4. Electrical accessories.

INTRODUCTION
An electrical domestic accessory is a basic part used in wiring either for protection and
adjustment or for the control of the electrical circuits or for a combination of these functions.
Rating of accessories.
The standard current ratings of the accessories are 5, 15 and 30 amps. The voltage
rating is 250V AC.
The accessories rating shall be 240V and 6 , 16 or 32 amps from the year 1991, instead
of 250V and 5 or 15, 30 amps as per B.I.S. 1293-1988.

Construction of accessories.
These accessories should be provided with complete enclosures, which shall afford
adequate protection against accidental contact with all live parts. the parts and the materials
normally used are as shown in Table 1.

Table 1
Sr. No.

Part
Base

Materials
Vitrified, ceramic material or nonignitable

1.

moulded,

insulating

material. e.g. Bakelite.

Covers, cover-plate and actuating Tough
2.

member (knob).

non-ignitable

insulating

materials. e.g. Bakelite (Knob may

be of metal but should be insulated
from the live parts).

3.
4.
5.

Springs

Corrosion- resistance metal.

Terminals

Plated brass terminal posts and

screws.

Attachment fitting screws and other

Mild

steel,

aluminum

non-current carrying parts.

insulating material.

alloy

or

Mounting of accessories.
The accessories are designed to be mounted either on the surface or may be concealed (flush
type).
Surface mounting type.
Accessories are provided with a seating so that when mounted they project wholly above the
surface on which they are mounted.

Flush-mounting type.

These accessories are designed to mount behind or incorporated with a switch plate, the back
of the plate being flush with the surface of the wall or switch box.
The electrical accessories used in wiring installation are classified according to their uses.
1) Controlling accessories.
2) Holding accessories.
3) Safety accessories.
4) Outlet accessories.
5) General accessories.

1. CONTROLLING ACCESSORIES
The accessories, which are used to control the circuits or an electrical point like switches are
called controlling accessories. All the switches are specified in accordance with their function, place
of used, type of mounting, current capacity and working voltage. For example S.P.T. (Single pole
tumbler) flush-mounted switch 5 amps 250 volts.
Types of switches according to their function and place of use.
1)
Single pole, one-way switch.
2)
Single pole, two-way switch.
3)
Intermediate switch.
4)
Bell push or push-button switch.
5)
Pull or ceiling switch.
6)
Double pole switch (D.P. Switches).
7)
Double pole, iron clad (D.P.I.C.) switch.
8)
Three-pole, iron clad (T.P.I.C.) switch.
Of the above 1,2,3,4 and 6 may be either surface mounting type or flush-mounting type.
Single pole, one-way switch.
This is a two terminal device, capable of making and breaking a single circuit only. A knob is
provided to make or break the circuit. It is used for controlling light or fan or 5 amps socket circuit.
One-way switch is as shown in fig. 1.

Fig.1 5 AMP SINGLE-WAY SURFACE MOUNTING SWITCH

WITH PORCELAIN BASE (COVER REMOVED)

Single pole, two-way switch.

This is a three terminal device capable of making or breaking two connections from a single
position as shown in fig.2. These switches are used in staircase lighting where one lamp is controlled
from two places. Though four terminals could be seen, two are short-circuited and only three
terminals are available for connection.

Fig.2a : 5 AMP 2-WAY SURFACE MOUNTING

SWITCH WITH PORCELAIN BASE

However, both single way and two-way switches with their cover look alike as shown in fig.2b
but can be differentiated by looking at the bottom. Single way switches will have two terminal posts
where as two-way switches will have four terminal posts.

Fig.2b : A PORCELAIN BASED SWITCH WITH A METAL CAP

Intermediate switch.
This is a four-terminal device capable of making or breaking two connections from two
positions as shown in fig.3. This switch is used to control a lamp from three or more positions.

Fig.3 : Positions of Intermediate Switch

Bell push or push-button switch.
This is a two-terminal device having a spring-loaded button. When pushed it makes the circuit
temporarily and attains break position when released.

Pull or ceiling switch (Pendent switch).

This switch shown in fig.4 is normally a two terminal device functioning as a one-way switch to
make or break a circuit.
This switch is mounted on ceilings. As the user can operate the switch from a distance through
the insulated cord, this can be used safely for operating water heaters in bathrooms or fan or lights in
bedrooms.

Fig.4 Ceiling Switch.

Double pole switch (D.P. Switch).
This is a switch with two poles, the two poles being mechanically coupled together. It is
operated with a knob. It is also provided with a fuse and a neutral link. These switches are used as
main switches to control main or branch circuits in domestic installation.
Double pole iron clad main switch.
This switch shown in fig.5 is also referred to as D.P.I.C. switch and is mainly used for singlephase domestic installations, to control the main supply. It controls phase and neutral of the supply
simultaneously. This switch consists of fuse-carriers. The one in the phase circuit is wired with the
fuse and the other in neutral is linked with a brass plate or thick copper wire. These switches should
be earthed properly to safeguard the user. The current rating of the switch varies from 15 amps to 200
amperes.
Specification of these switches should have:
- Current rating.
- Voltage rating.
- Type of enclosure.
(Sheet steel or cast iron).

Fig.5 D.P.I.C. MAIN SWITCH

Triple (three) pole iron clad main switch.
This is shown in fig.6 and is also referred to as TPIC switch and is used in large domestic
installation and also in 3-phase power circuits, the switch consists of 3 fuse carriers, one for each
phase. Neutral connection is also possible as some switches are provided with a neutral link inside
the casing.

Fig.6 : ICTP SWITCH FUSE

These switches need to be earthed through an earth terminal or screw provided in the outer
casing.
The current rating of the switch varies from 15 A to 400 amps. Specification of these switches
should have

Current rating

Voltage rating

Type of enclosure (sheet steel or cast iron)

Whether with neutral link or otherwise

Re-wireable type fuse carriers or HRC type fuse carriers

2. HOLDING ACCESSORIES
Lamp-holders.
A lamp-holder is used to hold a lamp. Earlier, brass holders were most commonly used but
now a days these have been replaced by bakelite holders. These may contain solid or hollow spring
contact terminals. Four types of lamp-holders are mainly available.
Bayonet cap lamp-holders.
Screw type holders.
Edison screw type lamp-holders.
Goliath screw type lamp-holders.
According to the Bureau of Indian Standard, 732, clause 5.8, all incandescent lamps, unless
hung at a height of 2.5m (8ft), shall be provided with standard bayonet holders for lamps up to and
including 200 watts. For lamp powers above 200W and up to 300 watts Edison screw holders are to
be used and for above 300 watts Goliath screw holders are to be used.
Bayonet cap lamp-holders.
In this type, the bulb is fitted into the slot, and is held in position by means of two pins in the
lamp cap. It has solid or hollow spring contact terminals, and the supply mains through the switch are
connected to these contacts. In Bayonet cap types there are two grooves on the circular construction
of all types of holders. The groove and the contact terminals are at right angle to each other. In these
types of holders, the lamp is inserted, forced in, turned slightly and then left in position. These holders
ca be classified further as explained below.
Pendent lamp-holders.

Fig.7 : PENDENT LAMP HOLDER

This holder shown in fig.7 is used in places where the lamps are required in a hanging
position. These holders are made of either brass or bakelite. An exploded view of this holder shows
the parts of the holder. These holders are used along with ceiling roses for suspending the lamps from
the ceiling.
Batten lamp-holders
Batten holder, shown in Fig. 8 is used on a flat surface on the round block, wooden board etc.
these holders are made of either brass or bakelite.

Fig.8 : BATTEN HOLDER

Angle holders.
This holder, shown in fig.9 is to hold the lamp in a particular angle. These are made of either
brass or bakelite. These are used for advertising boards, window display, kitchens, etc.

Fig.9: ANGLE HOLDER

Bracket holders.
This holder, shown in fig.10, is used with a bracket. These are made of brass and are used to
give direct light to a particular place.

Fig.10 : BRACKET HOLDER

These are fixed on the bracket by the internal threading of the cap.

Tube light or fluorescent lamp-holders and starter-holders.

Generally the fluorescent lamp-holders are of a bi-pin type. Fig.11 shows a holder for the
fluorescent lamp, a holder for the starter and a combined holder for the tube and starter.

