3. NON-INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATION notes in english

 

3. NON-INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATION

Non-industrial installations refer to electrical systems and setups designed for buildings and facilities that are not used for industrial purposes. These installations are typically found in residential, commercial, and office settings. The main goal of non-industrial electrical installations is to provide safe and efficient electrical systems that cater to the needs of everyday users while ensuring safety and reliability.

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3.1 Types of Non-Industrial Installation

1. 3.1.1 Office Buildings:

   • Meaning: Office buildings are structures used for professional and administrative activities. Electrical installations in office buildings are designed to provide power to lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, computers, telecommunication equipment, and other office devices.
   • Electrical Requirements: Office buildings require efficient and reliable lighting systems, power outlets for various devices, and air conditioning or heating systems. These installations should ensure employee comfort and meet the safety regulations for commercial spaces.
   • Considerations:
     • Efficient lighting, both for energy conservation and to provide an optimal working environment.
     • Power supply systems that can handle office equipment (computers, printers, etc.).
     • Emergency lighting for safety during power outages.
     • Power backup systems (like UPS) for sensitive equipment.
     • Proper grounding and circuit protection.

2. 3.1.2 Shopping and Commercial Centres:

   • Meaning: Shopping and commercial centers include malls, retail stores, and any business-related buildings where goods and services are exchanged. These spaces are typically larger and have a high demand for power.
   • Electrical Requirements: These centers require large-scale lighting systems, power for escalators and elevators, signage, security systems, and climate control systems.
   • Considerations:
     • High-intensity lighting (often LED or fluorescent) for large areas and for displays.
     • Properly designed circuits to handle the heavy load of various electronic devices.
     • Fire alarm systems, security alarms, and surveillance systems for safety.
     • HVAC systems to maintain a comfortable shopping experience.
     • Power backup systems (e.g., generators or UPS) to ensure operations continue during power cuts.

3. 3.1.3 Residential Installation:

   • Meaning: Residential installations refer to the electrical systems found in homes, apartments, and other residential properties. These systems are designed to provide power for everyday activities such as lighting, heating, cooking, and entertainment.
   • Electrical Requirements: Residential installations include systems for lighting, appliances, heating/cooling, and entertainment systems like televisions and computers.
   • Considerations:
     • Adequate power supply for household appliances, lighting, and personal devices.
     • Proper wiring, circuit breakers, and safety devices to protect from electrical faults.
     • Energy-efficient lighting (e.g., LED lights) and appliances.
     • Safety features like RCDs (Residual Current Devices) to prevent electrical shocks.
     • The ability to support modern-day devices such as smart-home systems, Wi-Fi, and home entertainment setups.

4. 3.1.4 Electric Service and Supply:

   • Meaning: Electric service and supply refers to the overall system that connects a building to the external electricity grid, providing the power needed for all the electrical installations inside the building.
   • Electrical Requirements: The electric supply includes the incoming power line, metering equipment, circuit breakers, and distribution boards. The power supply must be capable of handling the total load of the building, ensuring proper voltage, and protecting the system from surges and overloads.
   • Considerations:
     • The main electrical panel or distribution board must be appropriately sized to handle the building's power load.
     • A reliable connection to the public utility grid and, in some cases, backup generation systems (e.g., diesel generators, solar systems) for emergencies.
     • Proper metering to monitor energy consumption and ensure billing is accurate.
     • Efficient distribution of power to different circuits, including lighting, heating, and other critical systems.

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3.2 Design Consideration of Electrical Installation in Commercial Buildings

When designing electrical installations for commercial buildings, several important factors must be taken into account to ensure the safety, efficiency, and comfort of the space. The design must accommodate the building's use, size, and the specific needs of the businesses or operations within.

1. Load Calculation:

   • Meaning: The electrical load of a commercial building refers to the total amount of power required by all the electrical devices and systems in the building, including lighting, HVAC, and equipment.
   • Consideration: The electrical system must be designed to handle the maximum expected load, ensuring that circuits do not get overloaded and that power is efficiently distributed across the building.

2. Lighting Design:

   • Meaning: Commercial buildings need specific lighting designs based on the function of each area, such as offices, halls, corridors, and restrooms.
   • Consideration: Ensure proper lighting levels for different areas (task lighting for offices, general lighting for corridors, etc.), energy-efficient lighting options, and compliance with lighting codes and standards (like brightness levels, emergency lighting).

3. Power Supply and Distribution:

   • Meaning: The building's electrical system must have reliable power distribution that reaches every part of the building with adequate power to meet the needs of its operations.
   • Consideration: Properly sized distribution boards and circuit breakers, effective cable management, and contingency planning (such as backup power systems like UPS or generators).

4. Safety and Protection:

   • Meaning: Ensuring the electrical system is safe for the occupants of the commercial building is crucial. This includes the use of protective devices like circuit breakers, fuses, and earth leakage protection.
   • Consideration: Proper grounding of all electrical systems, installation of residual current devices (RCDs) to prevent electrical shocks, and compliance with fire safety regulations.

5. Energy Efficiency:

   • Meaning: Commercial buildings should prioritize energy efficiency to reduce operational costs and minimize the environmental impact.
   • Consideration: Use energy-efficient lighting (LED lights), efficient HVAC systems, and smart building technologies that optimize energy consumption.

6. Future Expansion:

   • Meaning: The design should account for future growth, whether it's expanding the building or adding new equipment.
   • Consideration: Ensure that the electrical system can be easily upgraded or expanded without major rewiring or system overhauls.

7. Compliance with Codes and Regulations:

   • Meaning: All electrical installations must comply with national and local codes and standards to ensure safety and reliability.
   • Consideration: Familiarize with the relevant standards (such as the National Electrical Code or local building codes) and ensure that the design meets these regulations.