G2.

Estimation of Connected Load and

diversity factors

Load diversity

Where a Circuit consists of multiple points of utilisation (e.g.

socket-outlets), the Circuit load current can be assessed by simply
adding the individual full load current of all points of utilisation. While,
G2 this would provide a conservative design, it will lead to over sizing the
Circuit because in reality the sum of individual loads rarely equal to
the actual load current required by the Circuit. This is known as load
diversity.

For example, the load seen at the Sub Main Distribution Board that
is feeding multiple apartments in a residential building will rarely see
all apartments at full load at the same time. Therefore, allowances for
diversity between loads must be taken into consideration in sizing Final
Circuits and other distribution Circuits. Moreover, certain Appliances
such as a washing machine have a number of components that may be
independently controlled and vary over time. Therefore, over the duration
of the wash cycle, the total demand will not always be maintained at the
full load rating, as various components switch in and out.

The allowances for diversity in an Electrical Installation varies depending

on many factors, these factors may include:

(a) type and nature of the Electrical Installation (residential,

commercial, industrial, etc);

(b) intended use of utilisation points (e.g. general use socket-

outlets for the connection of portable Appliances compared to
LMLQKI\ML[WKSM\W]\TM\[NWZIÅ`MLKWVVMK\QWV#

(c) number of utilisation points in a Circuit (e.g. a SMBD feed two

FDBs compared to 10 FDBs); and

(d) operating characteristics of the Connected Load (e.g. the use of

a/c units in Abu Dhabi is essential in the summer and in many
cases it will be running most of the time).

It is important to note that allowances for diversity in an Electrical

Installation may vary between similar installation. Therefore, the
designer of the Electrical Installation may select different allowances
representing the intensity of usage (e.g. higher value for high usage
Circuits, such as communal kitchens, lower value for lower occupancy
dwellings, etc).

214 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

G2. Continued...

<PQ[/]QLIVKMVW\MXZW^QLM[LQ^MZ[Q\aITTW_IVKM[NWZ[XMKQÅK[Q\]I\QWV[
The factors used may be increased or decreased by the designer
depending on the intended design of the Electrical Installation. The
LM[QOVMZ U][\ XZW^QLM \PM ZMTM^IV\ R][\QÅKI\QWV \W \PM ,Q[\ZQJ]\QWV
Company.
G2
Sizing of Final Circuits

As indicated in Clause 5.2.5 and Appendix A6(f), the relationship

between the Circuit load current (Ic), the Protective Device nominal
current rating (In), and the current carrying capacity of the Circuit
conductors (Id) is as follows:

1K™1V™1LQVILLQ\QWV#

1Lš`1VKIJTM[U][\[MTMK\ML_Q\PZI\QVO[I\TMI[\\QUM[\PM
Protective Device nominal current rating).

For example, the Circuit full load current of a single phase 4 kW

Appliance, can be calculated using the following formula
(power factor = 1 for resistive load):
Power (W)
Current (Ic) =
Voltage V x PF

4000
Current (Ic) = = 17.4 A
230 x 1

Therefore, the Protective Device nominal current rating (In) must not
be less than 20A (nearest standard rating), and the current carrying
capacity for the Circuit conductor (Id) must be not less than 23A
(20A x 1.15), assuming grouping and temperature rating factors to be 1.
The above calculation ensures that the Circuit is suitably rated for the
Appliance to draw 17.4A for a continuous period of time.

The relevant Protective Device nominal ratings, cable size and cable
rating for typical Circuit applications are provided in Appendix A6(f).
For other non-typical Circuit applications, the designer shall determine
the appropriate Circuit rating based on the total Connected Load of all
Appliances and knowledge of the intended Circuit application.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 215

 G2. Continued...

