Cable and

Circuit Types
Learner Work Book

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Group:
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Table of Contents
Foreword ........................................................................................................5

Cables and Circuit Types Unit Overview .....................................................6

Practical Skills .................................................................................................... 6
Knowledge Requirements .................................................................................. 6

Cable Types....................................................................................................7
Light duty cables ................................................................................................ 8
Medium duty cables ......................................................................................... 13
Heavy duty cables............................................................................................ 15

Circuits and BS7671 ....................................................................................17

Division of the installation ................................................................................. 17
Accessories...................................................................................................... 18
Electrical equipment ......................................................................................... 19
Isolation and switching ..................................................................................... 20

Circuit Categories ........................................................................................24

Category 1 Circuits........................................................................................... 25
Category 2 Circuits........................................................................................... 26
Category 3 Circuits........................................................................................... 28

Standard Circuit Ratings .............................................................................30

Lighting Circuits ..........................................................................................31

Lighting points .................................................................................................. 32
Lamp types ...................................................................................................... 33
Lighting design current calculations.................................................................. 37
Lighting control................................................................................................. 39
Lighting circuit wiring ........................................................................................ 41
Lighting circuits exercise .................................................................................. 44

Power circuits ..............................................................................................52

Cooking appliances .....................................................................................52

Cooker types .................................................................................................... 53
Cooker control.................................................................................................. 54
Cooker design current calculations................................................................... 55

Motors ...........................................................................................................57
Motor control .................................................................................................... 57
Motor design current calculations ..................................................................... 58

Water Heating...............................................................................................60
Water heating control ....................................................................................... 61
Water heater design current calculations.......................................................... 62

Electrical Heating.........................................................................................63
Direct acting heaters ........................................................................................ 63
Convection heaters .......................................................................................... 64
Thermal storage heaters .................................................................................. 64

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Electric heating control ..................................................................................... 64

Electrical heating design current calculations ................................................... 65

Standard Socket circuits .............................................................................66

BS1363 Plug top and socket ............................................................................ 67
The Fused Connection Unit.............................................................................. 68
The Ring Final Circuit....................................................................................... 69
The Radial Circuit............................................................................................. 70

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Foreword
In this section we will look deeper into the different circuits used within everyday
installations. Different types of mains voltage circuits use the same type of cable but
will most likely be a different size to safely cope with the demand of that circuit. Some
circuits need specific cable types to function correctly. Circuits operate and function
in dependence upon what information the electrician knows about the circuit and how
he connects them up. Circuit diagrams, if used correctly, ensure that circuits will
function as they are designed to do.

BS7671 dictates how all our everyday lighting and power circuits are installed but the
emergency systems that we come into contact with everyday in the training centre, in
a public place are governed by their own British Standard.

This workbook is to be accompanied by PowerPoint

“Cable and Circuit Types”

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Cables and Circuit Types Unit Overview

Practical Skills
To achieve the learning outcome the candidate must be able to:

Complete the practical tasks in the electrical unit ensuring correct cables are
selected
Select correct sizes conductors and use correct installation methods
Complete wiring diagrams for various types of lighting circuit
Complete design current calculations for various types of lighting and power
circuit
Select the correct circuit components for lighting and power circuits

Knowledge Requirements
To achieve the learning outcome the candidate must know:

The different cable types used within industry for the common types of circuit
What BS7671 says about circuits and their parts
How circuits are categorised with regard to their duty
The standard ratings of circuit types
About lighting types and how lighting circuits operate
The different types of power circuit and how they are typically controlled

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Cable Types
Insulation properties are one of the most important things to consider when selecting
a cable for a circuit. If the insulation is not rated for the environment the circuit is
installed in it can have a number of detrimental effects on its operation and safety.

What can happen to a circuit if the insulation is incorrectly rated? List the
factors below

Mechanical protection for a cable is probably as equally as important as its insulation.

If a circuit with limited mechanical strength is installed in an environment where there
is a risk of it coming into contact with heavy objects that circuit will most likely
become unsafe through being damaged.

Name the type of cables you have heard of in the box below.

So you can improve your understanding of cables as we progress through the

power point note down the common names of the cables next to their picture
below

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Light duty cables

6242Y Flat twin and earth

Available sizes: 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²; 2.5mm²; 4.0mm²; 6.0mm²; 10.0mm²; 16.0mm²

(CPC is one size less)
Description: PVC insulated and Grey or white PVC sheathed. Solid copper
conductor. Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Domestic fixed wiring for any type of circuit; buried in building fabric or clipped
direct; Commercial wiring if above a ceiling or installed on tray or in trunking

6242YH Flat twin brown and earth

Available sizes: 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²

Description: PVC insulated and Grey or white PVC sheathed. Solid copper
conductor. Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Domestic fixed wiring for switch wires only; buried in building fabric or clipped
direct; Commercial wiring if above a ceiling or installed on tray or in trunking

6243Y Flat three core and earth

Available sizes: 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²

Description: PVC insulated and Grey or white PVC sheathed. Solid copper
conductor. Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Domestic fixed wiring for two way strapping wires or circuits that require
permanent live and switched live conductors such as extractor fans or automatic
security lighting; buried in building fabric or clipped direct; Commercial wiring if above
a ceiling or installed on tray or in trunking

With all flat twin and three core cables the circuit protective conductor is
smaller than the line and neutral conductors. A 1.5mm² cable has a 1.0mm²
cpc. A 2.5mm² has a 1.5mm² cpc and so on. This bare copper conductor
needs to be covered with green and yellow sleeving to protect it from live
parts within an enclosure.

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3182Y Two core round flex

Available sizes: 0.5mm²; 0.75mm²; 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²

Description: PVC insulated and White or Black sheathed. Stranded copper
conductor. Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Double insulated appliances that do not require earthing; domestic lighting
cabinet display etc. push switches, table and standard lamps, radios, and lighting
pendants etc

3183Y Three core round flex

Available sizes: 0.5mm²; 0.75mm²; 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²; 2.5mm²

Description: PVC insulated and White or Black sheathed. Stranded copper
conductor. Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Domestic lighting cabinet display etc; kettles, toasters etc; earthed equipment;
extension leads.

3184Y Four core round flex

Available sizes: 0.75mm²; 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²

Description: PVC insulated and White or Black sheathed. Stranded copper
conductor. Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Domestic security lighting where permanent and switch live conductors are
needed; bathroom fans.

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3185Y Five core round flex

Available sizes: 0.5mm²; 0.75mm²; 1.0mm²

Description: PVC insulated and White or Black sheathed. Stranded copper
conductor. Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Domestic and commercial heating and ventilation controllers; timers.

3183TQ Three core rubber flex

Available sizes: 0.75mm²; 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²

Description: Heat resistant, rubber insulated and White or Black sheathed. Stranded
copper conductor. Approved to BS 6500
Uses: Domestic and commercial heating supplies; equipment in high temperature
zones up to 85°C.

6242BH Flat twin and earth

Available sizes: 1.0mm²; 1.5mm²; 2.5mm²; 4.0mm²; 6.0mm²; 10.0mm²; 16.0mm²

Description: Low smoke and fume twin and three core & earth. To BS 7211. Solid
copper conductor
Uses: Domestic fixed wiring for any type of circuit where reduced risk of smoke
hazard is required such as in schools; buried in building fabric or clipped direct;
Commercial wiring if above a ceiling or installed on tray or in trunking

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6181Y Double insulated meter tails

Available sizes: 10.0mm²; 16.0mm², 25.0mm²; 35.0mm²

Description: PVC insulated Grey PVC sheathed. Stranded copper conductor.
Approved to BS 6004
Uses: Double insulated surface wiring cable for meter tails for connection to
consumer units and switchfuses.

6491X Single core PVC insulated and 6491B Single core LSF insulated

Available sizes: 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4.0mm², 6.0mm², 10.0mm², 16.0mm²,

25.0mm² and higher
Description: PVC insulated single core. Approved to BS 6004 or LSF insulated
single core. Approved to BS 7211; Solid or Stranded copper conductor
Uses: Fixed wiring within conduit and trunking; earthing conductors; main
equipotential and supplementary bonding

Bell wire / speaker wire

Available sizes: Solid 0.2mm² / 13, 42, 79 strands

Description: Twin stranded plain annealed copper cores laid side by side in a flat
figure 8 construction.
Uses: Low voltage circuits (up to 60v); bells and chimes; door pushes.

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CAT5E Network cable

Available sizes: 4TP (four twisted pairs) 0.2mm²

Description: Solid plain annealed copper. Category 5 cables offer extended
transmission distance over frequency ranges up to 350Mhz and data speeds up to
1000 Mbps
Uses: Computer networking.

Standard co-axial / Satellite cable

Available sizes: 75 Ohm (6.7mm OD)

Description: Solid plain annealed copper. Air spaced polythene insulation with
copper wire braiding
Uses: Television and radio down leads for aerials; Linking satellite dishes to
receivers

Security alarm cable

Available sizes: 0.5mm²

Description: 4, 6 or 8 core tinned annealed copper conductors, PVC insulated and
sheathed
Uses: Flexible cables normally used for the wiring of burglar alarm and other low
voltage circuits

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Medium duty cables

Medium duty cables are selected due to their mechanical strength. Typical
environments where they would be used are construction sites, business premises,
warehouses and small factories. Any of the light duty cables seen previously can be
used in these installations as long as they are sufficiently protected.

What extra risks might exist where medium duty protection is required?

3183AG Three core arctic flex

Available sizes: 1.5mm²; 2.5mm²

Description: Exterior use with tools, lighting and equipment. Stays flexible at -30ºC.
Generally to BS 6500. Stranded copper conductor
Uses: Construction site temporary lighting; power tools; outdoor equipment;
extension leads (Yellow for 110v, Blue for 230v).

