ELECTRICAL WIRING DESIGN

ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS AND SCHEMATICS

Designing an electrical installation

The designer of an electrical installation must ensure that the design meets the
requirements of the IEE Wiring Regulations for electrical installations and any other
regulations which may be relevant to a particular installation. The designer may be a
professional technician or engineer whose only job is to design electrical installations for
a large contracting firm. In a smaller firm, the designer may also be the electrician who
will carry out the installation to the customer’s requirements. The designer of any
electrical installation is the person who interprets the electrical requirements of the
customer within the regulations, identifies the appropriate types of installation, the most
suitable methods of protection and control and the size of cables to be used. A large
electrical installation requires many meetings with the customer and his professional
representatives in order to identify a specification of what is required. The designer
should then identify the general characteristics of the electrical installation and its
compatibility with other services and equipment. The protection and safety of the
installation, and of those who will use it, must be considered. An assessment of the
frequency and quality of the maintenance to be expected will give an indication of the
type of installation which is most appropriate. The size and quantity of all the materials,
cables, control equipment and accessories should be determined. This is called a ‘bill of
quantities’. It is common practice to ask a number of electrical contractors to tender or
submit a price for work specified by the bill of quantities. The contractor must cost all
the materials, assess the labour cost required to install the materials and add on profit
and overhead costs in order to arrive at a final estimate for the work. The contractor
tendering the lowest cost is usually, but not always, awarded the contract. To complete
the contract in the specified time the electrical contractor must use the management skills
required by any business to ensure that men and materials are on site as and when they
are required. If alterations or modifications are made to the electrical installation as the
work proceeds which are outside the original specification, then a variation order must
be issued so that the electrical contractor can be paid for the additional work. The
specification for the chosen wiring system will be largely determined by the building
construction and the activities to be carried out in the completed building. An industrial
building, for example, will require an electrical installation which incorporates flexibility
and mechanical protection. This can be achieved by a conduit, tray or trunking
installation. In a block of purpose-built flats, all the electrical connections must be
accessible from one flat without intruding upon the surrounding flats. A loop-in conduit
system, in which the only connections area the light switch and outlet positions, would
meet this requirement.
For a domestic electrical installation an appropriate lighting scheme and multiple socket
outlets for the connection of domestic appliances, all at a reasonable cost, are important
factors which can usually be met by a PVC insulated and sheathed wiring system. The
final choice of a wiring system must rest with those designing the installation and those
ordering the work, but whatever system is employed, good workmanship is essential for
compliance with the regulations. The necessary skills can be acquired by an electrical
trainee who has the correct attitude and dedication to his craft.
On-site communications
Good communication is about transferring information from one person to another.
Electricians and other professionals in the construction trades communicate with each
other and the general public by means of drawings, sketches and symbols.

Drawings and Diagrams

Many different types of electrical drawing and diagram can be identified: layout,
schematic, block, wiring and circuit diagrams. The type of diagram to be used in any
particular application is the one which most clearly communicates the desired
information. Now a day, many appropriate computer-aided design (CAD) software are
used in electrical drawings and diagrams. Some CAD programs are capable of
producing the proper forms and making the necessary calculations to produce material
lists and cost estimates based on the number and type of symbols placed on the drawing.
Some of the benefits of CAD electrical drawing are as follows:
1. It eliminates the tedious tasks of lettering and drawing uniform lines and symbols.
2. It saves time in the preparation of all types of electrical drawings.
3. It permits the transfer of large sections of drawings prepared originally for one
project to be reused on a different project.
4. It provides databases of “families” of master digitized drawings that can be modified
for reuse on other projects or become de facto templates for new drawings.
5. It makes rapid corrections of mistakes or oversights that have been discovered.
6. It makes rapid changes on completed and approved drawings to reflect field changes
such as the substitution of different equipment.
7. It reproduces corrected drawings rapidly for use in the field, eliminating concern
that work might be done against obsolete drawings, necessitating costly rework.
8. It permits work to be done on a specific drawing by two or more persons at separate
workstations within the same office or miles apart, because data can be transmitted
over networks to a master workstation. This permits two or more persons to
participate in the design work in real time.
9. It reduces the space required to store completed drawings, because digital data can
be stored on a centralized server, computer disks, or CD-ROMs.
10. It accelerates the distribution of drawings to all concerned parties: owners,
contractors, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers. The drawing data can be
transmitted over computer networks and printed out by the recipient, saving time
and delivery cost.
 11. It provides a secure backup for all master drawings files if the drafting
offices are destroyed by fire or flood, saving the time and expense needed
to reconstruct the drawings from alternative sources.

Examples of the CAD software are AutoCAD, Dialux, ETAP, ReLux, Edraw,
Microsoft Office Visio.

Layout drawing
An electrical layout drawing in electrical wiring is a graphical representation that illustrates
the arrangement and connection of electrical components and devices within a building or
a specific area. It serves as a guide for electricians, engineers, or anyone involved in the
installation and maintenance of electrical systems. The drawing typically includes
information about the location of outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, power distribution
panels, and other electrical devices.

