Electrical Systems of Buildings

Chapter 7: Electrical Systems for

Dwellings
Senior T. A. Abdul Ghani Noori

Energy-Efficient Electrical Systems for Buildings, CRC Press, 2017

Kandahar University
Engineering Faculty
Energy Engineering Department 6-Nov-19
 Objectives

 Understanding the general design procedure.

 Analyze and design of main service entrance for buildings.

 Analyze and design of branch circuits for residential buildings.

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 Table of Contents

7.1 Introduction

7.2 General Design Approach

7.3 Main Service Entrance Design

7.4 Branch Circuits for Residential Buildings

7.5 General Design Procedure

7.6 Electrical Systems for Apartment Buildings (Home Study)

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7.1 Introduction
 This chapter provides a general procedure for designing electrical systems for
residential buildings based on NEC.

 A service entrance feeder is typically used to connect the utility distribution

station to the main panel of the building.

 The main panel includes the protection devices (typically circuit breakers) for
the branch circuits serving various electrical devices within the building.

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Cont.

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7.2 General Design Approach
 In order to design electrical systems for dwellings, the following assumptions are
often made:

 All loads have a power factor of 1 (i.e., PT = PR).

 Independently of the receptacle type (duplex, triplex, or fourplex), the load

for each receptacle outlet is 180 VA.

 The main panel rating is the same as the main circuit breaker rating.

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Cont.

 By designing electrical systems for dwellings, the following specification

should be provided:

 Main feeder conductor main circuit breaker for the panel board (often referred to

as panel)

 All branch circuits to service the various electrical loads, including

• Lighting branch circuits (receptacles, lighting, and small appliances)

• Fixed appliances branch circuits (ranges/stoves, water heater, fans, dryer,

disposal)

• Special appliances branch circuits (AC, electric heating)

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Cont.

 The branch circuit should be identified both in the circuiting layout and in the
panel schedule

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Cont.
 Each dwelling should be grounded, that is electrically connected to the ground
through the panel board, using either a rod, the steel bars in foundation footing, or
embedded water pipes.

 The size of the wire connecting the panel board to the ground is called grounding
conductor and should be determined based on the service entrance conductor size.

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7.3 Main Service Entrance Design
 Service entrance feeder is a set of conductors that serves the entire dwelling or
the residential building.

 Designing the service entrance includes determining the size of both the
conductor and the main CB.

 To size the service entrance feeder two method can be used:

I. Standard method
II. Optional method (when CB ≥ 100 A)

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Cont. Standard Method for Sizing Service Entrance
 The sizing of service entrance is determined based on the dwelling electrical
loads. So first loads are found for the Phases.

1. General loads (lighting/general receptacles)

a. General load = 3 VA/ft2 (or 33 VA/m2) * total livable building floor area

b. Kitchen load = 2 branch circuits * 1500 VA/circuit. Each branch circuit has to
be rated at 20 A.

c. Laundry load = 1 branch circuit * 1500 VA/circuit. The branch circuit has to be
rated at 20 A.

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Cont.
Then, the demand load associated with general lighting and general-use receptacles,
DLGL, can be estimated as follows:

2. Fixed appliances load: apply demand factors (DFs) to the actual connected
load (CL) for all the fixed appliances that served in the building using the
following equation:

With
a. DF = 100% if the total number of fixed appliances ≤3
b. DF = 75% if the total number of fixed appliances ≥4
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Cont.
3. Special appliances load: Typically, dryers, ranges, space heating, and cooling
systems are considered special appliances and their demand loads can be
estimated according to NEC guidelines.

a. Table 7.1 should be used to estimate the demand loads for electrical dryers.

b. Table 7.2 should be used to estimate the demand loads for electrical ranges and
ovens.

c. A demand factor of 100% should be applied to only the largest of the space
heating or cooling system serving the dwelling to determine the demand loads
associated with air conditioning systems for residential buildings.

d. If motor is present, a demand factor of 25% should be applied to the largest

motor load associated typically to one of the fixed appliances.

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Cont.

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Cont.

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Cont.

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Cont.
4. Total demand load: the total demand load, DLtot, in VA can be simply estimated
by summing the demand loads estimated in the previous three steps according
to the following equation:

Then, the total load can be expressed in terms of amperage using the following
expression:

(220 V)

(380 V)

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Cont.
 The same procedure outlined for estimating the demand load for the phases
should be utilized estimating the demand load for Neutral (N).

 In this case, only the one-phase loads should be considered, except the loads
associated with ranges and dryers.

 Ranges and dryers loads are estimated using Tables 7.1 (dryers) and 7.2 (ranges)
with an additional derating factor of 70%.

