CONTENT

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Scope
3. General approach
4. Energy Efficiency Requirements for Power distribution in buildings
4.1 High Voltage Distribution
4.2 Minimum Transformer Efficiency
4.3 Locations of Distribution Transformers and Main LV Switchboard
4.4 Min Circuits
4.5 Feeder Circuits
4.6 Sub-main Circuits
4.7 Final Circuits

5. Requirements for efficient Utilisation of Power

5.1 Lamps and Luminaires

5.2 Air Conditioning Installations
5.3 Vertical Transportation
5.4 Motors and Drives
5.4.1 Motor Efficiency
5.4.2 Motor Sizing
5.4.3 Variable Speed Drive
5.4.4 Power Transfer Device
5.5 Power Factor Improvement
5.6 Other Good Practice
5.6.1 Office Equipment
5.6.2 Electrical appliance
5.6.3. Demand Side management

6. Energy Efficiency Requirements for power quality

6.1 Maximum Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of Current on LV Circuits

6.2 Balancing of Single-phase Loads

7. Requirements for metering and monitoring facilities

7.1 Main Circuits

7.2 Sub-main and Feeder Circuits

8. Energy Efficiency in Operation & Maintenance of Electrical Installations in

Buildings

8.1 Emergency Maintenance

8.2 Planned Maintenance
8.3 Purpose of maintenance
8.4 Economic and Energy Efficiency of Maintenance

INTRODUCTION
1. Introduction
Electricity is the most common and popular form of energy used in all types of
buildings including residential, commercial and industrial. However, through
inappropriate design of the power distribution systems and misuse of electrical
equipment in buildings, it also costs us dearly in terms of losses as far as energy
efficiency is concerned. The Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Electrical
Installations (hereinafter referred to as the Code or the Electrical Energy Code) sets
out the minimum requirements of the energy efficient design on electrical installations
for the guidance of engineers and other parties concerned in the electrical services
design and operation of buildings.

This guidebook outlines and explains the provision of those clauses in the Code in
simple terms together with design examples and calculations. It aims to impress upon
both electrical engineers in design and operation of buildings the importance of taking
adequate energy conservation measures for compliance with the Code and to guard
against unnecessary energy losses in the distribution and utilisation of electrical
energy.

This guide should be read in conjunction with the other Building Energy Codes in
Lighting, Air Conditioning, Lift & Escalator, etc., the Code of Practice for the
Electricity (Wiring) Regulations and Supply Rules published by the power
companies, in which some data and information are referred and used in this guide.
2. Scope
2.1 The Electrical Energy Code shall apply to all electrical systems other than those
used as emergency systems, for all new buildings except those specified in Item 2.2,
2.3 and 2.4 below.

2.2 The following types of buildings are not covered in the Code:

(a) buildings with a total installed capacity of 100A or less, single or three-phase at
nominal low voltage, and
(b) buildings used solely for public utility services such as power stations, electrical
sub-stations, and water supply pump houses etc.
2.3 Buildings designed for special industrial process may be exempted partly or
wholly from the Code subject to approval of the Authority.

2 4 Equipment supplied by the public utility companies (e.g. HV/LV switchgear,

transformers, cables, extract fans etc.) and installed in consumers' substations will not
be covered by the Code.

2.5 In case where the requirements of the Code are in conflict with the requirements
of the relevant Building Ordinance, Supply Rules, or Regulations, the requirements of
this Code shall be superseded. This Code shall not be used to circumvent any safety,
health or environmental requirements.
3. General Approach
3.1 The Code sets out the minimum requirements for achieving energy efficient
design of electrical installations in buildings without sacrificing the power quality,
safety, health, comfort or productivity of occupants or the building function.

3.2 As the Code sets out only the minimum standards, designers are encouraged to
design energy efficient electrical installations and select high efficiency equipment
with energy efficiency standards above those stipulated in the Code.

3.3 The requirements for energy efficient design of electrical installations in

buildings are classified into the following four categories:

(a) Minimising losses in the power distribution system.

