Electrical Installation

What is a Commercial Electrical Installation?

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We specialize in the design, planning, installation, maintenance, and repairing of electrical systems in commercial / industrial buildings. From first fix, to second fix and ultimately certification and handover.

Unlike residential electricians, who work in homes, commercial electrical contractors handle more complex, large-scale projects in business environments such as offices, warehouses, retail centres, schools, and hospitals.

We carry out the following types of work:

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Electrical Design.

Electrical Distribution Panel installation.

Electrical Containment installation.

Cabling installation.

The installation of Sub distribution Boards.

Three phase circuit installations.

Single Phase Power & Lighting installation and controls.

Emergency Lighting installation

Fire Alarm System installation.

 

Design: refers to the process of planning, creating, and documenting the specifications and layout of electrical systems. This process is crucial in ensuring that electrical systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with all relevant standards and regulations. Here are key aspects of electrical design:

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1 System Planning

2 Load Calculations

3 Circuit Design

4 Layout Design

5 Compliance with Current Standards

6 Energy Efficiency

7 Coordination with Other Disciplines

 

Distribution Panels: Electrical distribution panels, also known as breaker panels, service panels, or breaker boxes, are critical components of a building's electrical system. They serve as the central point where the power from the utility company is divided into individual circuits to distribute electricity throughout a building or to individual Units.

 

Electrical containment: refers to the systems and components used to support, protect, and manage electrical wiring, cables, and equipment within a building or structure. The primary purpose of electrical containment is to organize electrical installations, protect wires and cables from external damages, and ensure safe and efficient operation of the electrical system. Here are the key types and aspects of electrical containment:

1.Cable Ladder Trays

2.Cable Tray and Basket systems

3.Trunking Systems

4.Conduit Systems

 

 

Cabling: 

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Electrical cables come in various types

Each type of cable is specifically designed to meet the requirements of its intended application, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in electrical systems. When selecting an electrical cable, it's essential to consider factors such as the electrical load, environmental conditions, and installation requirements to choose the most appropriate type.

Commonly used cables in commercial installations are as follows:

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1 Armoured Cable (AC) and Metal Clad Cable (MC)**: These cables are designed with a metal sheath or Armor for added protection against physical damage. AC and MC cables are often used in commercial and industrial settings where exposed or concealed cable runs are subject to physical damage.

2 Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM, NMC, NM-B)**: This is one of the most common types of residential wiring. The cable consists of one or more insulated conductors enclosed in a non-metallic sheath. NM-B, where 'B' stands for non-metallic with a 90°C rating, is typically used for indoor applications, providing power to outlets, switches, and other devices.

3 FP Cables: There are different types of FP cables, such as FP200, FP400, and FP600, each designed for specific applications and offering varying levels of fire resistance. The choice of cable depends on the system's requirements, the fire protection duration needed, and the installation environment.

4 Category 5 (Cat 5) and Category 6 (Cat 6) cables are types of twisted pair cables commonly used in computer networking and other telecommunication applications. While both are designed to carry signals, they have different specifications and performance levels:

5. Fiber Optic Cable**: Though not electrical in the traditional sense, fiber optic cables use light to transmit data and are crucial for high-speed data networks. They offer advantages in terms of bandwidth and transmission speed over long distances compared to conventional cables.

 

Distribution Boards:

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Distribution boards, serve as the central point in an electrical supply system where the incoming electrical power is divided into subsidiary circuits, while providing a protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit in a common enclosure.

As distribution board primary functions are as follows

1. **Power Distribution**: The primary function of a distribution board is to distribute electrical power to various branch circuits within a building or facility. It ensures that electricity is effectively and safely dispersed to different areas and devices, facilitating the operational needs of a building.

2. **Circuit Protection**: Each circuit within a distribution board is protected by a circuit breaker or fuse. These protective devices are designed to automatically interrupt the power supply when an overload or short circuit occurs, thereby preventing potential damage to the electrical system and reducing the risk of fire.

3. **Safety and Accessibility**: Distribution boards provide a centralized location where electrical circuits can be safely managed and accessed. They are typically installed in easily accessible areas, allowing for quick and convenient operation, maintenance, or troubleshooting.

4. **Organization**: By compartmentalizing the electrical supply into various circuits, distribution boards help in organizing the electrical distribution system. This organization makes it easier to identify and isolate individual circuits for maintenance, repair, or modification

5. **Energy Management**: Some advanced distribution boards are equipped with monitoring capabilities that allow for energy consumption tracking and optimization. They can provide valuable data for energy management strategies, helping to reduce energy wastage and improve efficiency.