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Cont. Example 7.1
Determine the demand loads associated to electrical dryers and ranges for the
following cases:
Case 1: six dryers, each rated at 5 kVA
Case 2: one range rated at 12 kVA
Case 3: one range rated at 9 kVA
Case 4: one range rated at 2.5 kVA
Case 5: one range rated at 27 kVA
Case 6: three ranges rated at 10, 14, and 19 kVA

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Cont. Solution 7.1
Using Tables 7.1 for dryers and 7.2 for ranges, the demand loads for all the cases
can be estimated as summarized here:
Case 1: DL = 0.75 * 6 * 5 kVA = 22.5 kVA (based on Table 7.1)
Case 2: DL = 8 kVA (based on Table 7.2, Column C)
Case 3: DL = 8 kVA (based on Table 7.2, Column C)
Case 4: DL = 0.80 * 2.5 kVA = 2 kVA (based on Table 7.2, Column A)
Case 5: Using Note 1 and Column C of Table 7.2,first the demand factor, DF, is
estimated: DF = 1 + (27 -12) * 0.05 = 1.75
Then, the demand load can be determined: DL = 1.75 * 8 = 14kVA
Case 6: Using Note 2 of Table 7.2, the following steps are outlined to estimate the
demand load of three ranges with different ratings:
Step 1: Increase 10 to 12 kVA
Step 2: Take average of all three ratings = (12 + 14 + 19)/3 = 15 kVA
Step 3: Estimate the demand factor: DF = 1 + (15–12) * 0.05 = 1.15
Step 4: Calculate the demand load: DL = 1.15 * 14 = 16.1 kVA
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Cont. Example 7.2
Determine the demand load for a phase and neutral for a service entrance feeder
serving 1600 ft2 (150 m2) house that has the following electrical loads:
400 VA disposable (220 V)
800 VA compactor (220 V)
4.5 A blower motor (220 V)
1,400 VA dishwasher (220 V)
4,800 VA water heater (220 V)
5,000 VA dryer (220 V)
12,000 VA range (220 V)
20,000 VA space heaters (220 V)
There are three separately controlled heaters in the dwelling.
Use the NEC standard method to determine the demand loads for phase and N.

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Cont. Solution 7.2
As in Afghanistan almost all appliances run by 220 V, the load for phase and N is
the same.
1. General lighting and receptacles load:
General load = 3 VA/ft2 * 1600 ft2 = 4800 VA
Kitchen load = 2 circuits * 1500 VA/circuit = 3000 VA
Laundry load = 1 circuit * 1500 VA/circuit = 1500 VA
Thus, the total connected load = 9300 VA
The demand load for general lighting and receptacles load:

DLGL = 100% * 3000 VA + 35% * (9300 – 3000) VA = 5205 VA

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Cont.
2. Fixed appliances load:
Disposal (use rated VA) = 400 VA
Compactor (use rated VA) = 800 VA
Blower motor = 4.5 A * 220 V = 990 VA
Dishwasher (use rated VA) = 1400 VA
Water heater (use rated VA) = 4800 VA
Thus, the total connected load = 8390 VA
The demand load for the fixed appliances load:
DLFA = 75% * 8390 VA = 6292 VA

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Cont.
3. Special appliances load:
Range (use Table 7.2) = 8,000 VA
Dryer (use Table 7.1) = 5,000 VA
Space heaters (use rated VA) = 20,000 VA
Largest motor (25% * compactor VA) = 200 VA
Thus, the demand load for the special appliances load:
DLSA = 33,200 VA

The total demand load for phase and N is:

DLtot = 5,205 VA + 6,292 VA + 33,200 VA = 44,697 VA

Using Eq 7.4 for single phase, the demand load in terms of A for phase and N is:

Itot = 44,697 VA/220 = 203.2 A

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Cont. Optional Method for Sizing Service Entrance
The optional method to size the phase wires for the service entrance consists of the
following steps:
1. Demand load for general loads: The demand load, DLGL,O, for general loads for
one or two-unit dwellings can be estimated as follows:

DLGL,O = 100% * first 10000 VA + 40% * (CLGL,O – 10000 VA) (7.5)

Where CLGL,O are the connected loads associated with lighting, general-use
receptacles, and appliances and are calculated as follows:

CLGL,O = CLGL + CLAP (7.6)

Where,
CLGL = connected general load associated with lighting and general-use receptacles
CLAP = connected load for all appliances except for space H&C systems.
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Cont.
CLGL and CLAP are estimated as follow:
The optional method to size the phase wires for the service entrance consists of the
following steps:

General loads (lighting/general receptacles) CLGL

 General load = 3 VA/ft2 (or 33 VA/m2) * total livable building floor area
 Kitchen load = 2 branch circuits * 1500 VA/circuit (20 A)
 Laundry load = 1 branch circuit * 1500 VA/circuit (20 A)

Appliances load CLAP

The connected load, CLAP, for all appliances including fixed and special appliances,
except space heating and cooling systems, considered in the standard method is
determined by simply adding all the nameplate ratings for the appliances.