YY Control flex

Available sizes: 0.5mm², 0.75mm², 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4.0mm², 6.0mm²,

10.0mm², 16.0mm²,
Description: Three, four, five core up to 25 core PVC / PVC insulated multi core.
Approved to BS 6500. Stranded, number coded copper conductor
Uses: Used as connecting cable, as measuring, checking and control cable in
machine tool manufacturing, plant engineering and on assembly lines and production
lines. Suitable for fixed installation (tray work) or flexible applications without
exposure to tensile load.

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SY Control flex

Available sizes: 0.5mm², 0.75mm², 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4.0mm², 6.0mm²,

10.0mm², 16.0mm²,
Description: Three, four, five core up to 25 core PVC / PVC insulated, galvanised
steel wire braided multi core. Approved to BS 6500. Stranded, number coded copper
conductor
Uses: Used as connecting cable, as measuring, checking and control cable in
machine tool manufacturing, plant engineering and on assembly lines and production
lines. Suitable for fixed installation (tray work) or flexible applications without
exposure to tensile load. Due to the galvanised steel wire braiding, these cables can
even be used under adverse operating conditions or when exposed to high
mechanical strain.

CY Control flex

Available sizes: 0.5mm², 0.75mm², 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4.0mm², 6.0mm²,

10.0mm², 16.0mm²,
Description: PVC / PVC insulated, copper wire braided multi core. Approved to BS
6500. Stranded, number coded copper conductor
Uses: Used as connecting cable, as measuring, checking and control cable in
machine tool manufacturing, plant engineering and on assembly lines and production
lines. Suitable for fixed installation (tray work) or flexible applications without
exposure to tensile load. These cables with copper screening are ideally suitable for
interference free data and signal transmission in measuring and control technology

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Heavy duty cables

6943X, 6944X, 694*X - XLPE Steel wire armoured

Available sizes: 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4.0mm², 6.0mm², 10.0mm², 16.0mm²,

25.0mm² and larger
Description: 3-core (6943X) and 4-core (6944X); *up to 48 core galvanised Steel
Wire Armoured Cable. Black XLPE sheathed, PVC insulated. Approved to BS 5467.
Available in copper or aluminium (above 16mm² only
Uses: General circuit wiring (on tray work or ladder or clipped direct) where there is
an increased risk of mechanical damage; underground cable routes

Mineral insulated copper conductor

Available sizes: 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4.0mm², 6.0mm², 10.0mm², 16.0mm²,

25.0mm² and larger
Description: Single core, two, three, four, seven, twelve and nineteen core. Orange
(general use), red (fire alarms) or white (emergency lighting) LSF sheathed, mineral
(magnesium oxide) insulated. Solid copper conductor. Approved to BS 6207
Uses: General circuit wiring (on tray work or ladder or clipped direct) where there is
an increased risk of mechanical damage; underground cable routes

What sort of environment might this cable be used for in lighting circuits?

BS5308 Instrumentation cable

Available sizes: 0.5mm², 0.75mm², 1.0mm², 1.5mm²;.

Description: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 pair. XLPE or PVC Blue sheath for I.S; Black
sheath for general purpose. Stranded copper conductor. Approved to BS 5308. Each
cable combines one part and one type. For example:
Pt1 = XLPE sheathed Pt2 = PVC sheathed; Ty1 = Un-armoured Ty2 = Armoured
A Pt1 Ty2 cable is Armoured Collectively Screened or individually & collectively
screened with XLPE sheathing
Uses: Used to carry voice and data services, they also serve as the interconnection
between electrical equipment and instruments, particularly in and around process
plants, where signals are transmitted through to panels, controllers and other devices

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In pairs complete the exercise below. You are asked to select a cable type and
wiring system and state the reasons why for some different situations. You will
need to state the installation method and number given in BS7671. You will need
your Tables from BS7671.

1. A supply to a garage, 10 metres

from a house where an overhead
route is not an option.

2. An office building heating system is

controlled via thermostats carrying
low voltage digital signals. All wiring
is above the ceiling.

3. A supply is required for a lift shaft

lighting circuit. The supply will be
used at various points to ensure
illumination levels are sufficient on
all floors. This is a high risk
mechanical protection environment

4. An extra socket is required in a

kitchen. It will not be surface
mounted so the cable will have to
be buried in the building fabric.

5. A new classroom is being built in a

school and there needs to be a
reduced risk of hazardous fumes in
the event of a fire. The installation
needs to be easily rewireable for
future alterations.

6. An evacuation / fire alarm speaker

needs to be installed in a boiler
house where there is very loud
machinery and an ambient
temperature of 50ºC.

7. A new industrial plant requires data

to be transmitted from instrument to
panel on tray work

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Circuits and BS7671

Division of the installation

Section 314 of BS7671 requires an installation to be divided into circuits, as

necessary. Dividing an installation into circuits helps to avoid hazards, facilitates safe
inspection, testing and maintenance and minimises the inconvenience in the event of
a fault.

It is imperative that careful consideration is given to how many circuits are required
for a given electrical installation. It is also important to select the most appropriate
overcurrent and fault protection devices and to position them to ensure, as far as
possible, that the only circuits to be disconnected are the ones where a fault has
occurred. Separate final circuits provide separately controlled parts of an installation
so each final circuit must connect to a separate way in the consumer unit.

BS7671 states:

Every installation shall be divided into circuits, as necessary, to:

i. Avoid hazards and minimise inconvenience in the event of a fault
ii. Facilitate safe inspection, testing and maintenance (see also 537)
iii. Take account of danger that may arise from the failure of a single
circuit such as a lighting circuit
iv. Reduce the possibility of nuisance tripping of RCDs due to
excessive protective conductor currents produced by equipment in
normal operation
v. Mitigate the effects of electromagnetic interferences (EMI)
vi. Prevent the indirect energising of a circuit intended to be isolated

Typical domestic installation Typical commercial installation

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Accessories

BS7671 defines an accessory as:

“A device, other than current-using equipment, associated with
such equipment or with the wiring of an installation.”

They are the items that are used to control or utilise current using
equipment on an installation. Before any work is undertaken or regarding the
installation of any new accessories time needs to be spent reading any instructions
for the new parts. If the work involves the replacement of accessories in an existing
installation you must make sure that the new parts are fully compatible with those on
the existing electrical installation.

Name five different types of accessories

BS7671 makes the following reference to accessories:

• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation,

inspection & testing, maintenance and repair. (Reg:132.12)
• An accessory is an item of electrical equipment that does not use
any current e.g. a switch or a socket-outlet. (Definitions)
• Every termination, connection or joint between live conductors
including the neutral conductor must be made in a suitable
accessory or enclosure. (Reg: 421.7 and 526.5)
• All accessories must be fitted to an appropriate mounting box.
(Reg: 530.4.2)
• A wall mounted socket outlet must be mounted high enough
above a floor or work surface to prevent damage to the flexible
cord of a plug top.(Reg: 553.1.6)

BS 7671 does not give specific heights for accessories but the Building
Regulations 2002 require the following:

Accessories must be mounted between 450mm and 1200mm from the

finished floor level in habitable rooms in new dwellings
The centre of a socket outlet should be a minimum of 150mm above the
kitchen work surface
Accessories must be installed a minimum of 300mm from the edge of cooker
spaces, kitchen sinks and draining boards
Accessories should not be mounted so that it is necessary to lean or reach
over a cooker to operate them
Accessories should be mounted on the building fabric and not on kitchen
furniture
Socket-outlets supplying washing machines and dishwashers should be
installed so that water that may drip from plumbing equipment is unlikely to
affect the socket-outlet or plug top

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Electrical equipment

BS7671 defines electrical equipment as:

“Any item for such purposes as generation, conversion,
transmission, distribution or utilisation of electrical energy,
such as machines, transformers, apparatus, measuring
instruments, protective devices, wiring systems, appliances
and luminaires”

Class 1, 2 & 3 equipment

Class I Equipment has exposed conductive parts connected to a protective
conductor
Class II Equipment has both basic and supplementary insulation with no
exposed metalwork connected to a protective conductor
Class III Equipment is SELV equipment

Give three examples of equipment for the three main classifications of duty

Connections of such equipment are very important. The cable sheath should enter
the enclosure, the c.p.c should be sleeved and no more insulation removed from the
conductors than is necessary to make a proper connection.

BS7671 makes the following reference to electrical equipment:

• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation,

inspection & testing, maintenance and repair. (Reg: 132.12)
• All items of current using equipment must be provided with a
functional switching device. (Reg: 537.5.1.3)
• All electrical equipment must conform to all relevant standards
and be suitable for its location and use. (Reg: 133.1)
• Electrical equipment must not create a fire hazard to nearby
materials. (Reg: 421.1)
• A ring final circuit must not supply an immersion heater, storage
heaters or a cooker rated more than 2kw. (Reg: 433.1.5 and
App.15)
• For all relevant BS or EN numbers see Appendix 1.

Any alterations or additions to an electrical installation may have an effect circuit’s

maximum demand. If the circuit length is increased this will have an effect on the
disconnection time for the circuit. These changes could mean that the overcurrent
protective device and the circuit conductors are no longer suitable and would need to
be re-assessed in terms of voltage drop, shock protection and thermal constraints.

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Isolation and switching

Isolation and switching serves the following purposes as stated in BS7671:

Isolation of electrical energy

Isolation for mechanical maintenance
Functional switching
Emergency switching

BS7671 defines isolation as:

“A function intended to cut off for reasons of safety the supply from
all, or a discrete section, of the installation by separating the
installation or section from every source of electrical energy.”

BS7671 makes the following reference to isolation:

• Isolation is used to remove the supply to all or part of an

installation for safety reasons. (Definitions)
• When an isolating device is installed remotely from the
equipment it is meant to isolate, the device must be able to be
locked in the OFF position. (Reg: 537.2.1.5)
• A main switch must be provided to cut off the voltage to an
installation. (Reg: 132.15.1)
• A double pole main switch or linked circuit breaker must be
installed as close as possible to the incoming supply at the
origin of the installation. (Reg: 537.1.4)
• Isolation devices should preferably be double pole. (Reg:
537.2.2.5)
• An isolation device should be labelled if the equipment it
isolates is not obvious by its position. (Reg: 537.2.2.6)
• For more detailed information on devices suitable for Isolation
see Table 53.2 p117

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BS7671 defines mechanical maintenance as:

“The replacement, refurbishment or cleaning of lamps and non-
electrical parts of equipment, plant and machinery.”

Equipment is not always isolated for electrical purposes.

Mechanical maintenance tasks such as pump repairs or machinery
guard’s replacements all require electrical isolations to ensure that it is safe to carry
out the work.

BS7671 makes the following reference to mechanical maintenance:

• Mechanical maintenance is the repair, replacement or

cleaning of non electrical parts of electrical equipment.
(definitions)
• Electrical equipment that may cause injury during
mechanical maintenance i.e. fans, must be provided with a
means to switch off the supply. (Reg: 537.3.1.1)
• A double pole switch, circuit breaker and plug top & socket
outlet may be used to switch off the supply during
mechanical maintenance. (Reg: 537.3.2.1)
• A double pole main switch or linked circuit breaker must be
installed as close as possible to the incoming supply at the
origin of the installation. (Reg: 537.1.4)
• In a TN-S or TN-C-S system the neutral conductor is not
required to be switched or isolated when it is known that the
supply neutral and earth conductors are connected. (Reg:
537.1.2 and Reg: 537.2.1.1)
• A single pole switch must only be used with a line
conductor. (Reg: 132.14.1)
• Only a linked switch that breaks all related line conductors
can be used with an earthed neutral conductor. (Reg:
132.14.2)
• A neutral conductor must not be independently fused or
switched. (Reg: 530.3.2)
• A main switch must be provided to cut off the voltage to an
installation. (Reg: 132.15.1)
• Extractor fans must be provided with an easily accessible
means of switching off the supply.(Reg: 132.15.2)
• Unless its purpose is obvious, all items of switchgear must
be labelled. (Reg: 514.1.1)
• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation,
inspection & testing, maintenance and repair. (Reg: 132.12)

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BS7671 defines functional switching as:

“An operation intended to switch ‘on’ or ‘off’ or vary the supply of
electrical energy to all or part of an installation for normal
operating purposes”

Functional switching is not isolation or emergency switching or

switching for mechanical maintenance

BS7671 makes the following reference to functional switching:

• Functional Switching is used to switch on or off the electrical

supply to an installation or any part of an installation under
normal operating conditions. (Definitions)
• All items of current using equipment must be provided with a
functional switching device. (Reg: 537.5.1.3)
• Fuses and unswitched fused connection units (unswitched
spurs) must NOT be used for Functional Switching. For more
detailed information on devices suitable for Functional
Switching (see Table 53.2 p117)

BS7671 defines emergency switching as:

“An operation intended to remove, as quickly as possible, danger,
which may have occurred unexpectedly.”

Emergency switching is usually part of an under-voltage protection

circuit such as motor control

BS7671 makes the following reference to emergency switching:

• Emergency Switching is intended to remove any unexpected

danger as rapidly as possible. (Definitions)
• Fuses, unswitched fused connection units (unswitched spurs)
and plug top & socket outlets must NOT be used for Emergency
Switching. For more detailed information on devices suitable for
Emergency Switching (see Table 53.2 p117)

As you can see by the definitions above there are very distinct differences between
isolations and switching. It is very important to know the difference between them so
there is no confusion over whether a circuit is isolated or not.

Other circuit information

A durable notice giving details of all the circuits fed is required to be posted in or near
each distribution board. The information required is the equipment served by each
circuit, its rating, its design current and its overcurrent device breaking capacity.
When the occupancy of the premises changes the new occupier must be provided
with full details of the installation. This data must always be kept up to date.

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Now answer the questions below

1. Explain why we need to divide an installation into circuits

2. In your own words, define what an accessories is

3. State three references to accessories in BS7671

4. Explain why you think it is not permissible to mount accessories onto kitchen units?

5. In your own words define what electrical equipment is

6. State three references to electrical equipment in BS7671

7. In your own words define isolation and switching

8. What needs to be displayed at each consumer unit in an installation?

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Circuit Categories
The regulations state that circuits from different categories cannot be mixed in an
installation. This is due to the detrimental interference between each circuit type.
Magnetic fields generated by mains cables can interfere with the transmission of data
signals and produce harmful or incorrect values on a data network. When we refer to
different categories of circuit we mean:

Category 1 – Circuits operating at low voltages (50 to 600 volts AC)

and supplied from the electrical mains.

Category 2 – Any data, telecommunication, intruder alarm systems and

circuits operating at extra low voltage. (not exceeding 50 volts AC and
120 volts DC)

Category 3 – Any fire detection system, emergency lighting or alarm

system.

One exception to this rule is that as long as each circuit’s insulation is rated to the
highest circuit voltage they can be installed together without any segregation.

On site a typical installation will have several routes for carrying the different circuit
types. There may be three cable trays, side by side, each designated to carry only
the circuits form each category. In an office installation there may be multi
compartment trunking or a single tray work with sufficient space between them
(approx 300mm) so no interference takes place.

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Category 1 Circuits
Circuits operating at low voltages (50 to 600 volts AC) and supplied from the
electrical mains.

Lighting circuits
All lighting circuits and their control wiring are included in category 1. One way; two
way; intermediate; contactor controlled, timer controlled, automatically controlled are
all examples of Category 1 circuits. Lighting that operates at less than 50 volts from a
direct supply is NOT included.

Power circuits
All power circuits and their control wiring are included in category 1. Ring main and
radial socket circuits; cooking appliances; fixed equipment; motors are all examples
of Category 1 circuits. Control circuits that operate at voltages less than 50 volts are
not included.

Heating circuits
All heating circuits and their control wiring are included in category 1. Dual-element
immersion heaters; cistern-type water heaters; non-pressure water heaters;
Instantaneous water heater; controllers; timers; thermostats; pumps; boilers are all
examples of Category 1 circuits.

Environmental control circuits

All circuits that provide cooled/heated air to a building are included in category 1. Air
conditioning units; controlled; pumps; electronic shutters; valves; heating elements
are all examples of Category 1 circuits.

Standby power supplies

All circuits that provide back up supplies to an electrical installation are included in
category 1. Generators; temporary power leads; fixed back up battery units are all
examples of Category 1 circuits.

The electrical supply in this country is very reliable and secure. However, as
with all systems there are occasional interruptions that for some installations
would be dangerous as well as inconvenient. Hospitals, air-traffic control and
the petrochemical industry are just a few installations that could not tolerate
an interruption to the mains supply, so a standby system needs to be
available.

Large installations need a standby generating system, whereby a large

combustion engine cuts in automatically and drives a generator capable of
supplying the load needed to continue working safely

Smaller establishments such as small offices cannot afford complex standby

generation systems, but nevertheless they may have computer systems that
cannot afford to be off or, worse still, risk losing data. In this situation
standby power systems known as Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are
used, which consist of a battery supply that is charged up via the mains when
not in use. When the mains supply is lost the UPS automatically cuts in and,
via the electronics contained in it, converts the D.C battery supply to a mains
supply capable of powering several computers.

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Category 2 Circuits
Any data, telecommunication, intruder alarm systems and circuits operating at extra
low voltage. (Not exceeding 50 volts AC and 120 volts DC)

Data Transmission

Fibre-optic cables
This cable is used for digital transmissions used by equipment such as telephones
and computers. They are made from optical-quality plastic (the same as spectacles)
where digital pulses of laser light are passed along the cable from one end to another
with no loss or interference from mains cables (assuming the insulation is sufficiently
rated). They look like SWA cables but of course they are much lighter and contain
either one core or many dozens of cores.

Tight radius bends in this type of cable should be avoided, as should ‘kinks’, as the
cable will break. Jointing of these cables requires specialist tools and equipment.
Never look into the ends of the cable as the laser light could damage your eyes.

The applications of optical fibre

communications have increased at a rapid rate
since the first commercial installation of a fibre-
optic system in 1977. Telephone companies
began early on replacing their old copper-wire
systems with optical-fibre lines. Today’s
telephone companies use optical fibre
throughout their system as the backbone
architecture and as the long-distance
connection between city phone systems.

Fibre-optic cables are also used in Local Area Networks

(LAN). These collective groups of computers, or computer
systems, connected to each other, allow for shared program
software or databases. Colleges, universities, office buildings
and industrial plants, just to name a few, all make use of fibre-
optic cables within their LAN systems. Power companies are
emerging as big users of fibre optics in their communication
systems. Most power utilities already have fibre-optic
communication systems in use for monitoring their power grid
systems.

If you wanted to see down a dark corridor, you might shine a torch down it. But
what if the corridor had a bend in it? You could probably put a mirror in just the
right place at just the right angle and shine the light round the corner. But what if
the corner had lots of bends? Well, what if I made the entire corridor walls out of
mirrors, then I wouldn’t need to put them in just the right place or angle. The light
would be able to bounce around all the mirrors along the walls.

Believe it or not, that’s the theory behind fibre-optics, as the glass core is
essentially a mirror wound into a thin tube. Some 10 billion digital bits can be
transmitted per second along an optical fibre link in a commercial network,
enough to carry tens of thousands of telephone calls. The hair-thin fibres consist
of two concentric layers of high-purity silica glass, the core and the cladding,
which are enclosed by a protective sheath.

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Cat (Category) 5 cable

This cable is used extensively for data transfer in
computer networks and telephone systems. It has
four pairs of wires that transmit and receive data
along them at very high frequencies; typically 350
MHz. Special termination ends are required for
these cables.

There are three basic types of cabling used in data

systems: coaxial, fibre-optic and Unshielded Twisted
Pair (UTP). Coaxial is widely installed in older networks
but is not recommended for new network installations.
Fibre is used for high-speed networks and to connect
networking devices separated by large distances. But
UTP is currently the most common and recommended
cabling type. UTP is inexpensive, flexible and can
transmit data at high speeds. Most new installations are UTP (CAT5) cable
currently installed with Cat-5 UTP cabling and
components.

Intruder / Security Alarms

Alarm systems are classified as Category 2. All cabling that connects to keypads,
remote sensors, sounders, beacons or door contacts all need to be kept separate.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

Camera equipment uses a co-axial cable that transmits (and sometimes powers)
cameras on an installation.

Co-axial cable

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Category 3 Circuits
Any fire detection system, emergency lighting or alarm system

Fire Alarms
A correctly installed fire-alarm system installation is of
paramount importance and can be compared to any other
electrical undertaking, as life could be lost and property
damaged as a result of carelessly or incorrectly connected
fire-detection and alarm equipment.

Fire alarms typically use red FP200 (or equivalent) or

MICC cable.
MICC Cable

Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is not required in private homes because the occupants are
familiar with their surroundings. However, in public buildings, people are in unfamiliar
surroundings and in an emergency they will require a well-illuminated and easily
identified exit route. Emergency lighting should be planned, installed and maintained
to the highest standards of reliability and integrity, so that it will operate satisfactorily
when called into action.

Emergency lighting typically use white FP200 (or equivalent) or MICC cable. When
they are installed as an integral part of a lighting circuit they use the general circuit
wiring (i.e. PVC cable).

Also included in category 3 are any circuits that are used as an evacuation
system. This could be a system that is a person-operated loudspeaker system
or a computer or panel operated one.

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Check your learning by answering the questions below

1. State the voltage range of a category 1 circuit

2. What type of lighting circuits are not included in category 1?

3. Give two examples of a power circuit.

4. What is a UPS and how does it function?

5. What type of circuits are included in category 2?

6. Explain the basic theory behind fibre optics.

7. Explain why you think category 3 circuits have their own classification.

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Standard Circuit Ratings

The table below shows most of the standard circuits found in domestic premises and
the ratings of the overcurrent devices that may be used to protect them.

TYPE OF CIRCUIT RATING (A) TYPICAL CONDUCTOR

SIZES (mm²)
Lighting 5, 6, 10 1.0, 1.5
Socket outlets (BS1363) 20, 30, 32 2.5, 4
Socket outlets (BSEN60309) 20 2.5
Immersion Heater (3-4kW) 15, 16, 20 2.5, 4
Cooker, electric shower (6-10kW) 30, 32, 40,45 4, 6, 10

There may seem little difference between a 5A and 6A protective device and indeed,
in terms of performance, there is little difference. This reflects the changes in
standards over time. Rewirable fuses to BS3036 and cartridge fuses to BS1361 are
made in ratings 5, 15 20, 30 A. Miniature circuit breakers and (mcb’s) to BS EN60898
are made in sizes 6, 10, 16, 20 and 32A.

The third column on the table shows the cable sizes that are typically used in these
circuits. The list is not an inclusive list as unique installation conditions may require a
larger cable. The list is for thermoplastic (p.v.c) cable. If m.i.c.c were being used then
it would be found that a cable one size smaller would usually suffice. This is because
the mineral insulation can withstand higher temperatures than p.v.c and so the
current ratings of m.i.c.c are higher as a result.

RCDs are required to protect users of appliances and equipment where

sockets rated up to 20 amps are used. The highest risk is outside of the
equipotential zone. This is due to the fault return path not being sufficient

Class discussion
Dave, an electrical apprentice needs to isolate a lighting circuit so he can fit
a dimmer switch to an upstairs bed room for his parents. Explain the step by
step process he will go through to ensure he does the isolation correctly.

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Lighting Circuits
Lighting is a vast and varied subject and beyond the scope of these notes. However
we will see some of the basic requirements, the different lighting circuits used and
the types of lamps associated with standard installations.

BS7671 makes the following reference to lighting circuits:

• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation,

inspection & testing, maintenance and repair. (Reg: 132.12)
• Where an installation has only one lighting circuit, the
circuit may need to be divided into two circuits to minimize
the danger that may arise in the event of a fault.(Reg: 314.1
(iii) )
• Light fittings must be installed so that any radiated heat
does not cause any damage. (Reg: 559.5.1)
• The fixing supporting a light fitting must be able to support
a weight of at least 5kg. (Reg: 559.6.1.5)
• Domestic lighting circuits should not be rated at more than
16A. (Reg: 559.6.1.6)
• Edison screw lampholders (excluding types E14, E27)
should have the outer contact connected to the neutral
conductor. (Reg: 559.6.1.8)
• Lighting circuits must be controlled by the appropriate
number of switches. (Reg: 559.6.1.9)
• Through wiring is only permitted in a light fitting where the
light fitting is designed for such wiring. (Reg: 559.6.2.1)
• Through wiring in a light fitting must be suitable for the
temperature generated inside the fitting. (Reg: 559.6.2.2)
• The lamp inside an outdoor light fitting mounted less than
2.8m above the ground must only be accessible after
removing an enclosure or barrier with the use of a tool.
(Reg: 559.10.3.1)
• Electrical equipment outdoors must be rated at least IP33.
(Reg: 559.10.5.2)
• Switchlines must be marked brown at their terminations.
(Reg: 514.3.1 and App.7 chapter 3

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Lighting points

For each fixed lighting point one of the following must be used.

1. Ceiling rose 2. Device for connecting a

luminaire (DCL)

3. Batten lamp holder 4. Luminaire designed to be

connected directly to the circuit
wiring

BS7671 states that the maximum rating of overcurrent protective devices of

circuits must not exceed the lamp holder rating. These are:

Small Bayonet Cap B15 Max Rating 6 Amps

Bayonet Cap B22 Max. Rating 16 Amps
Small Edison Screw E14 Max. Rating 6 Amps
Edison Screw E22 Max. Rating 16 Amps
Giant Edison Screw E40 Max. Rating 16 Amps

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Lamp types

Incandescent filament lamps (GLS and reflector)

Filament lamps are used mainly for domestic and display lighting. There
are many types of filament lamp, the most common being general
lighting service (gls) and decorative.

Their finish – clear, diffuse/pearl or coloured – is a significant factor

in their application. Reflector lamps are similar but have an
envelope with an internal reflective coating.

Advantages of filament lamps include low initial cost, simple

operation (no control gear required) and good colour rendering.

Disadvantages of filament lamps are low efficacy (measure of the

energy efficiency of a light source, ie lumens per watt) and a
relatively short life. Certain extended life filament lamps have only
about half the efficacy of standard lamps. The light output of
filament lamps is particularly sensitive to voltage variations.

Halogen filled filament lamps (tungsten halogen)

The main reason for filling a tungsten filament lamp
with a halogen gas is to prevent evaporated tungsten
from blackening the envelope. Tungsten halogen lamps also have an
increased light output and/or an extended life compared with standard
filament lamps. The envelope is of small dimensions and made of
quartz or hard glass. Some mains voltage lamps have an outer
protective envelope.

Lamps that are suitable for use in luminaries without a safety screen
should be so marked. Otherwise, tungsten halogen lamps should
only be used in suitably enclosed luminaries.

Extra low voltage (elv) lamps are, in general, more compact than
their mains voltage counterparts and the small filament size can
improve the optical efficiency of integral or external reflectors
(generally dichroic). Elv reflector lamps make it possible to use
compact luminaires for display lighting.

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Low pressure mercury fluorescent tubes

The light output from a tubular fluorescent lamp
comes from phosphors that convert energy from a
low pressure gas discharge into visible light. The
colour temperature and colour rendering are
determined by the phosphor mix coated on the
inside of the tube.

The argon-filled t12 (38mm diameter) tubes are

being discontinued. The modern range of krypton-filled triphosphor t8 (26mm)
diameter tubes should be the first choice for switchstart, quick start and high
frequency luminaries. Such lamps have a higher efficacy, longer life, improved lumen
maintenance and better colour rendering than earlier types of tube.

Triphosphor (or multi-phosphor) tubes offer a wide range of colour temperatures from
very warm (2700k), warm (3000k) and intermediate (3500k) through to cold white
(4000k), daylight (5000-5500k) and northlight (6000-6500k).

The main tube lengths and their respective power ratings are:
600mm = 18w
1200mm = 36w
1500mm = 58w
1800mm = 70w

Compact fluorescent lamps

A compact fluorescent lamp (cfl) has the
characteristics and advantages of linear
fluorescent lamps but its compact size is
achieved by folding the discharge path,
retaining high efficacy. The two main groups
of cfls are those with external control gear
and those with internal control gear.

High frequency control gear is now available

integrated into the cfl lampholder, making lamp conversion from gls to cfl very simple.
Many modern fluorescent lamps are operated at high frequency (typically at or above
30 khz) which results in a reduction of energy losses both in the lamp and the control
gear. The control gear size and weight are often less, the efficacy higher, dimming
where required is easier, and operation is silent.

Incandescent CFL
Wattage Wattage
25 5
50 9
60 15
75 20
100 25
120 28
150 39
Wattage comparison chart

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High pressure sodium lamps

Light is generated by an electrical discharge in a gas
containing sodium and mercury (sodium amalgam)
contained in a sintered alumina arc-tube.

High pressure sodium lamps are used for road lighting,

floodlighting and industrial interior lighting.

Low pressure sodium lamps

Low pressure sodium lamps consist of a u tube containing
the discharge, and an outer heat reflecting glass jacket.
The monochromatic light is concentrated in the yellow part
of the visible spectrum which is close to the maximum
sensitivity of the human eye at normal lighting levels.

The efficacy is the highest of all lamp types, but with very
poor colour rendering. Low pressure sodium lamps are
used mainly for exterior applications such as road and
security lighting (but are not suitable for repeated on/off
(operation).

Metal halide discharge lamps

Metal halide lamps have quartz or sintered alumina
(ceramic) arc tubes, generally with an outer glass
envelope. Light output is from mercury and other
metallic elements introduced in the form of halides.

Metal halide lamps of the ‘protected’ type are now

available for operation in luminaries without safety
screens. According to the mix of elements, there is a wide
range of efficacy and/or colour appearance, but colour
rendering is generally good.

Metal halide lamps are generally used in commercial

interiors, industry and floodlighting, and (in smaller ratings)
for retail lighting.

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High pressure mercury discharge lamps

The high pressure mercury discharge operates in a quartz
envelope. Mercury lamps were used for illuminating road signs
and industrial lighting but have largely been replaced by the more
efficient lamps now available. Such lamps offer low cost
discharge lighting where high efficacy is not important. They often
incorporate a third electrode for starting and in such cases the
control gear required generally consists only of a ballast and a
power-factor corrected capacitor.

Induction lamps
Induction is a process whereby electrical power is passed
from one circuit to another without the use of physical
electrical conductors. It enables lamps to be constructed
without the need for wire connections to pass through the
glass or quartz envelope. Induction lamps are available as
low pressure mercury lamps, using the same triphosphor
coating of the inner envelope surface as the familiar
fluorescent tubes. The commercially available range of
induction lamps is limited.

Light emitting diodes (leds)

Light emitting diodes have been used for indicating purposes
for several decades and recent developments have created
larger diodes and extended the range of colours including
white.

A dramatic increase in efficacy is predicted in the near future.

Leds have an extremely long life and are likely to be built into
the luminaire and will not be a consumable item as far as the
end user is concerned.

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Lighting design current calculations

Assumptions
1. A lighting outlet shall be considered to have a connected load of
minimum 100 W. (Standard lighting points with lamps)
2. Discharge lighting calculations needs to take into to account
harmonic currents and control gear losses. Where the exact
manufacturer’s information for gear losses is not available the
maximum demand shall be assumed to be 1.8 x the lamp rating

Example 1
A house with ten rooms requires a light in each room. Calculate the design current.

i) Select the correct formula (basic resistive lighting)

P
I=
V
ii) Input the data into the formula and work it out to two decimal places and
be sure to add the unit (A)

10 × 100
I= = 4.35 A
230
Example 2
A warehouse office has two rooms with two, four tube light fittings rated at 36 watts
per tube. Calculate the assumed design current for the 230v circuit.

i) Select the correct formula (discharge lighting). Three line circuits use a
similar formula but the V (230v) is replaced by √3 x 400

P × 1 .8
I=
V
ii) Input the data into the formula and work it out to two decimal places and
be sure to add the unit (A)

2 × 2 × (4 × 36 ) × 1.8
I= = 4.51 A
230
Note: If the manufacturer’s discharge lamp information is obtainable from a
catalogue this would be used to gain a more accurate value of design current.
Standard lamp ratings are approximately increased by 10%.

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Complete the exercise below. You are asked to calculate the design current

1. A 230v lighting circuit supplying twelve

rooms with one standard light point in
each.

2. A 230v lighting circuit feeding twelve

rooms has one centre light in each
room and two wall lights in two rooms.
The wall lights are twin 40w maximum
type

3. A 230v discharge lighting circuit of four

flood lights with a total load per fitting
of 250 watts. Manufacturers lamp detail
not known

4. An open plan office has twelve 4x36w

light fittings all one line. Manufacturer’s
lamp information reveals each lamp to
be 39 watts (accounting for control
gear losses).

5. A car show requires display lighting

using 21 x 250 watt metal halide
(discharge) lamps. The supply will be
triple pole and neutral (TP&N).

6. How many lighting points are

permissible to be supplied on one
single line 10 amp circuit breaker?

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Lighting control

Lighting accessories or luminaries must be controlled by a switch or switches to BS

3676 or BS 5518 and must be suitable, where necessary, for the control of discharge
lighting circuits.

Light switches can be one way, two way or intermediate. The number of switches per
accessory are called 'gangs'. They are generally rated to carry 6 amps but some are
available that can safely switch 20 amp circuits.

The type of light switch finish depends on the installation (bathroom, kitchen, outdoor
etc), the number of points of switching (one way, two way, intermediate) and the
number of lamps to be switched from that location.

1 Gang or 1G White Plastic 2 Gang or 2G White Plastic 3 Gang or 3G White Plastic

Switch Switch Switch

Label the switch terminals and draw their internal switching mechanisms

One-way switch control

This indicates the user has the ability to switch the lighting circuit from
one point only. The switch wire, which is usually blue, should be
identified at both ends as a line conductor either by line colour or the
letter 'L'.

Two-way switch control

This indicates the user has the ability to switch the lighting circuit from
two points. Often used in bedrooms, on stairs, halls and rooms that may
contain more than one point of entry.

The extra wires that are used to connect the two light
switches together are known as strapping wires or
‘strappers’. All strappers should be identified at both ends as
line conductors either by colour or the letter 'L'

More than two switching points

Commonly known as 'intermediate switching', the circuit contains a two-
way switching position at each extremity and extra “intermediate”
switching positions within the circuit (as many as required). These are
used in long rooms, stairs or corridors that require many switching
points, where all it may be necessary to avoid the user walking long
distances in the dark to operate the circuit.

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Centre switch terminals

Other information
• A minimum of one fixed lighting point is
required in each room, on hallways and
on stairways/ landings
• Each light has to be controlled by a
switch
• When determining the position of the
lighting point and switch positions how
each room is to be used must be taken
into consideration Three gang switch terminals
• Additional lighting that may be required
in certain rooms, such as lounges,
kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms
• Switching from more than one point
should be considered for a room with 2
or more points of entry, in bedrooms,
long passages and halls as well as
landings and stairs
• The height of the light switches is set out
in Regulation 553-1-6

Contactor control
A contactor is a switching device that contains an electromagnet. When a voltage is
applied to the electromagnet (or coil) it generates a magnetic field around it and
forces contacts within the contactor to close. The full load current circuit connections
are electrically separate from the coil so it can be operated with a different voltage.

Contactors can be employed in lighting control circuits to switch loads that exceed
the rating of switching devices. This means that standard 6 Amp switches would be
used to control the supply to the coil and the entire lighting load would be taken by
the contactor.

Single or three line banks of lighting, power loads including motors can be controlled
in this way. Due to the current that energises the contactor being negligible, the
associated overcurrent device and circuit wiring can be sized accordingly. This
means that smaller rating devices and conductors can be used for the control circuit.
Below is a typical example of how a contactor might be used.

Typical contactor controlled lighting circuit

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Lighting circuit wiring

Loop in Method (or Three Plate Method)

The loop-in method is the most common wiring system employed in lighting
installations using PVC twin and earth, steel wire armoured or MICC cables.

No joints or connections are to be made anywhere except at the recognised

termination points of the circuit, i.e. at switch terminals, ceiling roses or lamp holders.
Each ceiling rose or lighting point requires three banks of terminals or plates. They
are labelled Live, Loop and Neutral (earth is taken as always being present).

The main supply cable runs from the circuit protective device at the fuse board to the
first loop in ceiling rose then on to the next ceiling rose in the next room and so on.
From each ceiling rose a cable is run down to the light switch, this acts as the supply
conductor and the switched return conductor. The normally blue, switched conductor
is required to be marked as a line conductor; both at the light switch and at the ceiling
rose.

Pendant connections

Three plate ceiling rose connections

Conventional Method (or Two Plate Method)

The conventional method was the only way to wire lighting circuits many years ago
as manufacturers had not created a three plate accessory. Junction boxes would
have been used to save on cable costs and lighting points would only have the
facility for live and neutral terminations.

Today, the same accessories can be used in this method but the loop terminal is not
used. To achieve correct switching principles the feed from the fuse board must
terminate at the switch. This means that the supply neutral conductor must terminate
into a separate connector block inside the switch box. A switched live and neutral
would then carry the supply on to the lighting point.

Mixing the two methods is totally acceptable and in some cases may be the most
practical. Especially where cable routes are considered.

The disadvantages of the two plate method:

• There is only ever a switched live at any one lighting point making
alterations or additions to lighting circuits more difficult
• Where junction boxes are used this presents “hidden” fault
locations and laborious fault finding by moving furniture and
carpets to lift floor boards to access the jb’s

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One way switch connections using single core or multi-core

Or

1G1W Switch connections 1G1W Switch connections

wired in conduit wired in 6242Y
(Single core) (Multi core)

Two way switch connections

+
1G2W Switch connections 1G2W Switch connections
wired in conduit wired in conduit
(Single core) (Single core)

Or

Two way switch connections

+
1G2W Switch connections 1G2W Switch connections
(first switch) wired in multi- (second switch) wired in
core multi-core

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Intermediate switch connections

+ +
1G2W Switch connections Intermediate switch 1G2W Switch connections
wired in conduit connections wired in conduit wired in conduit

Intermediate switch connections

+ +
1G2W Switch connections Intermediate switch 1G2W Switch connections
(first switch) wired in multi- connections wired in multi- (second switch) wired in
core core multi-core

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Lighting circuits exercise

Complete the exercises on the next pages once you understand the completed
diagram below. Follow the supply to the loop, to the switch and then back to the
light. This is the path the current takes when it operates the light.

L LOOP N

6A
LIVE

NEUTRAL
Switch
wire
Circuit
feed C

L1

1 Gang 1 Way, 1 Light, 3 Plate method using multi-core

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L LOOP N L LOOP N

1 Gang 1 Way, 2 Lights, 3 Plate method using multi-core

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L LOOP N

L L
1 2

L L
1 2
C

1 Gang 2 Way, 1 Light, 2 Plate Conduit

method using single core

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L LOOP N

L L
1 2

L L
1 2
C

1 Gang 2 Way, 1 Light, 3 Plate Method

using multi-core

Truth tables
A truth table can be very useful if you forget how to connect up a lighting circuit. Draw
the circuit and try it out before you wire it up by “operating” one switch at a time. If it
doesn’t work on paper then it won’t work in real life!

Example to be completed with the trainer

Switch A
LEFT RIGHT
Switch B
LEFT LEFT
Light – on / off

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L LOOP N

L L
1 2

L1 L1

L2 L2

L L
1 2
C

1 Gang Intermediate, 1 Light, 2 Plate

Conduit Method using single core

Complete the truth chart for the lighting circuit on this page by switching one switch
at a time.

Switch A
L L
Switch B
S S S S X X
Switch C
L R
Light – on
/ off

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L LOOP N

L L
1 2

L1 L1

L2 L2

L L
1 2
C

1 Gang Intermediate, 1 Light, 3 Plate

Method using multi-core

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Now complete the next two circuits in the space below ensuring safe and effective
switching.

1. A lighting circuit contains two lights. One light is switched from one location; the
other is switched from two locations. The circuit is to be wired in multi-core
cable using the three plate method.

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2. You are required to wire and terminate a lighting circuit on part of an office
block. There are four rooms and a long corridor. Three of the offices have one
door and the fourth has two. The long corridor has an entrance at both ends
with the office entrances along its length. The corridor length is 30 metres
long. The circuit is to be wired in PVC singles in conduit. Assume one light per
circuit part for simplicity.

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Power circuits
A power circuit is generally anything that is not a dedicated lighting circuit.

These include:
• Cooking appliances
• Motors
• Water-heaters (instantaneous type)
• Water-heaters (thermostatically controlled)
• Space storage and floor heating installations
• Standard arrangements of final circuits
o Final circuits using socket-outlets complying with BS1363-
2 (Standard household sockets)
o Fused connection units complying with BS 1363-4
o Final radial circuits using socket-outlets complying with
BS EN 60309-2
• Stationary equipment

Cooking appliances
A cooker is regarded as a piece of fixed equipment unless it
is a small table-mounted type fed from a plug by a flexible
cord. Such equipment must be under the control of a local
switch, usually in the form of a cooker control unit. This
switch may control two cookers, provided both are within 2 m
of it. In many cases this control unit incorporates a socket
outlet, although often such a socket is not in the safest
position for use to supply portable appliances, whose flexible
cords may be burned by the hotplates. It is often considered
safer to control the cooker with a switch and to provide a
separate socket circuit.

The diversity applicable to the current demand for a cooker

is 10 A plus 30% of the remainder of the total connected
load, plus 5A if the control unit includes a socket outlet. A little thought will show that
whilst this calculation will give satisfactory results under most circumstances, there is
a danger of triggering the protective device under some circumstances. For example,
at Christmas it is quite likely that grill and oven, all four hotplates and a 3 kW kettle
could he simultaneously connected. Just imagine the chaos which a blown fuse
would cause! This alone is a very good reason for being generous with cable and
protective ratings.

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BS7671 makes the following reference to cooker circuits:

• All 13A socket outlets must be 30ma Rcd protected. Reg:

411.3.3
• All final circuits must be wired separately from all other final
circuits. Reg: 314.4
• All items of current using equipment must be provided with a
functional switching device. Reg: 537.5.1.3
• The Building Regulations require that accessories should not
be mounted so that it is necessary to lean or reach over a
cooker to operate them
• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation,
inspection & testing, maintenance and repair. Reg: 132.12

Cooker types

Hobs
On electric cookers there are two main types of hob: the hotplate and the ceramic
hob.
Hotplates can be broken down into two main types; Radiant
rings and sealed plated.
Radiant rings is coiled metal, often the cheapest due to
the fact they take the longest amount of time to heat up
and cool down and are often hard to clean.
Sealed plate hobs are thin iron discs covering heating elements and
sometimes have thermostats to prevent overheating.
They are also quite slow to heat up and cool down but
are easier to clean and are very durable.

Ceramic hobs have halogen or semi-halogen heating elements

under a heat resistant glass.
Halogen is a bulb with a tungsten element and
halogen gas. Halogen hobs are much the same as
radiant the main difference being it has a faster
response time offering better heat control.
Semi-halogen is a halogen bulb surrounded by a
radiant element

Ovens
Ovens type are normally broken down into two types; coventional and fan assisted.
In a conventional oven the thermostat controls the heat in the middle of the oven; the
oven will be a slightly hotter in the middle.

Fan ovens work differently by using a fan to circulate heat around the oven. This
creates a temperature throughout that is even also meaning the oven heats up very
quickly, reducing cooking times and saving energy.

Double ovens
Double ovens mean you can set each oven differently, as well as offering more
capacity. Often the main oven will be fan assisted with the smaller second oven
being conventional. The second oven generally has a primary function to act as a
grill.

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Cooker control

Cookers must have a functional switching device for convenience. This can take a
number of forms but is generally achieved via a double pole switch. Units with power
ratings of less than 3kW can be supplied by a dedicated socket outlet circuit or via a
switched fused spur unit.
A double pole switch makes and breaks both the live and the neutral conductors

32A or 40A over

current protection
(with RCD if
supplying a switch
with a socket outlet)

2 2
6.0mm or 10.0mm
Supply cable
32A or 45 Amp double pole switch with or
without neon indicator and socket

Or Or

45A connection unit for

easy removal and
reconnection of the oven
(usually mounted directly
behind the oven)

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Cooker design current calculations

Assumptions
1. Domestic ovens and hobs are to be calculated upon their maximum
loading value
2. Domestic cookers that contain an oven, grill and four rings can
have diversity applied to them. We assume 10 amps, then 30% of
the remainder plus 5 amps if the functional switch has a 13A socket
on it

Example 1
An oven has a rating of 2kW. Calculate the design current.

i) Select the correct formula

P
I=
V
ii) Input the data into the formula and work it out to two decimal places and
be sure to add the unit (A)

2000
I= = 8.70 A
230
Example 2
A radiant ring oven has four rings (2 x 1kW and 2 x 1.5kW); a grill (2kW) and an oven
(3kW) and is controlled via a cooker switch with a socket outlet. As it is unexpected
that all these parts will be in use at once we can apply what is known as diversity.
The diversity allowance to be applied to the full load current for cooking appliances
is:
The first 10 A of the rated current plus 30% of the remainder plus 5A if the control
unit incorporates a socket

i) Work out the total power rating and then calculate the full load current

Power = (2 × 1) + (2 × 1.5) + (2 + 3) = 10 kW
10000
I= = 43 .48 A
230
ii) Using the diversity allowance stated above work out the design current

a) Bank the first 10 amps of the full load current = 10A

b) Then add 30% of the remainder (43.48A – 10A = 33.48A)
30
I = 33 .48 × = 10 .04 A
100
c) Then add 5 amps to a) and b) for socket outlet This is the
expected current
I = 10 + 10 .04 + 5 = 25 .04 A demand

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Complete the exercise below. You are asked to calculate the design current

1. A built in oven unit has a rating of 3kW and

is controlled via a BS1363 socket outlet.

2. A combined oven and grill has ratings of

3kW and 3kW respectively and is supplied
by a 45A double pole switch. No diversity
is allowable.

3. A 2 ring sealed plate hob fitted with a

BS1363 plug has ring ratings of 1kw and
1.5kW. No diversity allowable

4. A four ring halogen hob has ratings of 2 x

2kW and 2 x 3kW. The unit is supplied by
a double pole switch. Apply diversity as
necessary.

5. A stand alone unit has 2 x 1kW and 2 x

1.5kW rings and an oven compartment
with a 3kW rating. The unit is controlled by
a switch incorporating a socket outlet.
Apply diversity.

6. A stand alone halogen unit has 2 x 2kW

and 2 x 3kW rings. A 2kW grill and an oven
compartment with a 3kW rating. There is
no socket on the cooker switch. Apply
diversity.

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Motors
A motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. This
means that using a motor we can turn a machine or conveyor system or pump liquid
through a pipeline. The power needed to drive the motor is dictated by the motor’s
size and construction and are many different types of motor and many different ways
to control them.

The scope of this subject is humongous and warrants its own course so here we will
learn to appreciate the simple motor circuit construction and calculating motor
current.

