0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views29 pages

Wiring Systems Edt

The document provides an overview of wiring systems, detailing their components, types of cables, and factors influencing cable selection. It emphasizes the importance of installation type, environmental conditions, and safety in choosing appropriate wiring systems and cables. Additionally, it outlines the structure of power cables, types of insulation, and guidelines for selecting cable sizes based on various factors such as current rating and ambient temperature.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views29 pages

Wiring Systems Edt

The document provides an overview of wiring systems, detailing their components, types of cables, and factors influencing cable selection. It emphasizes the importance of installation type, environmental conditions, and safety in choosing appropriate wiring systems and cables. Additionally, it outlines the structure of power cables, types of insulation, and guidelines for selecting cable sizes based on various factors such as current rating and ambient temperature.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 29

ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

WIRING SYSTEMS
A wiring system is an assembly made up of cables/busbar and parts which secure, and if
necessary, enclose the cable/busbar. Hence a wiring system is made up of cables and their
enclosures as well as the accessories required for securing them.
The choice of a wiring system used on a building is affected mainly by the type of
installation and the environmental conditions.

a) TYPE OF INSTALLATION

(i) Type of building construction – this will enable one to decide the routing, fixing
and termination of a wiring system. The building fabric will determine whether the
wiring system runs on the surface or under the plaster, in the screed or in the ceiling.

(ii) Appearance of the finished installation – the aesthetics of the installation may
or may not be important depending on the type of building. This will determine whether
the wiring system will be flush or surface, or whether decorative accessories are required.

(iii) Durability – This has to do with the life span of the installation, whether it is a
temporary or permant installation will determine the quality and type of wiring system
used.

(iv) Economics –This has to do with the cost of the installation compared to the
money available.

b) ENVIRONMENT OF THE INSTALLATION

(i) Flexibility of the system – This has to do with the likelihood to have to change
the location of electrical equipment within the building. Some installations require
frequent modifications e.g in a machine shop where the location of electrical machines
may have to be change from time to time.

(ii) Installation Conditions – Some environments require that additional mechanical


protection be provided against moving machinery. Consideration for the presence of
moisture and corrosive environment may also affect the choice of system used.

(iii) Ambient temperature – The wiring system may need top be able to withstand
extreme temperature conditions e.g in cold rooms or near a boiler.

(iv) Safety – Is of utmost importance. The presence of children and animals may
require special considerations in the selection of a wiring system.

1
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

CABLES

Generally wiring systems consist of cables and their enclosures. A cable is an insulated
conductor.

Cables are grouped into:

1) POWER CABLES
Widely used in H.V. AND L.V. circuits as under ground feeders and distributors.
They include:
(i) Polyvinyl Chloride Steel Wire Armored Cables. PVC (SWA)
(ii) Paper Insulated Lead Sheathed Cables. PILS.
(iii) Paper Insulated lead Sheathed oil Filled Cable.
(iv) Split Concentric Cables.

2) INSTALLATION CABLES
Generally used for final circuits within the installation, They include:
(i) Single core P.V.C. insulated and sheathed cables.
(ii) Cross Linked Polyethylene Cables. XLPE.
(iii) Mineral Insulated Metal sheathed Cables. MIMS.

3) FLEXIBLE CORDS
These are generally used to make the final connected to the electrical equipment.
They include:
(i) Fine stranded.
(ii) Flat twin
(iii) Rubber insulated.

Definition Of Terms.

Flexible cord – It is an insulated flexible conductor consisting of one or more


cores, each formed of a group of wires, with the total cross sectional area of each
core not exceeding 4mm2 and the character of the insulating material if there is
any, is such as to allow flexibility.

Flexible cable - It is an insulated flexible conductor consisting of one or more


cores, each formed of a group of wires. The total cross sectional area of each core
exceeding 4mm2 and the character of the insulating material (if any) is such as to
allow flexibility.

Twin-core cable - A cable containing two cores not arranged concentrically.

Multi-core cable – A cable containing three or more cores not arranged


concentrically.
Solid conductor – A conductor made of a single wire.

