Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems

Learning Objective/s:
To acquire knowledge on residential electrical wiring incorporating suitable safety
devices, testing and up-keeping of household electrical appliances and residential lighting
system.

Contents
Components of residential electrical system, Residential wiring System, load
calculation, Electrical safety Devices, Fuse, MCB, ELCB, grounding issues, safety
precautions, Testing of domestic appliances and up-keeping, Luminous flux,
Luminous intensity, Lumination, Types of lamps in residential lighting. Case study
on residential lighting.
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems

1. Components of Residential Electrical System

• Service mains: A service main is the conductor that connects a consumer's terminals to
the distributor.
• Supply Cut out: The cut out (also called the service head) is a piece of electrical
equipment that links the mains/service electricity cable and the internal wires in your
house. It makes sure that electricity passes safely and efficiently into your house. It
also contains the main fuse.
• Single phase energy meter: A single-phase energy meter measures the amount of
electricity consumed by residential consumer and records it in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• DPIC Switch: Iron Clad Double Pole main switch is used in single-phase supply
circuits. These are available in 15 Amp, 30 Amp, 60 Amps and 100 amperes current
rating. In these switches, either two numbers of fuse links are provided or a fuse link
and a neutral link is provided. The neutral wire is directly connected with the neutral
link and phase wire is connected with the fuse link. Normally 15 Amp current rating
main switches are made of plastic moulding instead of iron. This switch is mostly used
to turn on and off the main supply.
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
1. Components of Residential Electrical System
• Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB): MCBs are automatic switches that
automatically turn off the power supply when it detects a power surge. Earlier,
this action used to be done by fuses. Though fuses have one disadvantage, they
need to be replaced every time there is a short circuit. An MCB, on the other
hand, can be manually restarted and is more durable. Available upto 63 A rating.
Normally we use 16 A or 32 A MCB in house.
• Switch Boards or Distribution Boards: The primary function of a switchboard
is to distribute electricity from a main power source to various circuits and
devices in a building or facility. Switchboards also provide safety and protection
against electrical hazards like short circuits and overloads.
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
1. Components of Residential Electrical System
• Electrical wires: Electrical wire is made of materials like copper, aluminium and
silver. As silver is expensive, mostly copper and aluminium are used in wiring.
These carry and transfer the electric current required for operation of various
devices.
• Switch: A switch in house wiring is an electrical component that turns on and
off appliances and lights by breaking or closing an electric circuit.
• Fuse link: Fuse links are short pieces of wire that are commonly used in house
wiring to protect electrical circuits from short circuits and overcurrents. They are
essential for preventing damage to electrical wiring, lighting systems, and
appliances.
• Neutral link: Neutral links are metallic bars that act as electrical terminals in a
house wiring system and are a fundamental part of proper wiring.
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems

2. Residential Wiring System

A network of wires connecting various accessories for distribution of Electrical energy
from the supplier meter board to the numerous electrical energy consuming devices such
as lamps, fans and other domestic appliances through controlling and safety devices is
known as a wiring system.
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems

1. The supplier service cable feeding an installation is called service fuse or service
cutout or supply cutout.
2. Service cutout including service meters remains property of supplier. Single phase
energy meter is used to measure the energy consumed by end user and its reading is
recorded by supply authorities every month.
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
System of Distribution of Electrical Energy
1. As per Recommendations of Indian Standards the maximum no of points of lights, fans and
6A socket outlets that can be connected to one circuit is 10 and maximum load is 800 watts.
2. In case more load or points, then more than one circuits required.
Distribution board system
1. Two copper strips, known as bus bars, fixed in a distribution board
of hard wood or metal case are connected to the supply mains
through a linked switch.
2. The installation can be completely switched off with the help of this
switch.
3. A fuse is inserted in the +ve or phase pole of each circuit so that
each circuit is connected up through its own particular fuse.
4. If only one distribution board were used , some of the points would
be at considerable distance from it and in such cases it is advisable
to employ sub-distribution boards either to save cable or to prevent
too great voltage drop.
5. In such cases main distribution board controls the circuit to each
sub-distribution board from which sub-circuits are taken out.
6. The sub-distribution boards are installed near the load.
7. The number of circuits and sub-circuits is decided as per the number
of points to be wired and load to be connected to the supply system
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
3. Load Calculation
For determination of load of an installation, the following ratings may be assumed, unless the values are known or
specified:

Connected Device Rating Connected Device Rating Connected Device Rating

LED Bulb 5 watts Celling Fan 75 watts Color Television 120 watts

LED Bulb 9 watts Table Fan 50 watts Exhaust Fan 150 watts
CFL Light 15 watts Cooler 250 watts Pump Motor (1 HP) 740 watts

