www.tntextbooks.

in

GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

HIGHER SECONDARY SECOND YEAR

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Basic Electrical
Engineering
THEORY & PRACTICAL

A publication under Free Textbook Programme of Government of Tamil Nadu

Department of School Education

Untouchability is Inhuman and a Crime
 www.tntextbooks.in

Government of Tamil Nadu

First Edition - 2019
Revised Edition - 2020, 2022, 2023
(Published under New Syllabus)

NOT FOR SALE

Content Creation

The wise
possess all

State Council of Educational

Research and Training
© SCERT 2019

Printing & Publishing

Tamil NaduTextbook and Educational

Services Corporation
www.textbookso.nline.tn.nic.in

ii
 www.tntextbooks.in

PREFACE

We are living in a modern world where all the systems are interconnected
for effective performance. By the year 2050, the demand of electrical energy
is double or even becomes triple due to the advancement in Electrical
Technology. Now-a-days affordable knowledge is essential in the field of
electrical sciences for better understanding of electrical appliances.
This book has been written primarily as a text book for the higher
secondary vocational students and is designed to serve the introductory
part of electrical engineering. The basic concepts of electrical sciences are
explained with neat diagrams for better understanding. This book is intended
for the clear understanding of electrical engineering and its applications.
This book has been written in a simple language and easy to understand
by the students. Various stages of the electrical system such as generation,
transmission, distribution and utilization of electrical power is clearly written
and the concepts are described with color diagrams. This book is made to
meet the requirements of International standards and made to compete with
the global level.
The chapters are designed and formulated from the inspiration
and interaction of experts from India and abroad in the field of Electrical
Engineering. The design of the book is based on bloom’s taxonomy which
is a learning tool for all students. The concepts available in this text book
obviously motivate the students for better understanding. The contents of this
book are mainly confined to the content of syllabus fulfilling the objectives an
electrical engineer.

iii
 www.tntextbooks.in

CONTENTS

Title Pages Month

Preface iii

Unit01 Power transmission and distribution 1-16 June

Unit02 Engineering Materials 17-26 July

Unit03 DC Machines 27-39 July

Unit04 AC machines 40-55 August

Unit05 Starters and controlling devices 56-66 August

Unit06 Electric drives 67-77 September

Unit07 Control Panel Board& PLC 78-93 October

Unit08 DC and AC Windings 94-111 October

Unit09 Earthing 112-126 November

Unit10 PROJECT 127-133 December

Model Question Paper 134-136

Practicals 137-186

E-book Assessment

iv
 www.tntextbooks.in

01

UNIT
Power transmission and
distribution

learning objective
Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) supply play a vital role and are
more important to study the applications of these supplies in our life. This lesson has
dealt with the methods of power supply of both AC and DC power transmission and
distribution, advantages and disadvantages.
„ Understanding the concepts of electric power transmission and distribution
„ Application of electric power in residential, commercial and Industrial

table of contents 1.4 Overhead line and underground

cable transmission, single phase and
1.1 Introduction to Power transmission
three phase main components-types
and distribution
1.5 Power distribution systems
1.2 Types of power transmission system
1.6 Applications of electric power
1.3 Primary and secondary distribution
transmission 1.7 Conclusion

1.1 Introduction to Power economical method of power between

transmission and power transmission and distribution. The
power is transmitted through the overhead
distribution
line and underground cable. These types
Power distribution is one of the of transmission have their own electrical
most important for power system. properties and have significant effects
Sub transmission is the efficient and during power distribution.
1 1
 www.tntextbooks.in

The properties of various types of i. Overhead lines

electrical power stages are explained as ii. Underground cables
high voltage and low voltage transmission
(HT & LT), overhead transmission and 1.2.1 DC Transmission system
underground cables are explained. Let us
see the various types of poles, insulators, AC
HVAC HVDC HVAC
AC
and protective devices.
Rectifier Inverter

