be natural or synthetic. Its dielectric strength is 30KV/mm. Though
itposses high insulating qualities, it absorbs moisture readily, softens when heated to a
temperature of 600c to 700c, swells under the action of mineral oils and ages when exposed to
light. Hence pure rubber cannot be used as insulating materials.
PVC: polyvinyl chloride is a man made thermo-plastic materials, which is tough, incombustible
and chemically uncreative. Its chief drawback is that it softens at a temperature above 80 0c. It
does not deteriorate with age and does not need to be renewed. PVC insulated cables are usually
employed for low and medium voltage domestic and industrial lights and power installation.
2. Vulcanized Indian Rubber: It is prepared by mixing Indian rubber with minerals such as
sulphur, zinc, red lead, etc. The copper conductors used in this cables are tinned to protect them
from corrosive action of rubber or copper. It absorbs water, which reduces its insulation
properties and becomes brittle with age. The use of VIR cables is limited to low voltage
distribution and internal wiring as paper-insulated cables have largely superseded them.

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3. Impregnated paper: it is quite cheap, has low capacitance, high dielectric strength
(30KV/mm), and high insulation resistivity (10Mohm-cm). The main advantage of paper
insulated cable is that a cable of given size can be worked out at a higher current density than a
VIR cable. Impregnated paper insulated cable on its own would be too fragile to be used
unprotected, and a lead sheath is applied over the insulation. Paper insulated cables are used for
conveying large power in transmission and distribution and particularly for distribution at low
voltage in congested areas.
►Mechanical protection
All the insulating materials used in the manufacturing of cables are mechanically weak, so they
require some form of protection for mechanical injury. Mechanical protection is usually provided
to power cables laid direct in the ground by providing two layers of steel tape in such a way that
upper layer covers the lower joint in the lower layer.
2.1.4 TYPES OF CABLES USED IN INTERNAL WIRING
The wires used for internal wiring of buildings may be divided in to different groups according
to:
- The type of conductor
- The number of cores
- The voltage grading
- The type of insulation used.
According to the number of cores, the cables may be divided into: single core, twin core, twin
core with ECC (earth continuity conductor).
According to voltage grading the cables may be divided in to two classes:
250/440 volt and 650/1100-volt cable.
►According to type of insulation cables can be classified in to:
1. Vulcanized Indian Rubber (VIR) ca.
2. Lead sheathed cables:
-VIR cables are available in 250/440volt as well as 650/1100-volt grades and are used for
general conduit wiring.
2. Lead sheathed cables:
• available in 250/440-volt grade
• are used for internal wiring where climatic condition has moisture.

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• Is a vulcanized rubber insulated conductor covered with a continuous sheath of lead. The
sheath provides very good protection against the absorption of moisture and sufficient protection
against mechanical injury and can be used without casing or conduit system.
• It is available as single core, flat twin core, flat three core and flat twin core with ECC.
3. PVC cables:
• Are available in 250/440 volt and 650/1100-volt grades
• Used in hidden type of wiring system.
• Since PVC cables are harder than rubber, they do not require cotton taping and braiding over it
for mechanical and moisture protection.
4. Weather proof cables:
•Are used for outdoor wiring and for power supply
• are not affected by heat or sun or rain.
• Are either PVC insulated or vulcanized rubber-insulated conductors being suitably taped (only
in case of vulcanized rubber insulated cable) braided and then compounded with weather
resisting material.
•Are available in 250/440- and 650/1100-volt grades.
5. Flexible Cords and Cables:
- It consists of wires either silk or cotton or plastic covered, plastic cover is more popular as it is
available various pleasing colors. Flexibility and strength is by using conductors having large
number of strands.
- Most stranded conductors are built upon a single central conductor, surrounding this conductor
are layers of wires in a numerical progression of 6 in the first layer, 12 in the second layer, 18 in
the third layer and so on.
►Colors of Conductors:
Color identification of bare conductors and cable cores are given by EEPCO’s regulation
Earthing --------------------------------------------- white
Live of a.c single-phase circuit ------------------- Green
Neutral of ac single or three phase ac circuit ----black
Phase R of three-phase ac circuit ------------------Green
Phase S of three-phase ac circuit ------------------ Yellow
Phase T of three-phase ac circuit ------------------ Red

