Chapter – 2 Electrical Wiring Accessories.
Introduction :-
Electricity requires and electric path to flow and there are many conducting materials used for this purpose. There
are many conducting materiasl used for this purpose. There are many semi- conducting materials which are used to
reduce the voltage and also drop the current flow. There are non-conducting materials which are used as insulation
during working on live-lines. In this unit we will study the household or industrial wiring is done and what materials
are essential for household or industrial wiring. We will also study the different types of wiring and how they is done.
Identifying and selecting the wiring materials and components. :-
Wiring Materials :-
Electrical wire is made of materials like copper, aluminium and silver. As silver is expensive, mostely copper and
aluminium are used in wiring.
Materials are classified into three types according to their properties.
1. conducting Materials
2. Insulating Materials.
3. Semiconducting Materials.
Conducting Materials :-
a) Copper :- It is a good conductor of electricity It is used in wiring materials , in cables. Its has low resistance and is
used for ad is used for conduction of electricity at high, low and medium voltage. It is used in wiring and cable
making.
b) Aluminium :- It is light weight and cheaper in comparision to copper. Therefore this type of conducting material is
mostelyused in electrical wiring. It is silvery-white in colour and it has a soft texture. It is offten used in wiring and
making cable.
Insulating Materials :-
Insulatinh materials are used for insulating purpose. These types of materials are bad conductors of current. For
example- robber , plastic , wodd , glass , mica, cotton etc.
Wiring Accessories :-
Different wiiring accessories are used for connecting appliances. Wiring accessories are classified as-
1. Controlling Accessories/Devices :- In wiring the device which is used to control the electric circuit is called
contorlling accessories/devices. Ex- All types of switches.
2. Holding Accessories/Devices :- Ii wiring the device which is used to hold the electric accessories is called
holding devices. Ex – Holder.
3. Safety Accessories/Devices :- In wiring the device which is used for safety purpose is called safety devices.
Ex- Fuse, MCB, ELCB etc.
4. General Accessories/ Devices :- Ceiling Rose, Sockets, Plugs, Distribution board etc.
( a ) Switch :-
A switch is used to make or brake an electric circuit. It controls the electric circuit I No or OFF conditions. Switch
is always connect to phase/live wire.Following are the various type of switches.
1) Surface Switch
2) Flush Switch
3) Grid Switch.
4) Rotary Switch
5) Pull Switch or ceiling switch
6) Bed switch
7) Push button switch
8) Main Switch.
9) Knife switch
10) Fan regulator switch.
1. Surface Switch :-
These switches are mounted on the boards ,fixed the over the surface of the wall. It is of three types.
a) One-way switch
b) Two-way switch
c) Inermediate switch.
a) One-way switch ( S.P.switch ) :- It is used to control single circuits and lamps. This switches is provided with
a single pole to control the electric circuit.
b) Two-way switch :- It is used to divert the flow of current to either of two directions. The two-way switches
can also be used to control one lamp from two different places as in the case of stair case wiring.
c) Intermediate switch :- It is used to control a lamp from more than two locations.
2) Flush Switch / Piano type /Moduler type :- It is used for decorative purposes .These switches are fixed in flush
with the wall and do not project out .Such types are used where high quality performance and appearance are
desired. Now a-days in every new built house such types of are used . These switches are called piano type
switches. All these switches are made for 5A,250V, and 15A, 25oV.
3) Grid Switches :- The grid switches are used for the portable machines such as hand drill m/c, grinder etc.
One-way switches dia.
Two-way switches dia.
Intermediate switch dia. Fan regulator switch. dia. Grid switch. dia.
4) Rotary Switches :- These switches are much different from the ordinary tumbler switches. These switches are
used for hot plates, voltage stabilizers, mixer etc.
5) Pull switches , Bed switches or ceiling switches :- These switches are fixed on the ceiling. And all the
alive parts are out of reach of the operator. These switches are used in bath rooms , in bed rooms.etc.
6) Push button switches: - These switches are used for bell circuits, Refrigerator lighting circuits.
7) Knife switches :- The knife switch consists of blades hinged at one end and are arranged to go in to forked
terminals or jaws at the other end. These are used for electroplating work.