1.1.1 Necessity of electric
power transmission and
distribution FIG. 1.1 Schematic diagram of DC transmission

Power transmission is the large scale

movement of electricity at high voltage The transmission of DC power
levels from a power plant to a substation. from the AC power is shown in above.
Whereas power distribution is the The single line diagram of high
conversion of high voltage electricity at voltage direct current transmission is
substations to lower voltages that can be given in fig 1.1. Alternating current is
distributed and used by private, public generated and stepped up to high voltage
and industrial customers. through the sending end transformer. This
Electric power transmission systems high voltage AC is converted to DC by a
distribute the power from generating station mercury arc rectifier. The transmission
to the consumers. If no Electric power cause of electric power is carried out at high
losses and it affectes day-to-day life. DC voltage. In the receiving end, the DC
voltage is converted into AC through the
1.1.2 Method of Electric power help of thyratrons. This alternating current
transmission system
is reduced to low voltage with step-down
transformer for distribution.
i. DC transmission system
ii. AC transmission system 1.2.2 AC transmission system
a) 
Single phase AC transmission a) S
 ingle phase AC transmission
system system
b) 
T hree phase AC transmission Single-phase power consists of two-wire
system AC power circuit. Typically, there is one
phase and one neutral wire, with current
1.2 Types of power flowing between the power to the load
transmission system and the neutral wire. (Ref fig 1.2)

Electrical Power transmission plays vital Single-phase distribution is used

role in the power supply system. There are for domestic purpose (Lights, motors
three main areas of power system. They and other heating appliances). Standard
are power generation, transmission and frequency of single-phase power system is
distribution. Transmission is done by 50 Hz

2 CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution

 www.tntextbooks.in

FIG. 1.2 AC Single phase power supply system

b) T
 hree phase AC transmission It is a type of poly phase system and is the
system most common method used by electric
From the power generating stations, a grids worldwide to transfer power.
large quantity of AC supply is produced The generator generates voltage
and is transmitted through transmission and three phase supply is received through
lines. Fig. 1.2 shows the layout of a typical transformer. In India, the frequency
AC power supply system. The existing adopted is 50 Hz and the phase angle is of
transmission is by 3 phase 3 wire and 3 120° as shown in fig. 1.3.
phase 4 wire systems.
There are two types of connections,
Three-phase power can be defined namely delta (Δ) connection and star (Y)
as the common method of AC power connection. The load can be connected
generation, transmission, and distribution. either in delta or star.

FIG.1.3 Three phase AC transmission system

CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution 3

 www.tntextbooks.in

i Star connection 1.2.3 Advantages and

The star connection requires four Disadvantages of DC
wires in which there are three phase transmission
conductors and one neutral conductor a) Advantages
as shown in fig. 1.4. This type of
connection is mainly used for long 1. Two conductors are sufficient for
transmission because it has a neutral distribution of power supply.
point. The neutral point passes the 2. There is no inductance and capacitance.
unbalanced current to the earth and 3. No skin effect in DC transmission
makes the system balance. lines.
‘R’ Phase
4. The corona loss is less as compared
A1
to AC system.
5. Voltage drop is very low.
Phase voltage
Line voltage
b) Disadvantages
A2,B2,C2 Neutral
1. It is difficult to produce high voltage
2. The voltage cannot be increased or
C1 ‘Y’ Phase decreased by using a transformer
B1
‘B’ Phase
1.2.4 Advantages and
FIG.1.4 Star connection disadvantages of
AC transmission
The star connected three phase
a) Advantages
system gives two different voltages, i.e., the
230 V and 440V. The voltage between the 1. AC can produce voltage (33 KV) to a
single phase and the neutral is 230V, and the maximum level.
voltage between phase to phase 440V. 2. The voltage can be increased or
ii Delta connection decreased.
3. High voltage transmission reduces
The delta connection has three phase
losses.
wire and no neutral as shown in
fig. 1.5. The line voltage of the delta 4. It is easy to maintain in sub-stations.
connection is equal to the phase 5. Its cost is cheap.
voltage. VL = VP
b) Disadvantages
R 1. The AC line has the capacitive and
VBR VRY inductive effect.
VRY
VBR
2. Due to skin effect, it requires more
conductors.
B
Y
VYB VYB 3. The construction of AC transmission
is complicated.
FIG.1.5 Delta connection 4. More copper conductors are required
for transmitting AC.
4 CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution
 www.tntextbooks.in

1.3 Primary and Secondary to consumers. A network of electrical

transmission power lines are used to transmit the
electricity over a geographic area is
Electricity is generated in power plants, called power grid. The electric power
which transmits through different levels and transmission system for single phase is of
finally it reaches to consumers. Generated two conductor viz. phase and neutral as
power is transmitted by stepping up or shown in fig 1.6.
stepping down by using transformers. The
power generating plants are located at
Kalpakkam, Koodankulam (Nuclear power
station), Neyveli (Thermal power station),
Bhavani sagar Dam, Pykara, Mettur Dam
(Hydro power station) and Kamuti (Solar
power station) etc, The generated power is
distributed to the consumers through the
substations by transmission lines.