Motor control

As mentioned above there are many ways to control motors. The most common is
the “direct on line” control method. Basically put, you press green the motor starts.
You press red the motor stops. It’s that simple. Other ways include variable speed
drives, forward / reverse and star / delta starting which makes use of the motors
construction and principles of operation to get the most out of the motors torque and
starting currents. The basic circuit is shown below.

Fuse board either

single or three
lines.

Overcurrent
protection depends
upon motor rating

Supply cables rated to

suit design current
Remote
stop / start

DOL Starter
(contains contactor
and overload)

Isolator local to
motor for
Motor maintenance

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Motor design current calculations

Assumptions:
1. Calculations here are based upon single and three line motors
2. Each motor is subject to two types of losses that affect the total
power the motor demands. They are:
a. Power factor Cos Φ (which is the difference in the balance
between the voltage and current due to inductance created
in the copper windings of the motor)
b. Efficiency η (which is the difference in the power output
over the power input due to mechanical losses such as air
and bearing friction

Example 1
A 5.5kW single line motor is coupled to a pipeline producing fabric softener. The
power factor for the motor is 0.9 and its efficiency is 90%. Calculate the current.

i) Select the correct formula (single line formula)

P
I=
V × cos Φ × η

ii) Input the data into the formula and work it out to two decimal places and
be sure to add the unit (A)

5500
I= = 29.52 A
230 × 0.9 × 0.9
Example 2
A conveyor system uses a number of three line motors to drive the rollers on the
system. The motors are rated at 3kW each with 85% efficiency and a power factor of
0.85. Calculate the current demand of one motor.

i) Select the correct formula (three line formula)

P
I=
3 × V × cos Φ × η
ii) Input the data into the formula and work it out to two decimal places and
be sure to add the unit (A)

3000
I= = 5.99 A
3 × 400 × 0.85 × 0.85

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Complete the exercise below. You are asked to calculate the design current

1. A three line (400v) conveyor motor with a

total power of 15kW watts, a power factor
of 0.90 and an efficiency of 0.90

2. A single line (230v) pump with a total

power of 0.75kW watts, a power factor of
0.95 and an efficiency of 0.95

3. A three line drive motor with a total power

of 8.5kW watts, a power factor of 0.80 and
an efficiency of 0.75

4. A three line lift motor with a total power of

30kW watts, a power factor of 0.87 and an
efficiency of 0.85

5. A single line motor with a total power of

1.5kW watts, a power factor of 0.95 and an
efficiency of 0.90

6. A conveyor system fitted with 10 three line

motors with a total power of 100kW watts,
a power factor of 0.8 and an efficiency of
0.85 are to be used. State the maximum
demand.

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Water Heating
There are two main methods of heating water
electrically: either heating a large quantity stored in a
tank or heating only what is required when it is
needed.

Immersion heater
Heating large tanks of stored water (typically 137+
litres) is done using a 3kW immersion heater fitted into
a large water tank and then controlling via either a
timer switch or an on/off switch.

Dual element immersion heater

Cistern-type
Where larger volumes of hot water are needed,
for example in a large guest house, then a cistern-
type water heater (9 kW+) is used which is
capable of supplying enough hot water to several
outlets at the same time.

Cistern type water heater

Non-pressure
Non-pressure water heaters, which are typically
rated at less than 3 kW and contain less than 15
litres of water, heat the water ready for use and
are usually situated directly over the sink, such as
in a small shop or hairdresser’s salon.

Non-pressure type water heater

Instantaneous
Instantaneous water heaters heat only the water that is
needed. This is done by controlling the flow of water
through a small internal water tank which has heating
elements inside it; the more restricted the flow of water
then the hotter the water becomes. The temperature of the
water can therefore be continuously altered or stabilised
locally at whatever temperature is selected. This is how an
electric shower works, and showers in excess of 10 kW are
currently available. The shower-type water heater must be
supplied via its own fuse/MCB in the consumer unit and
Instantaneous type water heater have a double pole isolator located near the shower.

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BS7671 makes the following reference to water heaters:

• An immersion heater must not be supplied by a ring final circuit. Reg:433.1.5

• An immersion heater must be connected to the supply by a double pole linked
switch only. The use of a plug top and socket outlet is not permitted.
Reg:554.3.3
• An immersion heater must be provided with a thermal cut-out to prevent the
water from boiling if the thermostat fails. Reg:554.2.1
• Electric showers are not to be installed in zone 0. Reg:701.55
• All circuits in a bath or shower room must be protected by a 30ma RCD.
Reg:411.3.3
• All final circuits must be wired separately from all other final circuits.
Reg:314.4
• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation, inspection &
testing, maintenance and repair. Reg:132.12
• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation, inspection &
testing, maintenance and repair. Reg: Reg:132.12

Water heating control

Water heaters must have a functional switching device for convenience. This is
generally achieved via a double pole (sometimes fused) switch. Units with power
ratings of more than 3kW must be supplied from a suitably rated double pole
switched.

16A - 40A over

current protection
(with RCD if
supplying within a
special location)

13 (sometimes fused),
20, 32 or 45Amp double
pole switch with or
Supply cable without neon indicator

Or Or

Flexible cord

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Water heater design current calculations

Assumptions
1. Electric water heating is resistive power so is not affected by any
power factor or efficiency losses

Example
An over sink water heater has a rating of 2kW. Calculate the design current.

i) Select the correct formula

P
I=
V
ii) Input the data into the formula and work it out to two decimal places and
be sure to add the unit (A)

2000
I= = 8.70 A
230

Complete the exercise below. You are asked to calculate the design current

1. An instantaneous water heater has a

power rating of 2.75kW.

2. A cistern water heater has a rating of

12kW

3. A 10kW shower is to be installed in a

domestic property

4. A football changing room is fitting 4

electric showers. Each shower is
rated at 8.5kW. State the maximum
demand.

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Electrical Heating

The type of electric heating available falls into two main categories: direct
acting heaters and thermal storage devices.

Direct acting heaters

Direct acting heaters are usually just switched on and off when needed; some of
them can be thermostatically controlled. Direct heaters fall into two categories:
radiant and convection.

Radiant heaters
The radiant-type heaters reflect heat and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and
construction as follows.

Traditional electric fire: Infrared heater: consists Oil-filled radiator:

has a heating element of an iconel-sheathed consists of a pressed
supported on insulated element or a nickel- steel casing in which
blocks with a highly chrome spiral element are housed heating
polished reflective housed in a glass silica elements; the whole
surface behind it; these tube which is mounted in unit is filled with oil. Oil
range in size from about front of a highly polished is used because it has
750W to 3kW. surface. Sizes vary from a lower specific gravity
about 500 W to 3 kW; the than water and so
smaller versions are heats up and cools
usually suitable for use in down more quickly.
bathrooms and may be Surface temperature
incorporated with a bulb reaches about 70°C,
to form a combined and power sizes range
heating and lighting unit. from about 500 W to 2
kW.
Tubular heater: low-
temperature unit
designed to supplement
the main heating in the
building. Consists of a
mild steel or aluminium
tube of about 50 mm
diameter in which is Under-floor heater: consists of heating elements
mounted a heater embedded under the floor which heat up the tiles
element. The elements attached to the floor surface. The floor then becomes
themselves are rated at a large low-temperature radiant heater, and a room
200 W to 260 W per thermostat controls the temperature within the room.
metre length and can The floor temperature does not normally exceed
range in length from 24°C. The elements have conductors made from a
about 300 mm up to 4.5 variety of materials such as chromium, copper,
m. The surface aluminium, silicon or manganese alloys. The
temperature is insulating materials used are also made from a
approximately 88°C. variety of materials such as asbestos, PVC, silicon
rubber and nylon.

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Convection heaters
Convection heaters consist of a heating element housed
inside a metal cabinet that is insulated both thermally and
electrically from the case so that the heat produced warms the
surrounding air inside the cabinet. Cool air enters the bottom
of the cabinet and warm air is passed out at the top of the unit
at a temperature of between 80 and 90°C. A thermostatic
control is usually fitted to this type of heater.

Fan heater: operates in the same way as a convector heater but uses a fan
for expelling the warm air into the room. Fan heaters usually have a two-
speed fan incorporated into the casing and up to 3 kW of heating elements.

Thermal storage heaters

Thermal storage heaters use coiled heating elements
surrounded by thermal block that store heat. They are
generally rated at 3kW each so to save energy they are
heated “off peak” and release heat during the day at peak
times

Electric heating control

Electric heaters must have a functional switching device for convenience. This is
generally achieved via a double pole (sometimes fused) switch. Units with power
ratings of less than 3kW generally come supplied from a suitably rated BS1363 plug
top.

16A - 40A over

current protection
(with RCD if
supplying within a
special location) 13 (sometimes fused),
20, 32 or 45Amp double
pole switch with or
without neon indicator
or socket outlet
Supply cable

Or Or

Flexible cord

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Electrical heating design current calculations

Assumptions
1. Electric water heating is resistive power so is not affected by any
power factor or efficiency losses

Example
A convection heater has a rating of 2kW. Calculate the design current.

i) Select the correct formula

P
I=
V
ii) Input the data into the formula and work it out to two decimal places and
be sure to add the unit (A)

2000
I= = 8.70 A
230

Complete the exercise below. You are asked to calculate the design current

1. A radial circuit is to supply 3 tubular

heaters within a substation switch
room. Each heater has a power
rating of 400W.

2. A room requires under floor heating.

The total power rating of the system
is 8kW.

3. Ten oil filled radiators each rated at

2kW each are to be used as a
heating method within a construction
site office block. What is the
maximum demand?

4. A pub garden requires heating.

Assessment of the maximum
demand permits a further of 45A
only. If each heater is rated at 2kW
how many heaters can they use
within the limit?

