For the best results in electrical installation design it is recommended to read
and to use all the chapters of this guide in the order in which they are presented.
A - General rules of electrical installation
design
A§3 - Installed power loads - Characteristics
A§4 - Power loading of an installation
B - Connection to the MV utility distribution
network
C - Connection to the LV utility distribution
network
D - MV & LV architecture selection guide
Rules and statutory regulations
Range of low-voltage extends from 0 V to 1000 V in a.c. and from 0 V to 1500 V
alternative current which corresponds to the most common type of current
through out the world and the direct current. Then designers have to select the
most appropriate rated voltage within these ranges of voltages. When connected
to a LV public network, the type of current and the rated voltage are already
selected and imposed by the Utility.
Compliance with national regulations is then the second priority of the designers
of electrical installation. Regulations may be based on national or international
standards such as the IEC 60364 series.
Selection of equipment complying with national or international product standards
well as periodic time will guarantee the safety and the quality of this installation all
along its life cycle. Conformity of equipment according to the appropriate product
standards used within the installation is also of prime importance for the level of
safety and quality.
Environmental conditions will become more and more stringent and will need to
be considered at the design stage of the installation. This may include national or
regional regulations considering the material used in the equipment as well as the
dismantling of the installation at its end of life.
Installed power loads - Characteristics
A review of all applications needing to be supplied with electricity is to be done.
installation are to be considered. Such a review aimed to estimate the current
The total current or power demand can be calculated from the data relative to the
location and power of each load, together with the knowledge of the operating
modes (steady state demand, starting conditions, non simultaneous operation, etc.)
Estimation of the maximum power demand may use various factors depending
on the type of application; type of equipment and type of circuits used within the
electrical installation.
From these data, the power required from the supply source and (where
appropriate) the number of sources necessary for an adequate supply to the
installation is readily obtained.
choice of connection arrangement to the power-supply network, e.g. at medium
voltage or low voltage level.
Connection to the MV public distribution network
Where this connection is made at the Medium Voltage level a consumer-type
substation will have to be studied, built and equipped. This substation may be an
outdoor or indoor installation conforming to relevant standards and regulations
(the low-voltage section may be studied separately if necessary). Metering at
medium-voltage or low-voltage is possible in this case.
Connection to the LV utility distribution network
Where the connection is made at the Low Voltage level the installation will be
connected to the local power network and will (necessarily) be metered according
MV & LV architecture selection guide
The whole electrical system including the MV installation and the LV installation
is to be studied as a complete system. The customer expectations and technical
parameters will impact the architecture of the system as well as the electrical
installation characteristics.
Determination of the most suitable architecture of the MV/LV main distribution
and LV power distribution level is often the result of optimization and compromise.
Neutral earthing arrangements are chosen according to local regulations,
constraints related to the power-supply, and to the type of loads.
The distribution equipment (panelboards, switchgears, circuit connections, ...)
are determined from building plans and from the location and grouping of loads.
disturbances.