Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

Chapter Three
Wiring Methods and Regulations

3-1 Light and Power Circuit Wiring:-

All cables to lighting fixtures and power outlets must be passed in pipes
or ducts unless otherwise specified. Also, all other power supply cables must
pass over a cable tray or cable ladder unless otherwise specified.
The contractor shall prepare and install cables tray, brackets and any
accessories of supporting steel structures and other necessities to support all
cables, pipes, ducts, lighting installations, etc., and this applies to all systems.
3-1-1 Cables in Wiring System:-
Cables in wiring systems must be of one or more of the following types:
 Non-Sheathed Single-Core Cables
 Sheathed Single-Core or Multi-Core Cables
 Flexible Cables
 Control Cables
 Telecommunication and Fire Alarm Cables
Notes:
1) The actual capacity of all cables and wires must be according to the
latest edition of IEE wiring regulations and specifications of electrical
installations of building (IEC 60364).
2) The cables and wires must be selected in an appropriate size to reduce
the voltage drop in the devices to less than 4%.

42 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

3-2 Circuit Loading:-

3-2-1 Lighting Load:-
Incandescent lamps
Nominal Power (W) Required Current (A)
Single Phase (230V) Three Phase (400V)
100 0.43 0.14
200 0.87 0.29
500 2.17 0.72
1000 4.35 1.44
1500 6.52 2.17
2000 8.70 2.89
2500 10.9 3.61
3000 13 4.33
3500 15.2 5.05
4000 17.4 5.77
4500 19.6 6.5
5000 21.7 7.22
6000 26.1 8.66
7000 30.4 10.1
8000 34.8 11.5
9000 39.1 13
10000 43.5 14.4

Fluorescent lamps
To calculate the load power of fluorescent lamps, the lost power in the ballast
circuit must be added (25% of lamp power in the absence of information
about it from the manufacturers), and the power factor must be choosing as
below:
 Fluorescent lamp without capacitance for power factor correction: 0.6
 Fluorescent lamp with capacitance for power factor correction: 0.86
 Fluorescent lamp with electronic ballast circuit: 0.96
Required Current (at 230V)
Power (W) Magnetic Ballast Electronic
Without Capacitance With Capacitance Ballast
18 0.2 0.14 0.1
36 0.33 0.23 0.18
58 0.5 0.36 0.28

43 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

Compact fluorescent lamps

Lamp Type Power (W) Current at 230V (A)
Independent ballast lamp 10 0.08
18 0.11
26 0.15
Integrated ballast lamp 8 0.075
11 0.095
16 0.125
21 0.17

High-pressure sodium discharge lamps

Lamp Required Current at 230V (A) Starting
Capacity Power Without With IS/In Time
(W) (W) Capacitance Capacitance (min.)
50 60 0.76 0.3
70 80 1 0.45
100 115 1.2 0.65
150 168 1.8 0.85 1.4-1.6 4-6
250 274 3 1.4
400 431 4.4 2.2
1000 1055 10.45 4.9

Low-pressure sodium discharge lamps

Lamp Required Current at 230V (A) Starting
Capacity Power Without With IS/In Time
(W) (W) Capacitance Capacitance (min.)
26 34.5 0.45 0.17
36 46.5 0.61 0.22
66 80.5 1 0.39 1.1-1.3 7-15
91 105.5 1.35 0.49
131 154 1.91 0.69

Metal halide lamps

Lamp Required Current at 230V (A) Starting
Capacity Power Without With IS/In Time
(W) (W) Capacitance Capacitance (min.)
70 80.5 1 0.4
150 172 1.8 0.88
250 276 2.1 1.35 1.7 3-5
400 425 3.4 2.15
1000 1046 8.25 5.3
2000 2092 16.5 10.5

44 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

Mercury fluorescent lamps

Lamp Required Current at 230V (A) Starting
Capacity Power Without With IS/In Time
(W) (W) Capacitance Capacitance (min.)
50 57 0.6 0.3
80 90 0.8 0.45
125 141 1.15 0.7
250 268 2.15 1.35 1.7-2 3-6
400 421 3.25 2.15
700 731 5.4 3.85
1000 1046 8.25 5.3
2000 2140 15 11
3-2-2 Motor Loads:-
The total load current of the motor is calculated by calculations or by
using the available tables.