2
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

Stranded conductor – A conductor made of a number of wires twisted together


spirally forming a core equivalent to one conductor. This is done to ensure
flexibility and ease of handling.

STRUCTURE OF A POWER CABLE

1) Conductor – A material that offers low resistance to the passage of electrical


current. There are two commonly used type of conductors (i.e. copper and
aluminum).
2) Insulator – Any thing that confines electric current to a definite path, i.e. to
the conductor only. Insulators must be able to withstand the stress of the
working voltage of the supply system to which the cable is connected..
3) Core – A single conductor with insulation but without any mechanical
protective covering.
4) Sheathing – This prevents moisture from reaching the insulated core of the
cable when it is in service. It should be impervious to moisture and resistant to
corrosion.
5) Bedding – It is a layer of impregnated fibrous material such as paper, yarn,
jute, hessian tape etc or non fibrous material applied to a cable beneath the
armoring to serve as a cushion, to prevent the armoring from damaging the
cable insulation.
6) Armoring – This provides protection against mechanical damage. A helical
wrapping or wrappings of metal (usually wire or tapes) for mechanical
protection against rough treatment and abrasion and collusion.

3
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

7) Serving – The protective material over the metal sheathing or wire armoring
of a cable. This is provided to protect the cable against corrosion. The serving
may be of fibrous material like paper, cloth, jute etc or non-fibrous material
like PVC, glass tape etc.

TYPES OF INSULATION

(i) Rubber - Flexible and impervious to moisture. Maximum operating


temperature 55oC. Vulcanized rubber attacks copper, it is hence used
with tinned copper conductors.
(ii) Butyl rubber - 85oC it retains its physical and electrical properties
after long periods of heating at temperatures which would completely
destroy natural rubber. It also has excellent resistance to oil and
chemicals.
(iii) Silicon rubber – 150oC used in many enclosed lamp fittings.
(iv) Polyvinyl chloride. PVC – most commonly used insulator because it is
water resistant and resistant to chemical reaction, direct sunlight and is
non-flammable. Its limitations include; it can only be used at
temperatures between 0oC and 65oC, below 0oC it cracks and above
65oC PVC fails
(v) Paper – must be impregnated with mineral oil or some suitable
compound. This is done because paper is hydroscopic, care must be
taken to ensure that the impregnatation is not dried out when operating
at high temperatures.
(vi) Mineral insulation – Mgo powder is used, which has a high degree of
resistance to high temperatures, however is very hydroscopic.
(vii) Poly chloropropene – (PCP) intended for use in areas that would
harm vulcanized rubber or PVC. It is resistant to petrol, oil and can be
used where there is exposure to sulphur fumes ammonia fumes steam,
lactic acid, heat (with a limit of 55oC) and direct sunlight.
Recommended for use in farm installations.
(viii) Glass insulation – Heat resistant up to 180oC. Used for internal wiring
of electric cookers. It is impervious to moisture, resistant, tough and
flexible.
(ix) Asbestos – it is heat resistant. It should be saturated with a chemically
neutral compound and compressed to form a uniform filled wall. In
cables used for furnaces, and boiler rooms lead alloy sheaths afford
protection.

4
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

TYPES OF CABLES

1 PVC INSULATED SINGLE CORE CABLES

2 PVC INSULATED, PVC SHEATHED CABLES

These are cables with pvc insulation and a pvc sheath for protection agnist
mechanical damage and moisture.
The common sizes of the cables range from 1mm2 to 16mm2. They may single
twin or multi-core with or without a sheath.
They find application in domestic and similar installations, where cables are
unlikely to be exposed to mechanical damage.
Their operation temperature range is from 0oC to 65oC. Below 0oC pvc hardens
and will crack above 65oC pvc softens.

5
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

In some situations they may require additional protection and hence will need to
be installed in a cable enclosure (eg. Conduit or trunking.)
When installed on the surface they are fixed in position by means of hardened pvc
clips, which are fitted with hardened nails capable of driving into most surfaces.
The distance between the clips should be around 300mm for horizontal distances
and 350mm for vertical runs.
The minimum radius of the bend is as is given in the IEE regulations.