(b) Reduction of losses and energy wastage in the utilisation of electrical power.
(c) Reduction of losses due to power quality problems.
(d) Appropriate metering and monitoring facilities.

4. Energy Efficiency Requirements for power distribution in buildings

4.1 High Voltage Distribution
The Code requires that high voltage (HV) distribution systems should be employed
for high-rise buildings to suit the load centers at various locations. A high-rise
building is defined as a building having more than 50 storeys or over 175m in height
above ground level.

The number of modern air-conditioned high-rise office buildings in Hong Kong is

increasing rapidly during the past decade. Following the release of height restriction
in certain areas after the opening of the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek
Lap Kok in 1998, it is expected that the growth of high-rise buildings will continue to
boom.

The electrical demand of a modern high-rise office building could reach well over 200
VA/m2 depending on the nature of the business type and services provided. Some of
these electrical loads will be concentrated in basement, intermediate mechanical floor,
or rooftop plant rooms for the accommodation of chiller plant, pump sets, air handling
units, lift machinery, etc. Other loads, such as landlord/tenants lighting and small
power, will be evenly distributed throughout the building floors.

These high-rise buildings, with their large demand requirements, will normally have
at least one HV intake, usually at 11kV, provided by the power company. The
distribution (copper) losses within the building can be kept to a minimum if large
block of power can be distributed at HV to load centres at various locations of the
building. As the substation is sited at the centre of its load, the loss and voltage drop
in the LV distribution system will be minimised. The cost may also be significantly
cheaper than an all LV system due to less copper mass required.

It should be noted that the HV distribution cables are defined as Category 4 circuits
under The Electricity (Wiring) Regulations. Separate cable ducts and riser ducts,
segregated from cables of all other circuits categories, must be provided for HV cable
distribution within the buildings.

A typical SF6 gas sealed type 1500 kVA 3-phase 11 kV/380V distribution
transformers used in Hong Kong have a total weight of about 5,000kg. The
transportation of these distribution transformers from ground floor level to their high
level substations in a high-rise building might therefore pose a major problem.
4.2 Minimum Transformer Efficiency
The Code requires that the privately owned distribution transformers should be
selected to optimise the combination of no-load, part-load and full-load losses without
compromising operational and reliability requirements of the electrical system. The
transformer should be tested in accordance with relevant IEC standards and should
have a minimum efficiency shown in Table 4.1 at the test conditions of full load, free
of harmonics and at unity power factor.

Table 4.1: Minimum Transformer Efficiency

Transformer Capacity Minimum Efficiency

<1000kVA 98%
>1000kVA 99%

Transformers can be manufactured with efficiencies as high as 98% to 99%. Most

transformer manufacturers offer a variety of loss designs with associate differences in
cost. Transformer losses are determined at 100 load and at a winding temperature of
85oC or 75oC depending on the type of transformer (e g. SF6 gas sealed dry type and
silicone fluid type). The winding (copper) loss varies approximately as the square of
the load current (and varies slightly with the operating temperature). The no-load
(core) loss is more or less steady (fundamental value) at constant voltage and
frequency.

For privately owned distribution transformers, an efficiency of not less than 98% at
full load conditions, free of harmonics and at unity power factor, is required by the
Code. The transformers should be tested in accordance with IEC 76 or BS 171. Utility
owned transformers are exempted from the requirement of the Code.

IEEE paper C57.110-1986, entitled "IEEE Recommended Practice Establishing

Transformer Capacity When Supplying Non-sinusoidal Load Currents", details two
methods for de-rating distribution transformers as a result of the additional heating
effect that occurs when these transformers supply power loads that generate a specific
level of harmonics. K-factor is a method of calculation, derived from the IEEE paper,
used to determine the heating impact of a non-linear load on a transformer. The K-
factor is defined as the sum of the squares of the per unit harmonic current times the
harmonic number squared. In equation form, the K-factor is defined as:
where Ih(pu) is the harmonic current expressed in per unit and h is the harmonic
number.

A k-rated transformer is one that is specially designed to operate at its design

temperature while supplying a load that generates a specific level of harmonics. K-
rated transformers are tested in according to IEEE C57.110-1986 by the manufacturer,
and then assigned a "k" rating. Typical ratings are k-4, k-9, k-13, k-15, k-20, etc.

More details on transformer losses due to harmonics could be found in section 6.1 of
this guide.
4.3 Locations of Distribution Transformers and Main LV Switchboard
The Code requires that the locations of distribution transformers and main LV
switchboards shall preferably be sited at their load centres rather than at the periphery
of the buildings, provided that all local supply rules and fire regulations etc. could
also be complied.

Traditional location of a transformer room in a building is normally at the ground

floor level with an appropriate vehicular access for loading and unloading substation
equipment. The main LV switchroom is normally located adjacent to the transformer
room and all sub-main and feeder circuits including the rising mains will be fed from
the main LV switchboard. Distribution losses and cost for electrical loads at roof level
and far away from the main LV switchboard are usually high.

Mechanical floors are normally incorporated in the design of modern high-rise

commercial buildings at intermediate levels where all major electrical and mechanical
plant rooms are located. Transformers and main LV switch rooms could be provided
on these floors to minimise LV distribution losses. Problems need to be considered
include separate cable ducts provision for HV (11 kV) cables, vertical transportation
for transformers (normally single-phase type to reduced size and weight) and
switchgear, fire protection and EMI problems to adjacent floors etc. Substations sited
other than at ground floor locations must be equipped with non-flammable equipment
to satisfy FSD requirements, e g SF6 or vacuum circuit breaker, SF6 or silicone-fluid
filled transformers and LSF/XLPE cables etc.
4.4 Main Circuits
The Code requires that the copper loss of every main circuit connecting the
distribution transformer and the main incoming circuit breaker of a LV switchboard
should be minimised by means of either:
(a) locating the transformer room and the main switchroom immediately adjacent to,
above or below each other, or
(b) restricting its copper loss to not exceeding 0.5% of the total active power
transmitted along the circuit conductors at rated circuit current.
The cross-sectional area of neutral conductors should not less than that of the
corresponding phase conductors.
In any electrical circuit some electrical energy is lost as heat which, if not kept within
safe limits, may impair the performance and safety of the system. This energy
(copper) loss, which also represents a financial loss over a period of time, is
proportional to the effective resistance of the conductor, the square of the current
flowing through it and the duration of operational time. A low conductor resistance
therefore means a low energy loss; a factor of increasing importance as the energy
efficiency and conservation design is concerned.

The length of the main distribution circuit conductors connecting the distribution
transformer and the main incoming circuit breaker (MICB) of the LV switchboard
should be as short as possible by means of locating the substation and the main LV
switchroom adjacent to each other. A maximum conductor length of 20m is
recommended which is based on HEC's Guide to Connection of Supply.

Due to the possibility of large triplen harmonic currents existing in the neutral
conductor for building loads with a large proportion of non-linear equipment, it is not
recommended to use neutral conductors with a cross-sectional area less than that of
phase conductors in the main circuit.

Typical sample calculations for various wiring systems used for a main circuit feeding
from a 1500kVA 11kV/380V 3-phase distribution transformer to a main LV
switchboard having a circuit length of 20m are provided as follows:

1. 2500A 4-wire copper insulated busduct system

2. 3x630mm2 1/C XLPE copper cables for each phase and neutral in cable trench
3. 3x960mm2 1/C XLPE aluminium cables for each phase and neutral in cable trench
Assuming a balanced and undistorted full load design current of 2280A at a power
factor of 0.85, the power loss in transferring the power in each case is calculated.
Total active power transferred = 1500kVA x 0.85= 1275kW
Case (1): 2500A 4-wire copper busduct system
Resistance per conductor, r = 0.0177mΩ/m at 80oC (Based on data provided by a
reputable busduct manufacturer)
Total power losses = 3 x 22802 A2 x 0.0000177Ω/m x 20m=5.52kW (0.433%)
Case (2): 3x630mm2 1/C XLPE copper cables for each phase and neutral in cable
trench as shown below

Resistance per conductor (Based on BS7671:1992, Table 4E1B) =

=0.043mΩ/m (at 90oC)
Effective resistance per phase with 3 conductors in parallel = 0.043/3 mΩ/m = 0.0143
mΩ/m
Total power losses = 3x2280 2 A2 x 0.0000143Ω/m x 20m = 4.46kW (0.35%)

Case (3): 3x960mm2 1/C XLPE aluminum cables for each phase and neutral
Resistance per conductor (Based on BS7671:1992, Table 4L1B) =
=0.0473mΩ/m (at 90oC)
Effective resistance per phase with 3 conductors in parallel = 0.0473/3 mΩ/m =
0.0158 mΩ/m
Total power losses = 3x2280 2 A2 x 0.0000158Ω/m x 20m = 4.93kW (0.387%)

For design purpose, the examples above provide a quick guideline for main circuit
design using different types of conductors up to 20m in length. All three cases above
can fulfill the requirement of maximum power loss of 0.5% under full load, balanced
and undistorted conditions. Designers should ensure adequate precautions have been
taken in balancing the loads and harmonic reduction in the design of main circuits.

Main circuits designed, supplied and installed by the utility companies are exempt
from the requirement of the Code.
4.5 Feeder Circuits
A feeder circuit is defined as a circuit connected directly from the main LV
switchboard to the major current-using equipment such as chiller plant, pump sets and
lift system. The code requires that the maximum copper loss in every feeder circuit
should not exceed 2.5% of the total active power transmitted along the circuit
conductors at rated circuit current. This requirement does not apply to circuits used
for compensation of reactive and distortion power.

For a 3-phase circuit with balanced and linear load, the apparent power transmitted
along the circuit conductors in VA is:

Active power transmitted along the circuit conductors in W is:

Total copper losses in conductors in W is:

Pcopper = 3 x Ib2 x r x L
where UL = Line to line voltage, 380V
Ih = Design current of the circuit in ampere
cos θ = Displacement power factor of the circuit
r = a c resistance per metre per conductor at the conductor operating temperature
L = Length of the cable in metre

Percentage copper loss with respect to the total active power transmitted,

This maximum copper loss requirement is deemed to comply with for any 3-phase
balanced circuit with linear characteristic, if feeder circuits are designed to the
conventional safety requirement of the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations.
The conventional method of cable sizing can briefly be described as follows:
The relationship among circuit design current (Ib), nominal rating of protective device
(In) and effective current-carrying capacity of conductor (Iz) for an electrical circuit
can be expressed as:

Co-ordination among Ib, In, & Iz: Ib< In< Iz

Calculated minimum tabulated value of current:

Effective current-carrying capacity: Iz=It x Ca x Cg x Ci

Where It = the value of current tabulated in Appendix 4 of BS7671:1992, The

Requirements for Electrical Installations
Ca = Correction factor for ambient temperature
Cg = Correction factor for grouping
Ci= = Correction factor for thermal insulation
A work example on feeder cable sizing is given as below:

A 380 V 3-phase feeder circuit to a 40kW sea water pump set is wired in a 4-core
PVC/SWA/PVC copper cable. The cable is mounted on a perforated cable tray with 2
other similar cables touching. The steel wire armour of the cable is to be used as
circuit protective conductor. HRC fuses to BS88 are lo be used for circuit protection.
Assuming the ambient-air temperature is 35 oC and star/delta starter is used for motor
starting. The efficiency and power factor of the motor at full load are given as 0.8 and
0.85 respectively. The length of the cable is 80m from the main switchboard. The
minimum cable size for compliance with the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations is
determined as follows:

Design current of 40kW motor circuit, Ib = 89.37 A

HRC fuse rating selected, In = 100A as protective devices
Correction factors Cg = 0.94 Ca = 0.81
Minimum current-carrying capacity, It(min ) = 131 A
From table 4D4A(BS7671), It= 135A for 35mm2 4/c PVC/SWA/PVC cable
Voltage drop = 1.1 mV/A/m x 89.37 A x 80 m = 7.86 V (2%)
Effective current-carrying capacity, Iz= 135 x 0.94 x 0.81 = 102.8 A
Resistance of conductor (Table 4.2A), r = 0.625 mΩ/m
% copper loss = (3 x 89.37 2 x 0.000625 x 80)/(40000/0.8) = 2.4% (< 2.5%)
The minimum cable size selected is 35mm2, which comply with both the safety and
energy efficiency requirements.