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Cont.
2. Demand load for space heating and cooling systems: The demand load, DLHC,O,
for the HVAC is the largest of the demand loads estimated using the demand
factors and connect loads specific to various systems serving the dwelling, as noted
in Table 7.3.

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Cont.
3. Total demand load: The total demand load, DLtot-O, can be estimated by simply
summing up the DLGL-o + DLHC-O.

DLtot-O = DLGL-O + DLHC-O (7.7)

Then, the total load can be expressed in terms of amperage depending on the line
voltage for the service:

(220 V)

(380 V) (7.8)

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Cont.
 For dwellings with several units such as the case for apartment buildings, the
demand factors provided in Table 7.4 should be considered to determine the size
of the service entrance using the optional method.

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Cont. Example 7.3
Determine the demand load for a phase and neutral for a service entrance feeder
serving 1600 ft2 (150 m2) house that has the following electrical loads:
400 VA disposable (220 V)
800 VA compactor (220 V)
4.5 A blower motor (220 V)
1,400 VA dishwasher (220 V)
4,800 VA water heater (220 V)
5,000 VA dryer (220 V)
12,000 VA range (220 V)
20,000 VA space heaters (220 V)
There are three separately controlled heaters in the dwelling.
Use the optional method to determine the demand loads for phase and N.

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Cont. Solution 7.3
First all the rated loads (except for the space heaters) are added:
 CLGL
General load = 3 VA/ft2 * 1,600 ft2 = 4,800 VA
Kitchen load = 2 circuits * 1,500 VA/circuit = 3,000 VA
Laundry load = 1 circuit * 1,500 VA/circuit = 1,500 VA

 CLAP
Disposal = 400 VA
Compactor = 800 VA
Blower motor = 4.5 A * 220 V = 990 VA
Dishwasher = 1,400 VA
Water heater = 4,800 VA
Range = 12,000 VA
Dryer = 5,000 VA
CLGL,O = CLGL + CLAP = 34,690 VA
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Cont.
The total demand load for phase and N is,

DLGL,O = 100% * first 10,000 VA + 40% * (34,690 – 10,000 VA) = 19,876 VA

Second, the additional load due to space heaters (refer to Table 7.3 for DF) is,
DLheaters = 20,000 VA * 65% = 13,000 VA

Third, the sum of first and second is,

DLtot-O = 19,876 VA + 13,000 VA = 32,876 VA

Finally, the demand load in terms of A for phase and N is:

I = 32,876 VA / 220 V = 149.4 A

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Cont. Sizing Service Entrance
 Based on the demand loads for the phase and the neutral, Table 7.5 can be used
to determine the appropriate conductor sizes.

 For all residential buildings, the sizes of conductors should be based on the
ampacity noted in Table 6.1 and the circuit breaker ratings listed in Table 5.4.
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Cont.
 The size of the grounding conductor depends on the size of the main service
entrance feeder, as discussed in Chapter 6 and as summarized in Table 7.6.

 It should be noted that the size of the neutral should be larger than the grounding
conductor.

 If the size of the grounding conductor is found to be larger than that of

the neutral, the size of the neutral conductor should be increased to be the same
as that of the grounding wire.
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Cont. Example 7.4
For the dwelling considered in Examples 7.2 and 7.3,
 size the service entrance conductor sizes as well as the main circuit breaker
rating.

 Compare the service entrance sizes using the optional method instead of the
standard method. Consider copper THW conductors for the service entrance.

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Cont. Solution 7.4
Standard method (Example 7.2):
 The rating of the panel is 225 A according to Table 7.5 (since the demand load is
203.2 A) and the size of the service entrance conductors for phase and N is 4/0
THW (Cu) based on Table 7.5.
 The grounding conductor size according to Table 7.6 is 2 AWG (Cu).

Optional method (Example 7.3):

 The rating of the panel can be reduced to 150 A according to Table 7.5 (since the
demand load is 149.4 A) and the size of conductors for phase and N is 1/0 (based
on Table 7.5).
 The grounding conductor size according to Table 7.6 is 6 AWG (Cu).

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7.4 Branch Circuits for Residential Buildings
The NEC has specific requirements for the number of receptacles and lighting
outlets to be placed in residential buildings.

 General Guidelines for Receptacles

1. Wall receptacles: No point along an unbroken wall should be more than
1.8 m (6 ft) from a receptacle outlet

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Cont.
2. Small-appliance circuits: A minimum of two 20 A, 1500 VA small-appliance
circuits must be installed in the kitchen, dining room, pantry, and breakfast
room.