3 MINERAL INSULATED METAL SHEATHED (MIMS)CABLES


The cable consists of annealed copper or aluminum conductor in solid form,
enclosed in a copper or aluminum tube packed with magnesium oxide (MgO)
powder.
They may or may not be provided with a pvc sheath to give extra protection
agnist corrosion.
They fall into two voltage grading:
(i) Light duty cables;
For voltages not exceeding 600V.
Their size range from 1mm2 to 10mm2 .
They are provided with1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 cores.
(ii) Heavy duty cables
For voltages exceeding 1000V.
Sizes range from 1mm2 to 150mm2
MgO is hydroscopic i.e. will absorb water; hence terminations should be carefully
sealed. The ends of the cable should never be left exposed to the atmosphere,
since they will absorb moisture which will lower the cables insulating properties.

The temperatures such cables can withstand is limited by the material used in
sealing of terminations.
MIMS can carry a higher current than its pvc counter parts because it can
withstand high temperatures.

6
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

These cables are used in situations where temperature exceeds the normal ambient
temperatures.
Its ideal for fire alarm (category 3) circuits, emergency lighting and in boiler
rooms. The cable is fireproof, waterproof and oil proof.
MIMS cables should be supported at distances recommended by the IEE
regulations.

4 AMOURED PVC INSULATED & SHEATHED CABLES

7
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

Widely used in industrial situations to supply machines an as power supplies for


mains and sub-mains circuits.
Their temperatures ranges are from 0mm2 to 65mm2
The cables are designed for 600V and 1000V system operation.
Sizes range from 1,5mm2 to 400mm2 .
The conductors may be made of aluminum or copper, and may be stranded or
solid.
The pvc insulation is colour coded to identify the cores.
Armoring may be steel wire of steel type secured between pvc bedding and a
tough sheath

5 PAPER INSULATED LEAD SHEATHED

Oil impregnated paper has a higher dielectric strength than pvc and can also
withstand higher temperatures.
These cables are used mainly for main and sub-main distribution of higher voltage
power supplies both under ground and on the surface.
The purpose of the lead sheath is to exclude moisture from the paper insulation.
Jointing and termination hence requires a high level of care and skill.

8
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

CABLE SIZE SELECTION


Cables should be selected such that the cross sectional area of the conductor is large
enough to:
(a) Carry the rated load current without damage to the cable.
(b) Deliver a voltage to the load which is within the range of permissible
voltage variation as required by the I.E.E. regulations.
However the cross sectional area of the cable should not be unnecessarily large, as this
will result in an expensive installation.

Poor selection of cables may result in:


(i) Heating of cables – This is due to high copper losses associated with a cable
of small cross sectional area conductor. The heat generated in the cable may
not easily be dissipated by the cable which will result in the temperature of the
cable rising, this may in an electrical fire or damage the insulation of the cable.
PVC for example becomes soft at 80oC such that the conductors can travel
through the insulation which may result in contact of live conductors with
earth causing a risk of electric shock.
Cables may overheat due to any of the following:
- Over currents due to overloads and short circuits.
- Bunching of many conductors in the same cable enclosure.
- Thermal insulation in buildings, this may prevent the cable from
dissipating heat efficiently.
- Type of over current protective device; the speed with which it operates
determines the duration of the over current hence the likelihood of
overheating.

(ii) A large voltage drop – A small cross–sectional area conductor will have a
large resistance particularly for long cable runs. This may result in a large
voltage drop along the length of the cable. An under voltage will hence be
delivered to the load, which may damage the electrical equipment.

(iii) An unnecessarily expensive installation – Selection of a cable with a very


large cross-sectional area conductor will however have an economic impact
on the installation. Large cables are more expensive and hence the capital cost
of the installation will be come high.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE SIZE OF A CABLE


a) The current rating of the circuit.
This is the current a cable should carry under normal conditions. The cable
should be selected such that it can carry this current without overheating.

b) Circuit protective device used.