√
If the motor data (efficiency and power factor) are not available, the
following table can be used to determine the value of the load current at the
indicated working voltage level. In this table, the average values for each of
the efficiency and power factor have been selected, assuming that the motor is
connected in a delta form.
Current Current
Output Current for 3-ph motors (A) for 1-ph for DC
Power motors motors
(A) (A)
kW hp 220V 380V 400V 415V 440V 500V 220V 220V
0.37 0.5 1.8 1.03 1 1 1 1 3.12 2.26
0.55 0.75 2.75 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.21 4.76 3.31
0.75 1 3.5 2 2 2 1.68 1.5 6.01 4.29
1.1 1.5 4.4 2.6 2.55 2.5 2.37 2 7.6 6.35
1.5 2 6 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.06 2.6 10.4 8.25
2.2 3 8.7 5 5 5 4.42 3.8 15.1 12.3
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
7.5 10 27 15.5 14.8 14 13.7 12 46.8 38.4
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
75 100 239 138 136.8 135 125 105 414 364
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
315 430 1000 584 562 535 504 442 1728 1547

45 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

3-2-3 Appliances Loads:-

Appliance Power (W) Appliance Power (W)
Celling fan 80 Portable fan 40-60
Water heater 2000-5000 Laptop 60-100
Dish washer 1000-1500 Washing machine 400-500
Air conditioner 1250-2250 Color TV 120-160
LCD TV 200 Dryer 1500-3000
Vacuum cleaner 500-1250 Oven 2500-300
Microwave 1000-1500 Refrigerator 300-600

Note: It is known that not all loads in a particular location or facility are
connected to the electrical power source at the same time. Therefore, in order
to achieve an acceptable, reliable and economical electrical design, an
diversity coefficient of variation must be selected for the electrical system
loads.

3-3 Electrical Conduit Types:-

Electrical conduit is a raceway or piping system that protects wires and
cables from impact, moisture, and vapors. It is a path for either power or
communication (low voltage) electrical wiring. It is usually tubular and made
of metal (galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum) or non-metallic
materials (plastics) and is either rigid or flexible. Special types of conduit are
required for wet areas and hazardous areas. The advantages of all types of
conduit are that they:
 Protect electrical wires from damage due to abuse or accident
 Can allow for cables to be easily pulled to inaccessible areas in the
future (i.e. inside finished walls)
 Allow wiring changes to be made simpler and safer
 Can be made waterproof or submersible
 Can be sealed to provide protection from fire and explosion hazards

46 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

The cost of conduit installation is higher than other wiring methods due
to the cost of materials and labor. In residential, construction a high degree of
physical damage protection may not be not required so the expense is not
justified.
Two main categories of conduit body are considered here: metal
conduits and non-metal conduit. Conduit systems can be differentiated by
their wall thickness, mechanical stiffness, and tubing material. Conduit
materials are often chosen for their mechanical protection, corrosion
resistance, and the overall installation cost.
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
RMC is a thick-walled, threaded tubing. It is generally made of coated
steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. The conduit is connected together by
screwing connectors to the main tubes. Rigid metal conduit provides
significant protection from impacts and other damage. It can be used as a
grounding conductor for short runs, but it is best practice to use wiring that
has a grounding wire. The thicker walls of RMC protects the cables inside
from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can be harmful to sensitive
equipment.

47 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

RMC can be made corrosion-resistant by applying a coating such as

PVC or by galvanizing the metal. The corrosion protection resists damage
from water or other chemicals that can degrade metal. There are four common
types of corrosion treatment:
 Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC), which is the most popular form of
RMC, is used in commercial and industrial buildings.
 PVC-coated aluminum, which is suitable where chemical fumes that
are corrosive to steel are present.
 Bronze alloy, which is suitable for coastal areas, chemical plants, oil
refineries and underwater situations.
 PVC-coated rigid steel, which is resistant to oils, grease, acids, alkalis,
and moisture and is flame-retardant.
When cut, the ends of rigid metal conduit should be reamed (remove
burrs and rough edges) to protect the wire insulation from abrasion. In
addition, any fittings should match the type of metal used for the conduit
tubing to prevent problems from galvanic action.
There are two main disadvantages to using rigid metal conduit. First,
since all connections are threaded, there is much more labor required when
installing the system – this makes RMC much more expensive. Second, the
thick walls of the tubing make the conduit much heavier, which also makes
installation more labor intensive and expensive.
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
EMT is an unthreaded, thin-wall metal tubing generally made of coated
steel, though it may be made of aluminum. It is a popular choice for electrical
conduit in commercial buildings, but is generally not used in residential
buildings. EMT is connected together using clamp-type fittings that slide onto
the tubing and then are secured with a set-screw. Electrical Metal Tubing is
less expensive and 40% lighter than GRC.

