Building Utilities 2

Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical

Systems

Ar. Marites G. Balmas, REB, REA

Learning Material Code: BU2W5-W6
Module Title : Building Electrical System
Learning Objectives:
At the end module you should be able to:
 Understand the light & power outlet layout design.
 Understand the basic process of computing electrical
loads.
Introduction to electrical system of building
There are several benefits of electrical systems in a building and
its components. A number of equipment within a building depend
on electricity for their operations. The sources of energy could be
either solar energy or electricity from the mains (Hestnes &
Hastings, 2013).

An electrical system comprises of connections of several

equipment integrated within the building structure. In a building,
numerous devices form part of an electrical system. The devices
might include lighting bulbs, heaters, fans, switches, generators,
transformer, electric cables, sockets, batteries, inverter, and solar
panels.
Electrical system provides the power needed to light the
building during the day and night. Lighting system plays
a crucial role in enhancing security at nights. Security
guards require lighting systems for proper surveillance.
Equally, the operation of CCTV requires power.
Electrical System of Building
Categories
Category 1 Detail (Wirings)
Category 2 Detail (Power Handling Equipment)
Category 3 Detail (Utilization Equipment)
 Points to be considered for selection of wiring
InitialCost: It should be economical.
Durability: It must be able to withstand wear and tear due to weather.
Safety from fire: It should be free from risk of fire as far as possible.
Mechanical protection: It must provide mechanical protection to the
cables.
Permanency: The wiring must not be affected by the action of
weather, fumes, dampness, chemical etc.
Appearance: The appearance should be good enough to view.
Accessibility: It should be easy to extend or repair the wiring.
Life: The system should have a good lifetime.
Maintenance cost: It should be low.
 Types of wiring as using:
1. Industry wiring : Heating, welding,
electroplating.
2. Domestic wiring : Light, fan, heater, washing
machine.
3. Commercial wiring : Cinema, Lift, water pump,
lighting
Types of electrical wiring
1.Open/surface wiring
 An old house more convenient with an open wiring system since
the walls are closed.
 The cables must be mounted without any sharp bends to prevent
damage to the sheathing and insulation.
 The open system will take time to put up neatly, and it will require
more cable length as you have to follow all the bends and corners.
 The cables may be painted or covered with wall-paper to make
them less visible.
 Open wiring is usually the lowest cost system but offers little
protection from fire and mechanical injury.
 This makes this system relatively undesirable from the standpoint
of safety to personnel and appearance
 Open wiring is generally not recommended, sometimes used for
low-voltage distribution inside buildings.
Property Selection

Among the feature the selection of this type of wiring systems

based on factors below :
Building stone or wood.
low cost.
Number of wires or circuits are less.
Less mechanical damage.
Prepare and finish in short time.
Small load power levels.
Pros And Cons of Open Wiring Systems

There are several advantages and disadvantages open wiring system are listed
below :
Advantages
Cheap.
Prepare and finish in short time.
Easy made ​maintenance.
Easy to be modified.

Disadvantages
Suitable for 1 -phase supply only.
Susceptible to damage.
Small load power levels.
2. Hidden /concealed wiring
system in which the cable is not visible because it has
been hidden from the eyes of consumers .
This is intended for consumers who are concerned with
neatness and beauty.
The only wires will be released as part of the end of the
cable should be connected to terminal accessory.
Property Selection

Selection of hidden wiring system depends on several

factors such as under :
 Overall building of stone
 Neat and attractive atmosphere
 Mechanical damage can be reduced
 Number of cable installed much
 Cable longer term durability
Pros And Cons of Hidden Wiring Systems
There are several advantages and disadvantages hidden wiring system are listed
below :
Advantages
 Looks neat and pretty.
 Mechanical damage can be reduced.
 Does not depend on temperature conditions.
 Can put a lot of cable.
 Have a relatively long durability.
 Expenses for this system is not so expensive.
 Materials used are easily available.