This device will interrupt the circuit under over current conditions. The speed
with which the protective device operates will determine whether the cable

9
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

will overheat during the over current period. Smaller cross-sectional area
cables may be used with protective devices that operate faster.

c) Ambient temperature.
The temperature of the environment in which the cable is to be used will
affect the heat dissipation of the cable. A cable with a large cross-sectional
area will have to be used in an environment with high temperature compared
to where there is a lower environmental temperature. Since such cables are
more likely to overheat.

d) Grouping
This refers to the number of cables grouped together in the same enclosure (i.e.
conduit, trunking, ducting etc). Grouped cables are likely to overheat faster
than single cables. Hence grouped cables should have a large cross-sectional
area than single cables.

e) Thermal insulation.
Some cables pass on/through thermal insulating materials of buildings. This
reduces their heat dissipating capabilities; hence a cable that passes
on/through thermal insulation can easily overheat.

The IEE regulations require that the choice of a cable for a particular circuit must give
due regard to the following factors besides the circuit current:
- the ambient temperature
- installation conditions (no of cables in the same enclosure)
- presence of thermal insulation
- type of protective device.

PROCEEDURE FOR CABLE SIZE SELECTION


The IEE regulations demand that when selecting the cross-sectional area of a cable, it
should be selected based on the the current rating of the circuit protective device.

Step 1
Calculate the current rating of the circuit IB.

Power
IB = voltage (single phase)

P
IB = VCos  3 (3 phase)

Step 2
Select a suitable type of protective device and its rating. IN.

10
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

Step 3
Find the correction factors.

G Grouping – depends on the number of circuits or multi-core cables in an


enclosure. (table 9B1).

A Ambient temperature – depends on the temperature of the environment


(maximum temperature through which the cable
will pass).

T Thermal Insulation – depends on whether the cable will pass on/through


some thermal insulation, a factor of:
1 – where there is no thermal insulation.
0,75 – where it passes on thermal insulation.
0,5 – where it passes through thermal insulation.

S Semi-enclosed fuse – depends on the type of protective device, a factor of:


0,725 – for semi-enclosed fuses.
1 – for all other protective devices.

Step 4
Calculate the current rating of the cable. IZ

IN
IZ =
GATS

Step5
Select the appropriate cable size from the tables using the current rating of the cable
calculated in step 4

Step 6
Calculate the maximum permissible volt drop.

Vdrop(max) = 2,5 % of nominal voltage.

Step 7
Calculate the actual volt drop. It should be less than the maximum permissible volt drop
obtained in step 6.

Vdrop (actual) = Vdrop/m/A X length of run X IB.

Step 8
Ensure that thermal constraints are met.

11
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

MAXIMUM DEMAND AND DIVERSITY


Reg 311-2 states thus; in determining the maximum demand of an installation and parts
thereof diversity may be taken into account.
Diversity is based on the assumption that not the whole load will be connected at any one
time e.g. in a domestic installation it is unlikely that all the lights in the home will be on
at the same time.
Diversity factor is applied to sub-mains and mains cables and their associated switch gear.
It has the effect of reducing the maximum demand of the installation or circuits and
hence reduces;
(i) The cross-sectional area of the cable conductors.
(ii)
The capacity of the switchgear.
NB
a factor for diversity shall not be allowed for final circuits.

Installations are grouped into three groups for the purpose of diversity;
(i) Individual domestic installations.
(ii) Hotels, boarding houses, lodge etc.
(iii) Shops, stores, offices, and business premises.
It can be noticed that allowance for diversity is different for different types of loads. E.g.
in a domestic installation lights are likely to be ON for shorter periods than for
commercial installations like shops and stores.

A table for diversity is given in appendix 4; table 4B of the IEE regulations.

Current Demand for Sub-main Circuits.