48 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

While EMT provides a good amount of protection for the cables inside,
it should not be used in hazardous areas where it is exposed to sever damage
(like power plants or around vehicular traffic.) EMT is not suitable for wet
areas or where corrosive fumes and vapors exist – special corrosive-resistant
tubing and gasketed clamps are required in these areas.
Like RMC, the cut ends of the tubing must be reamed to remove all
sharp edges.
Some electricians are skeptical of using EMT in critical areas because
the set-screws in the clamps can loosen over time. In order to prevent this, a
torque wrench or driver can be used to be sure the screws are set to the correct
tension as required by the manufacturer.
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
As its name suggests, Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) has walls that
are thinner than RMC, but thicker than EMT. Thus the weight of IMC also
falls between RMC and EMT. Intermediate Metal Conduit is threadable, but it
can also be un-threaded and used with clamp-type fittings. IMC is generally
made from steel and can be coated.
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is typically available in diameters between
3/8 inch and 3 inch, but larger sizes can sometimes be found. It is made by
coiling self-interlocked aluminum or steel strips, which forms a hollow tube
49 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

that wires can be pulled through. FMC comes in a standard wall (sometimes
called full wall) thickness or a reduced wall thickness. Most manufacturers
also produce an extra-flexible FMC for tighter bend radiuses, but this is
generally not approved.

Standard FMC is recommended in dry areas where it would be

impractical to install EMT or other non-flexible conduit, yet where metallic
strength to protect conductors is still required. Because of its flexibility, the
FMC can help reduce vibrations from passing from motor to structure through
the conduit.
Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC) is FMC covered by a
plastic waterproof coating. Its interior is similar to FMC, but it is suitable for
wiring in wet or damp locations. It can also be buried in the ground or
embedded in concrete. There are many types of LFMC on the market
depending on the type of resistance needed, including extreme temperatures,
oil resistant, anti-bacteria, flame resistant, and reinforced. It also comes in
various jacket colors for easy identification. LFMC used for computer wires is
usually blue.
It is important to note that Flexible Metal Conduit is NOT the same as
metal clad (MC) cable or armored cable (AC). MC cable and armored cable
include permanently integrated conductors in the flexible metal armor.
However, flexible metal conduit is a raceway that the conductors are pulled
through AFTER installation.
50 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

Types of Non-Metal Conduit

Non-metal conduit is made of plastic, also called PVC. It is used in areas
where metals can cause problems. It is also used where it will be in contact
with water, such as below ground or encased in concrete. PVC conduit will
not rust or corrode when exposed to water. However, it is important to note
that non-metallic conduit will not serve as a redundant ground conductor so
you need to review local codes to ensure than non-metallic conduit is
acceptable for your application.
Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (RNC)
RNC is the lightest conduit available and is generally the least
expensive. Fittings slipped onto the tubing and welded with a solvent, which
is faster than the fittings used in metal conduits. In addition, the welded joints
are water-tight. Plastic conduit can be heated with special tools so that it can
be bent in the field, but there are also pre-manufactured sweeps or bends that
are appropriate for plastic conduit.
RNC Pipe is most commonly available as schedule 40 or schedule 80
pipe, but can also be manufactured in other sizes and wall thicknesses. It is
also available in extra-heavy wall thicknesses for areas where extra protection
is needed; however, thicker walls make the conduit harder to bend.
The main disadvantages are that plastic conduit will not stand up to
impacts as well as metal conduits. In addition, plastic conduits cannot be used
for grounding, so a grounding conductor will need to be pulled along with the
other conductors. Finally, plastic conduit expands and contracts more than
metal conduit when exposed to heat, which needs to be taken into account
when designing long runs.
Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT)
ENT is a thin-walled corrugated tubing that is flexible so it can be bent
without special tools, however it will not permanently hold the bend. It is
easier to install than RNC because it can be routed around obstructions
51 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