Disadvantages
 Circuit damage difficult to detect.
 Maintenance work quite difficult.
Types of wiring
Cleat Wiring
Casing and Capping Wiring
Batten Wiring (CTS or TRS)
Conduit Wiring (Surface or Concealed)

*Cabtyre Sheathed Wire (CTS)

or Tough Rubber Sheathed Wire (TRS)
Cleat Wiring
In this, porcelain, wood or plastic cleats are fixed to
walls or ceilings at regular intervals, i.e., 0.6 m between
each cleat. PVC insulated cables are taken through the
holes of each cleat and hence, the cleat supports and
holds the wire.
Thisis an inexpensive method of wiring and is used for
temporary installations. Therefore, it is not suitable for
home electrical wiring and also it is an outdated method.
Casing and Capping Wiring
In this, cable is run through a wooden casing having
grooves. The wood casing is prepared in such a way that
it is of a required fixed length with parallel grooves that
accommodates the cables. The wooden casing is fixed to
the walls or ceiling with screws.
Casing and Capping Wiring
After placing the cables inside the grooves of casing, a
wooden cap with grooves is placed on it to cover the
cables. This is also a cheap wiring system, but there is a
high risk of fire in case of short circuits.
 Batten Wiring

(a) PVC Batten wiring.

(b) Cabtyre Sheathed Wire (CTS)

or Tough Rubber Sheathed Wire (TRS)wiring

(c) Lead Sheath Wiring.

a. PVC Batten wiring
PVC Batten is economical as compared to steel conduit,
with highly insulating none- conductor to avoid shock.
 b. C T S (cable tyre sheathed) or T R S (Tough rubber
sheathed) wiring:

Tough rubber sheathed (T.R.S) is a type of internal wiring that was

invented by the St. Helens Cable Co. and is typically overtaken onto an
already insulated conductor named C.T.S. (cable tire sheath).
In the tough rubber sheathed cable, the conductor is insulated with
vulcanized rubber insulation.
In this wiring system, wires sheathed in tough rubber are used which
are quite flexible. They are clipped on wooden battens with brass clips
(link or joint) and fixed onto the walls or ceilings by flat head screws.
These cables are moisture and chemical-proof.
They are suitable for damp climates but not suitable for outdoor use in
sunlight. TRS wiring is suitable for lighting in low voltage installations
b. C T S (cable tyre sheathed) or T R S (Tough rubber sheathed) wiring:

T.R.S or CTS cables are constructed in such a way that mechanical

damage is tolerated.
To protect the cable from external damage, a hard rubber cover is used.
A hard rubber shield is being used to protect the cable from external
damage.
In open wiring systems, such a type of cable is widely used. The outer
sheath cover provides mechanical protection that the cable does not have
for electrical insulation.
The sheath cover has an overall diameter of . It is used for residential and
commercial purposes.
In this type of cable, a strong rubber or thermoplastic cover has been used
on single-core, two-core, or three-core V.R.I (vulcanized rubber insulated)
cable.
 c. Lead Sheathed Wiring

This wiring method is also similar the CTS / TRS Wiring

except for the type of wire / cable. In this, the electrical
conductor is first insulated with Vulcanized Indian Rubber
and then it is covered with a sheath of Lead-Aluminum
alloy (95% Lead and 5% Aluminum).

Similar
to the Batten Wiring, this wiring is also run-on
wooden batten and are fixed with tinned clips.
Batten Wiring

In this, insulated wires are run through the straight teak
wooden battens. The wooden battens are fixed on the
ceilings or walls by plugs and screws. The cables are
fitted onto the battens by using tinned brass link clips.
Batten Wiring

These clips are fixed to the battens

with rust-resistant nails. This wiring
installation is simple and cheap as
compared to other electrical wiring
systems also takes less time to install.
These are mainly used for indoor
installations.
Conduit Wiring

(a) Surface conduit wiring

Metal Conduit Wiring
PVC conduit wiring
(b) Concealed Conduit Wiring
Metal Conduit Wiring.
PVC Conduit wiring.
Conduit Wiring

Surface conduit wiring is used in industries

to connect the heavy motors. On the other
hand, concealed wiring is the most popular
and common method of wiring the
residential buildings. The conduit wiring is
the safest method of wiring and also looks
beautiful (concealed conduit wiring).
Conduit Wiring

Inthis wiring, PVC cables are taken through either PVC

conduit pipes or through steel conduit pipes. This conduit
wiring can be either surface conduit wiring or concealed
conduit wiring.

Ifthe conduit pipes are run on surface of the walls and

ceilings, it is called a surface conduit wiring. If the conduits
are run inside the surface of the walls and ceilings and are
covered with plastering, it is called as concealed conduit
wiring.
Conduit wiring
Conduit wiring
 popular in Malaysia and almost every building wiring
system using this type because it is durable and is often
used in place such as under :
 
Usually installed in place that is likely to mechanical
damage such as in factories and workshops.
The cable used is composed of coated and non-coated
wire.
Property Selection
Among the feature - the selection of this system is based on
factors below :
 If the cause of mechanical breakdown on a building too
much.
 Requires a good grounding system.
 Require the addition circuit.
 Using supply 1 phase and 3 phase.
 Higher power levels.
Type of conduit
There are several types of conduits used in electrical installations . Among
these are :
 Heavy gauge metal conduit.
 Flexible conduit.
 Non-metallic conduit.