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►General Specification of Cables:
The complete specification of a cable will give the following information:
i. The size of the cable
ii. The type of conductor used in cables (copper or aluminum)
iii. Number of cores that the cable consists of (single core, twin core, twin core with ECC etc,)
iv. Voltage grade
v. Type of insulation (taping, braiding & compounding)
2.1.5 CONDUITS
The commonest method of installing cables is to draw them in to a conduit. The conduit can be
steel or plastic.Steel conduit is made in both light gauge and heavy gauge of which heavy gauge
is much more frequently used.
In general, conduits can be classified as:
i. Light gauge steel-plain (unscrewed) conduit.
ii. Heavy gauge steel-screwed conduit.
iii. Flexible conduit
iv. PVC conduit.
I. Light gauge steel conduit:
• This type of conduit is used with special grip fittings.
• It is available with an external diameter of 12mm, 16mm,19mm, 25mm, 31mm, 38mm, and
50mm.
In general, light gauge is the cheapest and quickest of conduit installations but should be used
where the location is dry and there is little likelihood of mechanical damage.
ii. Heavy gauge screwed steel conduit:
• Though it is very expensive, this type of conduit provides a permanent installation with a
maximum of protection for the cables
• The joints into fittings are by means of screw threads which provide mechanical strength and
good electrical conduit:
•Are available in approximately 3meter lengths and are threaded at the two ends.
iii. Flexible steel conduit:
• This usually consists of light galvanized steel strip spirally wound, and to some extent,
interlocked, so as to form a tube.

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• It is made in size from 19mm to 50mm internal diameter and in two grades: non water tight and
water tight.
• Available in lengths up to 250 meters. So no coupling is required ands hence no threading.
• Since the conduits are flexible and are easily bent no elbow is required.
• One of the most common uses of flexible conduit is for protecting the final connections to
motors. It has the additional advantage of reducing the transmission of vibration. However, the
flexible conduit is costlier than the rigid conduit.
Iv. PVC conduit:
This type of conduit wiring is finding wide applications in internal wiring because it is light in
weight, shock proof, anti-termite, fire resistant, acid and alkaline resistant. Can be used for
surface, recessed or concealed type of wiring.
2.1.6 CONDUIT ACCESSORIES AND FITTINGS
► Conduit couplers:
- used to join two lengths of conduit
- are threaded on both ends.
► Bends elbows and tees: - are generally called conduit fittings.
Bends are usually used for change in direction of conduit. This should never be sharp. The
minimum allowable radius of curvature is 2.5 times the outside diameter of the conduit.
Solid elbows and tees should be used only at the end of the conduit run (e.g. close behind a light
fitting or accessory.).
► Conduit boxes
- are used in surface conduit wiring as well as concealed conduit wiring.
- are of different designs which serve the following purposes:
i. For providing connections to light, fan, and other points.
The conduit boxes serving the purpose are known as outlet boxes because conduit terminates at
the boxes.
ii. For pulling of cables in to the conduits. The boxes serving this purpose are known as
inspection boxes.
iii. For housing junction of cables. The conduit boxes serving this purpose are known as
junction boxes.
2.1.7. LIGHTING ACCESSORIES AND FITTINGS