without cutting and welding the pipe. Special ENT connectors are used –
these are generally snap-in connections and are not watertight.
Liquid-Tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC) is also available for
use where the conduit will be subjected to moisture.
Notes about wiring in conduit:
 The wiring must be carried out using single-conductor cables insulated
with non-sheathing material for a voltage of 600/1000, and the
conductor shall be stranded of highly conductive copper.
 All cables used in the wiring of lighting systems and power sockets
must be continuous between specific end points and no joints are
allowed in the cables.
 All joints shall be made in ceiling flowerpots, switches, power sockets
or other end boxes
 The diameters of the pipes that are used are 20, 25, 32, 38, 50, 75, or
100 mm. Do not use pipes with diameters smaller than 20 mm.
 The number of cables installed in the pipe must be in accordance with
the recommendations mentioned in the electrical installation
regulations IEE
 There should be separate pipes for cables of different circuit classes or
with different levels of voltage

3-4 Switches:-
3-4-1 Lighting Switches:-
 Lighting switches shall be suitable for use in alternating current
circuits, and shall be of the quick-connected and disconnected type. Its
front cover must be made of a plastic insulating material unless
otherwise specified.

52 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

 Lighting switches must be single-pole and have a design current of 5A,

or 10A, or 15A as specified in the special specifications or drawings
 Light switches must be installed at a height of 1200 mm unless
otherwise specified
 Light switches that are installed near the door must be on the side of the
door handle, and be 20 cm from the edge of the door
 No switch may be installed inside the toilet or bathroom
 The exhaust fans must be controlled from a separate switch of the same
type as the light switches and to be installed next to the light switches
 All light switches and fan switches must comply with IEC 60669-1
Standard and are usually of the flat type
3-4-2 Domestic Switches:-
 Switches for domestic appliances and similar for use inside buildings
must comply with IEC 60669-1 standard. They shall be of the quick-
connect and disconnect type, with a design current of 15A, or as
required, unipolar or bipolar.
 The switches that are installed outside the building must be of the
protected type according to IEC 60529 standard. The switches that are
installed in places exposed to rain or water must be of the type
protected against water with a minimum protection not less than IP54.
 For domestic appliances such as electric heaters and similar, you must
use bipolar switches integrated with a pilot lamp that consists of a neon
lamp with a resistor and a red lens
 For buildings that are fitted with explosion-proof protected type
installations, the switches shall be of the type that does not cause an
electric spark

53 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Three Wiring Methods and Regulations

3-5 Socket Outlets:-

 Power sockets with switch and power sockets without switch shall have
three front connecting holes for two poles and ground and have shutters
for the poles openings. Power sockets with a design current of 13A,
their front sockets must be of a rectangular type according to the (IEC
60083, IEC 60884-1, IEC 60884-2-3) standards. Power sockets with a
design current of 15 amps, the front sockets for them must be of the
circular type according to (IEC 60083, IEC 60884-1, IEC 60884-2-3)
standards
 All power sockets for general purposes must be installed at a height of
40 cm above the floor level, unless otherwise indicated, as in the case
of kitchens and similar, where they must be at a height of 120 cm above
the final floor level
 Ring and radial circuits can be used to supply power sockets with a
capacity of 13 amps
 Devices that consume high power, such as water heaters, cooling
devices, and electric cookers, must not be connected to ring or radial
circuits, as these devices have separate circuits.
 The external power sockets must be protected from weather conditions,
with a protection degree of IP55, and a 30 mA residual current
protection device (RCD) is installed
 The number of power outlets in a building depends on the size, type
and function of the building. You can refer to the following table to
determine the number of sockets for different residential locations
Location No. of sockets Location No. of sockets
Kitchen 4-5 Living room 3-4
Dining room 1-2 Master bedroom 3-4
Single bedroom 2-3 Reception room 1-2
Garage 1 Store room 1

54 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad