Tag: Electrical Systems
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The Essential Role of Water Turbines in Harnessing Hydroelectric Power
Understanding Hydroelectric Power Hydroelectric power is one of the most efficient and widely used forms of renewable energy. By harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water, hydroelectric power stations generate electricity with minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. In essence, hydroelectric power utilises the natural water cycle, converting potential energy stored in water at…
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The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Electrical Work
Electricians handle a variety of electrical systems, but residential and commercial work are not the same. Understanding the differences helps homeowners and business owners make informed decisions. This post details the difference between residential and commercial electrical work. Scope of Work Residential electrical work typically involves single-family and small apartment buildings. It includes installing wiring,…
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Equipment Grounding vs. System Grounding
Grounding or earthing an electrical system is the process of connecting all metalwork/frame of electrical equipment i.e. the non-current carrying part or some electrical component of the system such as the neutral point in a star-connected system, one conductor of the secondary of a transformer, and so forth to the main body of earth. An…
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Switchgear Terminology & IEC Standards
Switchgear generally refers to the switching devices and their combinations, with the related control, measuring, protective and regulating equipment. The switchgear equipment basic purpose is switching and interrupting currents either under normal or abnormal operating conditions. Modern power systems, power lines and other apparatus operate at high voltages and carry large currents. When a short…
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Testing & Commissioning Protective Schemes
Generally protective equipment testing may be divided into three stages: Factory and commissioning tests confirm the performance of equipment during its development and fabrication, and its operational environment. Periodical maintenance ensures that this performance is maintained. For example, the relay manufacturer must provide sufficient testing of protective gear before it is accepted and commissioned. The…
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Residential Electrical Wiring: Key Safety Considerations
Residential Electrical Wiring Overview A residential electric power service typically consists of a three wire ac system supplied by the local power utility company. A distribution transformer with a primary and two secondaries formed with a center tap on the secondary side is shown below: The distribution transformer is located on the utility pole, from…
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Protective Relays: Function, Features & Operation
A protective relay is basically an electrical device that detects a fault in a power system and initiates the operation of the circuit breaker to isolate the defective section or component from the rest of the system. In other words, the prime function of protective relays is the timely and discriminative clearance of system faults.…
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SF6 Circuit Breakers: Features, Operation & Applications
Introduction Many modern designs of circuit breakers for use at transmission voltages utilize sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas both as an arc-interrupting/arc-quenching and a dielectric medium. At distribution voltages SF6 designs of circuit breakers are also used, however vacuum and bulk-oil circuit breakers still find a wide use as alternatives. The SF6 is an electron-negative gas…
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Permanent Magnet DC Motors – Operation & Applications
Permanent magnet dc motors employ a permanent magnet instead of stationary field winding (as with the case of some other types of dc motors) for producing the required magnetic flux. These stationary magnets are normally fixed to the outer shell of the motor as illustrated in Figure 1.0. Features of a Permanent Magnet DC Motor…
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How solid-state soft starting of Induction motors is done
Solid-state soft starting is the most commonly used technique for starting induction motors. It provides a smooth build-up of current and torque; the maximum current and acceleration time are easily adjusted. The only problem with this technique over conventional starters is that the mains currents during run-up aren’t sinusoidal, which can lead to interference with…