National Electrical Code

Introduction
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) through its Electrical Installations
Sectional Committee (ETD 20) under ETDC is responsible for the
preparation of Indian Standards for safety and related matters in the
designing, erection, and maintenance of electrical installations from
the point of view of safety and good engineering practices.
• This code was first formulated in the year 1985 and was
subsequently revised in 2011 and 2023.
• The National Electrical Code of India (NEC) is an all-inclusive
Electrical Installations Code prepared by BIS, providing guidelines
for regulating electrical installation practises across the country.
 National Electrical Code- 2011
• The Code is divided into eight parts, which are further divided into
sections.
• Part 1 covers the General and common aspects, which would apply
to all types of electrical installations.
• Part 2 covers the requirements relating to standby or emergency
generating stations and captive substations intended for serving an
individual occupancy and intended to serve a building or a group of
buildings normally housed in and around it.
• Part 3 covers electrical installations in non-industrial buildings. Non-
industrial buildings include domestic dwellings, office buildings,
shopping and commercial centres and institutions, recreational &
assembly buildings, medical establishments, hotels and sports
buildings etc.
 National Electrical Code- 2011
• Part 4 covers electrical installations in industrial buildings.
• Part 5 covers outdoor installations which include public lighting
installations, temporary and permanent outdoor installations.
• Part 6 covers electrical installations in agricultural premises.
• Part 7 covers electrical installations in hazardous areas.
• Part 8 covers solar photovoltaic power supply systems.
 Scope of National Electrical Code- 2011
• The National Electrical Code covers the following:
a) Standard good practices for the selection of various items of electrical
equipment forming part of power system
b) Recommendations concerning safety and related matter in wiring of
electrical installations in buildings or industrial structures, promoting
compatibility between such recommendations and those concerning
the equipment installed.
c) General safety procedures and practices in electrical work
d) Additional precautions to be taken for use of electrical equipment for
special environmental conditions like explosive and active
atmosphere.
 Scope of National Electrical Code- 2011
• The code applies to electrical installations such as those in:
a) Standby/emergency generating plants and building substations
b) Domestic dwellings
c) Office buildings, shopping and commercial centres and institutions
d) Recreation and other public premises
e) Medical establishments
f) Hotels
g) Sports buildings
h) Industrial premises
i) Temporary and permanent outdoor installations
j) Agricultural premises
k) Installations in hazardous areas
l) Solar photovoltaic installations
 Scope of National Electrical Code- 2011
• The code applies to circuits other than the internal wiring of
apparatus.
• The code does not apply to traction, motor vehicles,
installations in rolling-stock, ships, aircraft or installations in
underground mines.
• The code covers only electrical aspects of lightning protection of
buildings and in so far as the effects of lightning on electrical
installations are concerned. It does not cover the lightning
protections aspects from structural safety point of view.
 Scope of National Electrical Code- 2011
• The code is also not intended to apply to
a) Systems of distribution of energy to public
b) Power generation and transmission of such systems.
• The code also does not cover guidelines on the payment for
electrical work done in installations.
Graphical Symbols
Graphical Symbols
Graphical Symbols
Graphical Symbols
Graphical Symbols
 Standard Voltage
• Single Phase, Two Wire System
a) 240𝑉
• Three phase system
a) 415 V (Voltage to neutral 240V)
b) 3.3 kV
c) 6.6 kV
d) 11 kV
e) 22 kV
f) 33kV
g) 66 kV
h) 110kV
i) 132 kV
j) 220 kV
k) 400 kV
 Standard Voltage
• The standard dc distribution voltage shall be 220/440 V.
 Voltage Limit for AC Systems
• The voltage at any point of the system under normal conditions
shall not depart from the declared voltage by more than the
values given below:
a) 6 percent in the case of low or medium voltage
b) 6 percent on the higher side or 9 percent on the lower side in the case
of high voltage;
c) 12.5 percent in the case of extra high voltage.
Voltage Limit for AC Systems
 Standard System Frequency
• The standard system frequency shall be 50 Hz.
 Wiring Installations (Section 9)
• A major portion of fixed installation design in a building relates
to wiring installation.
• This Section of the Code is primarily intended to cover
guidelines on design and construction of wiring installations
which are commonly applicable to all types of occupancies.
• The requirements specified in this Section are based on safety
and reliability considerations.
 Selection of Wiring Systems
• This topic focuses on the design and components of wiring
systems based on environmental and operational requirements.
• Cable and Conductor Types:
a) Use non-flexible cables for low/medium voltage.
b) Flexible cables may be used only where the Code specifies.