Uses of conduit
There are a number of uses in the installation of electrical conduits in
particular place. Among them are :
 Heavy gauge metal conduit is most widely used.
 Flexible conduit is installed as a connector between fixed or isolator to
electric motors.
 Non-metallic conduit is installed on the outside of the building or place
that is easy to apply this reason in metal conduit.
Flexible conduit Heavy gauge metal conduit

Non-metallic conduit
Pros And Cons of Conduit Wiring Systems
There are several advantages and disadvantages conduit wiring system
are listed below :
Advantages
 Cable guaranteed from mechanical damage.
 Easy to install and swap a new one.
 Less danger of fire.
 Produce good earth connection.

Disadvantages
 Higher cost.
 Need for skilled labor.
 Requires a long time to complete the work.
 Requires other accessories to facilitate installation.
Conduit Wiring
PVC Fittings and accessories couplers
1. Couplers
2. Elbow
3. Bends
4. Tee
5. Circular boxes
6. Rectangular boxes.
Conduit Wiring
Couplers
Conduit Wiring
Elbow
Conduit Wiring
Bends
Conduit Wiring
Tees
Conduit Wiring
Circular boxes
Conduit Wiring
Rectangular Boxes
Conduit Wiring
Junction Boxes
 COMPARISON OF ALL THE TYPES OF WIRING
SYSTEMS
Particulars Cleat Wiring Casing Capping Batten Wiring Conduit Wiring
Wiring
Life Short Fairly long long Very long
Cost Low Medium Medium Highest
Mechanical None Fair None Very good
Protection
Possibility of fire Nil Good Good Nil

Protection from None Slight/a little None Good

dampness
Type of labor Semi-skilled Highly skilled Semi-skilled Highly skilled
required
Installation Very easy Difficult Easy Difficult
Inspection Easy Easy Easy Difficult
Repair Easy Little bit difficult Easy Difficult
Popularity Nil Fair Nil Very High
Conductors and Insulators
Conductor
 Electric current can flow freely
 "Conductor" implies that the outer electrons of the atoms are
loosely bound and free to move through the material.
 Metals such as copper typify conductors.
 In copper, the valence electrons are essentially free and strongly
repel each other.
 Most metals are good electrical conductors.
 Most non-metals are not good electrical conductors.
 Metals are also generally good heat conductors while non-metals
are not.
Insulators
 Opposite of electrical conductors.
 Electrical insulators are materials that can withstand the flow of
electrical current.
 Insulator are non-conducting materials.
 Insulators help coat, protect, or support electrical conductors so that the
electrical current flows through the conductor.
 These protective materials help prevent electrical shock or sparks.
 Glass was used as the earliest electrical insulator.
 Glass can withstand the highest volts of electrical current.
Conductors Insulators
A conductor allows electron to flow easily through it. Insulators don’t allow electron to flow through it.

Electric charge exists on the surface of conductors Electric charges are absent in insulator.

Conductors don’t store energy when kept in a Insulators store energy when kept in a magnetic field
magnetic field
Thermal conductivity ( heat allowance) of a conductor Thermal conductivity of an insulator is very low
is very high
The resistance of a conductor is very low The resistance of insulator is very high
Copper, Aluminum, and Mercury are some conductors Wood, paper and ceramic are some insulators

Conductors are used in making electrical equipment. Insulators are used in insulating electrical equipment for
safety purpose
A conductor allows electron to flow easily through it. Insulators don’t allow electron to flow through it.

Electric charge exists on the surface of conductors Electric charges are absent in insulator.

Conductors don’t store energy when kept in a Insulators store energy when kept in a magnetic field
magnetic field
Thermal conductivity ( heat allowance) of a conductor Thermal conductivity of an insulator is very low
is very high
Examples of Electrical Conductor Examples of Electrical Insulator

