Course Outlines

BUILDING ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

DESIGN
 CHAPTER ONE

Introduction to Electrical
Installation
 Aim of Electrical Installation
Definition
• Electrical installation refers to the assembly of electrical
equipment (wiring systems, switchgear, protective devices,
outlets, lighting, etc.) for the distribution and utilization of
electrical power in buildings, factories, and other facilities.
• Electrical installation is crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient
and reliable distribution of electrical power in residential,
commercial and industrial settings.
• The key reasons why electrical installation is important:
1. Safety
• Proper electrical installation prevents hazards such as electric
shocks, fires, and equipment damage. It ensures compliance
with safety standards and regulations, reducing the risk of
accidents caused by faulty wiring or improper connections.
2. Reliability
• A well-installed electrical system ensures a steady and
uninterrupted power supply.
• It minimizes power losses, voltage fluctuations and downtime,
which is especially critical in industries and businesses that
rely on continuous operations.
 ……
3. Compliance with Regulations
• Electrical installations must adhere to local and international
safety codes (EBCS -10).
• Compliance helps prevent legal issues and ensures that buildings
meet safety and insurance requirements.
4. Energy Efficiency
• Proper electrical installation, including the use of energy-efficient
components and wiring, reduces energy waste. This helps lower
electricity bills and contributes to environmental sustainability.
5. Prevention of Electrical Failures
• A well-planned and correctly executed installation minimizes the
chances of short circuits, overloads, and system failures.
• This reduces maintenance costs and prolongs the lifespan of
electrical equipment.
 …..
6. Convenience and Functionality
• Electrical installations enable the use of essential appliances,
lighting, heating and cooling systems.
• Proper planning ensures that power outlets, switches and lighting
are placed conveniently for users’ needs.
7. Scalability and Future Expansion
• A well-designed electrical system allows for future expansions
and upgrades without the need for major overhauls.
This is essential for growing businesses, industries and modern
smart home installations.
8. Supports Technological Advancements
• Modern electrical installations incorporate automation, smart
devices, and renewable energy systems like solar panels.
• A properly installed system supports new technologies and
enhances operational efficiency.
 Important Regulation and Skill.
A. Key Regulations
Electrical installations must comply with:
• IEC 60364 – Low-voltage electrical installations
(international standard).
• National wiring codes (e.g., Ethiopian Electrical
Installation Code- EBCS 10).
• Safety standards (e.g., IEC 60479 for effects of
electric current on humans).
• Local utility service rules.
 Important Regulation and Skill.
B. Essential Skills for Installers
• Technical knowledge – Electrical theory, circuit design,
load calculations.
• Practical skills – Conduit bending, cable pulling,
jointing, terminations.
• Measurement skills – Using multimeters, insulation
testers, clamp meters.
• Drawing interpretation – Reading blueprints and
single-line diagrams.
• Safety practice – Lockout-tagout (LOTO), PPE use, safe
work distances.
• Problem-solving – Diagnosing faults and making quick
repairs.
 Types of Electrical Installation
Installation Type Typical Voltage Common Uses Example