Fig.11 Holders

Edison screw-type lamp-holders.

In this type, the holder is provided with inner screw threads and the lamp is fitted in it by
screwing. It has a center contact, which is connected to the live wire, and the screwed cap is
connected to the neutral wire.
For lamps with wattage above 200W and not exceeding 300W, Edison screw-type holders are
used.
Edison screw lamp holders have spring-loaded central contact to ensure good contact. An
Edison screw-type holder is shown in fig.12.

Fig.12

: EDISON SCREW TYPE HOLDER

Goliath Edison screw-type holders (fig.13).

The cover of this type of holder is made of porcelain. Such holders are used in studios,
headlights, floodlights, focusing lights, etc.
These holders are used for lamps with wattage more than 300W.

Fig.13 : GOLIATH EDISON SCREW LAMP-HOLDER

Swivel lamp-holders.
The swivel lamp-holder is designed for wide-angle directional lighting, which is used for the
lighting of shop windows, showcases, etc. It consists of a ball and socket joint fitted in bayonet cap
type, small bayonet cap type and Edison screw type. All these type of holders are also available for
wall fixing patterns or ceiling pattern.

One type of swivel lamp-holders is shown in fig.14

Fig.14 : ANGLE SWIVEL LAMP-HOLDER

Specification of a lamp-holder.
While specifying the lamp-holders, the type of material used for construction, type of gripping,
type of mounting, working current and voltages should also be specified.

3. SAFETY ACCESSORIES
A fuse is a safety accessory. It is connected in series with the circuit and protects the electrical
apparatus and equipment from damage, when excess current flows.
There are several types of fuses used in the electrical field. But the kit-kat type fuse is
commonly used in domestic installation. While specifying fuses in general, their type, current capacity
and working voltage should also be specified.

Types of fuses.
Kit-Kat type (Rewirable fuse)
Ironclad fuse cut out.
Kit-Kat type fuse.
These are the ones mostly used in domestic installations. This fuse consists of a porcelain
base having two fixed contacts, for connecting the incoming and outgoing cables. The bottom part of
the fuse is called the base and the top is called the fuse-carrier. The line and load wires are
connected in the base terminals and the carrier is provided with a fuse, as shown in fig.15. The base
is fixed but the carrier is removable.

Fig.15 : KIT-KAT FUSE

ADVANTAGES.
Easy to rewire the fuse.
Very cheap to replace the fuse wire.
These kit-kat fuses are meant for low rupturing capacity, and not suitable for power circuits.
They are capable of delivering enormous amount of power in case of short circuit.
Ironclad fuse cut outs (fig.16).
These are kit-Kat fuses in an iron cover. The iron cover has facility to be closed and sealed
with a lead seal. This is used at the incoming side of the power supply and sealed by the supply
authorities to ensure the line is not loaded beyond a certain prescribed current capacity.

Fig.16 : IRON-CLAD CUT OUT

4. OUTLET ACCESSORIES
These accessories are used to take the supply for the portable appliances like table fans, TV,
electric irons, etc.
Socket outlet current rating.

The standard ratings shall be 5,15 and 30 amperes and 240 volts. The following types are
normally used for domestic purposes. They have to be specified according to the mounting type,
number of pins, current capacity and voltage.
Two-pin socket.
This socket is rated as 5A, 250V having only two pins without earth connection. These are
suitable only for double insulated appliances (having PVC or insulated body).
Two-pin plug.
It is used for taking the supply from the socket. It has got two pins of the same size.
Three-pin socket.
This type of socket is suitable for light and power circuits. These sockets are rated as 5A,
250V or 15A, 250V and are available as surface-mounting type and flush type. They are shown in
fig.17. There are three terminals marked as line (L) Neutral (N) and Earth (E). The line terminal is
always on the right hand side, the neutral terminal on the left hand side, and the top is the earth
terminal which is larger in diameter. In all the cases, the earth wire must be connected to the earth
terminal of the socket.