• Conduits and Fittings:
a) Conduit systems protect wires and facilitate replacement.
b) Trunking systems are enclosed channels for routing multiple cables.
 Selection of Wiring Systems
• Installation Methods:
a) Non-sheathed cables must be enclosed in conduits or trunking.
b) Consider thermal and mechanical stress during installation.
• External Influences:
a) Address factors like temperature, humidity, water ingress, and
mechanical impacts.
 Voltage Drop and Current-Carrying
Capacity
• This section covers guidelines for ensuring proper voltage levels
and preventing overheating.
• Voltage Drop:
a) The voltage drop from supply to the load should not exceed 4%.
b) Temporary variations (e.g., motor startup) may be allowed but must
be within equipment tolerances.
• Current-Carrying Capacity:
a) Wires must handle maximum expected current without exceeding
permissible temperature limits.
 Distribution Boards and Circuit Design
• Distribution boards are essential for power distribution and
protection.
• Main and Sub-Distribution Boards:
a) Equip boards with circuit breakers or fuses for protection.
b) Surge protection and earth leakage devices are mandatory.
• Circuit Design:
a) Lighting circuits: Up to 10 points with a maximum load of 800W.
b) Power circuits: Maximum two 16A outlets per circuit.
c) Separate circuits for high-power appliances and critical areas like
kitchens and bathrooms.
 Fire Safety and Protection
• This section emphasizes fire prevention and safe wiring
practices.
• Material Selection:
a) Use non-combustible materials for wiring enclosures and supports.
• Fire Barriers:
a) Seal openings in walls and floors to prevent fire spread.
b) Flame-retardant cables are recommended for safety-critical areas.
• Special Enclosures:
a) Distribution boards in explosive or corrosive environments must
meet specific safety standards (e.g., flameproof, weatherproof).
 Proximity to Other Services
• Wiring systems must maintain proper separation from non-
electrical services to ensure safety.
• Separation Guidelines:
a) Keep electrical circuits apart from telecommunication, gas, or water
systems.
b) Protect against potential interference or damage caused by proximity.
• Special Cases:
a) Extra-low voltage circuits (like fire alarms) must be segregated from
higher voltage systems.
 Special Wiring Requirements
• Addresses unique scenarios and safety considerations.
• Critical Areas:
a) Hospitals, theaters, and banks should have multiple circuits to ensure
no total blackout occurs in case of faults.
b) Provide alternate power sources (generators or batteries) for
emergency lighting.
• Outdoor Installations:
a) Use weatherproof cables and proper protection for connections
between buildings.
• Temporary Wiring:
a) Limit load to 1,000W per circuit for temporary installations.
 Maintenance, Testing, and
Documentation
• This topic ensures wiring systems are maintainable and well-
documented.
• Accessibility:
a) Ensure all joints and connections are accessible except for permanent joints.
• Labelling:
a) Distribution boards must be labelled with circuit details (e.g., load served,
cable type, fuse ratings).
• Testing and Maintenance:
a) Connections should be tested periodically, and protective measures
reinstated after maintenance.
• Documentation:
a) Maintain circuit diagrams, load charts, and voltage drop calculations for
every distribution board.
 Short Circuit Calculations (Section 10)
• This covers the guidelines relating to the short circuit withstand
capability of the electrical equipment and to check permissible
voltage drop in cables and flexible cords up to the equipment
terminals.
• The objective of the circuit calculation is to ensure that the
selection of equipment under consideration is designed for safe
and reliable long period of operation.
 Design Considerations
• A complete calculation of the short circuit currents should give
the currents as a function of time at the short circuit location
from the initiation of the short circuit up to its end,
corresponding to the instantaneous value of the voltage at the
beginning of the short circuit.
• In the most practical cases, it is sufficient to determine the rms
value of symmetrical AC component and the peak value 𝑖𝑝 of
the short circuit current following the occurrence of a short
circuit. The value of 𝑖𝑝 depends on time constant of the
decaying aperiodic component 𝑖𝐷𝐶 with frequency depending
on the 𝑋/𝑅 ratio of the short circuit impedance.
 Design Considerations
• For determination of asymmetrical short circuit breaking
current, the decaying aperiodic component 𝑖𝐷𝐶 may be
calculated with sufficient accuracy by:
𝑖𝐷𝐶 = 2𝐼𝑘′′ 𝑒 −2𝜋𝑓𝑡𝜏
where
𝐼𝑘′′ - initial symmetric short circuit current (A)
𝑓- nominal system frequency (Hz)
𝑡- time duration of fault(s), and
𝜏- time constant based on system 𝑋/𝑅
 Design Considerations
• The calculation of maximum and minimum short circuit current
are based on the following considerations:
a) For the duration of the short-circuit, there is no change in the number
of circuits involve, that is, a three phase short-circuit remains as a
three phase and similarly a line-to-earth short-circuit remains line-to-
earth short circuit.
b) Tap changers of the transformers are at nominal position
c) Arc resistances are not taken into account.