CFL Heavy 30 watts Laptop/Desktop 100 watts Vacuum cleaner 1400 watts

Light Bulb (Incandescent) 40 watts Refrigerator (upto 300 watts Microwave Oven 1400 watts
200L)
Light Bulb (Incandescent) 60 watts Refrigerator (upto 500 watts Juicer Mixer Grinder 800 watts
500L)
Light Bulb (Incandescent) 100 watts AC (1.5 ton) / Room 1800 watts Toaster 800 watts
Heater(Blower Type)
Fluorescent Lamp 40 watts Geyser 2000 watts 6A Socket outlet 100 watts

Incandescent Lamp 60 watts Washing Machine 500 watts 16A Socket outlet 1000 watts
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
3. Load Calculation (Numerical)
1. Calculate the connected load of a house in kW and in A consisting of followings loads. Assume 230 V, 50 Hz
supply.
Load Number
Solution:
Ceiling fans 2
Load in watts
Fluorescent Tubes (40 W) 3 = 2*75+3*40+5*9+1*300+1*1400+1*2000+1*500+10*100+4*1000
= 9515 watts
LED Lamps (9 W) 5 = 9.515 kW
Refrigerator (200 litres) 1
Load in amperes
= 9515/230
AC 1 ton (1400 watts) 1 = 41.37 A

Geyser (2000 watts) 1

Washing machine 1
6 A Socket outlets 10
16 A Socket outlets 4
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
3. Load Calculation (Practice Numerical)
1. Calculate the connected load of a house in kW and in A consisting of followings loads. Assume 230 V, 50 Hz
supply.

Load Number Ans: 16.172 kW, 70.31A

Ceiling fans 4
Fluorescent Tubes (40 W) 5

LED Lamps (9 W) 8
Refrigerator (200 litres) 2

AC 1 ton (1400 watts) 2

Geyser (2000 watts) 2

Washing machine 2
6 A Socket outlets 12
16 A Socket outlets 6
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
4. Electrical Safety Devices
• All electrical circuits and equipment need to be protected from damages due to abnormal currents and voltage fluctuations.
Protection devices ensure that the current does not exceed the withstanding current limit of your equipment.
• This is imperative for not only the electrical equipment but also to protect your family, house and office from any mishap.
• Electrical safety refers to protecting people and electrical equipment to preventing accidents like short circuits and fires. It can
all be made possible with our diverse
• Electrical protection or safety devices are applied to existing electrical equipment to prevent any mishaps or abnormal
functioning. These devices can identify and address unacceptable problems and take necessary corrective action. Some
examples of electrical protection devices are lightning arresters, fuses, relays, circuit breakers, and other devices.

• Every electrical circuit has a maximum voltage or amperage. If this value is exceeded, the wire will overheat, causing the wire
insulation to melt and fire to ignite.
• Electrical protection devices are important because they help protect the occupants and the infrastructure that could incur
significant damages caused by electrical accidents.
• Overloading, short-circuiting, and earth faults are all examples of unintentional electrical accidents that occur without
warning.
• As a result, electrical protection devices must be used in every family, company, institution, and factory.
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
5. Fuse, MCB, ELCB

• An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) is an electrical

circuit protection device that ceases electricity flow in a
circuit in case there is a fault. MCBs trip on the
occurrence of overloads or short-circuiting, but rarely
during ground faults.
• A fuse is a protective electrical device that self-destroys
and breaks the flow of electric current in a circuit when
the current surpasses a preset value.
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
5. Fuse, MCB, ELCB
Category MCB Fuse
Definition A circuit protection device that trips when there is excess current Protective device that self-destructs when the
flow current surpasses a preset value in the circuit

Working mechanism Dual mechanism based on both electromagnetic and thermal Operates by utilizing the thermal properties of
principles conducting materials

Speed Slower Faster

Tripping element Electromagnetic core with a plunger arrangement Metallic wires

Reusability Usually, can be reused Usually, cannot be reused

Voltage Suitability Low voltage circuit protection Suitable for varying voltages from very low to
very high
Applications Lighting circuits, residential setups, and some industrial systems Wide range of applications from small
electronic circuits to heavy-duty electric
motors

Cost More expensive Less expensive

Ratings A typical range of single phase MCBs – 2A, 6A, 10A, 16A, Preferred rating of HRC fuses are 2, 4, 6, 10,
20A, 25A, 32A, 40A, 50A, 63A. A typical range of Three 16, 25, 30, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250,
phase MCB – 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 320, 400, 500, 630, 800, 1000, and 1250
amperes. (upto 120 kA range)
25A, 32A, 40A, 50A, 63A. (Note: MCBs are available with
10KA fault level).
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
5. Fuse, MCB, ELCB
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
5. Fuse, MCB, ELCB
Category MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker)

