Wiring systems in a single family home or duplex, for example, are simple, with relatively low power requirements.
The electricity services in a building consist of light switches, power points and other outlets. There are accessories to the electrical wiring. The way these accessories appear and function is very important to the user.
Inside the house the live and neutral wires are connected to the input terminals of Kilowatt Hour (Kwh) meter, whereas earth wire is connected to the body of Kwh Meter. The live wire coming out from the output terminals of Kwh Meter has another fuse in it, which is commonly called main fuse. Beyond main fuse the live and neutral wires are connected to a main switch. Main switch consists of a double pole iron clad switch. The iron body of main switch is locally earthed.
General Lighting Branch Circuits are computed on three watts per square foot basis.
They may wire up to 600 square feet of living area on a 15 ampere branch circuit or up to 800 square feet on a 20-ampere circuit.
Increased number of appliances – T.V. water cooler, A.C/, Geyser, Washing Machine, Refrigerator, Microwave, Dish washer, grinder, Mixer etc. requires branch circuits.
Every room, hallway, stair way, attached garage, and outdoor entrance must have at least one light fixture controlled by a wall switch.
The wall switch may control one or more plugs into which lamps may be plugged instead of a ceiling or wall mounted fixture.
Hallways and stairs with more than six steps require the lights to be controlled by a switch at each end.
One wall switch controlled light is necessary in a utility room, attic, basement or under floor space used for storage or which contains equipment such as heat and air, water heaters, sump pumps, etc. which may ever require service. The switch must be located at the entry point to these areas.
When larger equipments are used, wires get overheated causing isolation of wires to disintegrate and allowing the +ve and –ve wires to come in contact with each other and be a source of electrical leakage. The result is short circuit, leading to damage to property and electrical shock to human who come in contact with it.
Plans should be made for adequate home wiring:
The size of service entrance and where the panel box should be fixed.
The number, use and placement of circuits
The number, use and placement convenience outlets.
The lighting and switch systems.
Exterior wall lighting and weather proof outlets
Yard and garden lighting.
Rooms for growth in future.
Detect poor wiring:
Any system should avoid excessive voltage drop, wasted energy and overheated wires.
Symptoms of poor wiring are: (a) Fuses blow or circuit breakers trip often; (b) Too few switches, outlets and lights; (c) Extension cords are frequently used;(d) Lights dim and TV picture shrinks when refrigerator or other equipment starts and Toaster and electric iron heat slowly.
Participants