This method is based on the assumption that the supply voltages and load currents are
sinusoidal and balanced among the three phases in a 3-phase 4- wire power
distribution system. However, extra care must be taken if the 3-phase feeder circuit is
connected to non-linear load, such as Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) systems,
Variable Voltage Variable Frequency (VVVF) lift drive systems and Variable Speed
Drive (VSD) motor systems, etc. The design current used for cable sizing must take
harmonic currents into account.

For a 3-phase non-linear circuit having known design current Ib or fundamental

current I1 and total harmonic distortion THD, the apparent power transmitted along
the circuit conductors in VA is:
where

From definition:

Therefore,

And, fundamental current

Assuming voltage distortion is small, UL = Ul, and active power transmitted along the
circuit conductors in W is given by:

where
UL = Supply line voltage at 380V
Il = Fundamental phase current of the circuit in ampere
cosθ = Displacement power factor of the circuit

And, Total Power Factor =

Assuming the skin and proximity effects are small, total copper losses in conductors
including neutral in W is given by

Pcopper = (3 x Ib2 + IN2 ) x r x L

where
IN = Neutral current of the circuit in ampere

Ib = Design rms phase current of the circuit in ampere

r = a.c. resistance per metre at the conductor operating temperature
L = Length of the cable in metre

Percentage copper loss with respect to the total active power transmitted,

Using the same work example above, if the feeder circuit is designed for VSD drive
instead of the conventional star/delta starter, the new feeder circuit have to be re-
designed as follows. Given that THD at full-load and full-speed condition is 80% (a
figure for illustrating the harmonic effect and does not comply with Table 6.1) and
harmonic components are mainly 5th and 7th order.

Fundamental current of 40kW motor circuit, Il = 89.37 A

Design current,
HRC fuse rating selected, In = 160 A as protective devices
Correction factors Cg = 0.94 Ca = 0.81
Minimum current-carrying capacity, It(min.) = 210 A
From table 4D4A (BS7671), It = 251 A for 95mm2 4/c PVC/SWA/PVC cable
Voltage drop = 0.43 mV/A/m x 126A x 80 m = 4.33V ( 1.1% )
Effective current-carrying capacity, Iz =251 x 0.94 x 0.81 = 191A
Resistance per unit length of conductor (Table 4.2A), r = 0.235 mΩ/m, IN=0
% copper loss = (3 x 1262 x 0.000235 x 80) / (40000/0.8) = 1.8% (<2.5%)
The minimum cable size required for the new feeder circuit is 95mm2, which has
much smaller voltage drop and power loss.
More details on THD requirements could be found in section 6.1 of this guide.
4.6 Sub-main Circuits
A sub-main circuit can be defined as a circuit connected directly from the main LV
switchboard to a sub-main distribution panel or a rising main for final connection of
the minor current-using equipment. The Code requires that the maximum copper loss
in every sub-main circuit should not exceed 1.5% of the total active power transmitted
along the circuit conductors at rated circuit current.

Similar approach could be followed for sizing conductor as feeder circuit above.
However, assumption has to be made in the design for various characteristics of the
sub-main circuit including design current, expected harmonic current (THD) in the
circuit, degree of unbalance, etc.

Alternatively, an energy efficiency method introduced by the Code could also be used
for preliminary cable sizing. This energy efficiency method for cable sizing requires
the calculation of the maximum allowable conductor resistance based on the
maximum copper loss requirement as stipulated in the code.