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► Switches:
o Are used to control lighting circuits.
o Most are rated at 5/6A, but ratings at 15A are also available.
o Are available in three types: single pole, two-way and four-way (intermediate) each for
control of a practical circuit arrangement.
o To allow true control of a number of different circuits from one position, switches are
contained within the same unit: two-gang, six-gang, etc.
* Single chord ceiling switch is suitable for installation in the bathroom, where by one pull of the
chord puts the switch ON and the following pull puts the switch off.
* Switches for water-heaters are of the double pole type and rated to carry 20A. Are also
available at 32A and 45A rating, the latter being used to control cooker circuits.
* Dimmer switches are used to allow control of the level of lighting from luminaries.
* Splash-proof switches are found in situations where water is present, such as in shower rooms.
► Lamp Holders
* Are designed for quick removal and replacement of the lamp and yet they must hold the lamp
in firm metallic contact to prevent overheating.
* There are three main sizes of lamp holders: Bayonet-cap (B, C), the medium Edison screw
(E.S) and the Goliath screw (G.E.S).
* For ordinary tungsten filament lamps up to 200W the lamp caps and lamp holders are B, C,
caps, up to 300W the caps are E.S, and above 300W they are G.E.S. In any case where the lamp
is to be installed, the appropriate size and type of holder must be fitted. Lamp holders may be
either the insulated type of Bakelite or the brass type with porcelain interior.
► Plugs and Socket Outlets:
These are used to enable portable apparatus to be connected to the fixed wiring and comprises of
two or three contact tubes and terminals. The plug is the movable part connected to the apparatus
by flexible wire, and consists of two or three contact pins to fit in to the contact tubes.
2.1.8 FUSES
* Consists of a piece of copper or tin-lead alloy wire, which will melt when carrying a
predetermined current. This element with contacts, carrier and base is called a fuse.
* Is placed in series with the circuit to be protected, and automatically breaks the circuit when
over loaded.

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* The time for blowing out of a fuse depends on the magnitude of excess current. i.e. the larger
the fault current the more rapidly the fuse blows.
* Three terms are used in connection with fuses.
Current rating: this is the maximum current that a fuse will carry indefinitely without undue
deterioration of the fuse element.
Fusing current: this is the minimum current that will ‘blow’ the fuse.
Fusing Factor: this is the ratio of minimum fusing current to the current rating
Fusing Factor = minimum fusing current/ Current rating ≥ 1

Fig.2.1 Time-current characteristics of a fuse.

* There are two main types of fuses: the rewirable and the cartridge (or high breaking capacity,
HBC) fuses; the high breaking is a development of the cartridge type.
► Rewirable Fuses
* This type of fuse consists of a porcelain (usual material) bridge and base. The bridge has two
sets of contacts, which fit in to other contacts in the base. The fuse element usually tinned copper
wire is connected between the terminals of the bridge. An asbestos tube or pad is usually fitted to
reduce the effects of arcing when the fuse element melts.
* The rewirable fuse is a simple and relatively cheap type of over current protective device and is
still widely used despite several disadvantages including:
a. The fact that it is rewirable enables the wrong size of the fuse wire (element) to be used.
b. Undue deterioration of the fuse element due to oxidation.

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c. Lack of discrimination. This means that normal starting surges (e.g. when motors, etc are
switched on) are “seen” by the fuse as an over load and will there fore break the circuit.
d. Damage, particularly in conditions of severe short circuit.
* The fusing factor for a rewirable fuse is about 2.

Fig.2.2. Typical rewirable fuse.

► Cartridge (or High Rapture Capacity, HRC) Fuses
The obvious disadvantages of rewirable fuse led to the development and use of the cartridge type
fuse. The fusing factor of the cartridge type fuse is about 1.5.

Fig.2.3 Typical cartridge fuse.