A knife switch is a type of switch used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. It is composed of
a hinge which allows a metal lever, or knife, to be lifted from or inserted into a slot or jaw. The hinge and jaw are
both fixed to an insulated base, and the knife has an insulated handle to grip at one end. Current flows through
the switch when the knife is pushed into the jaw. Knife switches can take several forms, including single throw, in
which the "knife" engages with only a single slot, and double throw, in which the knife hinge is placed between
two slots and can engage with either one. Also, multiple knives may be attached to a single handle and can be
used to activate more than one circuit simultaneously.
8) Main Switches :- The main switches are used to control the whole supply for a house or office. These are of
following types.
a) I.C.D.P.( Iron Clad Double Pole ) :- I.C.D.P. main switch used for single phase supply control and is made for
15 amps, 30amps, 60amps, 100amps, and 250 volts.
b) I.C.T.P.( Iron Clad Triple Pole ) :- I.C.T P. main switch used for three phase supply control and is made for
15 amps, 30amps, 60amps, 100amps, 150amps, 200amps, and 500 volts. 3-phase 4-wire main switches are also
available on neutral fourth wire link is used.
Holding Accessories/Devices :-
Lamp Holders :- As the name shows a lamp holder is used to hold the lamp required for lighting purposes.
These holders are is of following types.
1) Angle Holder :- Used for wall fixed lights .
2) Batten Holder :- Used for wall fixed lights .
3) Pendant Holder :- Used for hanging lights.
4) Flourescent lamp ( Tube) Holder. :- Used for holding the tube rod.
Celling roses :- These are used to provide a tapping to the pendant holders, fan or fluorecent tube through
the flexible wire.
Socket Outlet :- Sockets or outlets allow us to plug in appliances to attach them to the electrical grid and
provide power for them to run. The socket outlets have all insulated base with mounted or socket base having
3-terminal sleeves. The two thin terminal sleeves are most for making connection to the cable with the third
terminal sleeve thicker in cross section is used for earth connection.The cover is again moulded and has
corresponding 3 holes.These are made for 5amps and 15 amps load.
These are three types:-
1) Two pin socket
2) Three pin socket
3) Five Pin socket.
Switch combine Socket ( Combo switch)
Plugs :- For taking power from socket outlets plugs are used. These are made for 5 amps and 15 amps load.
These are of two types :- 1) Two pin plug 2) Three pin plug
Adopter :- To give the supply from lamp holder Adopter is used.
Fuse :- Fuse is a device which cuts off the circuit when more than predetermined value current flows
in a circuit. It is the weakest point of the circuit which breaks when more than normal current flows in
the circuit.
Fuse consist of fuse wire. It is the main element of fuse. The function of the fuse wire is to carry the
normal working current safely without heating but when more than normal working current passes
through it, it rapidly heats up to melting point.
The material which can be used as fuse wires are tin, lead,zinc, antimony, copper,, aluminium etc.
Fuse
MCB ( Miniature Circuit Breaker ) :- Now a deys instesd of fuse, Miniature circuit breakers are used. A
Miniature circuit breaker is an electro-mechanical device which operates and disconnects the circuit when the
current reaches a pre-determined value,MCB is a replacement for a fuse with most accurate and efficient
system in overload and short-circuit protection.In fact it provides overload protection and short-circuit
protection whereas a fuse offers short-circuit protection only. These are available in single pole ,double pole ,
tripple pole , four pole etc.
MCB
ELCB ( Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker ) :- Earth leakage circuit breaker is a device designed to
prevent fire , injury and death arising from electric shock to human body. This component cuts off the
supply before any real danger could arise.
The main purpose of the ELCB is to detect earth leakages and protect personal safety from electrical
shocks and fires that are caused by short circuits. It detects small stray voltages on the metal
enclosures of electrical equipment and interrupts the circuit if a dangerous voltage is detected.
Distribution board or system :-It ii used where more than one electric circuits are available. In this system
mains are taken to one or more distribution centers and connected to the distribution board. From those
distribution boards connections to the branch circuits are taken. In this system no joints are required, each
circuits can be readily disconnected from the main without interfering with other circuits. This system is now a
days widely used for indoor wiring in building. A distribution board is also known as panel board or electrical
panel.
Wire and Cables: - Now basically there is no difference between a cable and a wire it is the relative term.
Wire: - A wire means a thin i.e. smaller section insulated conductor used for carrying current from one point to
another point .
Cable :- The term cable is used for all heavy section insulate conductors. That means a set of wires connected
together and insulated it is called cable. In solid conductor cables there is only one conductor but in a standard
conductor cable it is made of a number of strands of wires. The number of strands used in a cable are 3,7,19,37
etc. The size of cable depends on the size of the conductors. The following are the methods by which the size of
a cable or conductor is determined.