Final Circuit estimated Connected Load for sizing Final

G2 Distribution Board

For sizing the Final Distribution Board, the Connected Load of a Final
Circuit is estimated by adding the load of all points of utilisation (e.g.
socket-outlets) and items of Appliance connected to the Circuit and
G2 where appropriate making allowances for diversity. The table below
gives the estimated Connected Load for typical Appliances that can
JM][MLNWZ[QbQVO.QVIT,Q[\ZQJ]\QWV*WIZL[;XMKQÅK[Q\MQVNWZUI\QWV
should be used where available.
The table below should be used as a guide for sizing the Final Distribution
Board only.
Connected
Appliance per Final Assumed Connected Load
Circuit

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216 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

G2. Continued...

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Diversity allowance between Final Circuits for sizing Sub

Main Distribution Board

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[Q\]I\QWV[ IVL UMIV\ \W WVTa XZW^QLM O]QLIVKM <PM ÅO]ZM[ OQ^MV QV
the table may need to be increased or decreased depending on the
particular circumstances. The table below is used as a guide for sizing of
the Sub Main Distribution Boards only.

The table below can be used as a guide for sizing the Sub Main
Distribution Boards feeding multiple Final Circuits downstream.
For e.g., if a SMDB in a villa feeds one central water heater, then no
diversity allowance is allowed. However, if a SMDB in a high rise
J]QTLQVONMML[IV]UJMZWN ÆI\[MIKP_Q\PU]T\QXTM_I\MZPMI\MZ[\PMV
50% diversity allowance can be used.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 217

 G2. Continued...

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the estimated Residential PGmDFT
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accommodation
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Final Circuits premises
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* if water heating is centralised, then no diversity allowance is allowed.

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218 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

G2. Continued...

Power demand
G2
<PMKITK]TI\ML,Q^MZ[QÅML4WILNWZ8ZMUQ[M[[PW]TLJMKPMKSMLIOIQV[\
electricity usage data for similar Premises. The following table provides
some guidance to the total demand for lighting and small power
(with air-conditioning) for various Premises types at MDB level. It is G2
important to note that the values below depends on a number of factors
including weather, occupancy hours, use of smart technology, thermal
performance and building management system.

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The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 219

 A12(d) Typical layout of LV switchroom

A12(d) 2Xtgoi
goin ng
EXsEar ri
rissHrs
r
(mHrgHnFy liligKt
(m Cop
opyy o
off IInst
nstall
allati
ation
on
 KoXrs EattHryy) CHUti¿FatH anG
Wiring Diagram
> sHH FlaXsH  @

min  m

2Xtgoing FirFXits

> see FlaXse 1 @

HRC
fXsHs
min  m
DB
rHar FlHaranFe OF
RO
OR
LO
NDF B
 SD
R
OO
T FL
1S SD B
ER
COM
IN
FapaFitor Eank
aXtomatiF
Fontrol panHl

min  m
front FlearanFe
ClearanFe for
Yentilation aroXnG
FapaFitor Eank to
Ee minimXm of
InFoming FaEles m
from DistriEXtion Company
Transformer

$FFess Goors for

eTXipment GeliYerry
nG aFFess Goor for
personnel if sZitFKroom
is greater tKan  m in lengtK

Note: LV switchroom to be sized to accommodate the number of panels required

(including spare positions) with minimum access clearances shown
above. Headroom clearance should be sufficient to allow safe access for
operation, maintenance and repairs in compliance with clause 3.5.9.

172 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

 A15. Minimum number of socket-outlets and
connection points

A15 Minimum number of outlets for

Room
domestic premises

2P[JOLU!
13 A switched socket-outlets Minimum 2 double, plus every 2 m of
(worktops) worktop
13 A switched socket-outlets Minimum 1 single, plus as required for
(Appliances) free standing Appliances (e.g. fridge)
Minimum 1, plus as required for number
Connection points
of items installed (flex outlets or socket-
(for washing machine, dryer etc)
outlets)
Cooker control unit
(if fitted with an integral 1 (see note 5)
socket-outlet)

Bedrooms 3 double

Lounge or dining 4 double

Hall or corridor 1 double

only BS EN 61558-2-5 shaver socket

Bathrooms
(if required)

Note 1: in general, double socket-outlets should be used in preference to single

socket-outlets wherever possible.