Key elements found in an electrical layout drawing may include:

1. Symbolism: Different electrical components are represented by standardized
symbols. These symbols help convey information about the type of device, such as
outlets, switches, circuit breakers, transformers, and more.
2. Device Locations: The positions of electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures are
specified in the drawing. This information is crucial for electricians during the
installation phase.
3. Circuit Identification: Each circuit is usually labeled or numbered for easy
identification. This labeling helps in troubleshooting, maintenance, and future
modifications.
4. Load Distribution: Information about how loads are distributed across different
circuits and phases is often included. This ensures that the electrical system is
balanced and can handle the connected devices efficiently.
5. Panel Schedules: Details about the distribution panels, including the number of
circuits, circuit breakers, and the devices they serve, are often included in panel
schedules attached to the drawing.
Electrical layout drawings are essential for planning, installation, and maintenance of
electrical systems in buildings, ensuring that the wiring is done accurately and safely
according to electrical codes and standards.
Fig 1. Some EN 60617 installation symbols
Fig 2. Some EN 60617 installation symbols
Fig 3. Layout drawing for electrical installation.
Single line diagram
A single-line diagram (SLD) in electrical engineering is a simplified graphical
representation of a power system or a portion of it. It uses standardized symbols to depict
the electrical components and their interconnections within a system. The primary purpose
of a single-line diagram is to provide an overview of the electrical system's structure and
to show the flow of electrical power from the source to the various loads.

Fig 4. Single line diagram of transmission systems

 Fig 5. Symbols for representing the components of a power system

The diagram typically represents the system in a top-down fashion, starting from the power
source and branching out to various loads. It does not provide detailed information about
the physical layout or exact wiring details but focuses on the logical representation of the
electrical components and their connections.
Single-line diagrams are essential tools for engineers, electricians, and other professionals
involved in the design, analysis, and maintenance of electrical systems. They help in
understanding the overall configuration of the system and are widely used in the planning
and documentation of electrical installations.
Schematic diagram
A schematic diagram in electrical wiring is a visual representation of an electrical circuit.
It uses symbols to represent components and their connections, providing a simplified and
standardized way to convey the structure and functioning of the circuit. Schematic
diagrams are commonly used in electrical engineering, electronics, and other related fields.
In a schematic diagram:
1. Symbols: Each electrical component is represented by a symbol. These symbols
are standardized and universally recognized, making it easier for engineers and
technicians to understand the circuit.
2. Lines and Connection Points: Lines represent conductors or wires that connect
the components. Connection points indicate where components are linked together.

Fig 5. Direct on line starter

 Fig 6. One lamp controlling from two or three positions

Schematic diagrams are essential for designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting electrical
circuits. They provide a clear and concise way to document complex systems, making it
easier for engineers to communicate and collaborate on projects. Additionally, schematics
serve as valuable reference documents for maintenance and repair purposes.
Actual wiring diagram
A wiring diagram is a visual representation of the electrical system or circuit in a specific
structure or device. It uses symbols to depict the components and their connections,
allowing electricians and engineers to understand the layout and function of the electrical
system. Wiring diagrams are essential for planning, installing, and troubleshooting
electrical systems.
 Fig 7. Actual wiring diagram of direct on line starter

Here are some common elements found in a typical electrical wiring diagram:
1. Symbols: Various symbols represent different electrical components such as
switches, outlets, lights, motors, and more.
2. Lines: Lines connect the symbols and represent the conductors or wires that carry
electrical current between components.
3. Labels and Legends: Descriptions and legends provide additional information
about the components, wire types, and other details.
4. Color Codes: Wiring diagrams often use color codes to indicate the different
conductors or phases, helping to identify the type of wire and its purpose.
5. Numbers and Letters: These may be used to label specific wires or components,
making it easier to follow the diagram.
6. Arrows: Arrows indicate the direction of current flow within the circuit.
Detailed wiring diagram
A detailed wiring diagram in electrical wiring is a visual representation of the electrical
connections and components within a system. It provides a detailed illustration of how the
electrical elements are interconnected and how they function together.

Fig 8. A detailed wiring diagram of a boiler circuit

Here are some key aspects typically included in a detailed wiring diagram:
1. Symbols and Legends: Various symbols represent different electrical components,
such as switches, outlets, lights, circuit breakers, and more. Legends are used to
explain the meaning of each symbol.
2. Wires and Connections: The diagram depicts the paths of electrical wires and how
they are connected to each component. Different line styles and colors may be used
to differentiate between various types of wires and their functions.
 3. Circuit Components: Detailed information about each component in the circuit is
provided, including specifications such as voltage ratings, current ratings, and
resistance values.
4. Power Sources: The sources of electrical power, such as batteries or mains
electricity, are typically indicated, along with their voltage levels.
5. Switching and Control: If the system involves switches, relays, or control devices,
the wiring diagram shows how these elements are wired to control the flow of
electricity.
6. Grounding and Earthing: Grounding points and earthing connections are often
highlighted to ensure safety and proper functioning of the electrical system.
7. Color Codes: Wiring diagrams may use color codes to represent different
conductors, helping electricians easily identify and trace the paths of wires.
8. Notes and Labels: Additional notes, labels, or annotations may be included to
provide specific instructions, clarify information, or highlight important details.
9. Compliance with Standards: Wiring diagrams should adhere to relevant electrical
codes and standards to ensure safety and reliability.
Wiring diagrams are crucial for electricians, engineers, and technicians to understand,
install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical systems. They serve as a comprehensive guide
for anyone working with the electrical infrastructure, ensuring that connections are made
correctly and safely.
Block diagram
A block diagram in electrical wiring is a visual representation of a system or circuit using
blocks to represent components or functions, and lines to indicate the connections between
them. It provides a simplified and high-level view of the overall structure and interactions
within the electrical system. Each block typically represents a specific device, component,
or function, and the lines show how they are interconnected. In the context of electrical
wiring, a block diagram might illustrate the major components of a system such as
generators, transformers, switches, and loads. It helps in understanding the overall
architecture of the system without delving into the detailed internal workings of each
component.

In this simple example, a generator is connected to a transformer, and the transformer is

then connected to a load. The arrows or lines indicate the flow of electrical energy or
signals between the components. The block diagram provides a quick overview of the
system's configuration, making it easier to understand and analyze the overall structure.