For a final circuit the current demand is obtained by summing the current demands of all
the points of utilization and equipment in the circuit.
Current demand for points of utilization (socket outlets) is to be assumed as follows:

Final circuits using BS1363 socket-outlets.


TYPE OF OVER CURRENT MINIMUM CONDUCTOR SIZE MAXI
CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICE FLOOR
AREA
CU conductor Al Cu
rubber/PVC conductor conductor
insulation PVC MIMS
insulation insulation
A1 (Ring) 30/32A any 2,5mm2 4 mm2 1.5 mm2 100 m2

A2 (Radial) 30/32A cartridge fuse or 4 mm2 6 mm2 2.5 mm2 50 m2


Circuit breaker.
A3 (Radial) 20A any 2.5 mm2 4 mm2 1.5 mm2 20 m2

For standard circuits using BS 1363 socket outlets no diversity is applied to the final
circuits and the current demand is taken as the protective device rating.

12
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

Points of utilization/current using Current demand assumed


equipment
Socket outlets other than 2A socket outlets. Rated current
2A socket outlets. At least 0,5A
Lighting outlet Current equivalent of connected load, with
a minimum of 100W per lamp holder
Electric clock, shaver unit, bell transformer Can be neglected.
& equipment rated no greater than 5A
Household cooking appliance 10A of rated + 30% of remainder + 5A if a
socket outlet is inco-operated.
Other stationary equipment. BS rated current or nominal current.

13
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

CABLE ENCLOSURES

Their purpose is to protect cables against mechanical damage.

Types of cable enclosures


(i) Conduits
(ii) Trunking
(iii) Ducting
(iv) Cable trays.

CONDUITS

They are tubes through which cables are run, they fall into two groups;
a) Non-metallic conduits.

Usually made of polyvinyl chloride PVC. They usually come in 4m lengths. They
also fall into two groups
(i) The Rigid type – Which can be bent by applying a flame to soften it,
then bending it while it is soft. They can be easily threaded by means
of a stocks and die.
(ii) The Flexible type – It bends easily without the use of many tools,in
cold weather they may need to be rubbed to warm them by means of
friction. Conduit joints are usually made by means of unthreaded
couplings and nipples. At times it may be necessary to use an
adhesive to seal the joint system.
Advantages
- Easily manipulated without the use of many tools.
- Less expensive than metallic conduits.
- Need not be earthed.
- Resistant to corrosion from most industrial chemicals.
- Has no internal condensation.
- Easy to erect hence saves on erection time and labour.
- Non-flammable.
- Damp proof.

14
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

Disadvantages
- A separate C.P.C. must be run in the tubing.
- Do not provide mechanical protection which is as good as metallic
conduits.
- Subject to kinking if not warmed properly.
Uses
- Generally used in moist conditions where the probability of mechanical
damage is low.
- Also used in flash mounted installations where the conduit is buried in the
plaster of the wall.

b) Metallic conduits.

There are usually made of steel and are of two types;


(i) Class A – Light gauge.
It has very thin walls hence cannot be threaded, and is unsuitable
for bending. Off-sets are made by bending over a knee. Joining
methods include; brazing wielding and more commonly the lug
and grip method. Before joining the enamel covering the conduit
should be removed to ensure earth continuity. They are available in
sizes 16mm & 20mm outside diameter and in 4m lengths. Fixing is
by means of saddles
Uses
- Where there is no need for high mechanical protection.
- For voltages below 250V.
(ii) Class B – Heavy gauge.
It has thick walls hence the name heavy gauge. It is also called the
screwed conduit because jointing is made by threading the ends
and screwing them into threaded couplings. They come in sizes
16mm, 20mm, 25mm and 32mm. There are two types;
The Welded type – this is the most commonly used and has an
almost invisible welded seam running longitudinally along the
conduit.

15
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

Solid drawn – this is a seamless conduit, which is employed where


the installation is require to be gas tight and in flame proof
situations such as petrol pumps. It is more expensive than the
wielded type.