For a 3-phase 4-wire circuit (assuming balanced, linear or non-linear):

Active power transmitted via the circuit conductors,
Total copper losses in conductors, Pcopper = (3 x Ib2 + IN2) x r x L
where
UL = Line to line voltage, 380V
Ib = Design current of the circuit in ampere
I1 = Fundamental current of the circuit in ampere
IN = Neutral current of the circuit in ampere
cos θ = Displacement power factor of the circuit
r = a.c. resistance / conductor / metre at the conductor operating temperature
L = Length of the cable in metre
Percentage copper loss with respect to the total active power transmitted,
% copper loss =

Therefore, max.

Table 4.2A and 4.2B in the Code provide a quick initial assessment of cable size
required for the common cable types and installation methods used in Hong Kong.

The tabulated current rating of the selected cable could then be corrected by applying
the correction factors accordingly. The effective-current carrying capacity of the
selected cable must be checked so that its value is larger than or equal to the nominal
rating of the circuit protective device.

A work example on sub-main cable sizing under different loading characteristics is

given below:
A 3-phase sub-main circuit having a design fundamental current of 100A is to be
wired with 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable on a dedicated cable tray. Assuming an
ambient temperature of 30 oC and a circuit length of 40m, calculate an appropriate
cable size at the following conditions:
(a) Undistorted balanced condition using conventional method (cos θ = 0.85);
(b) Undistorted balanced condition with a maximum copper loss of 1.5% (cos θ =
0.85);
(c) Distorted balanced condition with I3=33A & I5=20A (THD 38.6%) and a
maximum copper loss of 1.5% (cos θ = 0.85);
(d) Circuit lo feed VSD loads with harmonic current I5=70A, I7=50A & I11=15A
(THD 87%) and a maximum copper loss of 1.5% (cos θ =1), and
(e) Circuit to feed 3 VSD loads as in (d).

Case ( a): Undistorted balanced condition using conventional method:

Ib= 100A In= 100A
Assume the correction factors Ca, Cp, Cg & Ci are all unity.

Refer to BS7671:1992, The Requirements for Electrical Installations.

Table 4D4A 25mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable It =110A
Conductor operating temperature tl = 30+ 100 2/ 110 2 x (70-30) = 63oC
Ratio of conductor resistance at 63 oC to 70 oC = (230+63)/(230+70)= 0.98
Voltage drop = 1.5mV/A/m x 0.98 x 100A x 40m=5.88V(1.55%)
Active power transferred
Total copper losses in conductors
=3 x 100 2 A2 x 0.0015Ω/m / x 0.98 x 40m
= 1.02kW ( 1.82%)
Cable size of 25mm2 selected can comply with the safety requirement but is not
acceptable if the maximum allowable copper loss is limited to 1.5%.

Case (b) Maximum copper loss method using Table 4.2A in the Code for initial
assessment of an approximate conductor size required by calculating the maximum
conductor resistance at 1.5% power loss:

max. r (mΩ/m)

From Table 4.2A 35 mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable having a conductor resistance
of 0.625 mΩ/m is required.
Refer to BS7671:1992, The Requirements for Electrical Installations,
Table 4D4A 35mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable It=135A
Conductor operating temperature tl = 30 + 1002 / 135 2 x (70-30) = 52 oC
Ratio of conductor resistance at 52 oC to 70 oC = (230+52) / (230+70) = 0.94
Voltage drop= 1.1mV/A/m x 0.94 x 100A x 40m = 4.14V(1.09%)
Total copper losses in conductors = 3 x100 2 x 0.625 x 094 x 40 = 716W(1.28%)

Cable size of 35mm2 selected is acceptable for both safety and energy requirements,
i.e power loss < 1.5%, under undistorted and balanced conditions.

