Electrical installations

Study of this chapter will enable the reader to:

understand how electricity is generated and distributed;

know the difference between single- and three-phase electricity;

distinguish line, neutral and earth conductors;

calculate the resistance of conductors;

understand the temperature effect of a current;

calculate current and power in electrical circuits;

know how to measure current and voltage;

use power factor;

calculate series and parallel circuit resistances;

find the current capacity of cables;

choose cable sizes;

calculate permissible cable lengths;

understand temporary electrical installations for construction sites;

calculate the total electrical loading in kilovolt-amperes and amperes for installation;

estimate the total cost of electricity likely to be consumed in an installation during normal use;

choose the correct fuse rating;

understand the operation of fuses and circuit-breakers;

know the distribution of electricity within buildings;

identify the use of isolating switches, distribution boards and meters;

understand earth bonding of services;

know the types of cable conduits and their applications;

understand the principles of ring circuits;

understand how electrical systems are tested;

design lightning conductor systems;

have an understanding of data installations and wireless communications;

discuss on-site generation.