Advantages.
- They can be bent or set without kinking.
- Provide good mechanical protection.
- Can be used as a c.p.c.
- Do not support combustion.
Disadvantages
- Subject to corrosion.
- Risk of electric shock if not propely earthed.
- Installation is labour intensive.
Uses
Their uses vary with the type of finish used on the conduit. Metallic conduits
come in three finishes;
(i) Black enamel – for indoor situations where there is no moisture.
(ii) Silver-grey – decorative conduit that is used indoor to match
decorations.
(iii) Hot galvanized/ sheradised - for indoor and outdoor situations
where there is moisture. Galvanized conduits are coated with zinc,
sheradised conduits are heated in zinc.

c) Flexible Conduits/Sprague

They consist of spirally wound thin galvanized steel strips.


They may of may not be water tight.
At times the cable may be covered with a pvc SHEATH.
It may not be used as a c.p.c. and hence a separate earth conductor has to be
included where they are used.
Their sizes vary from 8mm to 50mm internal diameter.
Flexible conduit can also be obtained in non-metallic material.

Uses

16
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

For connecting machinery where there may be some vibration or where the
position of the electrical equipment may need to be adjusted from time to time.
e.g. electric cookers and electric motors.

IEE REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO CONDUITS

1) The conduit system for each circuit should be completely


erected before any cables are drawn in. (Reg 521-10).
2) Inspection type fittings should be available for addition and
removal of cables.

3) The number of cables drawn into a conduit must be achieved


by selecting the appropriate size of cable using tables 12A – 12D in
appendix 12.
4) When a conduit is bent, the radius of any bend must not be
less than 2,5 times the outside diameter of the conduit. (Reg 529-4).
5) If non inspection elbows or tees are used they must be
installed only at the end of a conduit immediately behind a luminarie (light
fitting) or outlet box, of the inspection type. Alternatively one solid elbow
may be located not more than 500mm from a readily accessible outlet box
in a conduit not exceeding 10m between two outlet points providing that
all other bends do not add up to 90o. (Reg 529-4)

17
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

6) The ends of conduits must be reamed and entries to boxes


and accessories must be bushed in order to prevent damage to cables.
7) Cables of a.c circuits installed in steel conduits should have
all phases and neutral (if any) bunched in the same conduit.
8) Flexible conduits must not be used as circuit protective
conductors; a separate such conductor must be run.
9) Non-metallic conduits must not be installed where extremes
of ambient temperature are likely to occur.
10) The support of rigid p.v.c conductors must allow for
longitudinal expansion and contraction of conduits with variations in
temperature under normal conditions. (Reg 529-2)
11) Drainage points should be provided at the lowest point of
metallic conduit installation to allow moisture due to condensation to drain
away.

Mounting and jointing conduits.


Metallic conduits are joined with a wide range of accessories by means of threads which
give good mechanical strength and electrical continuity where the conduit acts as a c.p.c.
NB
Conduit systems should be both mechanically sound and electrically continuous. The
threads need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, grease, rust and other poorly
conducting surfaces between which the contact can be made. There must not be any loose
or exposed threads that may produce electrical resistance.

18
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

SPACE FACTOR
The number of cables that can be drawn in or laid in any enclosure must be such that no
damage will occur during installation.
Space Factor is a ratio of the total cross sectional area of cables installed in a conduit to
the internal cross sectional area of the conduit.

For conduits space factor should not exceed 45%

Cables that may be installed safely into a conduit can be obtained by referring to tables
12A, 12B, 12C & 12D, of the IEE regulations (see appendix).

PROCEDURE FOR CONDUIT SIZE SELECTION

Step 1
Find the cables factor for each cable to be installed in the conduit, from the appropriate
table. (i.e table 12A/12C), and multiply each cable factor with the number of cables of
that size to be installed in the conduit.
NB
a short straight run is a conduit not exceeding 3m without any bends.

Step 2
Add the cable factors to obtain the conduit factor.

Step 3
Select the smallest conduit with a conduit factor that exceeds the on calculated in step 2
from the appropriate table (i.e. table 12B/12D).
NB
A bend refers to a 90o turn, a double off set is considered to be equivalent to one bend.