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The high breaking capacity fuse (HBC) has its fusing characteristics carefully controlled by the
manufacturer. As its name implies it can safely interrupt very large currents. The fuses are often
used to protect large industrial load and main cables. The cartridge barrel is of high-grade
ceramic able to with stand the shock conditions when a heavy fault current is interrupted. Except
for very low ratings, the fuse element is made from pure silver. The filler is powdered silica,
carefully dried before use. An indicator is provided to show when the fuse has blown.
The cartridge type (HBC) fuse is more expensive than the rewirable. The fusing factor of
HBC fuse is for small loads up to 1.25A, thus a 10 A HBC fuse will blow at 12.5A.
HBC fuses are discriminating; which means that they are able to distinguish between a starting
current taken by a motor (which lasts for a matter of seconds) and a high fault or overload
current (which lasts longer). Motors are normally protected against overloads by the starter trip;
the fuses are required only to give protections against short circuit currents and overloads outside
the capacity of thermal trip.
2.1. 9 CLRCUIT BREAKERS
Is a device designed to open and close a circuit by non- automatic means and to open the circuit
automatically on a predetermined over-current without injury to itself when properly applied
within its rating, so a circuit breaker is a combination device composed of a manual switch and
an over – current device.
A circuit breaker has several advantages over any type of fuse
a. In the event of fault or overload all the poles are simultaneously disconnected from the supply
b. overload and time-lags are capable of adjustment within limits
c. the circuit can be closed again quickly onto the fault safely
Essentially a circuit breaker consists of a carefully calibrated bimetallic strip. As current flows
through the strip, heat is created and the strip beds. If enough current flow through the strip, it
bends enough to release a strip that opens the contacts, interrupting the circuit just as it is
interrupted when a fuse blows or a switch opened. In addition to the bimetallic strip that operates
by heat, most breakers have a magnetic arrangement that open the breaker instantly in case of
short circuit. A circuit breaker can be considered a switch that opens itself in case of overload.
Circuit breakers are rated in amperes just as fuses are rated. Like fuses, breakers are tested in
open air to carry 110% of their rated loads indefinitely without tripping. Most breakers will carry

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150% of their rated load for perhaps a minute, 200% for about 20 sec. and 300% for about 5 sec,
long enough to carry the heavy current required to start most motors.
► Standard ratings: both fuse and circuit breakers are available in standard ratings of 6,
10, 16, 20, 25, 35, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 224, 250, 300, and large sizes.

2.1.10. DISTRIBUTION BOARD

A distribution board is an assemblage of parts, including one or more fuses or circuit breakers,
arranged for the distribution of electrical energy to final circuits or to other subdistribution
boards. It consists of a case inside which is a frame holding a number of fuse (CB) carriers
behind the frame or something alongside or above it, is a bus-bar to which the incoming sub-
main is connected. From the bus-bar there is connection provided to one side of each fuse way
(CB). The installer to the outgoing terminal of the fuse ways then connects each final sub-circuit
The standard distribution boards usually have 4, 6, 8, 12, 18 or 24 fuse ways both single phase
and three phases are available. It is not necessary to utilize all the available fuse ways on a board,
and in fact it is very desirable to leave several spare ways on each board for future extension.
Figure 4 shows the general lay out of a distribution board.

Figure2. 4 Typical distribution board

Electrical wiring circuits, lighting scheme and Bell circuits

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Distribution of Electrical Energy: There are two methods of distribution of
electrical energy beyond energy meter in the domestic and power installation.
1. Distribution board system
2. The tree system
1. Distribution Board System: This method is a common system adopted by consumers of
domestic installations. The fuses of various sub-circuits are grouped together at a place close to
main switch known as distribution board. See figure below:

Fig 2.5. Electrical energy distribution (distribution board system)

One wire is taken from bus bar through a fuse and neutral is taken from a neutral link. The pair
of wires (phase and neutral) taken from main distribution boards is fed to a final sub-circuit
board.
The sub-distribution boards are employed near the load center if the building is large. The cable
feeding the sub-distribution board should be large enough to carry a load of points to be fed from
there. The sub-distribution board installed near the load center is mainly to save cable and to
prevent too great voltage drop.
The number of circuits and sub-circuits are decided on the basis of number of points and load to
be connected to the supply.
2. The Tree System: In this system, smaller branches are taken from the main branch. A fuse is
inserted at the commencement of each branch. It hasthe following disadvantages:
i. Voltage across all the lamps doesn't remain the same. The lamp in the last branch will have less
voltage across them due to voltage drop in the leads.
ii. A number of joints are involved in every circuit.

