Amrita VishwaVidyapeetham

Department of EEE

EEE180 Electrical Workshop

Regulation 2015 List of Experiments and its Conduction

The workshop is shared between ECE and EEE. The given class can
be divided into two groups and each group can be made to do
ECE/EEE workshop for 6 weeks and after that they are exchanged.
After 12 weeks a given student would have finished both the EEE
and ECE workshop labs including the end semester.

The list of experiments

1. Study of Tools and Electrical Accessories.

2. A) Fault finding in electrical appliances.
B) Study of power supply and protective devices.
3. Electrical connection to operate a fan and an incandescent lamp with 2
SPST switches.
4. Electrical connection to operate a fluorescent lamp and a 3 pin socket
with 2 SPST switches.
5. Staircase wiring.

Number of batches: 8 (for a class of 60 students)

Cycle:

Batch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex.
week no.1 no.1 no.1 no.1 no.1 no.1 no.1 no.1
2 Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex.
week no.2 no.2 no.3 no.3 no.4 no.4 no.5 no.5
3 Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex.
week no.3 no.3 no.4 no.4 no.5 no.5 no.2 no.2
4 Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex.
week no.4 no.4 no.5 no.5 no.2 no.2 no.3 no.3
5 Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex. Ex.
week no.5 no.5 no.2 no.2 no.3 no.3 no.4 no.4
6 End Semester
week
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. While working in the workshop wear proper tight dress and rubber
shoes. Girls should tightly tie their hair and neck chains and avoid
wearing bangles.
2. Always be careful.
3. Never energize any circuit unless you are sure that no one is
working on the circuit.
4. Always keep earth connection in good condition. Safety demands
good earthing.
5. While working on electrical appliances be sure that they are
disconnected from supply.
6. Disconnect the plug by pulling the plug pin and not by pulling
cable.
7. Do not put sharp edged tools in your pocket.
8. Do not use tools like knife, file, screw driver, etc., without handle,
it can cause injuries to your hands.
9. While handing over sharp tools like knife, screw driver, etc., give it
from the handle side.
10. Every fire extinguisher cannot be used for electric fire. CO 2
extinguisher is used for this purpose. Never use water spray.
 Exp No: 1 Date:

STUDY OF TOOLS AND ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES

1.1 Study of Tools:

Sl. TOOL SIZE USES

no.
1 Screw Driver (Smaller size 10, 15, 20, 30 Used for loosing or tightening
screw driver is called cm or to keep screws in position
Connector)
2 Combination Pliers 15, 20, 25 cm For holding, twisting or cutting
wires
3 Round Nose Pliers or Flat 10 cm For holding, twisting or joining
Nose Pliers the wires at narrow places
4 Side Cutting Pliers (side 20 cm For cutting wire at narrow
cutter) places or ordinary place. For
removing insulation
5 Electrician Knife 10 cm It has two blades, one for
removing insulation of wires
and other for cleaning the wires
6 Electric soldering iron 24, 40, 65, 125 To solder the joints of wires and
W winding wires.
7 Cross peen hammer kg to 2 kg Used for fixing clip and making
gitties hole in wall.
8 Ball peen hammer kg to 2 kg Best suited for chipping on teak
wood batten and riveting
purpose in sheet metal works
9 Tenon saw or hand saw 30.5 cm & Used for cutting wooden
40.5 cm boards, blocks castings etc.,
10 Poker 10, 15 cm Used for making pilot holes for
fixing wood screw
11 Hand drill 3, 6, 12 mm Used for making holes in
wooden blocks and boards
12 Hack saw 16, 20, 25, 30 Used for cutting conduit G.I
cm pipes and mild steel
13 Measuring tape 10, 20 mm Used for measuring the
dimension of the wiring. It is
made of steel or cotton cloth
INSULATED COMBINATION PLIERS INSULATED DIAGONAL CUTTING PLIERS (Cutter)