Note 2: socket-outlets should be conveniently located to avoid the need for extension
cables and adapters (which introduce risk of overheating and fire).

Note 3: 15A BS 546 socket-outlets are not permitted in domestic premises (see
clause 7.1.1).

Note 4: the maximum number of socket-outlets on a Circuit is not limited and is

dependent on the load supplied, the wire size and floor area served (see
Appendix A6(f) and Guidance note G2).

Note 5: for Electrical Installation with a potential use of gas cookers, a provision
for socket-outlet should be provided alongside the cooker outlet for the
purpose of electronic ignition.

176 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

A12(b) Minimum sizes of LV switchrooms

Minimum size of LV switchrooms A12(b)

Main circuit breaker rating Intake room dimensions
(A) (m)

1600 - 2500 3.5 x 3.5

1000 - 1200 3.0 x 3.0
600 - 800 2.5 x 2.5
400 - 500 2.5 x 2.0
200 - 300 2.0 x 2.0

Note: the above rooms sizes are given for guidance and other requirements for
access and safety should be taken into account (see Regulation 3.5, 4.2
and Appendix A12(d)).

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 169

A16. Mounting height for Accessories and
socket-outlets

A16
Min. 100mm
from worktop

Min. 1.0 m
Min from sink
1.3m Dishwasher
switch

Cooker
450mm
control unit
or
300mm

Cooker
outlet

“for gas cooker with

electronic ignition”

socket-outlet
behind the dishwasher
controlled by double pole
switch above bench

Note: mounting height may be varied for special circumstances such as access
for disabled persons or children, etc.

[ see clauses 7.1.7, 7.1.9 and 7.2.5 ]

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 177

 A5(k) Minimum number of Earth Electrodes

The number of Earth Electrodes required at a Premises will be

A5(k) determined primarily by the value of Earth Resistance that can be
achieved from each. However, the minimum number in any case shall
be as shown below:

Main incoming circuit- Minimum Minimum size of main

breaker rating (Amps) number Earth Conductor (mm2)
of Earth
Electrodes
60/100 1 16
200 1 50
300 1 50
400 1 70
500 2 70
600 2 70
800 2 70
1000 2 70
1600 2 70
2000 2 150
2500 2 150

Note 1: standard Earth Electrode diameters are 9 mm, 12.5 mm or 15 mm for

copper-clad steel, or 16 mm for stainless steel. Standard lengths are
1.2 m or 1.5 m (see also BS 7430).

Note 2: structural foundations of large buildings may be used as Earth Electrodes,

see clause 6.4.8 and 6.8.4.

142 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

G6 Protection of buried cables

Cable marker plate

Min 600mm in footpath

Warning tape Min 750mm in road
Min 300mm

G6

CAU
TION CAUT
ELECTRIC AL CABLE B ION
ELOW

Min 100mm

Concrete or steel
protective tiles

<
TFF
DMBVTF

>

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 241

 A5(m) Residual operating current settings for
RCDs and ELP devices

A5(m) Maximum Residual operating

Equipment
current settings (mA)
13 A switched-socket outlets 30
Water heaters 30
Kitchen fixed Appliances
30
(e.g. washing machine)
Domestic water pumps 30
Swimming pool pumps, or jacuzzi 30
Underwater lighting SELV only
General fixed lighting (except in
100
bathrooms and swimming pools)
Floodlighting 100 - 300
Window or split type air-conditioning 100
Air handling, a/c fan coils etc 100
Central or package a/c units 100 - 300
Irrigation pump 100
Electric Cooker 30
Industrial machines etc 100 - 300
Elevators, escalators, lifts 300 - 500
Neon signs 300
School areas (e.g. laboratory for
10
children)
LV main circuit breakers or
See Note 4
switchboards (Electricity Intake)

Note 1: where two values are indicated, the higher value is allowed only where the
equipment is not normally accessible to any person.