6. **Compliance with Regulations**: Installation of distribution boards must comply with national and local electrical codes and standards, ensuring that the electrical installation is safe and reliable. These standards dictate the board's design, installation, and maintenance to minimize risks associated with electricity.

7. **Support for Different Power Needs**: Distribution boards can cater to various power requirements, supporting single-phase or three-phase power distribution depending on the building's needs. They can also accommodate different voltage levels and provide for special circuits, like those for heavy machinery or emergency lighting.

In summary, distribution boards are crucial for the safe, efficient, and organized distribution of electrical power within a building, ensuring that different areas and devices receive the necessary power while incorporating protection against electrical faults.

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Three Phase Circuits:

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In commercial buildings, three-phase circuits (400Vilt) are extensively used to distribute power efficiently and to operate heavy-duty electrical equipment that requires more power than what single-phase (230 Volt)  power can supply.

By distributing power across three phases, these circuits reduce the overall electrical load on each phase, leading to more efficient power usage and reducing the likelihood of overloading any single circuit. In addition, three-phase power is generally more cost-effective for running heavy-duty equipment, leading to its prevalence in commercial applications.

Here are the most common three-phase circuits found in commercial settings:

1 HVAC Systems: Large commercial buildings require robust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to maintain a comfortable and safe environment. Three-phase circuits are often used to power the motors in these HVAC systems, providing the necessary power for efficient operation and better reliability.

Elevators: Elevator systems in commercial buildings typically use three-phase power for the traction motors that lift and lower the elevator car. This ensures smooth operation and provides sufficient power for carrying multiple passengers or heavy loads.

Data Centres: Commercial buildings that house data centres use three-phase circuits to power servers, cooling systems, and backup generators. Three-phase power helps distribute the load evenly, ensuring that critical IT equipment operates reliably and efficiently.

Manufacturing Equipment: Any manufacturing or production facilities within a commercial building will likely use three-phase power for machinery, assembly lines, and processing equipment to ensure efficient operation and to handle the high-power demands.

Pumps and Fans: Water pumps for plumbing systems and fans for ventilation or cooling towers often run on three-phase power. The use of three-phase circuits allows these units to operate more smoothly and efficiently, reducing wear and energy consumption.

Industrial Refrigeration: Commercial buildings with large refrigeration needs, such as hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores, utilize three-phase circuits to power their refrigeration systems. These circuits help in running large compressors that require consistent and reliable power.

Commercial Kitchens: Large commercial kitchens in restaurants or cafeterias may use three-phase circuits for high-power appliances like ovens, grills, and industrial mixers. This ensures that these appliances receive stable power for high-volume cooking and baking.

Lighting Circuits: While individual lights often use single-phase power, the overall lighting infrastructure in large commercial buildings may be distributed across three-phase circuits to balance the load and enhance efficiency. This is particularly true for high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting or large banks of fluorescent lights.

 

Single phase Circuits:

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Single-phase circuits are widely used for residential and light commercial applications due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, for applications requiring higher power or more consistent delivery of power, three-phase circuits are typically employed.

Here are key aspects and applications of single-phase circuits:

1. Single-phase power is commonly used in residential homes as well as in commercial and light industrial applications where heavy machinery is not present. It powers smaller loads such as lighting and power circuits, and smaller HVAC systems.

2. Simplicity and Cost: Single-phase installations are simpler and less costly compared to three-phase systems. They require less infrastructure and are easier to maintain, making them suitable for residential or small-scale commercial settings.

 

3. Power Limitation: While single-phase circuits are adequate for smaller loads, they are not suitable for large motors or heavy electrical equipment, which may require a three-phase power supply to operate efficiently and effectively.

5. Power Fluctuations: Single-phase power can experience more significant voltage drops and fluctuations under load, which can be problematic for sensitive electronic equipment. This is one reason why larger commercial or industrial facilities prefer three-phase power.

6. Distribution: In single-phase power distribution, the power is transmitted through a single conductor with the return path being the neutral wire. The power flow in a single-phase circuit can be less steady and uniform compared to a three-phase circuit, leading to potential flickering in lighting applications and less efficient motor operation.

In summary, single-phase circuits are widely used for residential and light commercial applications due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, for applications requiring higher power or more consistent delivery of power, three-phase circuits are typically employed.