GAS PLIER INSULATED LONG NOSE PLIER

SCREW DRIVER CONNECTOR SCREW DRIVER

 TRY SQUARE HAND SAW

HAND DRILL MACHINE ELECTRIC DRILL MACHINE

BALL PEEN HAMMER CROSS PEEN HAMMER

STANDARD WIRE GUAGE POKER

FLAT FILE HALF ROUND FILE

ROUND FILE COLD CHISEL

FIRMER CHISEL

SCREW DRIVER:
DRIVE TYPES
 1.2 Study of Wiring Accessories:

Different accessories are used in electrical wiring. The accessories in contact with electric
power supply are specified in terms of its voltage rating and /or current rating (e.g. 11 kV, 250 V,
5 A, 400 V, 16 A, etc.). The voltage rating is the voltage the device can withstand without break
down of insulation and current rating is the current it can carry without overheating. A device
rated 250 V, 5 A means that it can be connected in a 250 V supply without insulation breakdown
and it can carry while ON, 5 A without overheating of current carrying elements. Some of the
widely used wiring accessories are mentioned below.

1.2.1 Wire or Cable:

Wire or cable is made of conducting materials (Copper or Aluminium) surrounded by
insulation. In some cable a sheet covering is provided over the insulation cover to give it
mechanical protection. The conductors can be a single conductor drawn in the form of circular,
rectangular or square cross sections solid or hollow. The conductors can also be a number of
circular conductors twisted together to form a multi strand (or stranded) conductors. The
stranded conductors are flexible and easy to lay and connect.

Many types of materials are used to provide insulation. Some types are,

1. Vulcanized Indian Rubber (VIR)

2. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
3. Impregnated paper
4. Varnished cambric
5. Vulcanized Bitumen

Cables are specified in terms of conductor area and insulation grade. Conductor area provide
safe current carrying capacity without temperature rise exceeding the safe value and insulation
grade gives voltage withstanding capacity without break down of insulation. Standard conductor
areas are 1.5 mm2, 2 mm2, 4 mm2, 6 mm2, 10 mm2, 15 mm2, etc., and standard insulation grade
are 250 V, 250 V/400 V, 650 V/11000 V, 3.3 kV, etc., While selecting cables for particular
application proper conductor area and insulation grade in voltage should be specified.

1.2.2 Flexible Cords:

The flexible cords consists of a large number of fine wire of 0.2 mm diameter twisted together
to form a conductor and insulated by PVC or VIR. Surrounding the insulation sheet is also
provided of PVC compound. Flexible cords are used to connect portable appliances like radio,
fridge and hand held tools to electric supply.

1.2.3 Switches
A switch is a device to connect and disconnect the supply of electricity to a circuit. Main
switch is used to control power supply in an installation. It consists of one or more fuse units and
contacts. The main switch contacts and fuses are put in a metal clad to give its strength and
safety. Iron Clad Double Pole (ICDP) or Iron Clad Triple Pole (ICTP) are commonly used switch
fuse unit. Switches are specified in terms of current rating and voltage rating as 16 A, 250 V, etc.,
 TUMBLER SWITCH TWO PIN PLUG

THREE PIN PLUG CARTRIGE FUSE

REWIREABLE FUSE CEILLING ROSE

LAMP HOLDERS SWITCHES

MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKERS COMBINED 5 IN 1 SOCKET

 The following switches are used in house wiring in branch circuits.
Tumbler switch: this is mounted on a teak wood box fixed to the wall and project outside the
surface of TW box. They can be single way or double way. Standard rating is 5 A, 250 V.
Flush switch: they are fixed flush with wall and will not project. Standard ratings are 5 A/250
V, 15A/250 V.
Rotary snap switch: these are multi position switches used in heaters, fan regulators and
motor control circuits.