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 iii. The fuses are not at one place.
iv. Fault location is difficult. If a fault occurs, all the joints in the wiring will be inspected
thoroughly to locate the fault. See figure below:

Fig. 2.6 Electrical energy distribution (Tree system)

Wiring systems
A wiring system is a network connecting various accessories for distribution of electrical energy
from the supplier to the numerous electrical energy consuming devices and equipments. It is an
assembly of parts used in the formation of one or more electric circuits. Wiring consists of the
conductor with its protection against mechanical damage (sheathing and/or armoring) and certain
wiring accessories for fixing the system, and joining and terminating the conductors.
• The most commonly employed wiring systems are: -

- Cleat wiring
 Sheathed cables wiring
 All insulated cables wiring
- Catenaries wiring
- Conduit system
- Trunking system

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1. Cleat wiring system - In this system PVC-insulated cables are supported on cleats made of
porcelain or plastic. The system doesn't give any protection against mechanical damage and so it is
useful only for dry situations and where the cables remain inaccessible. The most frequently used
cables are sheathed cables and all insulated cables.

2. Sheathed cables wiring system -The two main metal sheathed wiring systems found today
include the lead-alloy sheathed (LAS) and mineral-insulated metal sheathed (MlMS). The
cables of the LAS system are insulated with vulcanized rubber and sheathed overall with a
lead-based alloy containing tin and antimony. LAS systems may be run on the surface or
concealed. Generally, they require no further protection, unless they are exposed to
mechanical damage.
a. All-insulated cables Wiring System - This wiring system includes TRS (Tough-Rubber
Sheathed) and PVC cables (PVC-sheathed). Their main disadvantage is that they don't offer
adequate protection against mechanical damage, though they are relatively cheap and easy to
install. They are used for surface wiring on the surface of the wall with or without conduits and
concealed wiring – buried in walls.
3. Catenaries wiring System - These systems are designed to take supplies from one building to
another by overhead means, or else for building with high ceilings. In this system, insulated cables
are carried on a steel wire strained between two points.
4. Conduit wiring Systems - In this system of wiring, conduits are installed on the surface of walls
by means of saddles or pipe hooks or buried under the walls and cables are drawn into them. In
damp situations the conduits can be spaced from the walls by means of wooden blocks fixed below
the pipes at regular intervals. In order to facilitate drawing of cables a number of inspection fittings
are provided along its length. Conduits can be of steel or of PVC.

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 Conduit wiring application - As this system of wiring provides protection against fire,
mechanical damage and dampness, it is used for: -
1) Placeswhere considerable dust is present, such as in textile mills, saw mills, flour mills etc,
2) Damp situations
3) In workshops for lighting and motor wiring
4) Places where there is possibility of fire hazards such as oil mills varnish factories, etc.
5) Places where important documents are kept. ex. Record rooms.
6) Places where appearance is prime importance.
5. Trunking - is a fabricated casing for conductors and cables, generally rectangular in shape with a
removable lid which allows the conductors to be laid in rather than be drawn in as is the case with
conduit. It is used where a large number of conductors are to be carried, or follow the same route.
Both steel and PVC trunking are available, with a wide range of such accessories as bends, tees,
risers and reducers.

Choice of wiring system

In deciding the type of wiring system for a particular installation, the following basic factors
have to be taken in to consideration.
Safety - Safety is the 1 st consideration using electricity against leakage or shock. Where there is
possibility of fire hazards, conduit wiring must be used.
Mechanical protection – the wiring must be protected from mechanical damage during its use.
Permanency – The wiring must not deteriorate unduly by action of weather, fumes, dampness,
etc.
Appearance – It must have good appearance.
Accessibility – In wiring system there should facilities for extension, renewal, or altering.
Cost - Initial and maintenance cost must be low.

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Frequently a combination of several wiring systems may be used. For example: - The lighting
circuits could be carried out with PVC cables in plastics trunking or conduit or PVC insulated
and sheathed cables fixed to the surface.

Circuit DiagramRepresentation
a) Wiring Diagram - A wiring diagram or connection diagram shows the detailed connections
between components or items of equipment. They do not indicate how a piece of equipment
or circuit works. The purpose of a wiring diagram is to help someone with the actual wiring
of the circuit.

Figure: Wiring diagram

b) Schematic Diagram - A schematic diagram shows most clearly how a circuit works. All the
essential parts and connections are represented by their graphical symbols. The purpose of a
schematic diagram is to help us to understand the working operation of the circuit. It does
not show us how to wire the components. Therefore, it may not indicate the most convenient
way to wire the circuit.

Schematic diagram
c) Single Line (Layout) Diagram: A diagram showing number of conductors needed
accessories and lay out (electrical) symbols of the accessories.

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 Single line (Layout) diagram

Methods of Wiring
There are two methods by which connections to various electrical points are given:
-Junction box (Joint box) method
-Loop in method
i. Junction box method:In junction box method, the connections to electrical points are
given through joints made in junction boxes by means of suitable connectors or joint cut-outs. See
figure below: In this system the length of wire required may be less but the same offset by extra
cost of joint boxes. The other disadvantage, fault location may be difficult and as such, all joint
boxes have to be inspected to locate the fault. The fixing of joint box may require skill and may
not give good look. Joint boxes should be located in accessible positions.

ii. Loop-in method: Most commonly employed for domestic installations. In this
system when a connection is required for a lamp through switch, the feeding conductor
is looped - in by ringing it direct to the terminal of the switch and then carrying it
forward again to the next switch. The phase wire is looped-in from one switch to the
other and neutral are looped - in from one point to another.See figure below:

The main advantages are:

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i.No junction boxes are required
ii.Since no joints are concealed in walls and roof spaces, they are made only at outlets and
switch boards.
iii.The connections are accessible for inspection and hence fault location is easy.
The main disadvantage is:
The cable required is more and hence voltage drop and copper losses are comparatively more.

Electric Bell (Signal)Circuits

If an electric current is passed through a coil of insulated wire wound in a form of helix, a weak
electromagnet is produced. If a soft iron core is now introduced into the centre of the coil, a
much stronger electromagnet is produced which may be used to attract other pieces of iron or
steel. The strength of the magnetic field produced depends upon the number of turns of wire, the
strength of the current and the size, shape and type of iron used for the core.
The electric bell works using electromagnetic effect and consists essentially of a U-shaped
electromagnet, a soft iron armature, a striker, and a gong. The magnet comprises two pole-pieces
of soft iron wound with insulated copper wire, either enameled or silk covered, the pole-pieces
being fixed to an iron frame, which acts as the magnet yoke. The armature is a piece of soft iron
so supported by a flat spring as to be attracted by the pole-pieces when current passes through
the coils.
Types of Bell
There are about three types of bell divided according to their operation.
- Single-stroke bell
- Trembler bell
- Continuous ringing bell
Single-stroke Bell
In this bell, there are two pole-pieces and frame or yoke of soft iron, to which the two pole-
pieces are fixed. The yoke is made with extensions to which are fixed the armature flat spring
and the gong pillar. There are two terminals which are directly connected to the magnetic coils.
The external circuit includes a push or switch, and a source of electric supply which can be a
battery or AC supply.