Case (c) Distorted balanced condition with I3=33A & I5=20A (THD 38.6%) and a
maximum copper loss of 1.5%
Fundamental current Il = 100A, harmonic currents I3= 33A & I5= 20A

Neutral current (rms) IN = 3 x 33A = 99A

Ler In = 125A

Fig. 4.1: Current Waveforms for case (c)

From case (b) above 35mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable was selected
Refer to BS7671 1992. The Requirements for Electrical Installations,
Table 4D4A 35mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable It=135A
Conductor operating temperature, tl = 30+ (3x107.2+99)2 / (3x135)2 x (70-30)=73oC
(Note: conductor operating temperature would be 73oC at this condition which is over
the maximum of 70 oC for PVC insulated cable)
Ratio of conductor resistance at 73 oC to 70 oC =(230+73)/(230+70) =1.01 (over
temperature)
Total copper losses in conductors (assuming skin & proximity effects are negligible
for harmonic currents)
= (3 x 107.22 + 992) x 0.000625 x 1.01 x 40= 1.14kW

Active power,
% copper loss = 1.14kW / 56kW x 100 = 2% (over 1.5max.)
Try next cable size: 50mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable

Refer to BS7671:1992, The Requirements for Electrical Installations,

Table 4D4A 50mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable It=163A
Conductor operating temperature,
tl =30 +(3x107.2+99)2 / (3x163)2 x (70-30) = 59.6 oC
Ratio of conductor resistance at 59.6oC to 70oC
= (230+59.6) / (230+70) = 0.965

Total copper losses in conductors = (3 x 107.2 2 + 99 2) x 0.000465 x 0.965 x 40 =

789W
% copper loss = 0.789kW / 56kW x 100 = 1.4%(<1.5%OK)
A cable size of 50mm2 is selected for compliance with both safety and energy
requirements under this condition.

Case (d):
Circuit to feed VSD loads with full load and full speed harmonic current I5=70A,
I7=50A & I11=15A (THD 87%) and a maximum copper loss of 1.5% (cosθ = 1)

Fig. 4.2: Current Waveforms for case (d)

Fundamental current, I1 = 100A

Harmonic current, I5=70A, I7=50A & I11=15A

New design current, Ib=Irms=133A

New rating of protective device, In= 160A
Minimum current-carrying capacity of conductors, It(min) = 160A
Max. conductor resistance, r

From Table 4.2A 50mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable having a conductor resistance of
0.465 mΩ/m is required.
Refer to BS7671 1992. The Requirements for Electrical Installations,
Table 4D4A 50mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable It= 163A
Table 4D4B r = 0.8mV/A/m, x = 0.14mV/A/m, z = 0.81 mV/A/m
Conductor operating temperature tl = 30+ 133 2/1632 x (70-30) = 57oC
Ratio of conductor resistance at 57 oC to 70 oC = (230+57) / (230+70) = 0.956

Voltage drop
Active power drawn

Total copper losses in conductors (assuming skin & proximity effects are negligible)
= 3 x 1332 A2 x 0.000465 Ω/m x 0.956 x 40m
= 0.94kW(1.4%)(<1.5% OK)

A cable size of 50mm2 is selected for compliance with both safety and energy
requirements under this condition.

Case (e) A riser is going to supply 3 nos. of VSDs as described in Case (d) on 13/F,
14/F and 15/F of a building. No diversity factor is to be applied.

Fundamental current, Il = 300A

5th harmonic current, I5 = 210A
7th harmonic current, I7 = 150A
11th harmonic current. I11 = 45A

Design current Ib = 398A

Rating of protective device, In = 400A
Min. cable current carrying capacity It(min) = 400A
Assume the floor-to-floor height is 3m and the cable is with a horizontal run of 10m.
Actual cable length, L' = 10m + 15 x 3m = 55m
Effective cable length, L = 10m + 13 x 3m + 2/3 x 3m +1/3 x 3m = 52m

Max. conductor resistance

From Table 4.2A, 240mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable having a conductor resistance
per unit length of 0.095 mΩ/m is required.
Refer to BS7671:1992 The requirements For Electrical Installations.
Table 4D4A 240mm2 4/C PVC/SWA/PVC cable It = 445A
Table 4D4B r = 0.165 mV/A/m; x = 0.130 mV/A/m and z = 0.21 mV/A/m