1.2.4 Fuse:
Fuse is a piece of thin metal wire which opens the circuit in which it is inserted in series by
melting when current through it exceeds a certain value sufficient for the purpose. Fuses are of
two types,
Rewireable fuse
Cartridge fuse
Rewireable fuse can be open type or semi enclosed type. Cartridge type can be D-type and
link type. HRC fuses are link types (see sections 2.2.2 and 2.2.3).

1.2.5 Socket:
There are two pin socket and three pin socket. Two pin socket has only two holes and are of
same size. Phase and neutral connections are given through these holes using two pin plug. Two
pin socket is used when earth connection need not be given. In three pin socket, two holes are in
same size and are used for making P and N connections with appliances through flex cords.
Third hole is bigger used for earth connection.

1.2.6 Plugs
Supply from socket outlet is fed to portable appliances like radio, fan etc., through plug. There
are two types of plug; they are 2 pin plug and 3 pin plug. 3 pin socket has 3 pin of brass metal. 2
pins are of same size and third is loner and thicker and is connected to earth. The rating of plug is
5 A or 15 A and 250 V.

1.2.7 lamp holder

It is used to support the lamp and connect it electrically to the supply. These are so designed
so that lamp can be removed and replaced easily. These are made of brass and Bakelite. Brass
holders are costlier but durable compared with Bakelite. There are three types of lamp holders,
(1) Batton lamp holder is fitted directly on wooden board, which is fixed to wall.
(2) Pendent lamp holder, when the lamp is to be suspended from ceiling, this type is used.
(3) Angle lamp holders are used when the lamp is to be mounted at an angle.

1.2.8 Ceiling rose

These are used for voltage 250 V and consist of two parts, base and cover, both made of
Bakelite or porcelain. Terminals are on the base and hole on the cover to take out flex wires.
These are used in electrical installations to make connections to ceiling fan, pendent lamp holder
etc.,
Exp No: 2 Date:

STUDY OF POWER SUPPLIES AND SAFETY DEVICES

2.1 Introduction:

In India, state electricity boards are the authorities to generate and distribute electric energy.
All domestic and commercial consumers get electric energy from the distribution network of
concerned Electricity Boards. Based on the power requirements of consumers, Electricity Boards
may give 3-phase connection (for higher power) or single phase connection (for low power). In
three phase connections, 4 wires are provided. In single phase connection, a phase and neutral
wires are provided to the consumers. Phase to neutral voltages in our country is 230 V and
phase-to-phase voltage is 400 V and frequency is 50 Hz. Most of the appliances work on single-
phase supply. There are some motors, which require three phase supply.

Power Supply Arrangement

The safety features are inbuilt with electric power distribution. The current is to flow through
the path it is expected to pass and should not take another path through which is not expected to
pass. Conductors made of copper or aluminium are provided along the path for carrying the
current and insulators like PVC, paper or rubber are provided across the path through which the
current is not expected to flow.
Under abnormal condition, there can be failure of insulations and current will flow through
the undesired path which can cause damage to equipments and more importantly the safety of the
user. Sometimes the user may inadvertently touch a live conductor and experience electric shock.
The circuit may also carry more than normal value of current under short circuit conditions. The
inbuilt safety features will isolate the faulty circuit from the rest of the supply. Basically two
types of protections are provided in the power supply system of domestic consumers.
1. Protection from over current.
2. Protection from leakage current due to failure of insulation or inadvertent contact with
live conductors by the user.

