ELECTRICAL AND BUILDING SERVICES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Electrical Installation Terms
(i) Fuse: A fuse is a protective device used in electrical circuits. It contains a thin wire
that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a safe level, preventing
damage to appliances and reducing the risk of fire.
(ii) Earthing: Earthing is the process of connecting the exposed metal parts of an
electrical installation to the ground to ensure safety. It prevents electric shocks by
providing a path for fault current to flow safely to the earth.
(iii) Switch: A switch is a device that controls the flow of electricity in a circuit. It can
open (disconnect) or close (connect) a circuit, allowing the user to turn electrical
appliances or systems on or off.
(iv) Circuit: A circuit is a complete and closed path through which electric current flows.
It typically consists of a power source, conductors, a load (e.g. lamp or appliance), and
control devices like switches.
2. IEE Regulations Regarding Conduits
- Conduits should be properly supported and securely fixed at regular intervals.
- Bends in conduits should not exceed a specific angle to avoid cable damage.
- Metallic conduits must be properly earthed.
- Conduits should not be used as neutral or earth conductors.
- Conduits passing through walls or floors must be sealed to prevent fire spread and
moisture ingress.
3. Schematic Diagram - Hot Water Cylinder Connection
4. Ventilation
i) Rules for a Natural Ventilation Setup:
- Air inlets and outlets should be placed at opposite sides to allow cross ventilation.
- Openings should be located at both high and low levels.
- There should be minimal obstruction to airflow paths.
- Use of adjustable louvers or windows to control airflow.
ii) Functional Requirements of a Ventilation System:
- Air Quality Control: It should remove stale air and pollutants and supply fresh air.
- Temperature Regulation: It should help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
- Humidity Control: It should reduce excess moisture to prevent mold growth and
discomfort.
5. Factors for Locating a Manhole
- At changes in direction of the drainage line.
- At junctions of two or more drains.
- At regular intervals on straight runs for maintenance access.
- At points where there is a change in gradient or pipe diameter.
6. Operation of Fire Extinguishers
(i) Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Releases CO₂ gas which displaces oxygen, suffocating the
fire. Suitable for electrical fires and flammable liquids.
(ii) Dry powder: Releases a fine powder that coats the burning material and interrupts the
chemical reaction. Works on Class A, B, and C fires.
(iii) Wet chemical: Sprays a fine mist of solution that reacts with fats/oils to form a soap-
like substance, cooling and sealing the surface. Used for Class F fires.