Function To protect circuits from overloads and To protect against leakage or ground faults.
short circuits.
Working Principle The working principle of MCB is the ELCB, on the other hand, works by detecting the current
thermal magnetic tripping principle, which imbalance between the live conductor and the neutral
will trip when the current is too high or a conductor. When leakage current is detected, the ELCB
short circuit occurs. trips the circuit to prevent electrical accidents.
Applications MCBs are commonly used to protect ELCBs, on the other hand, are typically used where there
electrical wiring and equipment in homes, is a higher risk of electrical leakage, such as water
commercial buildings, and industrial heaters, outdoor electrical installations, or wet areas.
facilities.
Ratings MCBs are available upto 63A, 1000 volts, ELCBs are typically rated for current ranging from 30
10 kA. mA to 300 mA, voltages upto 400 volts, upto 10 kA.
Voltage or current Current operated when current is excessive. Voltage operated earth leakage device.
operated
Level of protection Limited to disconnecting specific circuit or Gives comprehensive protection and includes human
equipment. safety also.

Note; ELCBs are now becoming obsolete and being replaced by RCCBs for reliable protection and safety.
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
5. Electrical Safety Precautions to follow at Home.
1. Use proper wiring
Make sure to use the correct type of wiring for electrical devices and to have a professional install or repair any wiring.
2. Avoid overloading outlets
Overloading electrical outlets can cause electrical fires and other hazards.
3. Turn off electrical devices when not in use
This will help to conserve energy and prevent electrical fires and other hazards.
4. Check for damage or fraying of electrical cords
Regularly check all electrical cords for damage or fraying, as these can cause electrical fires and other hazards. Replace any damaged or
frayed cords immediately.
5. Avoid using appliances near water
Water and electricity don't mix, so avoid using electrical appliances near water sources, such as sinks or bathtubs. This will help to prevent
electrocution and other hazards.
6. Keep electrical devices away from children's reach
Children can be curious and can accidentally harm themselves with electrical devices. Keep all electrical devices out of reach of children and
educate them about the dangers of electricity.
7. Regularly check electrical panels and circuit breakers
This will help to prevent electrical hazards and to identify any problems with your electrical system. Make sure to call a professional if you
notice any issues with your electrical panels or circuit breakers.
8. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
When using electrical devices, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and to use them as intended.
9. Replace damaged or outdated devices
Damaged or outdated electrical devices can be dangerous and can cause electrical fires and other hazards. Replace any damaged or outdated
devices immediately and invest in high-quality devices that meet safety standards.
10. Create an emergency plan
Be prepared for power outages or electrical disruptions by having an emergency plan in place. Keep flashlights, batteries, and other
necessary supplies readily available and educate your family about what to do in case of an electrical emergency.
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination (Definitions)

1. Light: The radiant energy from a hot body which produces visual sensation on Human eyes is called light.
2. Luminous Flux: The total quantity of light energy emitted per second from a luminous body is called luminous flux. It is
denoted by F and measured in lumens.
3. Luminous Intensity: Luminous intensity in a given direction is the luminous flux emitted by the source per unit solid angle.
It is denoted by symbol ‘I’ and is measured in ‘candela’ (cd). I = F/ꞷ, where ꞷ is the solid angle.
4. Lumen: It is the unit of luminous flux and it is defined as the amount of luminous flux given out in space represented by one
unit solid angle by a source having an intensity of one candle power in all directions.
𝑳𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒔 = 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝑷 ∗ 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 (ꞷ)
5. Candle power: It is defined as the number of lumens emitted by a source in a unit solid angle in given direction.
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐿𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠/ꞷ
6. Illumination: It is the luminous flux received by a surface per unit area (A). It is denoted by symbol E and in measured in
‘lumens per square metre’ or ‘lux’
𝐹
𝐸 = 𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠/𝑚2 (𝑙𝑢𝑥)
𝐴
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination (Definitions)

7. Lamp efficiency: It is defined as the ratio of the luminous flux to the power input. It is expressed in lumens per watt.

8. Specific consumption: It is defined as the ratio of power input to the average candle power. It is expressed in watts per
candle.

9. Space-height ratio: It is defined as the ratio of horizontal distance between adjacent lamps and height of their mountings.

10. Utilization factor (UF): The ratio of total lumens reaching the working plane to total lumens given out by the lamp is
called utilization factor (or co-efficient of utilization).

