ELECTRICAL

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN
BUILDINGS
S U B M I T T E D B Y-
FA R H A N A H M A D K H A N
IMRAN KHAN
T O O B A I M T I YA Z
What is MCB?
MCB or Miniature Circuit Breaker is an electromechanical device which protects an electric circuit from an
overcurrent. The overcurrent in an electrical circuit may result from short circuit, overload or faulty design.
In short, MCB is a device for overload and short circuit protection. They are used in residential & commercial
areas. Just like we spend the time to make a thorough check before buying appliances like washing machines or
refrigerators, we must also research about Miniature Circuit Breakers.
An MCB is a better alternative to a Fuse since it does not require replacement once an overload is detected. Unlike
a fuse, an MCB can be easily operated and thus offers improved operational safety and greater convenience
without incurring a large operating cost. They are used to protect lower current circuits and have the following
specifications
•Current rating – Amperes
•Short Circuit Rating – Kilo Amperes (kA)
•Operating Characteristics – B, C, D, Z or K Curves
A Miniature Circuit Breaker is a switchgear which is usually available in the range of 0.5A to 100A. Its Short circuit
rating is given in Kilo amps (kA), and this indicates the level of its ability to work.
For example, a domestic MCB would normally have a 6kA fault level, whereas one used in an industrial
application may need a unit with a 10kA fault capability.
Working Principle of Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)
MCB’s are protective devices that are made to break the circuit in case of overload or short circuit.
The working of a miniature circuit breaker in case of overload and short circuit fault is,
• For Overload protection, they have a Bi-metallic strip which causes the circuit to open.
• For Short circuit protection, it has an electromagnetic kind of thing.

There is two arrangement of operation
of a miniature circuit breaker.
1.Due to the thermal effect of over
electric current
2.Due to the electromagnetic effect of
overcurrent.
The thermal operation of the miniature circuit breaker is achieved with
a bimetallic strip. Whenever continuous over electric current flows
through MCB, the bimetallic strip is heated and deflects by bending.
This deflection of bimetallic strip releases the mechanical latch. As this
mechanical latch is attached with the operating mechanism, it causes
to open the miniature circuit breaker contacts.
Tripping Mechanism in Miniature Circuit Breaker

1. Thermal Trip Unit

The thermal trip unit protects against overload
currents.
The thermal unit is based on a bimetal element
located behind the circuit breaker trip bar and is
part of the breaker’s current-carrying path.
When there is an overload, the increased current
flow heats the bimetal causing it to bend. As the
bimetal bends it pulls the trip bar which opens
the breaker’s contacts.
The time required for the bimetal to bend and
trip the breaker varies inversely with the current.

2. Magnetic Trip Unit

The magnetic trip unit protects against a short circuit. The magnetic trip unit is comprised of an
electromagnet and an armature.
When there is a short circuit, a high magnitude of current passes through the coils creating a magnetic
field that attracts the movable armature towards the fixed armature.
The hammer trip is pushed against the movable contact and the contacts are opened.
Types of MCB based on Tripping
Characteristics
1. Type B MCB
• This type of MCB trips between 3- and 5-times full load current.
• Type B devices are mainly used in residential applications or light commercial applications where connected loads
are primarily lighting fixtures, domestic appliances with mainly resistive elements.
• Also used for computers and electronic equipment with very low inrush loads (PLC wiring). The surge current levels
in such cases are relatively low.
Functions of Type B MCB
• are protection and control of the circuits against overloads and short-circuits; protection for people and big length
cables in TN and IT systems.
• Applications: residential, commercial and industrial.

2. Type C MCB
• This type of MCB trips between 5- and 10-times full load current.
• This is used in a commercial or industrial type of applications where there could be chances of higher values of short
circuit currents in the circuit.
• The connected loads are mainly inductive in nature (e.g. induction motors) or fluorescent lighting. Applications
include small transformers, lighting, pilot devices, control circuits, and coils.
Functions of Type C MCB
• are protection and control of the circuits against overloads and short-circuits; protection for resistive and inductive
loads with low inrush current.
• Applications: residential, commercial and industrial.

3. Type D MCB:
• This type of MCB trips between 10- and 20-times full load current.
• These MCBs are used in specialty industrial/commercial uses where current inrush can be very high. Examples
include transformers or X-ray machines, large winding motors etc.
• D-curve devices are suitable for applications where high levels of inrush current are expected. The high magnetic
trip point prevents nuisance tripping in high inductive applications such as motors, transformers, and power
supplies.
Functions of Type D MCB
• are protection and control of the circuits against overloads and short-circuits; protection for circuits which supply
loads with high inrush current at the circuit closing ( transformers, breakdown lamps).
• Applications: residential, commercial and industrial.
4. Type K MCB
• This type of MCB trips between 8- and 12-times full load current. These are Suitable for inductive and motor loads
with high inrush currents.
• The K and D curve breakers are both designed for motor applications where ampacity rises quickly and momentarily
during “start-up.”
Functions of Type K MCB are protection and control of the circuits like motors, transformer, and auxiliary
circuits, against overloads and short-circuits.
Advantages of Type K MCB:
• No nuisance tripping in the case of functional peak currents up to 8xIn, depending on the series; through its highly
sensitive thermostatic bimetal trip, the K-type characteristic offers protection to damageable elements in the
overcurrent range; it also provides the best protection to 2 cables and lines.
• Applications: Commercial and industrial.

5. Type Z MCB:
This type of MCB trips between 2 to 3 times full load current.
These type of MCBs are highly sensitive to short circuit and are used for the protection of highly sensitive devices such
as semiconductor devices.
Functions of Type Z MCB are protection and control of the electronic circuits against weak and long duration
overloads and short-circuits.
Applications: Commercial and industrial uses.
All the above types of MCBs provide tripping protection within one-tenth of a second.
 MCB Selection
Table
The MCB selection
table helps you to
choose the right
MCB for protecting
your circuit.
 MCB has several advantages over the Fuse:

• 1. MCB is more sensitive to current than Fuse

Advantages of • It detects any abnormality in the current flow and automatically
MCB over fuse? switches off the electrical circuit.

• 2. In case of MCB, the faulty zone of electrical circuit can be

easily identified
• Faulty circuit trips to the Off position. On the other hand, in
case of a Fuse, the complete fuse wire needs to be checked by
opening the fuse grip for confirming the faulty zone.

• 3. With MCB, it is very simple to resume the supply

• You just need to push the knob of MCB back to the On
position. But in case of a fuse, the entire fuse wire needs to be
replaced.

• 4. Handling MCB is electrically safer than handling a Fuse. In

case of MCB
• In case of an MCB, the user is not exposed to live electrical
parts; but while replacing the Fuse, there is a fair chance that you
may encounter a live wire / current carrying conductor.

• 5. MCB is reusable and hence has less maintenance and

replacement cost
• Whereas a fuse needs to be replaced whenever it goes faulty.
WHAT IS ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM?
• Electrical wiring is generally referred to insulated conductor used to carry current and associated device.

• Domestic electric appliances like lights, fans, washing machines, water pumps etc. are connected to the
supply through insulated wires which are controlled by switches.

• The wiring diagram gives the connections of different appliances to the supply within a house or building.

SPECIFICATION OF WORK:
•The conductor material, insulation , size and the
number of cores, specifies the electrical wires.
•The conductors are usually of either copper or
aluminum.
•Various insulating materials like PVC,TRS and VIR are
used.
•The wire may be of single strand or multi strand.
•Wires with combination of different diameters and the
number of cores or strands are available.
• The selection of the wire is made depending on
the requirement considering factors like current and
voltage ratings, cost and application.
• The current carrying capacity depends on the total
area of the wires.
FACTER AFFECTING THE CHOICE OF WIRING :
• Durability : Type of wiring selected should conform to standard specifications, so that it is durable i.e. without being

affected by the weather conditions, fumes etc.

• Safety : The wiring must provide safety against leakage, shock and fire hazards for the operating personnel.

• Appearance : Electrical wiring should give an aesthetic appeal to the interiors.

• Cost: It should not be prohibitively expensive.
• Accessibility : The switches and plug points provided should be easily accessible. There must be provision for

further extension of the wiring system, if necessary.

• Maintenance Cost : The maintenance cost should be a minimum.

• Mechanical safety : The wiring must be protected against any mechanical damage.

POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION OF WIRING :

Initial cost: It should be economical.
Durability: It must be able to withstand wear and tear due to weather.
Safety from fire: It should be free from risk of fire as far as possible.
Mechanical protection: It must provide mechanical protection to the cables.
Permanency: The wiring must not be affected by the action of weather, fumes,
dampness, chemicals etc.
Appearance: The appearance should be good enough to view.
Accessibility: It should be easy to extend or repair the wiring.
Life: The system should have good life time.
Maintenance cost: it should be low.
WIRING & ITSTYPES
1. Cleat wiring
2. Wooden casing and capping wiring
3. Lead sheathed wiring
4. Conduit pipe wiring
5. CTS or TRS sheath wiring
CLEAT WIRING :
1. Very simple method and cheapest one.

2. Single core PVC cables are used in this system.

3. Cleats are made up of porcelain and have two parts base piece and cap.

4. When wires are passed on to the walls or ceiling, they must be taken through conduit pipes.

5. This system is not used in damp walls, ceilings.

6. Its lifetime is approximately 5 years.

Advantages: Disadvantages:

1. Materials collected after removal 1. Less safety

installation can be used for further wiring 2. Poor appearance
2. Expansion of wiring is possible 3. Can't used for permanent installation
3. Fault can be easily identified
 WOODEN CASING AND CAPPING WIRING

Casing and Capping wiring system was famous wiring system in the past. The cables used in
this kind of wiring were either VIR or PVC or any other approved insulated cables.

The cables were carried through the wooden casing enclosures. The casing is made up of a strip of
wood with parallel grooves cut length wise so as to accommodate VIR cables.

o The capping (also made of wood) used to cover the wires and cables installed and
fitted in the casing.
Advantages of Casing Capping Wiring:
It is cheap wiring system as compared to sheathed and conduit wiring systems.
It is strong and long-lasting wiring system.
Customization can be easily done in this wiring system.
If Phase and Neutral wire is installed in separate slots, then repairing is easy.
Stay for long time in the field due to strong insulation of capping and casing..
It stays safe from oil, Steam, smoke and rain.
No risk of electric shock due to covered wires and cables in casing & capping.

Disadvantages of Casing Capping Wiring:

There is a high risk of fire in casing & capping wiring system.
Not suitable in the acidic, alkalies and humidity conditions
Costly repairing and need more material.
Material can’t be found easily in the contemporary
White ants may damage the casing & capping of wood.
 LEAD SHEATHED WIRING:
This types of wiring used for low voltage
installation
This system requires good earthing
Sharp pending of the cables should be avoided

Advantages:

Protection from fire is good and mechanical

protection is high

Disadvantages:

Not suited where fumes of acid are present.

CONDUIT WIRING
An electrical conduit is a tube used to protect and build
route electrical wiring in a ding or nonbuilding
structure. Electrical conduit may be made of metal,
plastic, fib

There are two additional types of conduit wiring

according to pipe installation
Surface Conduit Wiring
Concealed Conduit Wiring
 SURFACE CO N DU I T WIRING
If conduits installed on roof or wall, It is known as surface conduit wiring. in this wiring method,
they make holes on the surface of wall on equal distances and conduit is installed then with the
help of rawal plugs.

Concealed Conduit wiring

• If the conduits is hidden inside the wall slots with the help of plastering, it is called concealed
conduit wiring. In other words, the electrical wiring system inside wall, roof or floor with the help of
plastic or metallic piping is called concealed conduit wiring. obliviously, It is the most popular,
beautiful, stronger and common electrical wiring system nowadays.

Types of Conduit
• Following conduits are used in the conduit wiring systems (both
concealed and surface conduit wiring) which are shown in the above
image.
• Metallic Conduit
• Non-metallic conduit
• Metallic Conduit:
• Metallic conduits are made of steel which are very strong but costly as
well.
• There are two types of metallic conduits.
• Class A Conduit: Low gauge conduit (Thin layer steel sheet conduit)
• Class B Conduit: High gauge conduit (Thick sheet of steel conduit)
• Non-metallic Conduit:
• A solid PVC conduit is used as non-metallic conduit now a days, which is
flexible easy to bend.

Advantage of Conduit Wiring Systems

• It is the safest wiring system (Concealed conduit wring)

• Appearance is very beautiful (in case of concealed conduit wiring)
 No risk of mechanical wear & tear and fire in case of metallic pipes.
Customization can be easily done according to the future needs.
Repairing and maintenance is easy.
There is no risk of damage the cables insulation.
it is safe from corrosion (in case of PVC conduit) and risk of fire.
It can be used even in humidity , chemical effect and smoky areas.
No risk of electric shock (In case of proper earthing and grounding of metallic
pipes).
It is reliable and popular wiring system.
sustainable and long-lasting wiring system.

Disadvantages of Conduit Wiring Systems

It is expensive wiring system (Due to PVC and Metallic pipes,
Additional earthing for metallic pipes Tee(s) and elbows etc.
Very hard to find the defects in the wiring.
installation is not easy and simple.
Risk of Electric shock (In case of metallic pipes without proper earthing
system)
Very complicated to manage additional connection in the future.

Size of Conduit:
The common conduit pipes are available in different sizes genially, 13,
16.2, 18.75, 20,25, 37, 50, and 63 mm (diameter) or 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 1,
1.25, 1.5, and 2 inch in diameter.

BATTEN WIRING (CTS OR TRS)

This type of wiring is also used for house wiring and its also quite cheap.
Cab Tyre Sheathed (C.T.S) wire or Tough Rubber Sheathed (T.R.S) wire is normalyused as
conductor for this wiring.
 Advantages of Batten Wiring
Wiring installation is simple and easy
cheap as compared to other electrical wiring systems
Paraphrase is good and beautiful
Repairing is easy
strong and long-lasting
Customization can be easily done in this wiring system.
less chance of leakage current in batten wiring system
Disadvantages of Batten Wiring
Can’t be install in the humidity, Chemical effects, open and outdoor areas.
High risk of firs
Not safe from external wear & tear and weather effects (because, the wires are openly visible to
heat, dust, steam and smoke.
Heavy wires can’t be used in batten wiring system.
Only suitable below then 250V.
Need more cables and wires.

Comparison
between Different
Wiring Systems:
TYPES OF WIRE USED IN WIRING
WEATHER PROOF WIRE
• It made waterproof by drooping it into
waterproof compound

• It is useful for service connection

VULCANIZED RUBBER WIRE

LEAD COVERED WIRE
• No effect of moisture on it

• It used where there is moisture presence.

MINERAL INSULATED COPPER COVERED

POLY VINYL CHLORIDE WIRE

• Less effect of temperature.
• Copper sheath is provided.
•It is used in mines, factory, refinery,
furnace, boiler, rolling, mill est.
• Coating of magnesium oxide is
provided.

• Dielectric strength is more

• Mechanical strength is
more
• Life is long
• Protect against flame
• Protect against oil, alkali
• PVC wire is widely used
 ADVANTAGES OF
MCB OVER FUSE?
MCB has several advantages over the Fuse:
1. MCB IS MORE SENSITIVETO
CURRENTTHAN FUSE
It detects any abnormality in the
current flow and automatically
switches off the electrical circuit.
2. IN CASE OF MCB,THE FAULTY
ZONE OF ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CAN
BE EASILY IDENTIFIED
Faulty circuit trips to the Off position.
On the other hand, in case of a Fuse,
the complete fuse wire needs to be 4. HANDLING MCB IS ELECTRICALLY SAFER
checked by opening the fuse grip for THAN HANDLING A FUSE. IN CASE OF MCB
confirming the faulty zone. In case of an MCB, the user is not exposed to live
3.WITH MCB, IT ISVERY SIMPLETO electrical parts; but while replacing the Fuse, there
RESUMETHE SUPPLY is a fair chance that you may encounter a live wire
/ current carrying conductor.
You just need to push the knob of
MCB back to the On position. But in 5. MCB IS REUSABLE AND HENCE HAS LESS
case of a fuse, the entire fuse wire MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT COST
needs to be replaced. Whereas a fuse needs to be replaced whenever it
goes faulty.
DISTRIBUTION
BOARD
A distribution board (DB) is where the electrical
supply is distributed from within the building.
The main supply cable comes into the board
and is then distributed to the breakers and
from there to all the circuits, e.g. lights, plugs. It
usually houses all the contact breakers, earth
leakage unit and may house items such as a
doorbell transformer and timers. Various sizes
of distribution boards are available.

The main distribution board is usually in the

house where the main electrical cable enters
and smaller boards, together with contact
breakers and possibly earth leakage units are
at other points, such as swimming pool pumps,
gate motors and outbuildings. Various types of
distribution boards are available; as surface
mounted, flush mounted or floor standing; with
closing doors or see through plastic covers or
doors and in different sizes which are
determined by the number of circuits rewired
within the board to which some manufacturers
refer to as modules and others as “way” e.g. 8,
12, 18, 24, 36, etc. way or module.
The interior of the distribution board is
pre-fitted with a clip tray or DIN rail
for mounting the miniature circuit
breakers (MCB) and other devices.
These two different types of MCB’s
referred to as “mini rail” or “DIN”
which are only interchangeable if
special adaptor brackets are used.
While mini rail MCB’s can be slightly
narrower than DIN MCB’s thus giving
an advantage of fitting more into the
same space available the number of
accessories on the market for this type
of distribution board is limited as
many manufacturers are now using
the DIN format for their equipment.
With the DIN format, the normal
range of earth leakage units,
disconnecting switches as well as
MCB’s are available.

In addition to this, various types of meters, time switches, pilot lights, surge arresters, etc. are
manufactured as well as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) units to facilitate remote
monitoring and control of events via a cell phone. This now makes the DIN type of distribution
board very versatile. Distribution boards can be purchased either as an empty enclosure to enable
the contractor to equip it, or as a ready wired standard unit, or as a specially manufactured item to
the client’s requirements. Also available are distribution boards for specific applications such as
swimming pools, ready boards for low-cost housing, irrigation systems, etc. Each distribution
board must be controlled by a switch disconnector (mains or main switch).
•Each distribution board must be
controlled by a switch disconnector (mains
or main switch) The switch disconnector
should:
• Be mounted in or next to the distribution
board.
• In the case of the main or first
distribution board of an installation, be
labelled as “main switch”.
• In the case of a sub-distribution board,
be labelled as “sub-main switch” or “main
switch” if the board is labelled “sub-
board”.
• In the case where an alternative supply is
installed (emergency supply,
uninterruptible power systems (UPS), etc.),
be labelled as required.
• Have a danger notice on or near it. The
danger notice should give instructions
that the switch disconnector be switched
off in the event of inadvertent contact or
leakage.
A distribution board must comply with the requirements of SANS
10142, and each item of electrical equipment used in a distribution
board should comply with the requirements of this standard:
The distribution board must be suitable for the
environmental conditions in which it operates.
Distribution boards shall be protected against
corrosion.
Any point of a distribution board that must be
reached during normal operation, must not A distribution board must not be mounted in a
exceed a height of 2200 mm above floor (or bathroom, or above a fixed cooking appliance, or
walking) level. However, the board may be in a position where a stationary cooking appliance
mounted higher if it can be disconnected from could be put below it, unless the enclosure
the supply by a switch disconnector that is less provides a degree of protection, or within a radius
than 2.200 mm above floor level. Unless a of 1 m from a water tap or valve (in the same
residential distribution board is housed in an room), unless the enclosure provides a degree of
enclosure and direct access cannot be obtained protection. If an installation is likely to be
by an infant, no part of an indoor distribution extended, a distribution board with spare capacity
board can be less than 1.200 mm above the should be fitted. Each unoccupied opening of a
floor level, and no part of an outdoor distribution board must be fitted with a blanking
distribution board can be less than 0.200 mm plate. Unless obvious, permanent labelling must
above the ground level. identify all incoming and outgoing circuits of the
distribution board.