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When the push button is operated, the circuit is closed and current flows in the bell from one of
the terminals through the magnetic coil to the other terminal. Here the coil become magnetized
and attract the armature towards the pole-pieces. The striker attached to the armature hits the
gong once. The armature remains in the attracted position as long as the current flows, that is, as
long as the bell-push is pressed. The circuit should be opened and remade before the gong can be
struck again. The position of the armature is so adjusted that the striker remains clear of the after
the stroke to prevent muffling of the sound.
This type of bell is frequently used on railways and mines, as it can be used for signaling
purposes. It may also be used in many other situations where a longer signal would disturb
clerical workers.
Trembler Bell

This type of bell is essentially similar to the single stroke bell. Here the flat spring is attached to
the back of the armature, and in the rest position bears against an adjustable screw. The
connection is made from one of the terminals through the adjustable screw to the magnetic coils.
When the bell push is operated, current flows from one of the terminals through magnetic coils
and along the flat spring to the adjustable spring and back to the other terminal.

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When the current flows the armature is attracted, the gong is struck, the spring is drawn away
from the contact screw, and the circuit is opened. The cores become demagnetized and the
armature returns to the original position. The circuit is once again made at the contact screw and
the bell is again struck. The cycle of operation is repeated constantly until circuit is opened at the
bell push. The frequency of the striking of the bell may be controlled to some extent by adjusting
the width of contact gap. The contacts are made of some material as silver or platinum, which
does not oxidize easily. The trembler bell is the one most commonly used as a door bell for
houses and offices.

Continuous Ringing Bell

This is a trembler bell with mechanical and electrical arrangements such that the bell continues
ringing after the bell- push has been released.

There are three terminals connected to the external circuit. The bell as connected to the first two
terminals is the normal trembler bell. The extra terminal is provided, connected externally
directly to the supply terminal, and internally to the second contact screw.
This type of bell is useful for alarm circuits of various kinds.
Bell Push buttons and Contacts
In preference to the use of switches, most bells are operated by means of bell-pushes, which are
liable to be left on. The push contains two contacts, one fixed and one movable. The movable
contact is either spring controlled or is itself in the form of spring, and is operated by press-knob
or button.

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Bell contacts are used for such purposes as ringing a bell upon the opening of a shop door. They
may be fixed above the door, with the contacts so arranged that they are pressed together when
the door opens, closing the circuit and ringing the bell. In other cases they are arranged below a
portion of loose flooring so that the contacts are closed when a caller stands upon the floor.

The electric bell will operate not only from direct current, but also from alternating current.
When a direct current passes through the coils of an electromagnet, the magnetic poles formed
have fixed polarity according to the direction of the current. If the current direction is reversed,
the polarities of the poles will be changed; the N-pole becoming S-pole and vice versa.
In each case, however the action of the electromagnet is to attract the armature in an attempt to
shorten the magnetic path of the flux. This being so, the bell will work on reversing of
alternating current. Therefore, the bell circuit can be operated from AC supply and is usually
connected through a step-down transformer.
Bell transformers are cheap and are economical. The standard primary voltage is from 200V to
250V, with the secondary tapping giving the following voltages: -

Class A 4V, 8V and 12V

Class B 6V
Buzzers: - Are installed, where noisy sounds of bells are not suitable. The buzzers operate on the
same principle of trembler bells, except they have no hammer and no gong. The
characteristic of buzzing is provided by the vibration of the contact breaker movement.
They can be obtained with different pitches.

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 Figure: Buzzer
A buzzer is often used in an office or in a similar situation as a quite signal. The armature is
much lighter however and its movement is very small, giving a fairly high-pitched buzz.

Announciators
When a single bell operated from a number of positions of bell pushes in separate rooms, it is
necessary that the place of origin of each call should be known. Visual indicator elements (flags)
are attached to one of the contact circuits. The movement of the indicator circuit may be seen
through a hole in a glass screen, each indicator element or flag being marked or painted with the
respective name or number designating the call area.

Typical 3 points Annunciators circuit.

Figure: Announciator Wiring diagram

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The common Electrical symbols used in building electrical installation are given below
LAYOUT SYMBOL ITEM LAYOUTSYMBOL ITEM

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