Electrical Installations in Homes and Buildings: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on Nov 2, 2024 in Technology

Electrical Installations in Homes and Buildings

Introduction

The increasing complexity of electrical installations in buildings requires professionals to consult regulations, standards, and manuals for practical application. This guide provides an overview of the main components of electrical installations in homes and buildings.

Parts of an Electrical Installation in a Home

The main parts include the service entrance, main panel, branch circuits, outlets, and fixtures. A sketch of a typical installation can be helpful for understanding the layout.

New Legislation: REBT (Spanish Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation)

Types of Electrification

Basic Electrification: Provides a minimum power of 5750W at 230V. The contracted power depends on the user’s needs. It includes 5 circuits:

  • C1 Lights (1.5mm2-16A-IA10)
  • C2 Outlets (2.5mm2-20A-IA16)
  • C3 Kitchen and Oven (6mm2-25A-IA25)
  • C4 Washer, Dishwasher, and Thermal (4mm2-20A-IA20)
  • C5 Bathroom Outlets (2.5mm2-20A-IA16)

High Electrification: Required for installations with air conditioning, central heating, or a surface area above 160m2. Minimum power is 9200W. It includes the basic circuits plus:

  • C6: Additional C1 for every 30 light points
  • C7: Additional C2 for every 20 outlets
  • C8: Central Heating (6mm2-26A-IA25)
  • C9: Air Conditioning (6mm2-25A-IA25)
  • C10: Dryer (2.5mm2-20A-IA16)
  • C11: Automation (1.5mm2-16A-IA10)
  • C12: Additional C3, C4, or C5 when needed

Points of Use

Each room should have sufficient points of use. Examples:

  • Entrance: C1
  • Lobby: C1 and C2
  • Living Room: C1, C2, C8, and C9
  • Bedroom: C1, C2, C8, and C9
  • Bathroom: C1, C5, and C8
  • Kitchen: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C8
  • Terrace: C1
  • Garage: C1 and C2

Operating Elements and Components

Protection Devices in Low Voltage

GFCM (Main Circuit Breaker) and ICP (Power Control Switch): Located at the entrance of the apartment. The ICP should be placed next to the main panel, accessible to the user. The GFCM consists of a general circuit breaker (IGA), a residual current device (IAD) for protection against indirect contact, and miniature circuit breakers (IAM) for each circuit to protect against overload and short circuits. The sensitivity of the IAD is 30mA.

Characteristics of Protective Devices: They must withstand external agents. Fuses are placed on insulating material and can be changed safely. Circuit breakers must cut the maximum current of the circuit without an intermediate position between open and closed.

Fuses: Consist of a calibrated wire that melts and cuts the circuit when the current exceeds a certain value.

Thermal Relays: Consist of a bimetallic strip that bends and actuates a contact when heated by excessive current.

Electromagnetic Switches: Use an electromagnet to attract an iron core and open the circuit when the current reaches a certain limit.

MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): Combines a thermal relay and an electromagnetic switch.

RCD (Residual Current Device): Detects the difference between the current flowing in the live and neutral conductors and trips the circuit if there is an imbalance.

Control Devices

Switches: Used for manual connection or disconnection of a circuit.

Selectors: Similar to switches but allow for the selection of multiple circuits.

Push Buttons: Close the circuit only while held down, used for doorbells, etc.

Switchgear

Plugs: Provide a connection point for electrical devices.

Lampholders: Allow for the connection of lamps.

Conductors and Pipes

Plastic Pipes: Corrugated or rigid tubes used for electrical installations.

Steel Pipes: Used in specific applications.

Junction Boxes: House electrical connections.

Conductors: Copper or aluminum wires used to carry electrical current.

Basic Lighting Circuits

Single-Point Lighting: Used to control a light from a single location.

Two Lamps in Series: Less common configuration.

Two Lamps in Parallel: The most common configuration.

Two-Way Switching: Allows control of a light from two different locations.

Three-Way Switching: Allows control of a light from three or more locations.

Doorbell Installation: The switch is located outside the dwelling.

Fluorescent Tube Installation: Requires a ballast and a starter.

Identification of Conductors

Conductors are color-coded: neutral (blue), protective earth (green/yellow), phase (brown, black, or gray).

Bathroom Installations

Bathroom installations require special consideration due to the presence of water. Different zones (volumes) have specific requirements for electrical installations to ensure safety.

Conclusion

This guide provides a basic overview of electrical installations in homes and buildings. It is essential to consult relevant regulations and standards for detailed information and to ensure compliance with safety requirements. Always consult with a qualified electrician for any electrical work.