Types of wiring

1) Give the approximate cost of (a) ceiling rose (b) choke for tube light (c) distribution
board (d) plug and socket (e) socket outlet.

➢ Ceiling Rose: ₹45–₹100 per piece, depending on the brand and quality.
➢ Choke for Tube Light: ₹250–₹350 for a standard electronic choke.
➢ Distribution Board: ₹800–₹2,500 for basic models, depending on the number of ways and
features.
➢ Plug and Socket: ₹150–₹300 for basic models, with industrial-grade options costing more.
➢ Socket Outlet: ₹50–₹650, varying based on type and specifications

2) Explain the cleat wiring. Give its advantages and disadvantages.

Cleat Wiring is one of the oldest and simplest methods of wiring. It involves using insulated wires,
such as PVC or VIR (Vulcanized India Rubber), which are supported by cleats made of porcelain,
plastic, or wood. These cleats have two halves: one part is fixed to the wall or ceiling, and the other
is used to hold the wire in place by screwing it down.

Advantages of Cleat Wiring:

1. Cost-Effective: It's inexpensive compared to other wiring systems.

2. Simple Installation: The setup is straightforward and requires minimal effort.

3. Flexibility: The wiring can be easily modified or reused as needed.

4. Accessibility: Since the wires are surface-mounted, they are easy to inspect and maintain.

Disadvantages of Cleat Wiring:

1. Temporary Use: This wiring method is not suitable for permanent installations.

2. Low Aesthetic Appeal: Exposed wires and cleats can be unsightly.

3. Unsuitable for Damp Conditions: Offers minimal protection against moisture and
mechanical damage.

4. Limited Durability: The wires are prone to wear and tear over time due to external
exposure.

5. Safety Risks: It doesn’t provide adequate protection against fire or electrical hazards.

Due to its limitations, cleat wiring is rarely used in modern installations and is mostly suitable
for temporary or low-cost setups. Let me know if you'd like to explore other wiring methods!
3) What are the types of power wiring used in domestic wiring.

In domestic wiring, several types of power wiring systems are used to distribute electricity
efficiently and safely. Here are the common types:

1. Cleat Wiring:

o Uses insulated wires supported on porcelain, wood, or plastic cleats.

o Suitable for temporary installations but not commonly used in modern homes.
2. Batten Wiring:

o Employs TRS (Tough Rubber Sheathed) cables fixed on wooden battens with
clips.

o Durable and cost-effective but less aesthetically pleasing.

3. Casing and Capping Wiring:

o Wires are enclosed in a wooden or PVC casing with a capping for protection.

o Provides good insulation and protection but is less common today.

4. Conduit Wiring:

o Wires are drawn through metal or PVC conduits, which can be surface-mounted
or concealed.

o Offers excellent protection and is widely used in modern homes.

4) What are the important rules for domestic wiring installation.

1. Adherence to Standards:

o Ensure all wiring complies with national or local electricity regulations (e.g.,
Indian Electricity Rules or NEC).

2. Proper Circuit Division:

o Divide lighting and power circuits separately.

o Avoid overloading any single circuit; typically, no more than 10 points on a

lighting circuit or a 3000W load on a power circuit.

3. Use of Proper Wire Types:

o Use wires with appropriate insulation and current-carrying capacity.
 o Prefer PVC-insulated copper conductors for durability and safety.

4. Earthing:

o All electrical equipment and appliances must be properly earthed to prevent

electric shocks.

o The earth wire should be separate for power and lighting circuits.

5. Protective Devices:

o Install MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) or RCCBs (Residual Current Circuit

Breakers) for protection against overloads, short circuits, and earth faults.

6. Concealed vs. Surface Wiring:

o Concealed wiring is preferred for aesthetics and safety.

o Use conduits (PVC or metal) for additional protection.

7. Wire Color Coding:

o Follow standard color codes: Red for live, black for neutral, and green for earth
(or as per local standards).

8. Proper Connections:

o Ensure all joints and connections are securely tightened and properly insulated.

o Use junction boxes for wire splicing.

9. Switch and Socket Placement:

o Install switches and sockets at convenient heights (typically 1.5m for switches,
0.5m for sockets in homes).

o Use 3-pin sockets for appliances to allow for proper earthing.

10. Load Balancing:

o Distribute loads evenly across all circuits to prevent overloading and enhance
efficiency.
11. Avoid Sharp Bends:

o Avoid sharp bends in wiring to maintain conductor integrity.

12. Testing:

o Test the entire wiring installation after completion to verify functionality and
safety before use.
5) What are the guidelines for the installation of fitting of switch, Sockets, light points and
fans.

1. Switch Installation

• Height: Install switches at a standard height of 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) above the
floor for easy accessibility.

• Placement: Place switches near doorways or entrances, ensuring they are easily
reachable.

• Orientation: Ensure switches are properly aligned and fixed firmly to avoid loose
connections.
• Type: Use appropriate switches for different loads, e.g., 6A switches for lights and fans,
and 16A switches for high-power appliances.

• Earthing: Ensure switches are connected to an earthing system to prevent electrical

shocks.

2. Socket Installation

• Height: Sockets should be installed at around 0.3 meters (1 foot) from the floor for
general use and at around 1.2 meters (4 feet) for kitchen or countertop appliances.

• Type: Use 3-pin sockets for appliances to ensure proper earthing. For heavier loads, use
16A sockets.

• Placement: Install sockets strategically, avoiding areas where they may come into contact
with water (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens).

• Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between sockets to accommodate multiple plugs

without overcrowding.

3. Light Point Installation

• Position: Install light points at central or strategic locations for optimal illumination.

• Switch Control: Ensure each light point has a dedicated switch for control.

• Height: Wall-mounted light points should be at least 2.1 meters (7 feet) from the floor to
prevent accidental contact.

• Wiring: Use concealed or well-protected conduit wiring for aesthetics and safety.

4. Ceiling Fan Installation

• Height: The fan blades should be at least 2.4 meters (8 feet) above the floor for safety.
 • Distance from Ceiling: Maintain a distance of at least 0.3 meters (1 foot) between the
ceiling and fan blades to ensure proper air circulation.

• Position: Place the fan centrally in the room for uniform airflow.

• Mounting: Use secure fan hooks or mounts to prevent vibrations or accidents.

• Regulator: Install the fan regulator near the fan switch for speed control.

6) What are the types of plugs used in electrical connection to any appliances.
1. Two-Pin Plug

• Consists of two flat or round pins for live and neutral connections.
• Commonly used for low-power appliances like phone chargers or table lamps.

• No provision for earthing.

2. Three-Pin Plug

• Includes three pins: live, neutral, and earth.

• Provides added safety due to the earth pin, used for appliances like refrigerators, irons, or
computers.

3. Industrial Plugs
• Designed for heavy-duty applications and high currents.

• Often larger, with a robust design for durability in industrial environments.

4. USB Plug

• Includes integrated USB connectors for powering electronic devices like phones or
cameras.

• Convenient for low-voltage applications.

5. Multi-Pin Plug

• Features multiple pins to accommodate specialized equipment or devices with unique

power requirements.

6. Round-Pin Plug

• Typically used in older wiring systems or specific appliances.

• Still seen in some regions and used for applications requiring high currents.
7. Flat-Pin Plug

• Common in regions like the U.S. and Canada.

• Features flat, rectangular pins designed for specific socket types.

8. Universal Plug
• Compatible with multiple socket designs, making it ideal for travelers.

7) What do you mean by conduit wiring. Explain its advantages.

Conduit wiring is a method of electrical wiring where wires are enclosed in a protective tube
called a conduit. The conduit can be made of metal or non-metallic materials (e.g., PVC) and
serves as a shield for the wires, providing safety and durability. Conduit wiring is commonly
used in both domestic and industrial installations due to its robust protection.

Types of Conduit Wiring

1. Surface Conduit Wiring: The conduits are fixed on the surface of walls or ceilings with
the help of clamps or saddles.
2. Concealed Conduit Wiring: The conduits are embedded inside walls or ceilings,
providing a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing look.
Advantages of Conduit Wiring

1. Enhanced Safety: Protects wires from mechanical damage, moisture, and chemicals,
reducing the risk of fire or short circuits.
2. Durability: Conduits provide a sturdy shield, increasing the longevity of the wiring
system.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Particularly with concealed wiring, it offers a neat and clean
appearance.

4. Flexibility: Makes it easier to replace or repair wires without damaging walls or ceilings.
5. Protection Against External Factors: Shields wires from external disturbances like rodents
or accidental impacts.
6. Load Capacity: Suitable for high-load applications due to its robust design.

7. Compliance with Standards: Meets most modern safety and regulatory standards for
electrical installations.
8. Fire Resistance: Metal conduits offer better fire resistance compared to other wiring
systems.
 Calculation of Load
Length of cable:

From energy meter (EM) to fuse = 1 m

From fuse to main switch = 5 m

From main switch to distribution board

(DB) = 2 m

From DB to circuit 1 and 2 = 2 × 2 = 4 m

Phase wire required = 1 + 5 + 2 + 4 = 12 m

Neutral wire required = 12 m (same as

phase)

Earth wire required = 12 m (same as phase)

Total wire required = 12 + 12 + 12 = 36 m

Wastage = 20 % of 36 m = 7.2 m

Total wire required (inc. wastage) = 36 + 8 = 44 m (approx.)

Estimation and Costing of House Wiring

Example: Figure shows the plan of a
newly constructed modern residential
flat, the flat is to be provided with
electrical connections. The wiring
should be of concealed type. The
position of electrical points is shown in
figure.

(a) Decide the number of subcircuits

following IE rules and show them
in installation plan.
(b) Determine the size of wire.
(c) Calculate the length of wire and
conduit required.
(d) Prepare the estimate of wiring
showing wiring layout.
Solution:
 Total number of light points = 8

Total number of fan points = 5

Total number of power points = 2

Total light and fan load = (8 × 60) + (5 × 100) = 980 Watts

Power load = 2 × 1000 = 2000 Watts

As the light load is 980 watts and total outlet is 13 (which is more than 10), therefore 2 subcircuits
are required for fan and light load and 1 is for power load.
Total number of subcircuits required = 3

Now, plan of wiring including the distribution of sub circuit is prepared, indicating position of
switch boards.

Lamp Fan Power

Sub circuit-1 L3, L4, L5 F1, F2, F3 -
Sub circuit-2 L1, L2, L6, L7, L8 F4, F5 -
Sub circuit-3 - - P1, P2
Now calculate the wire length of each sub circuit.

Length of sub circuit 1 = 4 + 5 + 3.5 + 3 + 3 =

18.5 m (wire used for main wiring)

Wire required for switch board to lamp and fan

=2m

= 2 × no. of lamp and fan

= 2 × 6 = 12 m

Total phase wire required for sub circuit 1 = 18.5

+ 12 = 30.5 m

Total wire required including neutral for sub

circuit 1 = 30.5 × 2 = 61 m

Wastage = 20% × 61 = 12.2 m

Total wire required including wastage for sub

circuit 1 = 61 + 12.2 = 73.2 ≈ 74 m

Total earth wire required for sub circuit 1 = 30.5

≈ 31 m
Length of sub circuit 2,
Length of wire for lamp (L2) = 7 m

Length of wire for lamp (L6) = 8 m

Length of wire for lamp (L7) = 5 m

Length of sub circuit 2 = 7 + 8 + 5 = 20 m (wire used for main wiring)

Wire required for switch board to lamp and fan = 2 m

= 2 × no. of lamp and fan

= 2 × 7 = 14 m

Total phase wire required for sub circuit 2 = 20 + 14 = 34 m

Total wire required including neutral for sub circuit 2 = 34 × 2 = 68 m

Wastage = 20% × 68 = 13.6 m

Total wire required including wastage for sub circuit 2 = 68 + 13.6 = 81.6 ≈ 82 m

Total earth wire required for sub circuit 1 = 34 m

Length of sub circuit 3 = 4 + 5 + 3.5 + 3 = 15.5 m (wire used for main wiring)

Total wire required including neutral for sub circuit 3 = 15.5 × 2 = 31 m

Wastage = 20% × 31 = 6.2 m

Total wire required including wastage for sub circuit 3 = 31 + 6.2 = 37.2 ≈ 38 m

Total earth wire required for sub circuit 3 = 15.5 ≈ 16 m

Total wire required for all sub circuits = 74 (sub circuit 1) + 82 (sub circuit 2) + 38 (sub circuit 3)
= 194 m

Total earth wire required for all sub circuits = 31 (sub circuit 1) + 34 (sub circuit 2) + 16 (sub
circuit 3) = 81 m

Length of conduit required is same as length of wire required = 194 m

Now prepare the schedule of material:

S. No. Specification of Material Unit Quantity Rate Amount

1. Double pole iron clad main switch 16 A, 250 No. 1 45 45
V
2. I.C. distribution fuse board 16 A, 250 V No. 1 80 80
3. Conduit 19 mm heavy gauge m 200 9 1800
4. Conduit bends 19 mm No. 40 2.5 100
5. 1.5 mm2 single core PVC cable m 200 8 1600
6. 14 SWG GI wire (earth wire) m 100 5 500
7. Earthing thimble with nuts and bolts No. 5 15 75
8. Switch one way 5 Amps No. 15 12 180
9. 5 Amps socket No. 5 10 50
10. Switch one way 16 Amps No. 2 20 40
11. 15 Amps socket No. 2 15 30
12. Ceiling rose, two plate PVC No. 5 5 25
13. Lamp holder No. 8 20 160
14. Steel screw:
(1) 1.90 cm × 8 SWG No. 250 0.50 125
(2) 5.08 cm × 4 SWG No. 250 0.30 75
15. Cement, Sand, paint, etc. 500
Total 5385
Labour cost @ 60 per point 15 × 60 = 900
Contingencies @ 5% 6285 × 5% =
314
Grand Total 6599