 Design Considerations
• In situations where there will be no significant change in ac
component decay due to far distance from generator, short
circuit current can be considered as the sum of the following
two components:
a) The ac component with constant amplitude during the whole short-
circuit.
b) The aperiodic component beginning with initial value 𝐴 and
decaying to zero.
Design Considerations
 Design Considerations
• For the systems where there will be significant change in ac
component due to close location near generator, short-circuit
current can be considered as the sum of the following two
components:
a) The ac component with decaying amplitude during the whole short
circuit.
b) The aperiodic component beginning with initial value 𝐴 and
decaying to zero.
Design Considerations
 Calculation Methods
• Equivalent circuits are to be drawn for the system before
calculation of short-circuit current.
 Balanced Short-Circuit
• The balanced three-phase short-circuit of a three-phase ac
system often leads to the highest values of prospective
(available) short-circuit current and the calculation becomes
particularly simple on account of the balanced nature of the
short circuit.
• In calculating the short-circuit current, it is sufficient to take
into account only the positive sequence short circuit impedance,
𝑍 1 = 𝑍 𝑘 as seen from the fault location.
 Unbalanced Short-Circuit
• The following types of unbalanced (asymmetrical) short-circuits
are to be considered:
a) line-to-line short-circuit without earth connection
b) line-to-line short-circuit with earth connection
c) line-to-earth short-circuit
• In three-phase systems the calculation of the current values
resulting from unbalanced short-circuits is simplified by the use
of the method of symmetrical components which requires the
calculation of three independent system components, avoiding
any coupling of mutual impedances.
 Unbalanced Short-Circuit
• Using this method, the currents in each line are found by
superposing the currents of three symmetrical component
systems:
a) Positive- sequence current 𝐼 1
b) Negative-sequence current 𝐼 2
c) Zero-sequence current 𝐼 0
• Taking the line 𝐿1 as reference, the currents 𝐼𝐿1 , 𝐼𝐿2 and 𝐼𝐿3 are
given by:
𝐼𝐿1 = 𝐼 1 + 𝐼 2 + 𝐼 0
𝐼𝐿2 = 𝑎2 𝐼 1 + 𝑎𝐼 2 + 𝐼 0
𝐼𝐿3 = 𝑎𝐼 1 + 𝑎2 𝐼 2 + 𝐼 0
 Unbalanced Short-Circuit
• Each of the three symmetrical component systems has its own
impedance.
• The method of the symmetrical components postulates that the
system impedances are balanced, for example in the case of
transposed lines.
• The results of the short circuit calculation have an acceptable
accuracy also in the case of un-transposed lines.
 Short-Circuit Impedances
• While calculating the impedances, there shall be clear
distinction between short-circuit impedances at the short-circuit
location and short-circuit impedances of individual electrical
equipment.
• Accordingly the calculations with symmetrical components
namely, positive-sequence, negative sequence and zero-
sequence short-circuit impedances to be performed.
 Effects Due to Short-Circuit
• The electromagnetic effect on rigid and slack (line) conductors.
a) Mechanical forces due to short-circuit currents
b) Stresses in rigid conductors and forces on supports
c) Tensile forces in slack conductors (line conductors)
• Thermal effect on bare conductors
 Mechanical forces due to short-circuit
currents
• Currents in parallel conductors will induce electromagnetic
forces between the conductors.
• When the parallel conductors are long compared to the distance
between them, the forces will act evenly distributed along the
conductors.
• When the currents are in opposite directions the
electromagnetic force is a repulsion which tends to induce
deformations that would increase inductance of the circuit.
 Mechanical forces due to short-circuit
currents
• The value of the force in a given direction can be calculated by
considering the work done in the case of a virtual displacement in
the actual direction.
• As the work is done by the electromagnetic force, it must be equal to
the change in the energy in the magnetic field caused by this virtual
displacement.
• The force between two conductors is proportional to the square of
the current, or to the product of the two currents. As the current is a
function of time, the force will also be a function of time.
• In the case of a short circuit current without a dc component the
force will vary with twice the frequency of the current.
 Mechanical forces due to short-circuit
currents
• A dc component in the short-circuit current will give rise to an
increase of the peak value of the force and to a component of
force varying with the same frequency as the current.