Types of wires :- Various types of wire is listed below :-
1) V.I.R ( Vulcanised India Rubber) wires.
2) C.T.S / T.R.S ( Cab tyre sheathed/Tough rubber sheathed).
3) Lead sheathed wires.
4) P.V.C. ( Poly Vinyl Chloride) wires
5) Weather Proof Wires
6) Flexible Wires.
Colour Code of Wires :-
Wiring for A.C and D.C. circuit are colour coded for indentification of individual wires.
1) Red , Yellow and Blue colours are for identification of phases or Live ( L1 ,L2 ,L3 )
2) Black colour is for Netural.
3) Green colour is used for earthing.
Types of cables :- Various types of cable is listed bellowed
1) Flexible Cable
2) Multistandard Cable
3) Fibre Optic cable
4) Unamoured cable
1) Flexible cable 2) Multistandard Cable
3) Fibre optic cable 4) Unamoured cable
Rawal Plug :- To fit the Screws in the wall Rawal plug is used. Rawal plug means hollow wood pipe Rawal plugs are
available in different sizes.
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House/Domestic Wiring systems
Introduction :- Different types of wiring methods are used for household works. Each wiring method
has some advantages and disadvantages.
Electricity generated in the power generation center is provided by transmission lines to
distribution substation and then to factories, dispensaries, offices and residential buildings etc. The
wiring which is made in the interior of the building is called house wiring.
Before any wiring, following factors or things have to be considered primarily.
1. The nature of the load in the building.
2. Supply voltage (Single phase/ three phase).Wiring protection.
3. Durability of wiring.
4. Weather type.
5. Fire protection.
6. Wiring attractiveness/ presentation
7. Future Changes.
8. Maintenance and repair cost
Wiring method has to decide by considering all the above factors. Later, the layout for wiring is made. A list of
all the materials for wiring can be made and estimation can be done.
The Following are various systems/methods of domestic wiring.-
1. Cleat wiring.
2. CTS or TRS wiring.
3. Casing capping wiring.
4. Conduit wiring.
5. Concealed wiring.
1) Casing capping wiring :-
In this wiring method, Teak wooden casing capping strips were uses earlier. Nowadays PVC casing capping is
used. This wiring is also known as open wiring. As it is done outside of the wall.
According to the plot/design, mark the line on the wall or on the roof. Make holes with the help of a drill
machine on the wall/celling at the specific distance. In it Rawal plugs are inserted and then casing with 25 x 8
screw on it. After installing the wires it is necessary to tighten it with the capping press. In this wiring holder
and ceiling rose are fixed on square block.
Advantages :-
1. This wiring is attractive to look at.
2. Easy to install.
3. Useful in moist weather.
4. Ffaults Rrepairs and maintenance are easily accessible.
5. Strong and durable.
6. No risk of shock.
Disdvantages :-
1. This method is of medium cost.
2. Skilled labours are required.
3. Fire risk is involved if the system is of wood.
2) Conduit wiring :-
This type of wiring method is used in godown, workshops, warehouses, theatre, public places, factory etc.
This is the safest method of wiring. Conduit wiring is preferred where the three –phase supply is used. In this
type of wiring two type’s of conduits are used.
1. PVC Conduit. :- These are three types, low gauge, medium gauge and heavy gauge. The conduit is a
circular pipe. This method is used for simple home or public places. There is no too much cost to this
wiring.
2. Metal Conduit :- It has two types, light gauge and heavy gauge. Light gauge is made from a thin iron
sheet. Heavy gauge from a thick sheet. Metal conduits accessories ( Tee, elbow, bend, junction box
socket etc.) are adding threads on the pipes.
All the above conduits are fitted on the walls or roofs according to the plan, using spacer and saddles. G.I wire is
inserted in pipes and then main wires are attached to that GI wire and pull them from one end to the other, and
after that they connect with other electrical accessories ( e.g. Holder, ceiling rose etc. )
Advantages :-
1. This wiring methos is very strong and better appearance.
2. It is durable
3. Water proof.
4. Low maintenance.
5. It has long life.
6. To some extent, this wiring is free of moist air and fire.
7. No risk of shock in case of PVC conduit
Disdvantages :-
1.This method is expensive.