2.2 Protection against over current:

 Every electrical circuit shall be protected against over current by suitable over current devices.
These devices could be
1. Miniature Circuit Breaker
2. Molded Circuit Breaker
3. Semi enclosed rewireable fuse
4. High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuses
Over current may be divided into two distinctive categories: over load and short circuit. Over
load current is an over current occurring in a circuit that is electrically sound. Example is current
drawn by an electric motor which is stalled.
Short circuit current is that which arises due to a fault in the circuit, for example due to an
insulation failure.
Overload protection is intended to prevent cables and equipments in a circuit from undue
temperature rise. The selected protective devices should be suitable. Semi enclosed rewireable
fuses are not suitable for overload protection. Thermal overload relays are used for overload
protection.
The value of short circuit current is very high usually of several thousand amperes. Protective
devices all should have rated breaking capacity. Breaking capacity is the maximum fault current,
which the device is capable of clearing safely. It is important to select protective devices capable
of providing adequate protection under short circuit. For this purpose it is necessary to assess the
maximum level of short circuit current. Typical breaking capacities of protective devices are as
follows,
HRC fuses - 80 kA
MCB - 16 kA
Rewireable fuses - 1 to 4 kA

2.2.1 Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB):

MCB are of single pole, two pole, three pole or four pole type. When an over current or short
circuit exists in a circuit, an electromagnet causes the release of a latch which in turn break the
circuit from the rest of the supply. A special arc quenching mechanism is provided inside the
MCB to remove the electric arc generated when high current are to be interrupted.
MCB has the following advantages:
1. Provide both overload and short circuit protection.
2. Re energizing after the circuit operation is easy.
3. No maintenance is required.

2.2.2 Semi enclosed rewireable fuse:

This is the cheapest method for protecting a circuit from short circuit. Wires of different
diameters made of lead and tin are used in the circuits. When large current flows, these wires
melt and disconnect the faulty circuit from the rest of the supply.

The semi enclosed rewireable fuses has the following drawbacks,

1. It normally melts on 50% to 100% excessive load. The melting current cannot
be accurately predicted.
 2. It takes time to rewire the fuse.
3. Standard fuse wire should be always made available.
4. It is hazardous to rewire fuse unit at night.

2.2.3 High Rupturing Capacity Fuse (HRC):

This is a completely enclosed cartridge type fuse. These fuses are screwed or linked in the
circuit. Generally it is used for high power circuits.

The HRC fuse has the following advantages:

1. It is very reliable
2. It has an enclosed fuse wire, therefore no chance its arc doing any damage to
the surroundings
3. It has low temperature rise at the rated load
4. Maintenance free

The drawbacks are:

1. It is costly
2. Takes time to replace the fuse

2.3 Earthing:

Earthing or grounding is the term used for electrical connection to the general mass of earth.
Earthing provides protection to personal and equipment by ensuring operation of protective gear
and isolation of faulty circuit during:

1. Insulation failure
2. Accidental contact
3. Lightning strike

Earthing is classified as:

1. System earthing
2. Equipment earthing

System earthing is the earthing of neutral of Generating station and Substations. It is

employed to limit the voltage of live conductors with respect to potential of general mass of
earth. This is necessary to prevent failure of insulation.

Equipment earthing is earthing of non-current metal parts of electrical equipments. As per

Rules 33 and 61 of Indian Electricity Rule 1956, non-current carrying metal parts must be
earthed with two separate and distinct earth continuity conductors to an efficient earth electrode.
However equipments with double insulation need not be earthed.

2.3.1 Some definitions:

Earth wire: A conductor connected to earth and usually situated in proximity of associated
conductor.
 Earth electrode: A metal plate, pipe or other conductors or an array of conductors electrically
connected to general mass of earth.
Earth lead: The conductor by which connection to earth is made.
Earth loop impedance: The total resistance of earth path including that of conductors, earth
wire, earth leads and earth electrodes at consumer end and substation end.

2.3.2 Factors affecting Earth resistance:

The following factors affect the resistance of earth between two points
1. Nature of soil
2. Moisture content in the soil
3. Presence of salt dissolved in moisture
Resistance decreases with the presence of moisture and salt in soil.

General arrangement of earthing

(Source IS Code 3043-1987)

Small substations and equipments are earthed in the following ways:

1. Rode or pipe electrode
2. Plate electrode
3. Strip electrode
 2.4 Earth Leakage Protection:

Residual current circuit breakers are used for quick disconnection of supply for protection
against shock by indirect contact or leakage current due to insulation failure.