Residential 220–240 V (1Ø) Houses, apartments Lighting, appliances

HVAC, computers,
Commercial 220/400 V (3Ø) Offices, shops
elevators

Industrial 400 V–15 kV Factories Motors, production lines

Rural electrification 220 V Villages, farms Pumps, lighting

Special installations Varies Hospitals, data centers UPS, isolated power

Procedure of Electrical Installation
Step-by-Step General Procedure:
[Link] & Design
1. Load estimation
2. Circuit arrangement
3. Selection of materials (cables, protective devices)
[Link] & Permits
• Submit design to local authority for inspection.
[Link] Preparation
• Marking points for outlets, switches, lighting.
[Link] of Conduits/Cable Trays
• Before wall plastering or ceiling closure.
[Link] Pulling & Termination
• Labeling conductors; making joints with proper tools.
[Link] of Fixtures & Switchgear
• DB boards, switches, sockets, luminaires.
7. Earthing & Bonding
• Connect earth electrode and metallic parts.
[Link] & Inspection
• Continuity test, insulation resistance, polarity, earth resistance.
[Link]
• Energize system and verify safe operation.
 Electrical Drawing
• Electrical drawings, sometimes referred to as wiring diagrams,
are a type of technical drawing that provide visual representation
describing electrical systems or circuits.
• Any electrical working drawing consists of lines, symbols,
dimensions and notations to accurately convey an
engineering’s design to the workers, who install the electrical
system on the job.
• A complete set of working drawings for the electrical system in
large projects usually consists of:
 Floor plans: showing the location of electrical systems on every
floor or design of BEI.
 Power-riser diagrams: showing panel boards.
 Single-line diagrams: showing power distribution path.
 A plot plan (Site plan): showing the building’s location and
outside electrical wiring
 Interpret of electrical drawing
Interpretation of Electrical Drawings
• Electrical drawings are technical diagrams that represent the layout, design,
and specifications of an electrical system. They are essential for electricians,
engineers, and technicians to understand how electrical components are
connected and installed.
Key Aspects of Electrical Drawings Interpretation
1. Understanding Symbols and Notations
• Electrical drawings use standard symbols to represent components such as switches,
outlets, circuit breakers, transformers, and wires.
• Common standards include EBCS, IEC (International Electrotechnical
Commission) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute).
2. Types of Electrical Drawings
• Wiring Diagram: Shows the actual wiring connections and physical layout of
components.
• Schematic Diagram: Represents the logical flow of an electrical circuit without
focusing on physical placement.
• Single Line Diagram (SLD): Simplifies complex power systems by using single
lines to represent multiple conductors.
• Panel Layout Diagram: Displays the arrangement of electrical components inside a
control panel.
• Lighting Layout: Illustrates the placement of lighting fixtures in a building.
 …….
3. Reading Electrical Lines and Connections
• Different types of lines represent different wiring types (e.g., solid lines for power,
dashed lines for control circuits).
• Lines crossing each other may indicate connection points (junctions) or independent
paths.
4. Voltage and Current Ratings
• Electrical drawings specify voltage levels, current ratings and power requirements to
ensure compatibility with electrical components.
5. Wire Color Codes
• Different colors represent different electrical phases, neutral, and ground wires.
• Common standards: IEC (Brown, Blue, Green-Yellow) and EBCS (Black, red, blue,
Green).
6. Component Labels and Legends
• Drawings include a legend or key that explains symbols and abbreviations used in the
diagram.
7. Circuit Protection and Control
• Devices Includes circuit breakers, fuses, relays, and contactors to prevent overloads
and short circuits.
8. Load Distribution and Panel Schedules
• Electrical drawings show how power is distributed across different circuits and loads.
• Panel schedules provide information about circuit breakers, wire sizes, and connected
devices
 Types of Electrical Diagrams
There are Four Types of Electrical Diagrams.
1. Schematic Diagrams
2. Wiring diagrams
3. Block diagrams and
4. Pictorial diagrams
 1. Schematic diagram
A schematic diagram is a simplified representation of an electrical
circuit that focuses on the logical flow of the circuit rather than the
physical arrangement of components.
Characteristics of a Schematic Diagram:
• Uses standardized symbols to represent electrical components.
• Shows how components are electrically connected, without
considering their physical placement.
• Emphasizes functionality and the working principle of the circuit.
• Used primarily in design, troubleshooting and understanding
circuit operations.
Example of a Schematic Diagram:
• A simple LED circuit schematic will show a battery, resistor,
and LED connected in series, with symbols representing each
component.
 …….

• It is a diagram that uses lines to represent the

wires and symbols to represent components.
• The schematic diagram of an electrical circuit
shows the complete electrical connections
between components using their symbols and
lines.
• It is used to show how the circuit functions.
• Unlike wiring diagram, it does not specify the
real location of the components.
• The line between the components does not
represent real distance between them.
• It helps in showing the series and parallel
connection between the components and the
exact terminal connection between them.
• It just shows the simple connection between
components, it does not show the practical
connection.
 2. Wiring diagram.
• A wiring diagram is a detailed representation of the electrical
connections and physical layout of a circuit or electrical system.
• It shows how wires, components, and devices are interconnected.
• Wiring diagrams are used by electricians, engineers, and
technicians for installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Characteristics of a Wiring Diagram:
✔ Shows the physical location of components and wiring
connections.
✔ Includes wire routing, terminal connections and sometimes wire
colors.
✔ Used in practical installation, repairs and electrical maintenance.
✔ Helps electricians and technicians with physical wiring and
assembly.
 ……
Example of a Circuit Diagram
A home electrical wiring diagram will show outlets, switches,
light fixtures, and their actual placement in the building.
 Types of Wiring Diagrams
• Schematic Diagram
• Shows electrical components in a symbolic manner.
• Focuses on the logic of the circuit rather than physical placement.
• Pictorial Diagram
• Uses images of components instead of symbols.
• Helpful for beginners to understand component placement.
• Single-Line Diagram (SLD)
• Simplified diagram using single lines to represent electrical paths.
• Used for power distribution systems.
• Ladder Diagram
Used in industrial automation and control circuits.
Represents circuits in a step-by-step manner like a ladder.
 …….
How to Read a Wiring Diagram
• Identify Components
• Use the legend or key to understand symbols (e.g., switches, outlets, circuit breakers).
• Follow the Wiring Paths
• Solid lines represent conductors (wires).
• Dashed lines indicate control circuits.
• Check Connections and Labels
• Components are labeled (e.g., R1 for resistors, SW for switches).
• Understand Wire Colors and Codes
• Different colors represent different functions
 Comparison
A circuit diagram (also called a wiring diagram) represents the
actual layout and connections of electrical components in a system.
Characteristics of a Circuit Diagram:
✔ Shows the physical location of components and wiring
connections.
✔ Includes wire routing, terminal connections, and sometimes wire
colors.
✔ Used in practical installation, repairs, and electrical maintenance.
✔ Helps electricians and technicians with physical wiring and
assembly.
Example of a Circuit Diagram:
A home electrical wiring diagram will show outlets, switches, light
fixtures, and their actual placement in the building.
 3. Block diagram.
Block Diagram in Electrical Engineering
• A block diagram is a simplified visual representation of an
electrical or electronic system, using blocks to represent different
components or subsystems.
• It is widely used for understanding and designing circuits,
control systems and power distribution networks.
Key Features of a Block Diagram
• Blocks: Represent different functional units (e.g., power supply,
amplifiers, controllers).
• Arrows: Show the direction of signal or power flow between
blocks.
• Labels: Indicate the function of each block (e.g., "Transformer,"
"Rectifier," "Microcontroller").
 3. Block diagram.
• A block diagram shows the major components of electrical
interrelations in block or square or rectangular form.
• It is a diagram of a system in which the principal parts or
functions are represented by blocks connected by lines that show
the relationships of the blocks.
• The lines between the blocks represent the connections between
the systems or components.
 3. Block diagram.
Types of Block Diagrams
• Power System Block Diagram: Shows the generation,
transmission, and distribution of electrical power.
• Control System Block Diagram: Represents feedback control
systems used in automation and robotics.
• Electronic Circuit Block Diagram: Outlines components like
amplifiers, filters, and processors.
Example: Block Diagram of a Power Supply