Silver Rubber

Gold Glass

Copper Pure water

Aluminum Oil

Mercury Air

Steel Diamond

Iron Dry wood

Seawater Dry cotton

Concrete Plastic

Mercury Asphalt
Electrical Protection Wiring
Lightning
Conductor
 A lightening conductor is a thick copper wire or strip that
connects a spike secured onto the tallest point of a building to a
long copper earth pole that is hammered deep into the ground at
the side of the building.
 It protects the building from lightning strikes, by providing an
easier path for current to flow to earth than through the
building. 
 In the event of a direct lightning strike, the current in the
conductor may be so great as to melt or even vaporize the metal,
but the damage to the building will nevertheless be limited.
Earth Circuit
 Earth can refer to the reference point in an electrical circuit from which
other voltages are measured, or a common return path for electric
current, or a direct physical connection to the earth.
 Electrical circuits may be connected to ground (earth) for several
reasons.
 In mains powered equipment, exposed metal parts are connected to
ground to prevent user contact with dangerous voltage if electrical
insulation fails.
 Connections to ground limit the build-up of static electricity when
handling flammable products or electrostatic-sensitive devices.
Fuse

Fuse is an electrical safety device that operates to provide

overcurrent protection of an electrical circuit.
 A type of low resistance resistor that acts as a sacrificial
device to provide overcurrent protection, of either the load or
source circuit.
 Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when
too much current flows, which interrupts the circuit in which it
is connected. 
 Short circuit, overloading, mismatched loads or device failure
are the prime reasons for excessive current.
 A fuse interrupts excessive current (blows) so that further
damage by overheating or fire is prevented.
Latest Technology on Electrical Installation System
 Solar energy
 Wind energy
 Tidal
 Hydroelectricity
 Geothermal
Solar energy
Solar energy
 Solar Electric or PV modules convert sunlight to
electricity. The PV modules generate DC electricity - or
direct current - sending it to the inverter.
 The inverter transforms the DC power into AC electricity
for ordinary household needs.
  Existing electrical panel distributes solar electricity and
utility power to loads (appliances)
 For systems with a battery backup (optional), the inverter
also regulates the charge of batteries. The electricity stored
in the batteries can be used at night or during blackouts.
Wind turbine
Wind turbine
 A shaft and gearbox connect the rotor to a generator, so when the
rotor spins, so does the generator. The generator uses an
electromagnetic field to convert this mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
 The electrical energy from the generator is transmitted along cables
to a substation. The electrical energy generated by all the turbines
in the wind farm is combined and converted to a high voltage.
 The national grid uses high voltages to transmit electricity
efficiently through the power lines to the homes and businesses that
need it .Here, other transformers reduce the voltage back down to a
usable level.
Tidal energy
Tidal energy is produced through the use of tidal energy
generators. These large underwater turbines are placed in
areas with high tidal movements and are designed to
capture the kinetic motion of the ebbing and surging of
ocean tides in order to produce electricity. Tidal power
has great potential for future power and electricity
generation because of the massive size of the oceans.
Hydroelectricity
Geothermal
Power Handling Equipment/Electrical Material
Handling Equipment
Electrical Equipment is designed to provide safe and
efficient transport of electrical supplies such as cable,
wire, spools, reels, and conduit. Specialized handling
equipment can dramatically improve efficiency during
the storage and distribution of these materials. By
providing the people with equipment designed for the
task, productivity will improve while providing crucial
ergonomic benefits.
Power Handling Equipment
Hoist winch
Winches normally use dynamic brakes that are specifically
designed to support rolling loads, not lift dead weights. The
gears of a dynamic braking system automatically lock
when pulling a load, but lifting a weight vertically can
overwhelm the strength of this system, causing the load to
slip and potentially damaging the gears.
Hoists use mechanical brakes that are specifically
designed to lock and support the load you're lifting. This
system is far better suited to vertical lifting, and unlike
winches, most hoists are fitted with load limiters to
prevent you from attempting to lift a weight that exceeds
the hoist's WLL (Working Load Limit).
Utilization Equipment
Utilization Equipment is a broad category of
Electrical or Electronic Machine or Instrument designed to
perform a specific mechanical, chemical, heating, or
lighting function using electrical energy
Utilization Equipment

Electric motors, air conditioning, refrigeration and

heating units, signs, industrial machinery, cranes, hoists,
elevators, and escalators fit in the category of utilization
equipment
Appliance

An Appliance is an end-use piece of utilization

equipment designed to perform a specific function such
as cooking, cleaning, cooling, or heating.
Examples: electric ranges, refrigerators, clothes washers
and dryers, freezers, blenders, toasters, and hair dryers
Appliances

Fixed Appliances
Fixed Appliances are permanently attached installations such as a
built-in electric cook top or oven.

Stationary Appliances
Stationary Appliancesare situated and used at a specific location but
can be moved to another outlet such as a refrigerator, clothes washer,
or clothes dryer.

Portable Appliances
Portable Appliances are appliances that can be easily carried or moved
such as hair dryer or toaster
Thank you for listening!