Free Expert Guides on Power Systems, Circuit Design & Electrical Troubleshooting

IEC-60364 and BS-7671 Guidelines for Garage Units, Consumer Units, and Distribution BoardsThe International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the British Standard BS 7671 play pivotal roles in shaping the requirements for electrical installations. Both sets of standards offer comprehensive guidance, particularly when it comes to fuse boards such as garage units, consumer units, and distribution boards.IEC 60364 is a globally recognized standard that sets out international best practices for

Ground Wire Sizing ConsiderationsThe size of a ground wire does not necessarily have to match that of the power (phase or hot) wire. However, its dimensions must strictly adhere to the regulations outlined in electrical codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States. Several key factors influence the appropriate sizing of ground wires:While it is not a common occurrence, in situations involving long wire runs or circuits where minimizing impedance is crucial, the ground w

Lead - Acid Batteries: Energy Conversion and Charging MethodsA lead - acid battery serves as a storage medium for chemical energy, which can be converted into electrical energy whenever needed. The process of transforming chemical energy into electrical energy is referred to as charging, while the reverse process, where electrical power is converted back into chemical energy, is known as discharging. During the charging phase, an electric current flows through the battery, driven by the underlyi

Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)A Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a microprocessor - based device that plays a crucial role in a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. It acts as an intermediary, transmitting telemetry data from the field to the master station while also being able to modify the state of connected switchgear. This modification can occur based on control messages received from the master station or commands generated internally by the RTU itself. In essence, the RTU ser

Introduction to Fault Current LimiterIn recent times, with the surging demand for energy, robust development in power generation and transmission has gained significant importance and has become a fundamental necessity. However, in any power generation system, short circuits pose one of the most persistent and challenging problems, and their impact is intensifying as the scale of generation expands. The issues caused by short or fault currents are multifaceted: Thermal Stress on Equipment: Unbea

General Safety Rules for EHV, HV, and MV InstallationsFor Extra High Voltage (EHV, where V≥150) kV), High Voltage (HV, with 60 kV ≤V < 150kV), and Medium Voltage (MV, having 1 kV < V < 60) kV) installations, a set of fundamental safety rules must be adhered to. These rules prioritize the physical protection of the site, carefully considering aspects such as access to equipment, as well as the basic principles governing the operation and maintenance of all electrical apparatus.Compliance

Comparison Between AC Grounding and DC Grounding: Key DifferencesAC grounding and DC grounding may both serve to establish a reference point within an electrical system, but they diverge significantly in their fundamental characteristics, circuit behavior, and operational roles. These disparities are crucial to understand for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of electrical systems that incorporate either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power.AC Grounding Practi

Real Ground vs. Virtual Ground: Definitions and ApplicationsIn the realm of electrical engineering, the concepts of real ground and virtual ground play distinct yet essential roles. Real ground establishes a tangible physical connection between the metallic body of an electrical device and the Earth, typically achieved through an Earth Continuity Conductor (ECG), Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC), or other equivalent means. On the other hand, virtual ground is an abstract concept primarily uti

Why is Mostly Solid Bare Conductor Used for Grounding Instead of Insulated Wire?A ground wire, also known as a grounding wire or ground conductor, as the name implies, is an electrical wire connected from the transformer and main panel (or distribution board) to the ground rod or earthing plate via an earthing lead buried in the ground or Earth. It is connected to all metallic parts that may come into contact with the human body to prevent electric shocks in case the hot (phase or line) wire acc

What is an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)?An Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) is a specific kind of circuit breaker. It employs air as the medium for extinguishing electrical arcs. The primary function of an ACB is to safeguard electrical circuits from various issues such as overloads, short - circuits, and other fault conditions. ACBs are widely utilized in both low - voltage and high - voltage electrical systems. They are well - recognized for their dependable performance and the ease with which they can