1.

Overview of the Electrical Grid

2. Distribution System
3. Basic Electrical Installation
4. Regulations-IEE, NSE, Nigeria standard
1. Overview of Electrical Grid

➢ An electrical grid is an interconnected network

for delivering electricity from producers to
consumers.
➢ Generation, transmission, distribution, and end-
user or consumer.
1. Overview of Electrical Grid
2. Power Distribution Networks

➢ Power distribution connects high voltage to

medium voltage substations to the final users.
➢ A power distribution network (PDN) consists of
transformer substations, poles, conductors,
insulators, wiring/cabling; service lines, internal
wiring to individual households.
2. Power Distribution Networks

➢ At a distribution substation, a substation

transformer takes the incoming transmission-
level voltage (330,132 kV) and steps it down to
primary distribution voltages (33, 11kV)
➢ Close to end users, a distribution transformer
takes the primary distribution voltage and steps
it down to a low-voltage secondary circuit
(400V).
➢ From the distribution transformer, the
secondary distribution circuits connect to the
end user.
2. Power Distribution Networks
2. Power Distribution Networks
➢Distribution substation
➢Distribution feeders: carry the stepped-down
voltage from the substation to the distribution
transformers via feeder conductors.
➢Distribution transformer: step down voltage to 3-
phase 400V.
➢Distributors: carries the output from a
distribution transformer
➢Service mains: connects the distributor conductor
at the nearest pole to the consumer's end.
2. Classification of power distribution systems
A. Type of construction:
1. Overhead distribution system
2. Underground distribution system
B. Type of connection:
1. Radial distribution system
2. Ring main distribution system
3. Inter-connected distribution system
2. Classification of power distribution systems

Overhead Systems Underground System

Less expensive to build and Less susceptible to vehicle

repair. Easier to trace collisions. Not impacted by
faults/damage. Can be built trees and wind. Less
Pros on any terrain vulnerable to vandalisation

Susceptible to wind, and

other natural occurrences. More expensive to build and
More vulnerable to damage repair. Susceptible to
from trees and vegetation. flooding. Difficult to locate
Susceptible to damage from faults/damage. Vulnerable to
Cons vehicle collisions damage from digging
2. Classification of power distribution systems
Radial distribution system
➢ It is widely used in sparsely populated areas.
➢ Primary feeders take power from the distribution
substation to the load areas using sub-feeders
and lateral-branch circuits.
➢ It has only one power source for a group of
customers.
➢ Has only one path for the power to flow from the
source (distribution substation) to each customer.
➢ Employed when the power is generated at low
voltage and the substation is located at the centre
of the load.
2. Classification of power distribution systems
2. Classification of power distribution systems
Ring Main Distribution Systems
➢ The loop (or ring) distribution system starts at a
distribution substation, runs through or around
an area serving one or more distribution
transformers or load centres, and returns to the
same substation.
➢ Circuit breakers sectionalize the loop on both
sides of each distribution transformer connected
to the loop.
➢ A fault in the primary loop is cleared by the
breakers in the loop nearest the fault, and power
is supplied
2. Classification of power distribution systems
2. Classification of power distribution systems

Feature Radial System Ring Main System

Voltage Significant
Fluctuations fluctuations Fewer fluctuations
Reliability Low reliability High reliability
Cost Low cost High cost
Complexity Simple More complex

Single fault can Fault can be

cause widespread isolated,
Fault Impact outage minimizing impact
2. Classification of power distribution systems
Interconnected Distribution System
➢ Multiple substations linked together to create a closed
loop
➢ Power can flow from any substation to any distribution
transformer.
➢ This system ensures reliability in the event of failure.
➢ The network system is more flexible about load growth
than the radial or loop system.
➢ Service can readily be extended to additional points of
usage with relatively small amounts of new construction.
➢ It is usually used only in congested, high-load density
municipal or downtown areas.
2. Classification of power distribution systems
2. Single-phase and three-phase systems
➢ Electrical supplies and loads can be single-phase (230V)
or three-phase (230V, line to neutral or 400V line- to- line).
➢ Designs and installation should meet the load
requirements efficiently.
➢ For domestic use, a single-phase supply is usually
sufficient.
➢ Polyphase systems are connected in star (wye), or delta
configuration and are used in industrial and commercial
buildings.
➢ Three-phase systems are the standard for electricity
transmission and distribution from power plants to
substations and through distribution lines
 2. Three-phase systems connections

➢ A three-phase supply comprises three waveforms

each separated by 120° and the resultant
waveform is zero
➢ A ‘three-phase four-wire system’ is a star-
connected load fed from a star-connected supply
with a neutral conductor between the star points.
➢ A three-phase three-wire system has windings
connected in delta as the phase windings are
perfectly balanced and no neutral is needed.
2. Three-phase systems connections
 2. Three-phase systems connections

➢ The current flowing in the neutral is zero as all

line currents in a balanced three-phase system
are equal, and add up to the neutral current.
➢ One reason for the connection of the neutral
conductor is to provide a path for currents if the
system became unbalanced.
➢ Another is that it enables single-phase loads to be
connected to a three-phase system.
2. Three-phase systems connections
2. Three-phase systems connections
➢ A three-phase supply comprises three waveforms
each separated by 120°.
➢ In a wye configuration a conductor is added between the
star points.
𝐼𝐿 = 𝐼𝑝
𝑉𝐿 = 3𝑉𝑝
➢ In a Delta configuration, each phase winding is connected
end-to-end, forming a closed loop with no neutral point.
𝐼𝐿 = 3𝐼𝑝
𝑉𝐿 = 𝑉𝑝
𝑃 = 3𝑉𝐿 × 𝐼𝐿 × 𝑝𝑓
3 Basic Electrical Installation

Electrical installations involve installing essential

components and wiring to safely distribute electricity
within a building. Key circuits include :
1.Service Entrance: connects the building to the utility
supply, often through a meter, circuit breaker, or fuse
panel to control incoming power.
2. Lighting: lighting fixtures and fans and how they are
controlled
3. Power circuits: socket outlets for appliances and their
connections.
4. Dedicated circuits: for specific high-power appliances
(e.g., refrigerators, ovens, air conditioners).
5.Auxiliary circuits: low-voltage systems like alarms,
intercoms, CCTV
3 Basic Electrical Installation

6.Earthing: connections between the supply neutral and

earth which help complete the circuit.
7.Protection circuits: protection of installation against
mechanical damage, the effects of the environment, and
protection of humans, and livestock from electrical shocks
and other dangers e.g. fuses, and circuit breakers.
8.Control Circuit: switching of the installation or
any part of it ‘on’ or ‘off’, e. isolators, switchgear, fuse
switch etc.
9.Distribution circuit: a network of conductors and
equipment that distributes electrical power from a main
service panel to various branch circuits within a building
3. Planning and design

Considerations
➢ Type of supply required.
➢ Safety of occupants.
➢ Envisaged load.
➢ Degree of electrical and mechanical protection.
➢ Importance of service continuity.
➢ Future load expansion.
➢ Initial costs
➢ Operations and maintenance costs.
 3. Building Wiring Diagram

➢ A wiring diagram or connection diagram shows

the detailed connections between components or
items of equipment.
➢ The purpose of a wiring diagram is to help
someone with the actual wiring of the circuit

Some basic rules for the preparation of an

acceptable wiring diagram are as follows:
➢ Draw or obtain a scaled architectural drawing of
the floor area to be wired showing walls, doors,
windows, plumbing pipes and fixtures, and
heating and cooling ducts.
3. Building Wiring Diagram

➢ Determine the fixtures to be used and where to

place them based on your calculations.
➢ Mark the location of switches, receptacles,
luminaires, and permanent appliances such as
microwave ovens, and heat extractors with
standard electrical symbols.
➢ Draw in cable runs between wiring devices,
indicating approved cables by type designation,
wire gauge, insulation type, and branch circuit
amperage.
3. Electrical Wiring Diagram
3. Electrical Wiring Diagram
 4. Regulations-IEE, NSE, Nigeria standard

➢ Electricity at low voltage can, if uncontrolled,

present a serious threat of injury to persons or
livestock, or damage to property by fire.
➢ To ensure safety, always obtain necessary permits,
de-energize equipment before working on it, use
appropriate PPE, follow safe work practices, and
avoid distractions like alcohol, drugs, or cell
phone use while working.
 4. Regulations-IEE, NSE, Nigeria standard

➢ These provide guidelines on safety procedures

and practices, especially focusing on electrical
work.
➢ They give direction to implement requirements
and achieve compliance concerning occupational
health, safety, and statutory guidelines.
➢ The regulations require all electrical systems to be
installed and maintained to a safe standard and to
ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken
against the risk of death or personal injury from
electricity in work activities.
 4. IEE standards

➢ By the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

➢ It includes a set of standards for the safe and
efficient installation, certification and maintenance
of electrical installations.
➢ of electrical systems.
➢ These regulations include:
1. Requirements for electrical design and
installation in domestic, commercial, and
industrial settings.
2. Selection and installation of appropriate wiring
systems, cables, and components.
 4. IEE standards

3. Measures to protect against electric shock, fire,

and thermal hazards.
4. Procedures for inspecting, testing, and
certifying electrical installations.
5. Specific requirements for hazardous locations,
such as bathrooms and kitchens.
➢It also has a section on performing services only in
areas of your competence and certifications
4. NESIS

➢ NESIS (Nigerian Electricity Supply and

Installation Standards.
➢ This is a comprehensive set of standards that
covers various aspects of electrical installations,
including wiring, earthing, and safety practices.
➢ The regulations include:
1. Standards for the design of electrical systems,
including power generation, transmission,
and distribution networks.
4. NESIS

2 Regulations for the installation of electrical

equipment and systems, such as transformers,
switchgear, and cable systems.
3 Procedures for testing and commissioning
electrical systems to ensure they meet safety
and performance standards.
4 Guidelines for the maintenance and repair of
electrical systems to maintain their reliability
and longevity.
Recommended Texts

1. Electrical Installation Work by Brian by Brian

Scaddan
2. Handbook of Electrical Design Details by Neil
Sclater and John E. Traister