• The peak value of the force is of particular interest in the case of
mechanically rigid structures.
• The force will result in bending stress on rigid conductors,
tension stress and deflection in flexible conductors and bending,
compression or tension loads on the supports.
Stresses in rigid conductors and forces on
supports
• The conductors may be supported in different manners, either fixed
or simple or in a combination of both, and may have two, three, four
or several supports.
• Depending on the kind of support and the number of supports, the
stress in the conductors and the forces on the supports will be
different for the same short-circuit current.
• The stresses in the conductors and the forces on supports also
depend on the ratio between the natural frequency of the mechanical
system and the frequency of the electromagnetic force.
• Especially in the case of resonance, or near to resonance, the stresses
and forces in the system may be amplified.
 Tensile forces in slack conductors (line
conductors)
• A short-circuit current in a slack conductor will cause a tensile
force in the conductor which will affect insulators, support
structures and apparatus.
• It is necessary to distinguish between the tensile force during
short-circuit and the tensile force after short circuit, when the
conductor falls back to its initial position.
 Thermal effect on bare conductors
• The heating of conductors due to short-circuit currents involves
several phenomena of a non-linear character and other factors
that have to be either neglected or approximated in order to
make a mathematical approach possible.
• For the purpose of this calculation, the following assumptions
can been made:
a) Proximity-effect (magnetic influence of nearby parallel conductors)
has been disregarded.
b) Resistance-temperature characteristic has been assumed linear.
c) The specific heat of the conductor is considered constant.
d) The heating is generally considered adiabatic.
 Calculation of temperature rise
• The loss of heat from a conductor during the short circuit is
very low, and the heating can generally be considered adiabatic.
Hence the calculation for this can also be based on adiabatic
conditions.
• When repeated short-circuits occur with a short-time interval
between them (that is rapid auto-reclosure) the cooling down in
the short dead-time is of relatively low importance, and the
heating can still be considered adiabatic.
• In cases where the dead-time interval is of longer duration (that
is delayed auto-reclosure) the heat loss may be taken into
account.
 Calculation of temperature rise
• The calculation need not take into account the skin effect, that is
the current is regarded as evenly distributed over the conductor
cross-section area.
• This approximation is not valid for large cross-sections, and
therefore for cross-sections above 600 𝑚𝑚2 the skin effect shall
be taken into account.
 Calculation of thermal equivalent short
circuit current
• The thermal equivalent short-circuit current is to be calculated
using the short-circuit current r.m.s. value and the factors m and
n for the time-dependent heat effects of the dc and ac
components of the short-circuit current
• The thermal equivalent short-circuit current can be expressed
by:
𝐼𝑡ℎ = 𝐼𝑘′′ 𝑚 + 𝑛
where 𝑚 and 𝑛 are numerical factors, 𝐼𝑘′′ the rms value of the
initial symmetrical short-circuit current.
 Calculation of thermal equivalent short
circuit current
• In a three-phase system, the balanced three-phase short-circuit is decisive.
• The values of 𝑚 and 𝑛 are usually defined as functions of the duration of the
short-circuit current.
• For a distribution network usually 𝑛 = 1
• When a number of short-circuits occur with a short time interval in between, the
resulting thermal equivalent short-circuit current is obtained from:
𝑛
1 2
𝐼𝑡ℎ = ෍ 𝐼𝑡ℎ𝑖 𝑇𝑘𝑖
𝑇𝑘
𝑖=1
𝑛

𝑇𝑘 = ෍ 𝑇𝑘𝑖
𝑖=1
 Calculation of the thermal short-circuit
strength for different durations of the short
circuit current
• Electrical equipment has sufficient thermal short-circuit
strength as long as the following relations hold for the thermal
equivalent short-circuit current 𝐼𝑡ℎ :
𝐼𝑡ℎ ≤ 𝐼𝑡ℎ𝑟 for 𝑇𝑘 ≤ 𝑇𝑘𝑟

𝑇𝑘𝑟
𝐼𝑡ℎ < 𝐼𝑡ℎ𝑟 for 𝑇𝑘 > 𝑇𝑘𝑟
𝑇𝑘
 Calculation of the thermal short-circuit
strength for different durations of the short
circuit current
• The thermal short-circuit strength for a bare conductor is
sufficient when the thermal equivalent short-circuit current
density 𝑆𝑡ℎ satisfies the following relation:
𝑇𝑘𝑟
𝑆𝑡ℎ < 𝑆𝑡ℎ𝑟
𝑇𝑘