• Each block represents a functional stage in converting AC

voltage to a stable DC output.
 Importance of Block Diagrams
• Simplifies complex electrical systems.
• Helps in troubleshooting and design.
• Provides a clear overview of system operation.
 4. Pictorial diagram.
• A pictorial diagram is a type of electrical drawing that represents
electrical components and wiring connections using realistic images
instead of standard electrical symbols.
• It is useful for beginners and technicians who need a visual representation
of how an electrical circuit or system is physically arranged.
• Pictorial diagrams can vary in level of
detail.
• Some diagrams may have realistic pictures
to make the various components easier to
identify.
 Key Features of a Pictorial Diagram
• Realistic Representation
• Components such as batteries, switches, lights, motors, and wires are drawn as they
appear in real life.
• Easy to Understand
• Unlike schematic diagrams, which use abstract symbols, pictorial diagrams make it
easier to identify components.
• Shows Physical Placement
• Helps in wiring and assembling circuits by showing the actual locations of
components.
• No Standard Symbols
• Unlike schematic or wiring diagrams, pictorial diagrams do not follow strict
electrical symbols.
Comparison
 Distribution panel
• A Distribution Panel, also known as an Electrical Panel, Breaker
Panel, or Distribution Board (DB), is a critical component of an
electrical system.
• It acts as the central hub for distributing electrical power from the main
supply to various circuits within a building, factory, or industrial setup.
• The distribution panel contains the elements for the protection and
control of the electricity supply of the house.
• The electrical system is organized from this panel and the power of the
installation is distributed.
 Functions of a Distribution Panel

Power Distribution
• Receives electrical power from the main supply and distributes it to
different circuits in a controlled manner.
Circuit Protection
• Houses circuit breakers or fuses to prevent electrical overloads, short
circuits and fire hazards.
Load Management
• Ensures that electrical loads are properly balanced across different
circuits to prevent voltage drops and inefficiencies.
Control and Safety
• Allows for easy isolation of electrical circuits for maintenance or
emergency shutdowns.
 TYPES OF DISTRIBUTION BOARDS
4.1 Main Distribution Board (MDB)
• Receives power directly from the main service entrance (meter, transformer,
generator).
• Supplies power to sub-distribution boards.
• Contains main switchgear (MCCBs, isolators, surge protectors).
• Used in commercial, institutional, and large residential buildings.
4.2 Sub-Distribution Board (SDB)
• Receives supply from MDB and distributes it to different parts of the building.
• Often located in floors, wings, or sections of buildings.
• Contains MCBs and sometimes RCDs for final circuits.
4.3 Final Distribution Board (FDB) / Consumer Unit
• Supplies final sub-circuits such as lighting points, socket outlets, and
appliances.
• Usually mounted inside residences or offices.
 Components of a Distribution Panel
Main Breaker
• Controls the overall power supply to the panel and protects against high
current overloads.
Bus Bars
• Conductive strips (live, neutral, and ground) that distribute electricity to individual
breakers.
Circuit Breakers / Fuses
• Protect each circuit from excessive current and prevent damage to electrical
appliances.
• Types of circuit breakers include MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), MCCB
(Molded Case Circuit Breaker), and RCB (Residual Current Breaker).
Neutral & Grounding Bars
• Provide safe return paths for electrical current and prevent electric shocks.
Wiring Terminals
• Connection points for different electrical circuits.
Enclosure (Panel Box)
• Metal or plastic casing that houses all components, providing safety and
protection.
 Common Electrical Symbols
• Electrical symbols used in sketching wiring plan and diagram. These
symbols are based on the Ethiopian Building Code Standard (EBCS-
10).
Electrical symbols