11. Maintenance factor (MF). It is the ratio of illumination under normal working conditions to the illumination when the
things are perfectly clean.

12. Depreciation factor: This is merely the reverse of the maintenance factor and is defined as the ratio of initial metre-
candles to the ultimate maintained metre-candles on the working plane. It value is more than unity.
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination (Definitions)
13. Waste light factor: Whenever a surface is illuminated by a number of sources of light, there is always a certain amount of waste of
light on account of overlapping and falling of light outside at the edges of the surface. The effect is taken into account by multiplying the
theoretical value of lumens required by 1.2 for rectangular areas and 1.5 for irregular areas and objects such as statues, monuments etc.

14. Absorption factor: In the places where atmosphere is full of smoke fumes, such as in foundries, there is a possibility of absorption of
light. The ratio of total lumens available after absorption to the total lumens emitted by the source of light is called the absorption factor.
Its values varies from unity for clean atmosphere to 0.5 for foundries.

15. Beam factors: The ratio of lumens in the beam of a projector to the lumens given out by lamps is called the beam factor. This factor
takes into account the absorption of light by reflector and front glass of the projector lamp. Its value varies from 0.3 to 0.6.

16. Reflection factor: When a ray of light impinges on a surface it is reflected from the surface at an angle of incidence, as shown in
Figure. A certain portion of incident light is absorbed by the surface. The ratio of reflected light to the incident light is called the
'reflection factor'. It is always less than unity.
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination (Definitions)
17. Glare: The opening of the pupil in the human eye is controlled by the iris. If a bright object comes into the view of the eye, large
amount of light produces an intense image on the retina and the iris automatically protects the eye by contracting the pupil, thus reducing
the intensity of the image. When the eye is towards another object which is less bright as compared to the bright object already in the field
of view, the iris will contract reducing the amount of light received on the retina from every object in the field of view and making it
difficult to see the object desired. At the same time, the portion of the retina which received image of the bright object remains fatigued.
This phenomenon is called "Glare", and is familiar in connection with motor-car head lights.
In other wards, "glare" may be defined as the brightness within the field of vision of such a character as to cause annoyance, discomfort,
interference with vision or eye-fatigue.
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Recommended Illumination Levels)
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Recommended Illumination Levels)
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Types of Lamps and Luminous Flux)
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Types of Lamps and Luminous Flux)
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Types of Lamps and Luminous Flux)
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Types of Lamps and Luminous Flux)
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Types of Lamps and Luminous Flux)
Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Calculation of illumination and number of lamps)

The following Empirical formula can be used to calculate the illumination:

𝐸𝑋𝐴
𝑁=
𝑂 𝑋 𝑈𝐹 𝑋 𝑀𝐹
Where
N = Number of fittings needed
E = Required illumination (lux)
A = Working area (square metres)
O = Luminous flux produced per lamp (lumens)
UF = Utilization Factor or Coefficient of Utilization
MF = Maintenance Factor
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Calculation of illumination and number of lamps)
Some Numerical
Ref: Utilization of Electrical Power by R. K. Rajput
Example 1. A small assembly shop 16 m long, 10 m wide, and 3 m upto trusses is to be illuminated to a level
of 200 lux. The utilization and maintenance factors are 0.74 and 0.8 respectively. Calculate the number of
lamps required to illuminate the whole area if the lumen output of the lamp selected is 3000 lumens.
Solution.
Working area, A = 16m * 10m = 160 m ^ 2
Required illumination, E = 200hw,
Lumens output of one lamp, O = 3000Ium
Utilization factor, UF = 0.74
Maintenance factor, MF = 0.8
Number of lamps required, N:
N = (E*A)/(O*UF*MF) = (200 * 160)/(3000 * 0.74 * 0.8) = 18 . (Ans.)
 Module 4: Residential Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Illumination
(Calculation of illumination and number of lamps)
Problems for practice
Ref: Utilization of Electrical Power by R. K. Rajput
1. An office 25m X 12m is illuminated by 40 W incandescent lamps of lumen output 2700 lumens. The
average illumination required at the work place is 200 lux. Calculate the number of lamps required to be
fitted in the office. Assume utilization and depreciation factors as 0.65 and 1.25 respectively. (Ans: 4.3)
2. A room 20 × 10 m is illuminated by 60 W incandescent lamps of lumen output of 1,600 lumens. The
average illumination required at the workplace is 300 lux. Calculate the number of lamps required to be
fitted in the room. Assume utilization and depreciation factors as 0.5 and 1, respectively. (Ans: 7.5)