Arrangement of RCCB

2.4.1 Principle of operation:

The current in both phase and neutral conductors are passed through a Residual Current
Circuit Breaker (RCCB). In normal condition the value of these currents are equal. Because of
the current balance there is no induced current in the trip coil of the device. If an earth fault
occurs in the circuit the phase and neutral currents no longer balance and the unbalance current
(called residual current) will cause operation of the trip coil. This in turn disconnects the supply
by operating the main contacts. The RCCB provides safety to the user as explained below.

Protection from Earth Leakage

The neutral point of the distribution transformer is earthed at transformer location and non-
current carrying metal enclosures of domestic appliances are earthed at the consumer premises.
When current flows through the earthed conductor due to insulation failure or inadvertent contact
with live conductor by the user, RCCB operates and isolates the faulty portion from the ret of the
supply.
 If no earthing is provided at the consumer location, leakage current may flow into the body of
the consumer and get electric shock. When RCCB is installed in the circuit at the consumer
location, the faulty circuit will be isolated.

The following table shows the recommended list of location wise points in residential premises:
Location No. of points and their details
Kitchen 1. Fan point and switch
2. General light and switch
3. Platform and sink light switch
4. Exhaust fan switch
5. nos 3 pin socket switch points for mixer, food processor, oven, coffee maker
6. pin switch socket for music system
7. telephone point
8. 15 A switch for wed grinder
9. Switch socket for refrigerator
Living Room 1. Light points (1 or 2)
2. Fan points (1 or 2)
3. Switch socket for table lamp
4. nos 3 pin socket switch points for computer, printer, modem
5. 2/3 nos 3 pin socket switch points for TV, music system, VCR
6. 15 A controller with 15 A socket for AC
7. Switch socket for pedestal lamp
8. Telephone point
Bed Room 1. Two way controller for lighting
2. Two way controller for fan
3. Switch socket for reading lamp
4. Switch socket for night lamp
5. Two way controller system for TV or music system
6. Switch socket for mosquito coil
7. 2/3 nos of switch with socket for laptop, cordless
8. Telephone point
Bath Room 1. 15 A switch for washing machine
2. 15 A switch socket for geyser
3. Switch socket for lamps
4. Switch socket for exhaust fan
5. Switch socket for electric shaver
6. Switch socket for wash basin lighting
Balcony 1. Two way controller lamp
2. Switch socket for decorative light
3. Switch socket from battery supply for security
Pooja Room 1. Lamp switch for permanent lamps

Rating of Switch/Socket and Size of Cable:

The switch is used to control power supply in an insulation whose rating depends on the
electric loads used in residential buildings. The size of the cable (cross sectional area of
conductor of the cable) is decided based on permissible voltage drop in cable at rated current.
The voltage drop should not exceed 3% of rated voltages.
The following table shows the recommended rating of switch socket and cable size:

LOAD Switch/Socke Cable size

t
Light electric loads (less than 250 W) 5A 1.5 sq. mm
Medium electric loads (250 1000 W) 5A 1.5 sq. mm
Heavy electric loads (more than 1000 W) 15 A 4.0 sq. mm

Colour of wires:

The following colour wires would help in distinguishing the phase wires with the earth and
neutral wires.

Purpose Colour
Phase 1 Red
Phase 2 Yellow
Phase 3 Blue
Neutral Black
Earth Green
For the phases and neutral, the multi strand wires can be used. For earthing, single strand can
be used.

Rating of various electric loads:

The connected load on a sub-circuit for lights, fans and ordinary outlet points must not exceed
800 watts subject to maximum of 10 points and on power circuits, 2000 watts subject to
maximum of 2 points. Average watt ratings for gadgets used by households are as follows:

Gadgets Watt rating (W)

Air Conditioner 1000 to 3000
TV 100 to 200
Refrigerator 100 to 300
Radio system 50 to 200
Immersion heater 700 to 1000
Iron box 1000
Water heater 2000 to 6000
Washing machine 300
Fan 60
Roaster 1500
Vacuum cleaner 150 to 300
Tube light 40
 EXERCISE ON ENERGY MEASUREMENT AND PROTECTION

Aim:
To study the connection and operation of energy meter and protective devices like MCB,
ELCB, Fuse and Earthing system.