Conductor operating temperature

Ratio of conductor resistance at 62 oC to 70 oC

Voltage drop
Active power drawn =
Total copper losses in conductors (assuming skin & proximity effects are negligible)
= 3 x 3982A2 x 0.000095mV/A/m x 0.973 x 52m
= 2284W (1.16%<1.5%)
A cable size of 240 mm2 is selected for compliance with both safety and energy
efficiency requirements under this condition.
4.7 Final Circuits
A final circuit is defined as a circuit connected directly from a sub-main panel
(distribution board ) to current using equipment, or to a socket-outlet or socket-outlets
or other outlet points for the connection of such equipment. The Code requires that
the maximum copper loss for every single-phase or three-phase final circuit over 32A
should not exceed 1% of the total active power transmitted along the circuit
conductors at rated circuit current.

This requirement excludes most standard final circuits below 32A rating for lighting,
socket outlet and small power distribution in buildings in which minimum conductor
size is specified in the Electricity (Wiring) Regulation. However, designers are
required to ensure that the standard final circuits (A1 ring, A2 radial and A3 radial)
using 13A socket outlets, as slated in Clause 6C of the Code of Practice for the
Electricity (Wiring) Regulations, should be as short as possible by locating the MCB
distribution board at the proximity of the areas served by the circuit.

Table 4.2A & 4.2B in the following pages are given to provide guidance for
preliminary selection of appropriate cable size for main, feeder, sub-main and final
circuits based on the maximum allowable resistance value for a certain percentage
copper loss.
TABLE 4.2A
Multicore Armoured and Non-armoured Cables (Copper Conductor)
Conductor Resistance at 50 Hz Single-phase or Three-phase a.c.
(Based on BS7671:1992 The Regulations for Electrical Installations, Table 4D2B,
4D4B, 4E2B & 4E4B)

Conductor resistance for PVC and XLPE cable in

Conductor cross- milliohm per metre (mΩ/m)
sectional area PVC cable at max. XLPE cable at max.
(mm2) conductor operating conductor operating
temperature of 70oC temperature of 90oC
1.5 14.5 15.5
2.5 9 9.5
4 5.5 6
6 3.65 3.95
10 2.2 2.35
16 1.4 1.45
25 0.875 0.925
35 0.625 0.675
50 0.465 0.495
70 0.315 0.335
95 0.235 0.25
120 0.19 0.2
150 0.15 0.16
185 0.125 0.13
240 0.095 0.1
300 0.0775 0.08
400 0.0575 0.065
TABLE 4.2B
Single-core PVC/XLPE Non-armoured Cables, with or without sheath (Copper
Conductor)
Conductor Resistance at 50 Hz Single-phase or Three-phase a.c.
(Based on BS7671:1992, Table 4DIB & 4EIB)

Conductor resistance for PVC and XLPE cable in milliohm

per metre (mΩ/m)
Conductor PVC cable at max. conductor XLPE cable at max. conductor
cross- operating temperature of 70 oC operating temperature of 90oC
sectional
Clipped Clipped
area (mm2)
Enclosed in direct or on Enclosed in direct or on
conduit/trunking tray, conduit/trunking tray,
touching touching
1.5 14.5 14.5 15.5 15.5
2.5 9 9 9.5 9.5
4 5.5 5.5 6 6
6 3.65 3.65 3.95 3.95
10 2.2 2.2 2.35 2.35
16 1.4 1.4 1.45 1.45
25 0.9 0.875 0.925 0.925
35 0.65 0.625 0.675 0.675
50 0.475 0.465 0.5 0.495
70 0.325 0.315 0.35 0.34
92 0.245 0.235 0.255 0.245
120 0.195 0.185 0.205 0.195
150 0.155 0.15 0.165 0.16
185 0.125 0.12 0.135 0.13
240 0.0975 0.0925 0.105 0.1
300 0.08 0.075 0.0875 0.08
400 0.065 0.06 0.07 0.065
500 0.055 0.049 0.06 0.0525
630 0.047 0.0405 0.05 0.043
800 - 0.034 - 0.036
1000 - 0.0295 - 0.0315