Two types of transmission are

FIG 1.6 Overhead transmission – Single phase
i. Primary transmission system
ii. Secondary transmission
a) Type of poles
1.3.1 Primary transmission
Line supports or the poles which hold
In primary transmission, the voltage the conductors to a height they are above
produced from power plants, transmitted the ground level. In general, four types of
over the transmission lines to the substations poles are used, depending on the size and
with the help of step-up transformer. shape of the conductor used.
1. Wooden poles (Single phase)
1.3.2 Secondary transmission
2. Concrete poles (Three phase)
The voltage transmitted by the primary
3. Tubular steel poles (Three phase)
transmission is reduced by a step-down
transformer is transmitted to the sub- 4. Latticed steel tower (Three phase)
stations in the city is known as secondary
transmission 1) Wooden poles

1.4 Overhead line and

underground cable
transmission, single
phase and three phase
main components-types
Overhead line transmission
The overhead lines are used to transmit
electricity from power generating station FIG. 1.7 Wooden poles

CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution 5

 www.tntextbooks.in

Wooden pole type is used for LV transmission The iron tubular pole is shown in
lines as in fig. 1.7. The limitations of wooden fig 1.9. It is stronger than the concrete
poles are that they must be straight, strong pole. The poles are coated with zinc. Since
with gradual tapper and free from knots. it is circular in shape, the pressure due
These poles are cheap. Some portion of the to air is less. Earthing is required for this
pole below the ground level is coated with type. It is suitable for low voltage and the
creosote oil. These poles are suitable for span is 50 m to 80 m.
short spans between 40 m to 50 m and to a
voltage level of 11 KV. 4) Latticed steel tower

2) Concrete poles

FIG. 1.10 Latticed steel tower

A Latticed steel tower is shown

FIG. 1.8 Concrete pole
in fig. 1.10. It is having high strength,
The concrete poles are strong designed for transmitting power to long
and reinforced with iron rods and it is distance and durable. It is used for HT
shown in fig 1.8. It has high mechanical voltage and the span is 100m to 300m.
strength and durable. These poles are
b. Main components used in
used for longer spans (80 m to 100 m).
The maintenance cost is very low. These overhead lines
types of poles are used for transmission of 1. Electric conductors
power up to 33 KV. 2. Poles and towers

3) Tubular steel poles 3. Insulators

4. Cross arm that holds electrical
insulation materials
5. Transformer, lightning arrester,
blocking barriers to the pole and
circuit breakers

c. Transmission line conductors

Electric power is transmitted from power
generating station to the consumers
Single arm Double arms Dislocation arms
through conductors. Copper, aluminium,
FIG. 1.9 Tubular steel poles steel, Aluminium Conductor with Steel

6 CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution

 www.tntextbooks.in

Reinforced (ACSR), are exclusively used Aluminium conductor having a

as line conductors. central core of galvanized steel wire is used
for high voltage transmission purpose as
d. Properties of conductors shown in fig. 1.11. This ACSR conductor
1. High electrical conductivity is mostly used for power transmission. It
has high tensile strength and less sag.
2. High tensile strength
3. Low cost
1.4.1 Overhead transmission –
4. Less weight Three phase system
The properties of Copper, Aluminium Three-phase system consists of a three-
and ACSR conductors are detailed below. phase voltage source connected to a three-
phase load by means of transformers and
i) Copper
transmission lines as in fig. 1.12.
Copper is used to transmit large quantity
of electricity from one place to another.
Hard-drawn copper is often used for
power transmission, because it is twice as
strong as soft drawn copper. Hard drawn
conductor has high conductivity with less
cross-sectional area is used. It has low
specific resistance and durable.

ii) Aluminium
Next to copper, Aluminium is having high
conductivity. It is cheaper than copper
and less in weight. But conductivity of
aluminium is 60% as that of copper. Its
diameter is about 1.27 times thicker
FIG 1.12. Overhead transmission – Three phase
than that of copper. The melting point of
system
aluminium conductor is less.

iii) A
 CSR (Aluminium Conductor a. Types of overhead lines
with Steel Reinforced) The overhead transmission lines are
classified as
1) Short transmission lines –up to 50 km
and line voltage about 20 KV
2) Medium transmission lines – 50 km
to 150 km and line voltage 20 KV to
100 KV
3) Long transmission lines – more than
150 km and line voltage is 100 KV
FIG. 1.11 ACSR conductor

CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution 7

 www.tntextbooks.in

b. Guarding f. Type of Insulators

Low, medium and high voltage conductors 1. Pin type insulator
can cause disasters, such as rain or storm 2. Suspension type insulators
which cause electrical accidents makes i. Hewlett suspension type
risk to life. When a live conductor is cut ii. Cemented cap type
down, the earthed cradle part protects iii. Core and link type
the life of human things. This part is
3. Strain type insulator
called as guarding. When the conductor
touches the guarding, the circuit breaker 4. Shackle insulator
automatically disconnects the supply. 5. Stay insulator

Let us see the various types of insulators

c. Line insulators
used in the transmission lines.
The overhead line conductors are
supported with the poles and towers by 1) Pin type insulator
means of insulators, to avoid leakage of
current between the conductor to earth.

d. Properties of insulators
A good insulator possess the following
properties.
1. Very high mechanical strength.
2. Its dielectric strength is very high.
3. Insulators must be free from internal
defects such as impurities to leakage
FIG. 1.13 Pin type insulator
current.
4. Insulation value of the resistance is
This type of insulator as (in fig. 1.13) is
high. fixed in the crossing arm of the pole. The
conductor is tightened at the top of semi-
5. Should not affect the environmental
circular groove. This type of insulator is
conditions. used to hold the conductors in straight.
6. Do not have porous.
2) Suspension type insulator
e. Line insulator materials
Porcelain, glass, magnesium silicate etc.
are used as line insulators. The porcelain Arcing
is made by suitable heat in combination Insulator
horn

with plastic, white clay and glass. It is Cup

having good stability, smooth and free
from porosity. Conductor

FIG. 1.14 Suspension type insulator

8 CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution

 www.tntextbooks.in

The suspension type insulator is connected Bolt

to the steel tower as shown in fig. 1.14. The

line conductor is connected at the bottom
of the insulator. In this type, a number of
similar units are connected one over one Shackle
insulator
by bi-metallic links. This type of insulator
is designed up to 11KV. Usually three
Pole
types of suspension insulators are used.
i. Hewlett type D-Strap

ii. Cemented cap type

FIG. 1.16 Shackle insulator
iii. Core and link type

5) Stay insulator
3) Strain type insulators
Strain insulator

FIG. 1.17 Stay insulator

Conductor

Pole
The insulator used with stay wires are
called stay insulator. This type of insulator
is as shown in fig. 1.17. It is made of
porcelain. The size of insulator depends
FIG. 1.15 Strain type insulator
upon the tensile strength of stay wire. It is
Strain type insulator is as shown in fig. 1.15. used to prevent the leakages from the poles
These insulators are used in places where up to 33KV. Stay insulators are provided
there are having very high tensions such as to a height of 3m above the ground level.
dead ends, sharp curves, corners and line
which crosses the river. This type of insulator
1.4.2 Underground cable
can be used for low voltages up to 11 KV.
transmission system and
For the longer spans across river, two or
more strings of insulators are connected in its components
series. For high tension two or more strings a) Underground cables
of insulators were used in parallel.
The power is transmitted from the
generating station to the consumers by
4) Shackle insulator means of underground cables too. The
A Shackle insulator is as shown in fig. 1.16. underground cable consists of one or
This type of insulator is commonly used more conductor covered with suitable
for low voltage distribution lines. Such insulation and surrounded by a protecting
insulators can either be used in a horizontal core. Normally the number of cores in
position or in a vertical position. underground cables are 1, 2, 3, 3 ½ and 4.

CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution 9

 www.tntextbooks.in

i) Advantages of cables 5) O  il filled cables 66KV to 132

1. Underground cables are not KV
subjected to lightning discharges, 6) E xtra super voltage cables
thunder, storms, birds and other beyond 132 KV
severe weather conditions. b. According to insulation, cables
2. As there is no tension on the
are classified into
conductor, it will not break due to 1) PVC insulated cables
any reasons after being installed. It 2) Mineral insulated cable
reduces accidents. 3) Paper insulated lead sheathed
3. Less maintenance. cable
4. There is no interference with tele- 4) C ross linked poly ethylene
communication cables. cable
5) Paper insulated lead covered
ii) Disadvantages of cables double tap armoured cable
1. The cost of installation is high. c. 
According to number of
conductors, cables are classified
2. High voltage cables are difficult to
into
manufacture.
1) Single core cable
3. Difficult to join.
2) 2 core cable
4. Identification of fault is difficult.
3) 3 core cable
4) 4 core cable
iii) Classification of cables
5) 3 ½ core cable
a. According to the rating of voltage
the cables are classified into iv) Cross section of a cable
1) Low tension cables up to 1 KV
2) H  igh tension cable upto 11KV
3) S uper tension cables 22 KV to
33KV
4) E  xtra high-tension cables
33KV to 66 KV
FIG 1.18 Cross section of a cable

1.4.4 Difference between Overhead line and Underground cables

Si. No. Overhead Lines Underground Cables

1 To increase the load, conductors can be Change the new cable for two reasons like
included easily. To increase the working to increase the load and the conductors
voltage, it is enough to change the cannot be included easily.
insulator.
2 If need, load can be easily increased. Load cannot be increased, otherwise
cable will get damage.