Connection diagram for Energy measurement with Protection devices

Working of Protection Devices and Measurement Devices:

Fuse: A fuse interrupts excessive current (blows) so that further damage by overheating or fire is
prevented. Wiring regulations often define a maximum fuse current rating for particular circuits.
Over current protection devices are essential in electrical system to limit threats to human life
and property damage. The time and current operating characteristics of fuse are used to provide
adequate protection without needless interruption. Slow blow fuses are designed to allow
harmless short term higher currents but still clear on a sustained overload.

Energy Meter: Energy meter is a device that measures the amount of electric energy consumed
by a residence, business or an electrically powered device. Electricity meters are typically
calibrated in billing units, the most common one being the kilowatt hour (kWh). All energy meter
has a energy constant in rev/h. it means the number of revolutions taken for 1 kWh energy
consumption.

MCB: Miniature Circuit Breaker automatically switches off the electrical circuit during
abnormal condition of the network means in over load condition as well as faulty conditions. The
fuse does not sense but MCB does it in more reliable way. MCB is much more sensitive to over
current than fuse. Another advantage is, as the switching operation knob comes at its off position
during tripping, the faulty zone of the electrical circuit can easily be identified. But in the case of
fuse, fuse wire should be checked by opening fuse grip or cutout from fuse base for confirming
the blow of fuse wire. Quick restoration of supply cannot be possible in case of fuse because
fuses have to be rewireable or replaced for restoring the supply. But in the case of MCB, quick
restoration is possible by just switching on operation. Handling MCB is more electrically safe
than fuse. Because of too many advantages of MCB over fuse units, in modern low voltage
electrical network, MCB is mostly used instead of backdated fuse units.
ELCB: Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker is a device used to directly detect currents leaking to
earth from an installation and cut the power. Both circuit conductors (supply and return) are run
through sensing coil; any imbalance of the current means the magnetic field does not perfectly
cancel. The device detects the imbalance and trips the contact.

DOL Starter: Different starting methods are employed for starting induction motors because
induction motor draws more stating current during starting. To prevent damage to the windings
due to high starting current flow, different types of starters are employed. The simplest form of
motor starter for induction motor is the Direct On Line starter. The DOL motor starter consists of
a MCCB or circuit breaker, contactor and an overload relay for protection. Electromagnetic
contactor can be opened by the thermal overload relay under fault conditions.

Earthing: Earthing is safety device used to prevent shock due to leakages arising from weak
insulation, breaking of the element or otherwise. The metal bodies of appliances like electric
iron, kettle and refrigerator must be earthed by connecting a pipe leading deep into the earth on
to a metal plate. In case, the metal body becomes live, the circuit is completed through the live
wire and earth, resulting in a high current. The fuse on the live wire side should blow out
immediately and the matter should be investigated so that fault can be rectified. In case the fuse
does not blow out and a person touches it, a severe shock is still prevented. This is because most
of the current flows directly to the earth via the earth connection which has negligible resistance.
An extremely small current, if at all, may pass through the persons body which offers a
resistance, resulting only a mild shock. For an earth connection, a 3 pin socket and plug are
required. Due to the high current it draws, the earth pin is made thicker and larger than other two
pins. This ensures the plug fits firmly into the socket, reducing the chances of sparking. The heat
caused by sparking causes the terminals to wear off and damages the socket and the plug.
Because it is larger, the earth connection is made first, acting as a safety device.