Note 2: all Final Circuits in a bathroom (including lighting, but excluding FCUs in
a ceiling void) must be provided with 30 mA RCD protection. See clause
9.3.2(a).

144 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

A5(m) Continued...

Note 3: where a Circuit supplies more than one type of equipment, the lower value
must be used for RCD protection (e.g. a Circuit supplying bedroom lighting A5(m)
and bathroom lighting must be protected by a 30 mA RCD).

Note 4: the selection of ELP devices at main switchboards must take into account the
requirement for discrimination with downstream Protective Devices (clause
5.4.5 and 5.4.6). For small supplies (200A or less), a 300 mA RCD device may
be used, with time delay of 200 ms. For larger supplies (above 200A), Earth
Leakage Protection relays may be used in conjunction with MCCBs or ACBs
incorporating a trip unit (e.g. 1A, 3A, 5A with a suitable time delay to ensure
proper discrimination with downstream Protective Devices). Irrespective of
the Earth Leakage Protection provided at the main switchboard, the incomer
MCCB or ACB shall have short-circuit protection to ensure tripping within 400
ms taking into account the Earth Fault Loop Impedance.

The table opposite shows the required residual operating current values for RCDs and
other Earth Leakage Protection devices. These are intended to provide supplementary
protection of electric shock as well as protection against high resistance earth faults
which may not operate overcurrent devices and pose a risk of overheating or fire, see
Regulation 5.4.

All Final Circuits where Appliances may be used by any person must be provided
with Earth Leakage Protection. Earth Leakage Protection must also be provided at
the main Electricity Intake and subsequent Distribution Boards where necessary, see
Regulation 5.4.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 145

A3. Reference standards

The standards listed below are for typical components used in an

Electrical Installation. However, this list is not exhaustive and the latest A3
relevant BS or IEC standards should be used.

Components BS IEC

Cables
Power & lighting (70˚C PVC,
6004 502
thermoplastic)
50525-1:2011*,
Power and lighting (90˚C rubber, 50525-2-41:2011*,
thermosetting) 50525-2-42:2011*,
7889
Mineral insulated (copper-clad) 6207, 60702-1* 702
6500, 50525-1:2011*,
50525-2-11:2011*,
Flexible cables & cords (domestic) 50525-2-12:2011*, 227
50525-2-21:2011*,
50525-2-71:2011*
50525-1:2011*,
50525-2-11:2011*,
50525-2-21:2011*,
Flexible cables & cords (industrial) 245
50525-2-51:2011*,
50525-2-83:2011*,
50525-3-21:2011*
Low smoke (90˚C rubber, 7846, 7211, 6724,
thermosetting) 7629
Armoured cables (90˚C rubber,
5467
thermosetting)
Switchgear and control wiring 6231
Flexible cables for lifts 50214*
Cable glands 6121
Crimp connectors 61238*
Cable cleats 61914*
Conduits & trunking
4568, 60423*,
Steel 423, 614
61386-21 50086*, 31
PVC 4607
Flexible steel 61386-23
Cable tray 61537*
Trunking 4678

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 123

 A3. Continued...

A3 Components BS IEC

Electrical Accessories
General 5733
Ceiling roses 67
Cooker Control Units 4177
Household Appliances 60335*
Plugs & socket-outlets (domestic) 546, 1363, 4573
Plugs & socket-outlets (industrial) 60309*
Switches (domestic) 60669*
Lighting 60598*
Emergency lighting 5266
Signs and discharge lighting 559
Isolating (safety) transformers 61558*
LV switchgear & assemblies
General 61439* 61439
Contactors & motor starters 60947* 947
Circuit-Breakers (MCB, MCCB) 60898* 898
Circuit-Breakers (RCD, RCBO) 61008*, 61009* 1008, 755
Fuses 88, 60269* 269
Busbar trunking systems 61439-6* 61439-6
General
Fire / combustibility test 60695- 4*
Degrees of protection & ingress 60529* 529
Assemblies for construction sites 4363 364-7-704
Hazardous areas 60079*
Lightning protection 62305*
7430, 951,
Earthing 364-5-54
4444, 6701
Wiring diagram symbols 60617*
Identification and marking of the
60446*
man-machine interface
RCD socket-outlets 7288

124 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

A3. Continued...

Components BS IEC A3

Solar PV system
Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic PV
61646* 61646
modules
Crystalline silicon terrestrial PV
61215* 61215
modules
Solar PV modules safety 61730-1* 61730-1,
qualification 61730-2* 61730-2
Solar PV inverters degree of
60529* 60529
protection
Solar PV inverters protection class 60664-1* 60664-1
Solar PV inverters characteristics of
61727
the utility interface
61000-6-1,
Solar PV inverters EMC 61000-6-2,
Conformance 61000-6-3,
61000-6-4
61000-3-2,
Solar PV inverters Harmonics 61000-3-3,
Conformance 61000-3-11,
61000-3-12
Solar PV inverters power converting
62109* 62109
equipment safety
Solar PV d.c. cable See Note 4 See Note 4
Solar PV d.c. connectors 50521*
RCD Type B 62423* 62423

Note 1: British Standards marked with an asterix * are also issued as European
Standards under the same number (labelled as BS EN).

Note 2: for compliance requirements under the Regulations see clause 3.1.2
and 3.1.4.

Note 3: reference standards for capacitors are given under Regulation 10.2.

Note 4: for solar d.c. cables the following standards may be referenced UL 4703,
TUV 2 PfG 1169/08.2007, VDE E PV 01:2008-02 and BS EN 50618 (when
published).

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 125

 A3. Continued...

British Standards are issued by the British Standards Institute (BSI), a

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British Electrotechnical Committee (BEC) which is a member of the
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in 1973) whose role is to prepare standards for the European market.
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technical content by member countries. The IEC (formed in 1906) has
48 member countries and IEC standards may be adopted voluntarily
by any country.

126 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)

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A5(j) Sizing of Earth Conductors and
Equipotential Bonding Conductors

Minimum cross- Minimum cross- A5(j)

Cross sectional area
sectional area of Earth sectional area of
of phase and neutral
conductors equipotential bonding
conductors (S)
[see note 1] conductors
(mm2)
(mm2) (mm2)

S S/2
S <= 16 (not less than 1.5 (not less than 4 or
see note 2) 6, see note 3)

16 < S <= 35 16 10

S/4
S > 35 S/2
(but not exceeding 25)

[from table 54.7 of BS 7671]

Note 1: for Main Earth Conductors between Earth Electrodes and the Main Earth
Terminal of an Electrical Installation, S should be taken as the cross-
sectional area of the conductors of the incoming supply cable. For Circuit
Earth Conductors S should be taken as the cross-sectional area of the
Circuit phase conductors.

Note 2: Earth Conductors must always be insulated and a cross-sectional area of

less than 1.5 mm2 must not be used unless they are an integral part of a
sheathed cable (e.g. an Appliance flexible cord).

Note 3: Main Equipotential Bonding Conductors should be sized according to the

live conductors of the incoming supply, but should not be less than 6 mm2.
Supplementary Bonding Conductors should be sized according to the live
conductors of the circuit to which they are connected but should not be
less than 4 mm2.

Note 4: as an alternative to using the above selection table, the sizing of Earth
Conductors and Equipotential Bonding Conductors may be calculated
using the adiabatic equation provided in the IET Wiring Regulations BS
7671:2008 paragraph 543.1.3. This normally allows smaller sizes of Earth
Conductor to be used.

For example: 4.0 mm2 earth for 6 mm2 circuit conductor

2.5 mm2 earth for 4 mm2 circuit conductor
1.5 mm2 earth for 2.5 mm2 circuit conductor

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 141