10 CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution

 www.tntextbooks.in

3 More space is required to install. Less space is required to install.

4 Maintenance is easy. Maintenance is complicated.
5 Easy to find the fault. Difficult to find the fault.
6 Power factor loss is high. Power factor loss is low.
7 It is suitable for long transmission It is suitable for short transmission
8 It can be affected by lightning. It cannot be affected by lightning.
9 Installation cost is low. Installation cost is high.
10 It is cheap It is costly.

1.5 Power distribution phase, three-wire system and three-phase,

system four-wire system. The primary winding
is not considered here. The three-phase
The generated power is distributed to three-wire system is used to supply motor
the consumer through a step-down to a load of 230 volts or 440 volts.
transformer, the feeder lines, distributors
and service mains.
1.5.3 Feeder line

1.5.1 Single phase distribution The feeder line is nothing but similar

system
as power transmission conductors. It
connects the power from sub-station
Single-phase distribution systems are and power supply to the consumers.
used for residential, small scale industrial The voltage is uniform throughout the
and commercial applications. conductor.
Single-phase power distribution
systems are classified as 1.5.4 Distributor
1. Two wire system Electric power is distributed to the consumer
2. Three-wire system by tappings. Since electric power is taken
from many tappings and the current is not
1.5.2 Three phase distribution uniform in all. Therefore, when designing
system the distribution system, care must be taken
to the voltage drop.
The High voltage AC supply is stepped
down in to three phase through three
1.5.5 Classification of
phase transformers. The three-phase
distribution system is used in domestic, distribution system
commercial and industries. The distribution system is classified as,
Three-phase power distribution 1. Radial distribution system
systems are classified according to the 2. Ring main distribution system
number of phases and number of wires
3. Grid or interconnected distribution
required. These systems are the three-
system
CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution 11
 www.tntextbooks.in

1. Radial distribution system conductor between distribution pole and

In this system, each load junctions are consumer.
connected through separate feeders and
they are controlled by the sub-stations. 1.6 Applications of Electric
This method is used when the low voltage power distribution
exists in the centre of the city. If there is a
fault in any feeder, the whole circuit will Applications of Electrical power
be affected. distribution can be classified as:
1. Residential application
2. Ring main distribution system 2. Commercial application

This system designed like a closed ring. 3. Industrial application

Each load junctions were constructed one
after another. Electricity is provided from 1. Residential applications
two supply sources in different places for In residential applications are
each load junctions. If one gets faulted, toaster, refrigerator, microwave oven,
the other can be used to get power supply. washing machine, electrical chimney and
This system is used in places where low other electrical appliances.
and medium voltage is required. In
this way there may be a chance of low Fig. 1.19 shows how power
voltage fluctuations happening for the generated from a generating station
consumers. Power supply can be provided reaches its final destination, a residential
by more than one feeder. Reliability can be area. It is stepped down to 240 volts using a
generated by supply of electricity through step-down transformer. Only single-phase
each of the two feeders. supply is used in a residential application.

3. Grid or inter-connected 1.6.2 Commercial applications

distribution system „ Electricity is commercially used in
More than one power plants and sub- the offices, stores, complexes and
stations are connected in series feeders shopping malls. Usually commercial
are called as Inter-connected distribution applications have higher demand
system. It is also called as grid. In this of electrical power than residential
system, the power plant and sub-station applications. For commercial
are connected together, and the voltage applications, the consumption of
is reduced to 33KV, by using transformer. electric supply will be of high wattage
This method increases the reliability and of power to operate machines,
efficiency. Electricity can be provided elevators and conveyors.
from different power plants during high „ The large amount of power to distribute
power consumption. in safely by the way of highly insulated
cables and bus ways are used. High
rated service equipment is used in
1.5.6 Service lines
commercial application.
Service line is low length connecting
conductor. These service lines act as
12 CHAPTER 01 Power transmission and distribution