Result:

The operation of MCB, fuses, ELCB, Earthing system used for protection and Energy meter
used for energy measurement has been studied.
 FAULT FINDIND IN CEILING FAN

Aim:
To study the operation of a ceiling fan, locate and identify the faults in a faulty fan.

Test Circuit

Parts and Working of Ceiling Fan:

Single Phase Capacitor Start Run Induction Motor is used in fans. The motor has two parts
namely rotor and stator. Rotor is the rotating part of the fan. Normally in induction motor, rotor
is kept at the middle of stator, whereas in fan, stator is kept at the centre of the rotor. The rotor is
of squirrel cage type. The stator will have two windings. Main winding is used for running of the
fan. Starting winding is used for the starting of the fan. Single phase induction motor is not a self
starter motor. For a motor to be self start, revolving flux is required, whereas single phase motor
will produce pulsating flux. To produce revolving flux, more than one phase is required. To
create two phase, an auxiliary winding in series with capacitor is connected across the main
winding. The capacitor will create phase split and auxiliary winding will create flux. This flux
will interact with the main winding flux and revolving flux will be produced. The fan is
operating based on Faradays law of electromagnetic induction.

Components of a ceiling fan and their connections

Fault Finding in Ceiling Fan:
Test the parts of the ceiling fan with a test lamp.
Test Lamp Condition
S.No Component Fan Condition
Open Short Normal
1 Capacitor Dark Bright Dull Run on rotation
2 Main Winding Dark Bright Dull Will not run
3 Starting Winding Dark Bright Dull Run on Rotation

Result:
The operation of ceiling fan was studied and the fault in main winding, auxiliary winding and
capacitor of the fan has been found using test lamp.

FAULT FINDING IN FLUORESCENT LAMP

Aim:
To study the operation of a fluorescent lamp, locate and identify the faults in a faulty lamp.

Parts and Working of Fluorescent Lamp:

A fluorescent lamp basically consists of a long glass gas discharge tube. Its inner surface is
coated with phosphorous and is filled with an inert gas, generally argon with a trace of mercury.
The tube is then sealed at low pressure with two filament electrodes each at its both ends. These
electrode filaments are used to preheat the tube and initiate a rapid conduction of electrons
between the two end electrodes. The process initially requires a relatively high amount of power.
The bombardment of these electrons on the inner phosphorous coating is instantly transformed
into a visible bright light, when we ultimately find the tube glowing brightly. Once the
conduction of electrons between the electrodes is complete, no more heating of the filaments is
required and whole system works at a much lower current.

Components of a fluorescent lamp and their connections

The circuit diagram of fluorescent lamp is shown in the figure. The choke is in fact a large
inductor. It consists of a long copper winding over iron laminations. An inductor by nature
always has a tendency to throw back the stored current in it every time when the power to it is
switched OFF. This principle of the choke is exploited in lighting a fluorescent tube light. When
an AC voltage is applied to a tube light fixture, the voltage passes through the choke, the starter
and the filaments of the tube. The filaments light up and instantly warm up the tube. The starter
holds the current for a moment and then releases to break the circuit. This forces the choke to
kick back its stored current, which again passes through the filaments and ignites the tube
light. If the tube does not sufficiently charge up, subsequent kicks are delivered by the choke due
to rapid switching of the starter, so that finally the tube strikes. After this, the choke only acts like
a low impedance current limiter to the tube as long as the light is kept laminated.

Fault finding in fluorescent lamp:

Test the parts of the parts of the fluorescent with a test lamp.
Test Lamp Condition
S.No Component Lamp Condition
Open Short Normal
1 Tube Dark NA Dull Dark at sides
2 Starter Dark Bright Flicker Will not glow. Glow when short with wire
3 Choke Dark Bright Dull Will not glow

A common problem associated with these type of fixtures is humming or buzzing. Wonder why
the fluorescent lights hum? The answer lies in the loosely fitted choke onto the fixture which
vibrates in accordance with the 50 or 60 Hz frequency of our AC mains and creates a humming
sort of noise. Tightening the chokes screws may instantly eliminate the problem.

Result:
The operation of the fluorescent lamp was studied. The fault in tube, starter and choke were
found using test lamp.

Viva
Exp No: 3 Date:
ELECTRICAL WIRING I: ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO OPERATE A FAN AND
AN INCANDESCENT LAMP

Aim:
To connect and verify the circuit for a fan and an incandescent lamp controlled by two
independent SPST switches.

Apparatus Required:
S.No Apparatus Required Nos
1 Conduit PVC pipes and bends
2 Junction box
3 Switch box
4 One way SPST switch 250 V, 5 A 2
5 Batten holder 1
6 PVC wire, saddle and screws

Connection Diagram: Electrical Wiring I

Procedure:

1. Connections are given as per the circuit diagram.

2. Use the junction box, PVC bends, conduit PVC pipes, switch box, two way switches, line
indicator and batten holder unit as per the requirements.
3. Insert wires through the conduit tubes and other bends connecting the supply terminals,
switches, incandescent lamp and line indicator.
4. Fix all the components on the wooden board and tighten using saddle and screws.
5. Test the rigged up circuit by providing the single phase supply.

Result:

The electrical connection for controlling a lamp with two way switches located at different
points and a line indicator was made and the output was verified.

Inference:

Initial Preparation
Conduction
Inference
Total

Exp No: 4 Date:

 ELECTRICAL WIRING II: ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO OPERATE A
FLUORESCENT LAMP AND A THREE PIN SOCKET

Aim:
To connect and verify the circuit for a fluorescent lamp and a three pin socket controlled by
two independent SPST switches.

Apparatus Required:
S.No Apparatus Required Nos
1 Conduit PVC pipes and bends
2 Junction box
3 Switch box
4 One way SPST switch 250 V, 5 A 2
5 Three pin socket 250 V, 5 A 1
6 Fluorescent lamp unit 40 W 1
7 PVC wire, saddle and screws

Connection Diagram: Electrical Wiring II

Procedure:
 1. Connections are given as per the circuit diagram.
2. Use the junction box, PVC bends, conduit PVC pipes, switch box, SPST switches, three
pin socket and fluorescent lamp unit as per the requirements.
3. Insert wires through the conduit tubes and other bends connecting the supply terminals,
switches, fluorescent lamp unit and three pin socket.
4. Fix all the components on the wooden board and tighten using saddle and screws.
5. Test the rigged up circuit by providing the single phase supply.

Result:

The electrical connection for controlling a fluorescent lamp and a three pin socket using two
independent SPST switches was made and the output was verified.

Inference:

Initial Preparation
Conduction
Inference
Total
Exp No: 5 Date:
ELECTRICAL WIRING III: LINE INDICATOR AND STAIRCASE WIRING

Aim:
To connect and verify the circuit for an incandescent lamp and a line indicator controlled by
two independent SPDT switches.

Apparatus Required:
S.No Apparatus Required Nos
1 Conduit PVC pipes and bends
2 Junction box
3 Switch box
4 Two way SPDT switch 250 V, 5 A 2
5 Line indicator 250 V, 5 A 1
6 Batten Holder 1
7 PVC wire, saddle and screws

Connection Diagram: Electrical Wiring III

Procedure:

1. Connections are given as per the circuit diagram.

2. Use the junction box, PVC bends, conduit PVC pipes, switch box, SPDT switches, line
indicator and batten holder unit as per the requirements.
3. Insert wires through the conduit tubes and other bends connecting the supply terminals,
switches, batten holder containing incandescent lamp and line indicator.

4. Fix all the components on the wooden board and tighten using saddle and screws.
5. Test the rigged up circuit by providing the single phase supply.
Result:

The electrical connection for controlling a lamp with two way switches located at different
points and a line indicator was made and the output was verified.

Inference:

Initial Preparation
Conduction
Inference
Total