3. Receptacle outlets over countertops: Receptacle outlets are required at each

counter space wider than 12 in.; no point along the wall shall be more than 0.6 m (2
ft) from a plug.

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Cont.
4. Bathroom wall receptacle outlets: A wall receptacle outlet rated GFCI shall be
installed within 0.9 m (3 ft) of the basin.

5. Outdoor receptacle outlets: For a single-family dwelling, at least one

receptacle outlet, accessible while standing at grade level, and located not more than
2 m (6.5 ft) above grade, shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling.

6. Balconies, decks, and porches that are accessible from inside the dwelling
unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet installed within the perimeter of
the balcony, deck, or porch. The receptacle shall not be located more than 2 m (6.5
ft) above the balcony, deck, or porch surface.

7. Laundry area receptacle outlets: At least one 20 A, 1500 VA circuit must be

installed in the laundry area.

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Cont.
8. Basement, crawl space, and garage receptacle outlets: At least one GFCI-
protected receptacle shall be installed in the basement, crawl space, and in the
attached garage of a dwelling unit.

9. Hallways: In dwelling units, hallways of 10 ft or more in length shall have at least

one receptacle outlet.

10. Foyers that are not part of a hallway in accordance with 210.52(H) and that have
an area that is greater than 60 ft2 shall have a receptacle(s) located in each wall space
of 3 ft or more in width and unbroken by doorways, floor-to-ceiling windows, and
similar openings

11. GFCI protection for personnel: All receptacles installed in bathrooms, garages,
accessory buildings, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchens, and
within 6 ft of sinks.

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Cont.
 General Guidelines for Lighting Outlets
1. At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet is required in all
habitable rooms and bathrooms.

2. At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways,

stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.

3. For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at
least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide
illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level
access.

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Cont.
4. Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall
be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway, to
control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels having six
risers or more.

5. For attics, under floor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting
outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where
these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing.

 At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces.
 The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.

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Cont.
 General Sizing Procedure for Branch Circuits
To size both circuit breaker and the conductors associated with a branch circuit, the
connected and demand loads are expressed in amperes as indicated by Eq. 7.9.

Where,
VA-Rating = the connected load total power in VA
E = the voltage served by the load (220V single-phase or 380V three-phase)

 If the load is served by three-phase voltage, the

Where, DF = 100% for noncontinuous load and DF = 125% for continuous load.
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Cont. Example 7.5
Determine the rating of the branch circuit serving a 7500 VA dryer using 240 V.
Specify the size of the copper conductors (THW type) serving the dryer.

Solution 7.5
The load expressed in amperes for the dryer is first estimated:

From Table 5.4, the circuit breaker rating to protect branch circuit serving the dryer
is 40A having two poles (since the dryer is supplied by 240V).

The size of the copper conductors for the branch circuit is # 8 THW from table 6.1
for 50A.

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7.5 General Design Procedure
The design of electrical systems is well outlined by the NEC requirements. The
approach can be summarized in the following steps:

Step 1: Estimate the connected loads for lighting fixtures, receptacles, appliances,
and heating/cooling systems.
 Layout receptacles (180 VA).
 Lighting fixtures (rating of lamps up to 100 VA).
 Obtain manufacturing rating for any desired fixed and special appliances.

Step 2: Size the service entrance feeder, main circuit breaker, and the grounding
conductor.

Step 3: Determine the branch circuits needed to serve all the loads including
lighting, receptacles, and appliances.

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Cont.
Step 4: Develop a panel schedule to ensure that the connected loads are
balanced between the phases. The unbalances between phases should be kept below
10%.

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Cont.
Step 5: Provide circuiting and switching layouts.
 Floor layouts should be provided to indicate the branch circuits serving all the
loads, as well as the locations of the switches, main panels, receptacles, lighting
fixtures, and special receptacles.

 The branch circuits should be labeled with the same numbers used in the panel
schedule

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11/6/2019
Cont. Example 7.6
Design of one dwelling’s electrical system
 House: 40 ft × 25 ft ranch house
 1 branch circuit: for bedrooms (six receptacles, two lamps each rated at
100VA)
 1 branch circuit: for living area (seven receptacles, two lamps each rated at 100
VA)
 Kitchen + laundry
 Appliances: water heater (5000 kVA, 240 V), dryer (4500 VA, 240 V), range
 (8000 VA, 240 V)

 Size main service (panel rating, grounding, wires A/B/N)

 Show panel schedule
 Size all circuits, and estimate the number of the required branch circuits

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Cont. Solution 7.6

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7.6 Electrical Systems for Apartment Buildings

Home Study

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Assignment-7

Please solve the following problems from the problems of chapter-7.

7.1 – 7.8

Submit the assignment within one week from the date of completion.

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Thank You!