19
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

TRUNKING
It is in the form of a square or rectangular metallic or non-metallic enclosure, with a
cover that can be removed to lay or permit access to cables. It is used where there is a
large number of cables that follow one route, where it would be expensive to install a
large number of separate conduits. Because the cover can be removed it is easier to install
more cables in one enclosure as compared to drawing them in trunking is commonly
installed in factories or offices where the introduction of new equipment and the
relocation of existing equipment may involve frequent modification of the installation/
They come in 3m lengths of the metallic pvc type. Sizes range from 38mm2 to 225mm X
100mm.

TYPES OF TRUNKNG
1) SQUARE STEEL TRUNKING

They come with various accessories for connections and terminations, so that they
can be run with the contours of the wall.

20
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

2) MULTICOMPARTMENT TRUNKING
This trunking has compartments and is used were segregation is desired. Different
category circuits can be placed in the same enclosure in different compartments.

3) FLOOR TUNKING
Used extensively in schools hospitals and industrial installations. It can be layed
below the floor surface where access is by means of a number of inspection
covers or below the floor level and covered with a steel chequer plate.

21
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

4) SKIRTING TRUNKING.

It runs along the wall usually replacing the skirting. It is used mainly in offices,
schools and colleges to provide a large number of power and telecom socket
outlets. It is made with compartments so that segregation is possible. Power,
telephone and networking socket outlets can be placed on the face of the trunking.

5) BUSBAR TRUNKING
It consists of a broad, flat trunking in which 3 or 4 busbars are rigidly fixed on to
a molded block of insulator. The busbars are usually made of copper or aluminum
with either a round oval or rectangular. The trunking has tap off points to supply
power to machinery on the shop floor. It is commonly used for distribution in
machine shops.

6) RAISING MAIN BUSBAR TRUNKING


It is used to supply power to upper floors in a multi-storey building. The trunking
is run vertically through floors and ceilings of the building. The busbars are

22
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

supplied via a service entry on the ground floor. A fixed fuse box is mounted on
each floor to supply the floor with power.

IEE REGULATIONS
- Where trunking passes through floors, walls, ceilings or partitions, the
surrounding wall should be made of no combustible material and internal
fire barriers are to installed with the trunking.

23
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

- Copper links are to be used across joints in metallic trunking in order to


maintain continuity of the exposed conductive parts.
- Provision should be made to allow expansion and contraction of busbars
in busbar trunking..

SPACE FACTOR
The number of cables that can be drawn in or laid in any enclosure must be such that no
damage will occur during installation.
Space Factor is a ratio of the total cross sectional area of cables installed in a trunking to
the internal cross sectional area of the trunking.

For trunking space factor should not exceed 45%

PROCEDURE FOR TRUNKING SIZE SELECTION

Step 1
Find the cable factors for each cable to be installed in the trunking, from the appropriate
table. (i.e. table 12E), and multiply each cable factor with the number of cables of that
size to be installed in the conduit.

Step 2
Add the cable factors to obtain the trunking factor.

Step 3
Select the smallest trunking with a trunking factor that exceeds the on calculated in step 2
from the appropriate table (i.e. table 12F).

24
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

CABLE TRAYS

Usually used where power cables with steel wire armouring or mineral insulated cables
are grouped through out a common route. They can be made of mild steel stainless steel
or glass reinforced polyester. Finishes for steel trays include; epoxy paint, chromate
painted, galvanized, PVC coated and red oxide.

There are two types selected according to the type of installation being made
1) Heavy Gauge Cable Tray
Used to accommodate a large number of cables or for external use and for
situation where a high degree of mechanical protection is required.

2) Light Gauge Cable Tray


For indoor applications where there is small chances of mechanical damage, to
carry a small number of cables.

SPACE FACTOR
A space factor of 60% is used if the installation is covered or installed in a enclosed
environment.

25
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

APPENDIX

26
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

27
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

28
ypmazorodze@bulawapolytechnic2021

29

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy