Basic Electrical Power System Design Calculations of a Housing Unit

Abstract

Electricity is a necessity in human's daily activity. From simplest household to the more elaborate dwellings. Electricity is a basic need for human comfort. Basically, the electric circuitry in a house or building comprises the branch circuits, the feeders and the main. The National Electrical Code provides that the branch circuit that supplies current to lighting and convenience outlets shall be of ample size and rating to carry the ·expected load. It shall at all times be protected with an over current protection called fuse or circuit breaker. Thus, the basic approach to protect the circuitry is to know the load, the size of the 'wire and the rating of the fuse or circuit breaker. Electrical design is not an easy task. It requires a lot of expertise. Detailed study is needed prior to installation work. An engineer must consider quality and any specific requirements together with price. Different options are to be examined such as below. Electrical Design should be feasible and practical oriented. Requirements of clients are to be considered and optimal solutions to be delivered. Short circuit calculations to be taken into account before approving material. Local building codes along with best industry practices to be followed. Loads for future should be taken into consideration while making panel board schedules and also some additional percentage (say 20% e.g.) demand factor to be taken into consideration. Also, the gap between ideal and practical parameters to be very minimal for an effective and reliable power system operation. The purpose of this document is to prepare basic power systems design calculations for a housing unit in accordance with the applicable local, international codes and standards, also as per the project contract documents including drawings, specifications and design basis report.