House Wiring For domestic and commercial purposes electrical power is distributed in two ways, namely single phase

and three phase. Single phase comes to the home with two wires: active (phase) and neutral. Three phase has four wires: three actives (called phases) and one neutral. Usually neutral is formed by connecting the three phases together. In three phase, the voltage between two phases is 400 volt The voltage between any phase and neutral is 230 volt. The three phases P1 P2 and P3 are usually identified by the colour of wires used to connect them. In India P1 is connected with Red P2 with Yellow and P3 with Blue. It is known as RYB. Black is used for neutral and Green for earth.

For single phase Red or Brown is used for Phase (Line) , Black or Blue for Neutral and Green or Yellow for Earth

ADVANTAGES OF THREE-PHASE SYSTEM The three-phase system has the following advantages compared to a singlephase system: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. It is more economical as it requires less conductor material compared to a single-phase system. A three-phase machine gives more output compared to a single-phase machine of the same size. Three-phase motors have uniform torque, whereas most of the singlephase motors have pulsating torque. Domestic power and industrial or commercial power can be supplied from the same source. A three-phase motor produces more torque as compared to a singlephase motor. Three-phase induction motors are self-starting, whereas single-phase motors are not self-starting. Voltage regulation is better in a three-phase system.

Wires and Cables Cables and wires are insulated conductors used for carrying current from one point to another. Cable is a heavy insulated conductor and wire is a thin insulated conductor. Nowadays conductors insulated with PVC are mainly used for wiring. Fuses Fuse is a device used in electrical systems to protect against excessive current. Most commonly used fuse wires are made of copper, lead or tin alloy. The fuse will carry its rated current indefinitely, and melt quickly on a small excess of current. Fuses have the advantages of less costly and simpler than a circuit breaker.

Miniature Circuit Breaker Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is connected in the circuit to prevent the accidents due to short circuit or over current. The diagram of MCB with its parts is shown in figure below.

There are two arrangement of operation of MCB. One due to thermal effect of over current and the other due to electromagnetic effect of over current. The thermal operation if achieved with the bimetallic strip.

Whenever continuous over current flows through MCB, the bimetallic strip is heated and deflects by bending. This opens the contact. During short circuit condition, sudden rising of electric current cause electromechanical displacement of plunger associated with coil or solenoid of MCB. The plunger strikes the trip lever and thus opening the contact.

Electromagnetic effect

Thermal Effect

Advantages of MCB over fuse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Non destructive determination of tripping characteristics MCB is much more sensitive to over current than switch. Immediate indication of faulty circuit Quick restoration of supply is possible in MCB Handling of MCB is more electrically safe than fuse No stock of fuses are required Can be easily used as a circuit control switch when needed

The only one disadvantage of MCB over fuse is that this system is more costly than fuse unit system.

Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) It is a device that breaks the power supply when a fixed amount of current flows through the earth line. ELCB is also known as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Phase and neutral lines are connected to the load through the separate coils. When the phase and neutral currents are equal, flux in the core is zero and no voltage is induced in the secondary. When there is an earth leakage neutral current decreases than phase current and a voltage is induced in the secondary. Due to this a secondary current passes through the trip coil and it opens the circuit. ELCB is provided with a check device. To test the workings of RLCB press the test switch. Now the neutral coil current decreases and ELCB trips if it is not defective.

Earthing Earthing means any connection given to the earth mass by means of a conductor connected to the earth electrode buried in soil.

Plate Earthing In the plate earthing a pit of about 3 metre is dug. The earth electrode used may be copper plate having a dimension of 60cm x 60 cm x 3.18 mm. or GI plate with dimension 60cm x 60 cm x 6.36 mm. After placing the electrode in the pit, layers of charcoal and salt are used to fill the space around it. The electrode can be connected to GI pipe of 12.7 mm diameter for carrying the earth wire. The pit is covered with an iron plate for periodic check up. To increase the moisture and dampness a pipe is provided for carrying water.

Pipe Earthing Pipe earthing is the common method of earthing done using GI pipe of diameter 3.8 cm. A pit of about 40 cm square area and 4 to 5 m depth is dug in the soil. To increase the dampness and moisture, charcoal and salt are filled in the pit in alternate layers up to about 2 metres from the bottom. Earth pipe can be protected from mechanical damage by covering it with cement concrete work. A funnel with mesh can also be provided to pour water.

Care in handling electrical appliances