2. Skilled labours are required.
3. It Is difficult to make any changes ( extension ) in this method.
4. It is difficult to find out fault.
3) Concealed wiring :-
Nowadays this type of wiring method appears everywhere. This method is used especially for rooms to look
good, in the building or the bungalows. In this method the entire wiring is inside the wall and only the
accessories are outside. Before putting the slab of the building, arrangements have been made by installing
heavy pipes on the roof. After brick work pipes, junction blocks and boards are installed on the wall as
necessary. Only after installing the pipe, they carry the GI wire. This wiring is similar to the conduit wiring. Only
the entire wiring is inside the wall.
Advantages :-
1. This wiring methos is very safe.
2. This wiring method is strong and durable.
3. The buildings or room’s interior look attractive.
Disdvantages :-
1.This method is costly.
2. Skilled labours are required.
3. It Is difficult to make any changes ( extension ) in this method. In this method we cannot change the
location of the devices, lights, switches,etc. or increase the wiring.
4. It is difficult to find out fault.
Indian Electricity Rules ( I.E. Rules )
Before any kind of wiring. It is necessary to know the rules. Indian electricity Rules are as Follows. :-
1) In one subcircuit load should not be more than 800 watts or no.of points should not be more than 10 points.
2) In one power board subcircuit load should not be more than 2000 watts or points should not be more than 2
points.
3) Light point circuit and power point circuit should be separately connected.
4) Earth point of three pin socket should be connected to earth conductor.
5) Phase/ Live wire should be connected through fuse.
6) switch board should be kept to left side of the door and 1.5 meters high from floor surface.
7) Fan and light points should be 2.75 meters and 2.5 meters respectively from the ground.
8) Do not use switch or fuse for earth conductor.
9) Current rating on the main switch and distribution box should be decided from the load on the circuit
10) Always connect phase/live wire through the fuse according to the given load.
11) All types of metal covering like – main switch, cover, pipe, fan, etc. must be earthed.
12) All the wires used for the preparation wiring should be safe from fire, chemical vapours and if the metal
covering is used then it must be earthed.
13) The load on the each phase should be uniform in three phase four wire system ( 3-phase-1 neutral ). Also the
colour of the three phase wires should be Red ( R ) , Yellow ( Y ) and Blue ( B ) respectively. And neutral of
black colour.
14) After the wiring is done, it is necessary to take a Megger Test.
15) Where there is a electrical voltage of more than 250 volts. It is necessary and mandatory to place a board of
danger.
Q.No.1) Answer the following questions
1) Write the classification of electrical accessories.
2) Write the name of different types of electrical accessories.
3) Write the use of switch? Write the type of switch and their uses.
4) Write the use of lamp holder? Write their types.
5) Write the use of socket ? Write their types.
6) Write the use of plug ? Write their types.
7) Write the use of Ceiling rose ? Write their types.
8) Write information about MCB.
9) What is wire? Write their types.
10) What is Cable ? Write their types.
11) Write, which factures to be considered while selecting wiring.
12) Write the names of different methods of household wiring.
13) Write in detail about casing and capping wiring.
14) Write in detail about Conduit wiring.
15) Write in detail about Concealed wiring.
16) Write Indian Electricity Rules in wiring.
Q.No.2 Select the correct alternative and rewrite the sentences.
1) ………………….. is used to make or brake an electric circuit.
2) …………… are devices used to protect the electrical circuit from short circuit and overload current.
3) switch is always connected to ----------------- terminal of supply.
4) A two way switch is used for to control one circuit from ------------- points/places.
5) Generally …………….. colour of wire is used for Neutral terminal of supply.
6) ……………… is used for holding the lamps.
Q.No.3) State the following statements are true or false
1) A switch is used to make or brake an electric circuit.
2) In three-pin plug, maximum radius pin is used for phase.
3) Red colour of wire is used for earth connecton.
4) In wiring light point neutral is controlled by switch.
5) Switch is always connected to phase terminal of supply.
6) Now a days MCB is used instead of fuse
7) Concealed wiring is strong and durable.
8) In concealed wiring , it is difficult to detect the fault.
Match the Pairs :-
“ A “ “B“
1) Switch a) Safety device.
2) Concealed wiring b) Two way switches
3) Stair case wiring c) Lighting circuit.
4) MCB d) Power circuit.
5) Adopter e) controlling device
6) 5 amp socket f) High maintenance cost.
7) 15 amp socket g) To give the supply from lamp holder