Fig. 17 THREE-PIN SOCKET

Three-pin plug.
It is used for taking the supply from the socket. It has three pins. Two are similar in size and
the third one is bigger and longer which is for earth as shown in fig.18. These are also rated as 5A,
250V or 15A, 250V. These are made of Bakelite, PVC materials.
A socket, which is controlled by a switch, is also available. Multi-pin sockets are also available
which are suitable for 2 pins and 3 pins having 5 holes in one unit. Further multi-pin sockets for 3 pin
of 5 amps and 15 amps are also available having 6 holes in one unit.

Fig.18 : THREE PIN PLUG

5. GENERAL ACCESSORIES
Some of the accessories used for general and special purposes are:
Appliance connectors (or) iron connectors.
Adapters.
Ceiling roses
a) Two-plate
b) Three-plate
Connectors
Distribution board
Neutral links.
Appliance connectors or iron connectors.
These are used as female connectors to supply current to electric kettles, electric iron,
hotplate, heaters, etc. It is made of bakelite or porcelain. The wires are connected with two brass
terminals and the earth connection is provided with a twin nickel spring. The cable entry has a rubber
protection type. These are rated as 15A, 250V.
Some different types of iron connectors are shown in fig.19.

Fig.19 : IRON CONNECTER

Adaptor.
An adaptor is shown in fig.20 . They are used for taking supply from a lamp holder for small
appliances. They are made out of bakelite. They are available in ratings up to 5A, 250V.

Fig.20 : ADAPTOR

Adaptors with multiple plugs are also available for taking supply to a number of appliances
from a single point.
These adaptors should not be used in bathrooms or other damp places.
Ceiling roses.
Ceiling roses are used to provide tapping points from the wiring for supplying power to fans,
pendent-holders, tube lights, etc. Normally flexible wires are used for tapping from the ceiling roses.
Ceiling roses have two parts, base and cover, both made of bakelite. The cover has a hole in
the center for the connecting wires to be taken out. There are threading on the internal sides so that
the cover may be fixed or tightened with the base. The base has terminals and holes for fixing on the
block, etc. and for wires to connect with the supply. Two types of ceiling roses are in use.
Two-plate ceiling rose (fig.21)
This is made of bakelite and it has 2 terminals (phase & neutral) which are separated from
each other by a bakelite bridge. Each of the terminal plates is provided with a metallic sleeve and a
binding screw on one side through which the circuit wires from the back via the mounting block enters
them. The other side of the terminal plate is provided with a washer and screw for tapping wire
connection. The two-plate ceiling rose is used for 5A, 250V current capacity. It is not used in circuits
whose voltage exceeds 250V.

Fig.21 : 2-PLATE CEILING ROSE

Three-plate ceiling rose (fig.22)

Fig.23 : Three Plate Ceiling Rose

This type of ceiling rose has 3 terminals, which are separated from each other by a Bakelite
bridge. It can be used for two purposes.

 Bunch light control.

To provide tapping for phase wire
These ceiling roses are available in the rating of 5A, 250V.
Connectors (fig.24)

Fig.23 : Connector

Connectors are used to extend the length of the wire without jointing. They are made of
porcelain, bakelite or PVC based material. There is a brass sleeve with threading for small screws to
tighten the wire in the sleeves as shown in figure. These are available in single way, two-way, threeway, six-way, 12-way types. These are rated according to the current and voltage capacity 5A,
250V, 15A 250V, 30A 250V, 15A 500V, 30 A 500V,etc.
Distribution board (fig.24)
These are used where the total load is high and is to be divided into a number of circuits.
These are used where the load is more than 300W. The number of fuses in the board is according to
the number of circuits, and a neutral link is also provided so that the neutral wire can be taken for
different circuits. All these branch fuses are enclosed in a metal box. These boards are available as
two-way, three-way. 4,6,12-way types as shown in figure 24.

Fig. 24 Distribution Board

Neutral link.
In a three-phase system of wiring installations, the phases are controlled through switches,
and the neutral is tapped through a link called neutral link. The neutral link consists of a terminal for
incoming current and a multi-way outgoing circuit. The metal terminals are mounted on high grade
vitreous porcelain base. (Fig.26). The ratings are 15A, 30A, 60A, 100A neutral link.

Fig.25: NEUTRAL LINK

The accessories rating shall be 240V and 6 or 16 amps from the year 1991, instead of 250V a
5 or 15 amps as per BIS 1293-1988.