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Standard Socket circuits

Do you have enough sockets for all of your appliances at home? In many situations
there is a need for several socket outlets to be close together so that they are
available to feed appliances and equipment without the need to use long and
potentially dangerous leads. For example, the domestic kitchen worktop should be
provided with ample sockets to feed the many appliances that are likely to be used
(deep fat fryer, kettle, sandwich toaster, carving knife, toaster, microwave oven,
coffee maker, and so on). Similarly, in the living room we need to supply a television,
DVD player, entertainment system, table lamps, room heaters, etc. A computer
station alone may require six socket outlets! If there are plenty of sockets this will
allow for occasional rearrangement of furniture, which may well obstruct access to
some outlets.
Do you know how many sockets outlets do you have in your house? List them below in
each room and compare the number with somebody else. Why do you think there are
different numbers of outlets for each person?

Kitchen
Dining Room
Lounge
Garage
Conservatory
Garden
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Bedroom 4
Hall
Landing
Other
TOTAL

If each one of these socket outlets were wired back to the mains position or to a local
distribution board, large numbers of circuits and cables would be necessary, with
subsequent high costs. There are options available which cuts cable and installation
costs dramatically. The creation of the radial and ring power circuits using the
BS1363 plug top.

The creation of the ring main brought forward a method of feeding many
sockets from one circuit breaker or fuse. A ring circuit protected by a 30 A or
32 A device may well feed twenty, twin 13A socket outlets. However, there are
restrictions in place so that ring mains are not overloaded. They are:

1. Do not feed heavy and steady loads from the ring circuit (the domestic
3kW immersion heater is the most obvious example), but make special
provision for them on separate circuits.

2. Make sure that the ring circuit does not feed too great an area. This is
usually ensured by limiting a single ring circuit to sockets within an
area not greater than one hundred square metres.

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BS1363 Plug top and socket

We have already learned that a 30A or 32A

fuse or circuit breaker is likely to protect a
large number of outlets. If this were the only
method of protection, there could be a
dangerous situation if, for example, a
flexible cord with a rating of, say, 5 A
developed a fault between cores. Appendix
3 shows that a 30A semi-enclosed fuse will
take 5 seconds to operate when carrying a
current of almost 90 A, so the damage to the
BS1363 Plug Top cord would be extreme. Because of this a
further fuse is introduced to protect the
appliance and its cord.

The fuse is inside the BS 1363 plug is a BS1362 cartridge fuse. They are generally
rated at 13A or 3A, although many other ratings are available.

A plug to BS 1363 without a fuse is not available. The circuit protection in the
distribution board or consumer's unit covers the circuit wiring only, whilst the fuse in
the plug protects the appliance and its cord. In this way, each appliance can be
protected by a suitable fuse, for example, a 3A fuse for a table lamp or a 13A fuse for
a 3 kW fan heater.

The minimum cross-sectional area for flexible cords should be:

0.5mm² where the radial circuit is protected by a 16A fuse, 0.75mm² for a 20A fuse,
or 1.0mm² for a 30A or 32A fuse. Where the cord length must he 10 metres or
greater, the minimum size should be 0.75 mm² and rubber-insulated cords are
preferred to those that are PVC insulated due to their durability.

Twin Switched Socket Outlet Single Socket Terminations

The British fused plug system is probably the biggest stumbling block to the
introduction of a common plug for the whole of Europe (the 'euro plug'). The euro
plug is a reversible two-pin type, so would not comply with the Regulations in terms
of correct polarity.

If we were to adopt it, every plug would need adjacent fuse protection, or would need
to be rewired back to its own protective device. In either case, the cost would be very
high.

The euro-plug

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The Fused Connection Unit

Load Feed
Side side

Switched Fused Spur with Neon Switched Fused Spur without

Indicator Neon Indicator

A fused connection unit can be connected to a ring or radial circuit with 2.5 or
4.0mm² conductors. It is used where large loads (generally 3kW) need a supply or for
fixed equipment such as boilers or kitchen appliances. Fused connection units can
also be used to supply sub-circuits such as lighting or a number of sockets off a
radial or ring circuit. The amount of fused spurs permitted on a ring main is unlimited
(providing the over current protective device is not exceeded). They can be switched,
unswitched, with or without neon and with or without flex outlet

The BS1362 fuse incorporated should be sized according to

the current carrying capacity of the cable used for the load
side of the spur. The one shown above is a switched version
with neon indicator. Each spur contains a feed side (where
the ring circuit connects) and the load side (where the sub
circuit connects)

BS1362 plug top fuses

When a socket outlet or sub circuit is wired from a fused spur the minimum size of
conductor is 1.5mm² for PVC insulated cables with copper conductors or 1.0mm² for
MICC cables

13Amp fuse
Ring or radial circuit

2
2.5mm Cable

2 2
1.5mm or 2.5mm Cable

Fused connection
unit application

Where sockets and fused connection units form a ring main or radial circuit an
unlimited amount can be installed. However, it is essential that consideration has
been given to the expected maximum demand on the circuit/s. Unfused spurs are
limited to one per socket on the circuit.

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The Ring Final Circuit

30-32A over current

protection (with RCD if
not sufficiently
mechanically protected)
Un-fused Un-fused spur
spur via via socket
30A JB

2
2.5mm Cable
2
Maximum floor space 100M

BS7671 makes the following reference to ring final circuits:

• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation, inspection & testing,
maintenance and repair. Reg:132.12
• Unless specifically labelled or suitably identified, all 13A socket outlets must be
30mA Rcd protected. Reg:411.3.3
• Unless a ring final circuit is run in rigid steel conduit using the conduit as a
protective conductor, the cpc must also be installed as a ring. Reg:543.2.9
• A ring final circuit must not supply an immersion heater, storage heaters or a
cooker rated more than 2kw. Reg:433.1.5 and p362
• A ring final circuit must not serve a floor area greater than 100m2. p362
• A ring final circuit must start and finish in the consumer unit and be connected to
a 30/32A fuse or mcb. Reg:433.1.5 and p362
• The minimum csa of the live and neutral conductors is 2.5mm2. The minimum csa
of the cpc is 1.5mm2. Reg:433.1.5 and p362
• An unfused spur can feed either one single or one double socket outlet only and
can be taken from the fuse or mcb in the consumer unit. Reg:433.1.5 and p362
• The number of spurs supplied from a fused connection unit (a switched fused
spur) and the size of the cable used to supply the spurs depends on the size of
the fuse in the fused connection unit. Reg:433.1.5 and p362
• All final circuits must be wired separately from all other final circuits. Reg:314.4
• Socket outlets must be spaced at least 150mm away from gas pipes unless there
is a pane of non combustible insulating material separating them. OSG p18
• Lengths of unfused spurs off a ring final circuit should not generally exceed 1/8
the cable length from the spur to the furthest part of the ring. OSG p54

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The Radial Circuit

20A over 30/32A over
current current
protection protection
Un-fused Un-fused spur
spur via via socket
30A JB

2 2
2.5mm Cable 4.0mm Cable

Maximum floor Maximum floor

2 2
space 50M space 75M

Two types of radial circuit are permitted for socket outlets. In both cases the number
of sockets permitted to be supplied is not specified, so the number will be subject to
load and diversity. Basically, an unlimited amount of sockets are permissible
providing the 20A or 32A fuse size is not exceeded

Radial circuits can be especially economic in a long building where the completion of
a ring to the far end could effectively double the length of cable used.

BS7671 makes the following reference to radial power circuits supplying sockets:

• Unless specifically labelled or suitably identified, all 13A socket outlets must be
30ma Rcd protected. Reg:411.3.3
• A radial final circuit supplied by a 20A fuse or mcb must have live conductors with
a minimum csa of 2.5mm2, a cpc with a minimum csa of 1.5mm2 and cover a floor
area not greater than 50m2. Reg:433.1 and p363
• A radial final circuit supplied by a 30A/32A fuse or mcb must have live conductors
with a minimum csa of 4.0mm2, a cpc with a minimum csa of 1.5mm2 and cover a
floor area not greater than 75m2.
• An unfused spur supplying one single or double socket outlet can be run in
2.5mm2 cable and may be connected to the fuse / mcb in the consumer unit.
Reg:433.1 and p363
• The number of spurs supplied from a fused connection unit (a switched fused
spur) and the size of the cable used to supply the spurs depends on the size of the
fuse in the fused connection unit. Reg:433.1 and p363
• All final circuits must be wired separately from all other final circuits. Reg:314.4
• All electrical equipment must be accessible for operation, inspection & testing,
maintenance and repair. Reg:132.12
• Socket outlets must be spaced at least 150mm away from gas pipes unless there
is a pane of non combustible insulating material separating them. OSG p18

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Now complete the questions below.

1. Why can’t the UK adopt the euro plug?

2. Where would it be wise to install a dedicated ring main in a domestic installation?

State your reasons why.

3. What is the minimum size of flexible cord permitted to be installed on a ring main?

4. Name the protective device type and BS number that protects the flexible cord on an
appliance.

5. When or where would a fused connection unit be most likely used?

6. How many sockets and fused connection units are permitted to be installed on either
type of socket circuit and are there any limitations?

7. Name two recommendations for ring mains to ensure they do not over load.

8. State the device ratings, minimum cable sizes and maximum floor space limits of the
ring main and both types of radial circuit.

9. Where or when might you decide to install a radial circuit as opposed to a ring main?

Cables and Circuit types REV5.1 71

 LEARNER WORK BOOK

Reserved for future use

Environmental control
Security systems
Fire detection
Emergency lighting
Data and communications

Cables and Circuit types REV5.1 72