Module 2

Supply characteristics in residential buildings

In connection with a new building, the following aspects are to be
considered to bring an electric supply to the 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.
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

1
 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.
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 finished floor level.
• All plugs and socket outlets are to be 3-pin type, the appropriate
pin of socket being connected permanently to the earthing
system.In a three-pin plug, the top pin is for earthing, the pin on left is
for live and the pin on the right is for neutral. In a socket, the upper big
hole is for earthing, the hole on the right is for the live wire
connection and the hole on the left is for the neutral wire connection

2
 • 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.

1 Phase & 3 phase supply schemes

A single phase installation showing energy meter, main switch

(Switch Fuse Unit/SFU) & distribution board.

3
 3 phase 4 wire domestic distribution scheme

Domestic electrical connection

4
DB connection without ELCB/RCD

5
DB connection with ELCB/RCD

RCD (DP) - Residual Current Devices for Safety

A (RCD) Residual-Current Device, or (RCCB) Residual-Current
Circuit Breaker, is an electrical wiring device or switch that
disconnects or trip a circuit whenever it detects that the electric
current is not balanced between the energized conductor (L) and
the return neutral conductor (N). And then instantly disconnect the
electricity flow in the connected circuits by operating in the safe mode
automatically to avoid electric hazards.

6
 This device is also known as Current Operated ELCB which is
known as RCCB nowadays. This device is more sensitive and
accurate than ELCB and its functionality does not (entirely) depend
on the earthed rode wire connection like voltage ELCB.

Service connections
•The electric supply Authority supplies power to the consumers
through a low voltage three phase four wire system called the
secondary distribution system
• Large consumers are supplied at higher voltages I.e, 6.6kV, 11kV
or 33kV through three wire high voltage distribution system
called primary distribution system.
• The line bringing electric power from suppliers low voltage
distributor up to the energy meter installed at the consumers premises
is called the service connection.
Underground Service connection
• Used at cities, densely populated areas or when the load exceeds
25kW.
•Paper insulated cables or PVC cables are used as the service
cable.
•The service cable is connected to the distribution line by means of
T joint enclosed in a cable joint box

7
Overhead Service connection
• Bare OH conductors are used for the service line when the
consumers premises are more than 45 m away from the supplier’s
distribution pole.
• The distance of the consumer’s premises is less than 45m from
the pole, the service line is a weather proof or PVC cable
(a) PVC or weather proof cable service line
• Connections to a single storey building by means of a PVC
cable
• GI wire of at least 8 SWG is stretched between the pole and
the clamp fitted to a GI pipe raised above the roof of the
consumer’s building.
• The PVC cable is clipped along the GI wire stretched
between the pole and the Building.

(b) Bare Conductor Service line

• The bare conductors are brought from the nearest
distribution pole to the shackle insulator clamped to the GI pipe at
a suitable height.

8
 What is the need of sub-circuits?
• In the case of short circuit, in any part of the wiring the fuse
will disconnect the supply to the whole installation.
•If the number of load points is large, the voltage available at
the farthest end will be low due to the voltage drop in the line.
• Easy maintenance and future expansion.
Fuses/switches are provided to the phase conductor not in the
neutral conductor. Why?
• If the fuse/ switch is provided in the neutral conductor, the
appliance connected to the conductor will continue to remain
live even after the fuse has blown. This can be
dangerous.

9
3 Phase DB connection with MCCB & RCD

10
Protection devices used in domestic dwellings

11
 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 Earth leakage protection
Breaker
RCCB Residual Current Circuit Earth leakage protection
Breaker
RCD Residual Current Device Earth leakage protection
RCBO Residual Current circuit Earth leakage protection +
Breaker
Over current protection +
with Over current protection Short circuit protection

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 shortcircuit, 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 with out any manual
replacement.
•Miniature Circuit Breakers have the following Specifications
•Current rating-Amperes (A)
•Short Circuit Rating-Kilo Amperes (kA)
•Operating Characteristics
•Miniature Circuit Breakers are usually available in the range of 0.5A to
100A.

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•An MCB's Short circuit rating is given in Kilo amps(kA), and this
indicates the level of its ability to work.
•For example a domestic MCB would normally have a 6kA fault level,
where as one used in an industrial application may need a unit with a
10kA fault capability.
•MCBs are classified according to tripping overrange 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
circuit 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.

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Types of MCB based on no: of poles
No. of Pole for MCB 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

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

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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

15
 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

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 2500
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

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 • 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 2500
amperes This allows them to be used in both low power and high
power applications.
Main difference between MCB & MCCB
Characteristics MCB MCCB
Full form Miniature Circuit Molded Case circuit
Breaker breaker
Rated current 6A to 100A 10A to 2500A.
Interrupting Up to 18KA 10KA to 200KA
rating
Trip Mechanism Thermal / Magnetic Thermal / Magnetic
/Electronic
Size Small Large
Application Indoor Type Indoor / Outdoor Type
Trip Not adjusted Fixed / Adjustable
characteristics
Settings
Suitable for Low current circuits High power rating i.e.
(homes, shops, school commercial and industrial
and offices). use

Standard ratings

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 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
Main Switch/Isolator Single phase- 6, 10, 16, 32
Three phase- 16, 32, 63
Distribution board 4 way, 6 way, 8 way, 10 way, 12
way
SPN Distribution Board
(Incoming+outgoing)

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

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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 30 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.

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 •RCDs are an extremely effective form of shock protection.
RCBO( Residual Circuit Breaker with Overload)
•RCDs detect an imbalance in the live and neutral currents. A
current overload, however large, cannot 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 over current (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
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: 2.5 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.
Pre-commissioning tests of domestic installations

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 •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 ohmic value of the insulation
under a direct voltage of great stability, generally 50, 100, 250,
500, or 1000 VDC.
•A megohm meter (also called insulation resistance tester) is
then used to measure the ohmic value of an insulator under a DC
voltage of great stability.
•The ohmic value of the insulation resistance is expressed in
mega ohms(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.
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.

21
3. Earth electrode resistance test
•Earth electrode – conductive part, which may be embedded
in the soil or in a specific conductive medium, e.g. concrete
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 suitable 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 electrode (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

4. Earth continuity test

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 • 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 considered 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.
Single phase DB connection with DP MCB

23
Single phase DB connection with DP MCB - Single line diagram

HOUSE WIRING (1Φ):

24
 Design and draw the Electrical Schematic(Single line Diagram) of a
house wiring connected with 1Φ KSEB supply by providing 1Φ LT Meter
Connected Loads.
LIGHTLOAD: Incandescent lamps(5nos,40W); Fluorescent
Lamps(5nos,40W); CFL(5nos,20W); Ceiling Fan(4nos,60W), Exhaust
Fan(2nos,60W), 6Aplug(4nos,100W)
POWERLOAD: 16APowerPlug (2nos,1000W),Waterpump
(1nos,0.5HP=373W);Water Heater(1nos,1000W).

Step : 1 Load calculation

Light Load
Equipment Wattage Number Total power
Incandescent 40 5 200
Lamp
Fluorescent 40 5 200
Tube
Ceiling Fan 60 4 240
Exhaust Fan 60 2 120

6A plug 100 4 400

Total 1260 W

Power Loads
Equipment Wattage Number Total
power
16A Power Plug 1000 2 2000

Water Pump 746/2=373 1 373

Water Heater 1000 1 1000
Total 3373

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 Total Connected Load = Light Load + Power Load = 4633 W
Since total Connected Load is less than 5kW single Phase supply
can be Provided.
Step 2 Determining Number of sub circuits
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
Light, fan and 6A sockets are connected in a common circuit
called Light sub circuit. According to IS codes load on each light sub
circuit shall be restricted to 800 watts or 10 points. A good engineering
practice is using 8 points per light sub circuits.
Number of light sub circuits = No of light points/8
= 25/8 = 4.1(5 circuits )
 Power sub circuit
Two number of 16A Power plugs can be connected in a single
power sub circuit. separate power sub circuit must be provided for all
other power loads
Total number of power sub circuits = 1 for 16A PP+1 for water Heater+1
for
Pump = 3
Total number of sub circuits = light circuits + Power Sub circuits
= 5+3
=8
Select 230V,single phase 8 way DB(standard DB )

26
Single Phase DB connection(6 way DB)

Incomer:
25A RCBO or RCCB with 30mA sensitivity
Outgoing MCBs:
5 number of 6A MCBs (B class) for 5 light sub circuits
3 number of 16A MCBs (B class) for 3 Power Sub circuits
MCBs are selected based on maximum current flowing in sub
circuit
Maximum current in a light sub circuit, i = p/ vcosθ = 3.47A
Maximum current in a Power sub circuit,i=p/vcosθ =13.04A
Hence it is a thumb rule to use 6A MCB for light sub circuit and
16A MCB for Power sub circuit. In case of motor load, we may use MCB

27
with Ampere rating greater than starting current.
Step 4: selection of Main switch Fuse Unit (SFU)
Fuse is selected based on total load current
i=P/Vcosθ = 4633/230x1 = 20.1A
25A fuse is selected. SFU rating must be greater than fuse rating.
Hence 32A,Iron Clad Double Pole SFU with 25A fuse can be used.
For light sub circuits : 1.5mm sqr Copper wire
For Power sub circuits : 2.5mm sqr Copper wire
For earth wiring : 1.5 mm sqr Copper wire

28
HOUSE WIRING (3Φ):
Design and draw the Electrical Schematic (Single line Diagram) of
a house wiring connected with 3 Φ KSEB supply by providing 3 Φ LT
Meter Connected Loads
LIGHT LOAD: Fluorescent Lamps 10 nos 40 W) LED 2 nos 9
W)
Ceiling Fan 5 nos 60 W), Exhaust Fan 2 nos 45 W), 6 A plug 9 nos,
100 W)
POWER LOAD: 16 A Power Plug 5 nos 1000 W)

Step : 1 Load calculation

Light Load
Equipment Wattage Number Total power
Incandescent 40 10 400
Lamp
LED 9 2 18
Ceiling Fan 60 5 300
Exhaust Fan 45 2 90

6A plug 100 9 900

Total 28 1708 W
Power Loads

Equipment Wattage Number Total

power
16A Power Plug 1000 5 5000

Total 5000
Total Connected Load = Light Load + Power Load = 6708 W
Since total Connected Load is greater than 5kW 3 Phase supply
can be Provided

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Step 2 Determining Number of sub circuits
According to IS codes load on each light sub circuit shall be
restricted to 800 watts or 10 points. A good engineering practice is using
8 points per light sub circuits.
Number of light sub circuits = No of light points/8
= 28/8=3.5(4 circuits )
Two number of 16A Power plugs can be connected in a single power sub
circuit
Total number of power sub circuits = 5/2 = 2.5(3 circuits)
Total number of sub circuits = light circuits + Power Sub circuits = 7
Select 3 phase,415V, 4 way DB which can accommodate up to 12 MCBs
3 Phase DB connection(6 way DB)

Incomer: 40A RCBO or RCCB with 30mA sensitivity

Outgoing MCBs: 4 number of 6A MCBs (B class) for 4 light sub
circuits
3 number of 16A MCBs (B class) for 3 Power Sub circuits

30
 63A TPN SFU with 40A fuse
For light sub circuits : 1.5mm sqr Copper wire
For Power sub circuits : 2.5mm sqr Copper wire
For earth wiring : 1.5 mm sqr Copper wire

Electrical Diagram
1. Wiring diagram: A wiring diagram shows the connections of an
installation or part of an installation.It shows how connections are
actually made and also gives the layout of the wiring.

31
 2. Circuit diagram/Schematic diagram : this is an explanatory
diagram meant for easy understanding of the operation of the electric
circuit.the diagram is arranged in such a way that as far as possible
every circuit is drawn in a straight line in order that it may easily be
followed. A schematic diagram should therefore be as simple and clear
as possible.

Type of wiring diagrams

1. Joint box system: This is made possible by connecting the lamp
and its controlling switch in series, the ends of which are then
connected through T joints to the two lines coming from the main
distribution board. In this system joints are made in joint boxes.

32
 2. Looping -in system: the main advantage of the system is that no
tappings are taken directly from the main wires, and therefore no
joint boxes are used.the length of wire required in looping - in system
of wiring is more than in joint box system of wiring.

Q1. Three light points each with one way switch are to be wired.
Switches are to be provided in different places. Draw the following:
(a) Schematic diagram
(b) Wiring diagram in looping -in system
(c) Single line diagram for (b)
(d) Wiring diagram in joint box system.

Answer
Schematic diagram

Wiring diagram in looping -in system

33
 Single line diagram for (b)

Wiring diagram in joint box system.

Q2. Three light points in a room uniformly spaced, aeach controlled by

one way switch, are to be wired. All switches are to be placed on one
switch board. Draw the following:
(a) Schematic diagram
(b) Wiring diagram in multiline representation
(c) Wiring diagram in single line representation
(d) Wiring diagram in joint box system.

34
Q3. Draw the wiring diagram of a single tube light controlled by a
switch.

Single phase installation for different utilities

(a) single phase installation

(b) single phase installation with a number of sub distribution boards

having a common main switch fuse.

35
 (c) single phase installation with a number of sub distribution boards
each connected to the mains through separate fuse.

(d) single phase installation having separate energy meters for light
and power loads

Three phase four wire distribution

(a) Three phase four wire distribution for single phase and three phase

36
loads having a common main switch fuse

(b) Three phase four wire distribution for single phase and three phase
loads with separate sub distribution boards

37
38
(c) Three phase four wire distribution with bus bar chamber /LT panel

Neutral and earth wire

SL Neutral wire
N
o
1 The neutral wire is connected to
the neutral point of the
transformer which is earthed
only at the substation
2 Neutral wire carries the return The earth wire under normal
Earth wire
The earth wire originate from a a
solid earth at the substation and
is earthed at not less than four
equally spaced points during
every 1.6km run of the distribution
line

39
 current in the case of single conditions does not carry any
phase loads and out of balance current.
current in the case of three
phase loads
3 Breakage of a neutral wire may Connecting the metal parts to
lead to an electric shock earth ground eliminates the shock
hazard in the event of short circuit
4 Neutral wire form the part of Ground wire is connected to any
live wire non-current carrying metallic parts
of an appliance
5 Colour code : Black Green

Rating of different luminaries

Sl No. Items Recommended Rating
(in W)
1 Incandescent lamp 60 W
2 Ceiling fan 60 W
3 Table fan 60 W
4 5A, 3- pin socket 100 W
5 Fluorescent tubes
Length 600mm 25 W
1200 mm 50 W
1500 mm 90 W
6 Power socket (15A) 1000 W
7 Industrial type power 2500 W
socket (15 A)

40
Recommended Schedule of socket outlets
Sl No. Description Number of socket
outlets
5A 15A
1 Bed room 2-3 1
2 Living room 2-3 2
3 Kitchen 1 2
4 Dining room 2 1
5 Garage 1 1
6 Bath room - 1
7 Varandah 1 1
8 For AC - Industrial

Estimating and Costing of Electrical installations

The quantity and specifications of various materials required for
the installation work, along with rate and total cost of material and cost
of labour can be written in a tabular form for easy reference. This is
called the schedule of material and cost.
Price list - unit rate multiplied by number of units
Labour charges - Depends on site condition, Skill and technical training,
physical fitness etc
Overhead charges- General office expenses, rent, rates of lighting and
heating, depreciation of furniture and office equipment
Contingencies - unexpected expenditure due to increase in cost rate of
material, loss due to floods and any other reasons etc.

41
Example 1

42
Schematic Diagram

Wiring Diagram

Single line diagram

43
Deciding the number of sub-circuits
No. Of light points = 2
Wattage of light points = 2 x 60 = 120 W
No. Of fan points = 1
Wattage of fan points = 1 x 100 = 100 W
No. Of socket outlets = 1
Wattage of power socket outlets = 1 x 1000 = 1000 W
According to IE rules there should be separate sub circuits for light and
power loads. Therefore we have two sub circuits one for power socket
and one for light/fan points.

44
Deciding the size of wires
( 220  1000 )
Total current, I =  5 A (approx.)
240

220
The current flowing in sub circuit 1 is  1 A (approx.)
240

The size of Al cable generally used for light and fan sub circuit is 1/1.40
mm having current carrying capacity of 10 A./ 1.5 mm. Sq Cu wire.
1000
The power sub circuit will carry the current of I =  4 A (approx.)
240

The size of Al cable generally used for power sub circuit is 1/1.80 mm
having current carrying capacity of 15 A./ 2.5 mm. Sq Cu wire.
The size of cable selected are:
For sub circuit 1 - 1/1.40 mm having current carrying capacity of 10 A./
1.5 mm. Sq Cu wire.
For sub circuit 2 - 1/1.80 mm having current carrying capacity of 15 A./
2.5 mm. Sq Cu wire.
Meter board to DB - 1/1.80 mm having current carrying capacity of 15
A./ 2.5 mm. Sq Cu wire.
The rating of the main switch and the DB are:
Main switch - 250V, 15A, DPIC SFU

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 DB : 250 V, 15A, two way DB
Calculation of length of wire required
Length of phase wire for sub circuit 1
Length ABCD = 1 +0.2+ 0.3+2 = 3.5 m
Length DE = 1 x 4 = 4 m
Length DFGI = 3( 0.2 + 0.5 +1.75) = 7.35 m
Length IKM = 2.5 + 0.5 = 3 m
Length IHL = 1.75 + 0.5 = 2.25 m
Total Length = 3.5 + 4 + 7.35 + 3 + 2.25 = 20.1 m
Length of neutral wire for sub circuit 1
Length ABCDFGI = 1 + 0.2 + 2.3 + 0.2 + 0.5 + 1.75 = 5.95 m
Length IKM = 2.5 + 0.5 = 3 m
Length IHL = 1.75 + 0.5 = 2.25 m
Total Length = 5.95 + 3 + 2.25 = 11.2 m
Total length of phase and neutral wire required for sub circuit 1
= 20.1 + 11.2 = 31.3 m
Allowance for connections and wastage 20% = 31.3 + 20% of 31.3
= 38 m
For sub circuit 2, the length of phase wire would be equal to the
length of neutral wire
Thus, length of phase wire = ABCFGIJO = 1 + 0.2 + 2.5 + 0.5 + 1.75
+ 2.5 + 2.8 = 11.25 m
Total length of phase and neutral wire required for sub circuit 2 =
11.25 +11.25 = 22.5 m
Allowance for connections and wastage 20% = 22.5 + 20% of 22.5
= 27 m
Length of PVC conduit for sub circuit 1 & 2 = ABCDE + DFGIHL +
IKM = IJO = 17.7 m
Allowance for connections and wastage 20%

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 Total length = 21.3 m.
(Total length of wire required as 3 times the length of conduit)
Length of earth wire = ABCFGIJO = 11.25 m
Allowance for connections and wastage 10%
Total length = 12.5 m.
Costing of Electrical wiring installations for residential buildings.
Cost of materials required = rate x quantity of materials required.
For Labour cost : total number of points to be wired is found out,
considering the installation of main board as equivalent to 2 points.
The avg. Number of points which can be installed per day by a wire
-man with a helper is assumed as 3 points for TW batten wiring and 2
points for conduit wiring.
No. Of days required for one wire-man with a helper to complete
work = Total number of points to be wired / number of points which can
be installed per day by a wire-man with a helper.
Cost of labour = rate of labour per day x no. Of days required to
complete the work.
In the above example total number of points to be wired = 4 + 2 = 6
No. Of days required for one wire-man with a helper to complete
work = 6/2 = 3 days.
Schedule of material and cost
SL Specification of Unit Qty. Rate Total
No. materials Required (per cost
unit)
1 Double pole iron clad No. 1 45 45
switch fuse 15A, 250V
2 I.C. DB 2 way 15A No. 1 35 35
3 Cut out fuse 15A, No. 1 15 15
250V
4 20 mm conduit m 25 25 625
5 Single core 1/1.40 m 40 600 267

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 mm Al conductor /1.5 (per
mm.sq. Cu conductor coil)
6 Single core 1/1.80 m 6 1500 100
mm Al conductor /2.5 (per
mm.sq. Cu conductor coil)
7 Single way 6A No. 3 15 45
switches
8 Single way 15A No. 1 50 50
switches
9 15A 3 pin socket No. 1 55 55
10 Angle batten holder No. 2 25 50
11 Ceiling rose (2 plates) No. 1 15 15
12 Round Block No. 3 5 15
13 GI clip 20mm Box 1 100 100
of
100
14 Steel Screws 1.25 cm Kg 1 75 75
15 Copper wire No. 14 Kg. 1 1200 1200
SWG
16 Labour cost 2700
Total 5392
Contingencies 10% 539.2
Grand Total 5931.2

Q2. Figure shows the plan of a small flat. The flat is to be provided with
electrical connections. The position of light and fan points and switch
boards are shown in fig. Estimate the quantity of materials for conduit
wiring system.

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Sol:
(a) The number of sub-circuits:
Number of light points = 8
Number of power plug points = 2
Number of fan points = 5
Total light load = 8 x 60 + 5 x 100 = 980 W
Total power load = 2 x 1000 = 2000 W
As the total fan/light load is 980W and total outlet points is 13, we
need 2 light sub circuits.
For power load we need one sub circuit.

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Wiring Diagram of sub circuit 1

Wiring Diagram of sub circuit 2

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 Wiring Diagram of power circuit

(b) Size of wire and rating of main switch & DB

( 3 x 60 )  ( 3 x100 )
Current flowing through the light sub-circuit 1 =  2A
240

Current flowing through the light sub-circuit 2 =

( 5 x 60 )  ( 2 x100 )
 2 .2 A
240

2000
Current flowing through the power sub-circuit =  8 . 33 A
240

Select 1/1.40mm single core Al cable or 1.5 sq.mm Cu wire for

sub-circuit 1&2
Select 1/1.80mm single core Al cable or 2.5 sq.mm Cu wire for
power sub circuit.
2000  980
Total load current, I =  12 . 4 A
240

For the phase & neutral connections from the meter to the main
DB box 1/2.24mm Al or 4 sq.mm Cu cable of 20A current carrying
capacity will be used.
Rating of main switch is 250V, 15A, DPIC SFU
DB is 15A, 250V four way iron clad DB boards

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( c) Length of wire required:

(i) Sub - circuit 1 (L1, L2, L7, L6, L8, F4, F5)
Phase wire + Neutral wire
(ii) Sub - circuit 2 (L3, L4, L5, F1, F2, F3)
Phase wire + Neutral wire
(iii) Sub - circuit 3 (P1, P2)
Phase wire + Neutral wire + earth wire

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( d) Length of conduit required:
( e) Labour cost:
( f) Estimation of materials required:

Q3)Design the electrical installation and estimate the materials required

for a house with the following details. (Use concealed conduit)
(i) Drawing room - 4 x 3 m
(ii) Dining room - 3 x 3 m
(iii) Bed room - 3 x 4 m
(iv) Kitchen - 3 x 3 m
(v) Toilet - 1.5 x 1.2 m
(vi) Sit out - 1.5 x 3 m

Sol:

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